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The government gets what they pay for. In the case of St. Croix, they have invested zilch in the tourism product and it shows. The article is correct. There is very little for cruise ship passengers to do here. I call it St. Can't.
Posted : July 21, 2015 2:48 pm
Topic starter
I've only taken a couple of cruise ship trips.
Shopping isn't my thing unless I'm stateside.
I prefer to do a half day sail, a scuba dive, kayaking, explore the island I'm on in terms of the nature there. Hiking, checking out waterfalls, rivers, botanical gardens, historical ruins, national parks and preserves, checking out local food, etc.
STX has many of those things but perhaps they aren't being marketed properly.
An environmentally friendly water park would be a nice addition for tourists and locals, alike.
Posted : July 21, 2015 3:00 pm
Question: Has Gov. Mapp taken a peek over his shoulder yet at the elephant sitting on the beach in STX sipping a spot of rum...? Its name is Cuba....
Posted : July 21, 2015 4:28 pm
St Croix isn't well suited as a cruise ship destination. We can't handle the bigger ships, which bring more spending dollars. Frederiksted, from a visitor perspective, is like a movie set. Very pretty for about 2 blocks, and a handful of stores. Then decay. After the fort and museum, nothing really historical to see. Used to be you could go to Christiansted for shopping, and most tour departures. But Christiansted has so many boarded up stores, and there isn't much to buy. And if you arrive on a Sunday, don't expect all the stores that are in business to be open.
Very difficult to maintain a seasonal business when a venue can't accommodate high volume traffic, in the port or beyond. Having more resorts is a much more viable option.
Posted : July 21, 2015 4:34 pm
my thoughts exactly watruw8ing4. i tried to post that but computer had issues.
not only that , the number of restaurants that close for 1 month or more.
Posted : July 21, 2015 4:55 pm
Question: Has Gov. Mapp taken a peek over his shoulder yet at the elephant sitting on the beach in STX sipping a spot of rum...? Its name is Cuba....
Cuba will only be a destination IF Democrats maintain presidency. You think for one second any of the Republican potential nominees will continue on a path of normalizing relationships with Cuba? The itineraries that are going there now are on smaller scale ships and have restrictions about purpose of trip. I'd love to see it become a major destination, force the VI to up their game, but for right now Cuba is a dream.
Posted : July 21, 2015 5:00 pm
Cuba is going to steal a lot of tourism.
Posted : July 21, 2015 5:29 pm
Topic starter
Cuba has pretty strict environmental protection laws and protects its marine life. I haven't been but a friend that travels there says it's like stepping back in time.
What was mentioned already is true that STX doesn't have a great natural harbor which is self limiting no matter what's done.
Posted : July 21, 2015 5:30 pm
Posted : July 21, 2015 5:33 pm
Question: Has Gov. Mapp taken a peek over his shoulder yet at the elephant sitting on the beach in STX sipping a spot of rum...? Its name is Cuba....
Cuba will only be a destination IF Democrats maintain presidency. You think for one second any of the Republican potential nominees will continue on a path of normalizing relationships with Cuba? The itineraries that are going there now are on smaller scale ships and have restrictions about purpose of trip. I'd love to see it become a major destination, force the VI to up their game, but for right now Cuba is a dream.
Cuba may be a dream but the potential that it may be open in the next 5-10 years is going to limit the amount of development in the rest of the Caribbean.
If Cuba opens with a bang, its going to be a huge disruptor for tourism in the Caribbean
Posted : July 21, 2015 6:34 pm
Contrary to popular belief there won't be a big impact on cruise ship arrivals here when Cuba opens up. It'll be an additional stop on the Western Caribbean route but the distance from the Eastern Caribbean popular ports of call (greater distance = greater speed = more fuel consumption = greater expense/less industry profit) doesn't make it a significant threat. In my opinion, STX's future investment in tourism would be far better geared to all inclusive resorts such as Casa de Campo in the DR which boasts a fine equestrian center and golf courses. Amenities such as those plus casinos are a huge draw.
