Anyone ever take a boat when relocating to USVI ?

I've had experience moving things around the islands and SE US by boat...you could possibly talk your way onto a tugboat heading this way if you know who to talk to. All in all, though, it's long, unpredictable, and generally not pleasant. The sort of boat you could jump onto as a seaman or cook is the sort of boat that might break down and spend a month in Santo Domingo for repairs. DAMHIKT.

I would recommend you ship dogs by air, the standard way. The stress on them will be accute, but brief, and it will be far less expensive, overall.

You might be able to come one way by cruise ship, but they would not allow you to bring dogs. Flying is the only practical option.

We moved to the VI, via our sailboat, with our dog aboard. Lots of people do that, but it was our boat, and we could travel at our own pace. Our dog was used to it, and we had a "system" for his bathroom needs. Some dogs don't travel well on open ocean. I suppose it could be done If your timing is flexible, and you can be ready to go when the right opportunity comes along (and you have a way to find that opportunity), but frankly I think it would be extremely difficult to find someone willing to take on 2 large dogs. Just my opinion.

You might want to contact some of the charter boats who are going to New England for the hurricane season. The yacht I manage leaves CT on October 15 or so to transit down to STT. I'd have to ask the owner but I don't think he would be interested in two large dogs. He keeps his on the deck when she is with us. It' a long trip for two large dogs on deck and potentially bad weather.

If I were looking for something like that I would check on some of the message boards aimed specifically at sailors and ask around. It is not impossible but there is going to have to be some luck in hooking up with the right fit.

I'll let you know later if the owner is interested. Can you sail by the way? Possibly fit you on as deck hands or watch hands.

Pamela

Thanx

I can sail and miss it very much. I had lived Playa Del Carmen and have only been back to the states about 4yrs, and it seems I can not stay away from that Caribbean air. But as i get older and ready to settle i crave to get back to the slower places, and bring my babies with me. Im still a year or two from making the move but I'm weighing all my options. I appreciate your help and will keep my eyes on those message boards , who knows i might just buy a boat myself make it a temp home when i relocate.
Thanx Pamela
Live well

If you cant go by boat, I would check into Continental, they heat their cargo holds and have the only airlines dog kennel in Houston. Fly to Puerto Rico and then charter a plane from there. Air Propel has been very helpful, http://www.airpropel.com/petpropel.html