St. Croix, VI

Author Message   Denny Knott Senior Member Username: Degause01 Post Number: 1474 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 98.183.26.167 Posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 03:44 am:    Evi and I stayed at the Carambola for a week last year and really enjoyed. We had a rental and toured the Island many times. That means we got LOST.   John Schneider Member Username: Jschneid Post Number: 17 Registered: 02-2008 Posted From: 96.225.146.134 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 11:46 pm:    Haven't been to St Croix for six or seven years but previously went there often, at least once a year and more so when active mil. Agree that crime is a problem on the economy. So either weather that in town, or pick a resort type accommodation. If one really can get the Buccaneer for 140/night (I'm interested myself) I would definitely say go for it, all the beach (several) and snorkeling you want, plus pleasant veranda restaurant (fairly expensive then). Also a boat directly out to Buck Island (nat'l underwater park). But will need a taxi to get into Christiansted from any of the resort type accommodations, if there is any reason to go at all; there may not be any more. Used to be motor bikes were a good option, rented in town, but PC (or crime) may have eliminated that. Western end of the island (where airport is) has little attraction, at least in a short visit. If we (wife and I) were going soon for a few days, and Buccaneer was available for 140, I would jump at that, settle in for beach, snorkle, golf, music, and take one shot into town to see if there is any future reason to do so. There are other resort type options, Tamarand Reef was pretty nice with a beach if still there. Carambola, north side, is luxurious, but well isolated from any close taxi/restaurant option. Flew there, sailed there, and know VI fairly well. St Croix was a favorite (fifteen years ago) because it still had some island culture but not as crowded as St Thomas, and not as yuppie as St John. But things were going downhill and would very much like to know current situation from an objective source. It had so much potential, but I guess a lot of competition in the Carribean.   Inga Aleman Senior Member Username: Panchito4 Post Number: 451 Registered: 08-2008 Posted From: 70.16.89.168 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 10:25 pm:    If we are planning to go down for only 2-3 days, would we need to rent a car? We would be happy to find a place on the beach and just snorkel and swim the whole time, but what about access to restaurants? Any other suggestions from those who have been there?   Larry W. Carnes Senior Member Username: Larry Post Number: 1167 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 12.72.125.222 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 09:02 pm:    "the Buccaneer, and they assured me they will let retirees stay there at the Military Rate. It is about 1/3 the civialian rate." Looks like their lowest regular, non-discounted base rate for civilians is $360, plus 18% tax. So we're talking about $140 a night or thereabouts. At that rate, the towels better not be scratchy!   Philip D Watson Member Username: Olesarge69 Post Number: 36 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 70.224.40.185 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 12:23 pm:    I suggest you check out http://www.thebuccaneer.com/ My unit stayed at the Buccaneer, and they assured me they will let retirees stay there at the Military Rate. It is about 1/3 the civialian rate. It is a very well kept and gated community. We found St. Croix to be a very very friendly and safe place and am looking for the time I can return. FYI: We were also told that a goverment retiree coming there and hired will start with an automatic 10 years seniority for retirement. I suggest you contact the Air National Guard Unit there for information. Like many ANG bases they are at the civilian airport. Again, they are very friendly people.   Joe Reele Member Username: Pippo Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 72.88.40.251 Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 12:18 am:    Be careful going top St. Croix! They are not people-friendly down there and some areas of the island are dangerous. Muggings, etc. Very expensive for tourists. VERY irregular bus service. We went once and will never return. Contacted the Chamber of Commerce and they never replied. St. Thomas is nicer.