Posted : July 21, 2015 6:45 pm
*Waiting for the apologists to chime in with "The article is blasphemous--there's lots to do on St. Croix!!!"* 🙂
But yes, we need more development. The first priority though, must be to get the economy under control. Small businesses and restaurants, and other "things to do" aren't going to just "pop up."
Posted : July 21, 2015 7:01 pm
I think the cruise ships want to earn more money for the port stop by selling excursions, so they are pushing for more activities that passengers can book through the ship.
St Croix is one of the few destinations with decent beaches within walking distance to the dock, though many take taxis. No need to take a tour.
The taxi drivers pounce on cruisers offering to take them to Christiansted, and once they get there, there's no beach or non historical attraction. I'm sure those people are disappointed, but not sure what can be offered that would make it worth their while to make that long, unscenic drive.
If they could put an all inclusive beach day in or near Christiansted, I think reviews would improve. The hotel guests in Christiansted would also appreciate a beach attraction.
Posted : July 21, 2015 10:31 pm
In looking at the 2 islands I agree in part with what Mapp said but there is a lot more to it..... It never made sense to me that the main shopping hub was Christensted to attract passenger dollars. With all the hassles that passengers go through to get off boat, having to spend 30-45 minutes in a taxi just to do some shopping doesnt seem to be the best idea. If a ship is in for 8 hrs that is almost 1/4 of their port time just for the commute. I know that there is talk of creating a dock in CSted which I dont think is the best idea in the world. The VI is unique in the fact that out of all the caribbean destinations we have 4 islands that all have their own unique flavor. STX needs its own identity because it will never be a St Thomas with regards to a port of call. With the size difference I think it makes more sense to market it as a resort destination. I could just hear the howling from STT if STX started really cutting into its port calls. I know STX is hurting right now and needs a boost but I dont see it coming from the ships...
Posted : July 22, 2015 11:29 am
Just give STX the go ahead on the resort proposals already on the table and we'll be just fine.
Posted : July 22, 2015 11:33 am
(tu)
Just give STX the go ahead on the resort proposals already on the table and we'll be just fine.
Posted : July 22, 2015 12:01 pm
Just give STX the go ahead on the resort proposals already on the table and we'll be just fine.
Amen
Posted : July 22, 2015 12:08 pm
.... It never made sense to me that the main shopping hub was Christensted to attract passenger dollars. ...
I may be wrong, but I don't think much, if any, thought was given to investing what was needed into Frederiksted commerce to accommodate the cruise ships. Christiansted had more businesses, and is the main starting point for many of the excursions, especially to Buck Island. I guess they figured what they had in place, with some cosmetic touch-up at port, was enough.
Posted : July 22, 2015 5:18 pm
MANY years ago there was a lot more in F'sted...I'm thinking more like 20 years ago though. Even had an aquarium there at one point. Fancier stores, but we used to have lots more fancy stores in C'sted too. And then there was the arrangement in the early evening when boats stayed late, sort of like a Jump-up, can't remember what it was called, but tables up and down the road by the water, entertainment, lots of locals attending too just like a jump-up. This was maybe just 15 years or so ago...
Posted : July 22, 2015 6:35 pm
" And then there was the arrangement in the early evening when boats stayed late, sort of like a Jump-up, can't remember what it was called, but tables up and down the road by the water, entertainment, lots of locals attending too just like a jump-up. This was maybe just 15 years or so ago..."
I remember this pretty sure it was called Harbor Night. I am sure some others here can help out with the memory.
Posted : July 22, 2015 7:22 pm
MANY years ago there was a lot more in F'sted...I'm thinking more like 20 years ago though. Even had an aquarium there at one point. Fancier stores, but we used to have lots more fancy stores in C'sted too. And then there was the arrangement in the early evening when boats stayed late, sort of like a Jump-up, can't remember what it was called, but tables up and down the road by the water, entertainment, lots of locals attending too just like a jump-up. This was maybe just 15 years or so ago...
Harbor Night.
Posted : July 22, 2015 7:51 pm
