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In the process of figuring out how to visit a friend on Vieques, I came across all the ferry options online. I've heard about the motion sickness issue, but having had no problem with ferries all over Central America, I'm willing to give it a try. Aside from that and the extra time required, is there any other reason people seem to be willing to spend the money to fly rather than take the ferry? Seems like a fun way to go island hopping if you don't have to get anywhere exactly on time. Also, do the ferries allow a small dog in a carrier? (Not, obviously, those that go to the BVI, but to the USVI and PR.)
Posted : June 20, 2010 10:28 pm
Aside from that and the extra time required, is there any other reason people seem to be willing to spend the money to fly rather than take the ferry?
Reliability is a major factor. If your return ferry is a no show you would need to have enough money to fly back or to hold you over while you wait, however long that might be.
Posted : June 20, 2010 11:54 pm
Topic starter
No show? Really? That happens? Sounds like a terrible way to run a business.
Posted : June 21, 2010 3:30 am
That happens? Sounds like a terrible way to run a business.
Roadie: Did you forget where you live??
Posted : June 21, 2010 12:13 pm
Sometimes the weather can cause a delay.
Posted : June 21, 2010 1:18 pm
Topic starter
That happens? Sounds like a terrible way to run a business.
Roadie: Did you forget where you live??
Haha... I know, but come on! Third world countries manage to have awesome ferry services with very minimal resources. But your'e right... just another thing to get used to, I guess.
Posted : June 21, 2010 1:33 pm
Most of the caribbean is 3rd World in Disguise.
Posted : June 21, 2010 2:43 pm
There is a long list of ferry disasters and more every year around the world but very , very few of them in a USCG Inspected Vessel. Safety could easily be a large factor for the ferry companies here if it wasn't for this mandated process.
Posted : June 21, 2010 2:51 pm
The business model stinks. Airlines know exactly what to charge for these routes given the number of travelers and the route. Consider traffic, cost and reliability as sliding scales. The airlines own the sweet spot in each of these scales. A ferry, to be seaworthy (reliable) and comfortable over that rough passage must be huge. The population of the territory wouldn't provide enough traffic to fill it. The brand new Salacia from Boston Harbor Cruises made the run between stt and stx for a few years, but the passage took its toll on the vessel and they spent the better part of the season one year being rewelded at great expense. That was their last year in the territory, iirc.
Posted : June 21, 2010 8:02 pm
i did not know that there was even a way to get back and forth to Vieques by ferry. i would like to know the way.
Posted : June 30, 2010 9:09 pm
i did not know that there was even a way to get back and forth to Vieques by ferry. i would like to know the way.
You can't, really. Every so often, there is a ferry out of St. Thomas over to Fajardo. It's some type of "locals weekend special". I haven't actually seen anything about in in a few years. Anybody???
IF that is running, then you could get to Fajardo, then ferry to Vieques, but honestly, way too much bother, time and seasickness! The seaplane now has a regular route to Vieques. I'm just quessing, but it's probably about 15 minutes from STX. That would be my first choice.
Posted : June 30, 2010 10:25 pm
