St.Croix

[neisyb]

We have planned a trip to St.Croix in April and after reading some reviews of the island, I am having second thoughts. Does anyone have any thoughts about St.Croix-good or bad?

Thank you

[Carib Mark]

St. Croix continues to make attempts to change its image. They have done some revitalization of the port area, are opening casinos and trying hard to get, and keep regular visits by cruise ships. The thing is, it has had a reputation for having higher rates of serious crimes than the other two US Virgins (St. Thomas and St. John). This may be related to it's being the forgotten sister when it comes to aid. Or it may be the fact that the oil and cane/rum industries being as profitable as they are, make the need for tourist dollars and the care for the islands reputation less critical. As with any new place you go, you must keep your wits about you, know where you should and shouldn't be, and who is around you as you travel. I would definately say that this is the case even more so in St. Croix, particularly if you go out at night. As you mention, there are numerous postings by many contributors here over the last year about St. Croix, some positive, but I also think you should read and heed the warnings.

[drchristna]

As I live in St Croix, I can understand anyone's concerns about crime. However, crime can happen anywhere at anytime but if you feel that it might put a damper on your vacation St. Thomas or even another island might be better.

[djaschen]

Depending on the focus of your vacation, St. Croix has plenty to offer. This Week (St. Croix) publishes the monthly activities and has the listings of activities and places to stay (www.stcroixthisweek.com).

My recommendation on places to stay is either the Carambola Beach Resort or The Buccaneer. Both are on the ocean, have golf courses, and have good security.

For excellent food and a superb dining experience, try Giovanni's Place in Christiansted.

Recommendations on safety and crime prevention are the same as going to any vacation resort; lock your valuables in the hotel safe, take a taxi if you will be going out at night, and keep your wallet / purse close to you at all times.

You will see plenty of police on St. Croix as well as private security on the island.

Taxi drivers are very friendly and will help guide you in things to do and not do while on-island.

St. Croix is the largest of the United States Virgin Islands and renting a car is a great way to personally see the Island. There are only two cities, Christiansted and Fredriksted, both a small is size (several blocks long and a couple of stop lights).

As this point, very few cruise ships visit St. Croix and those that do must dock at Fredriksted, so it is a very quiet and less tourist focused than St. Thomas which receives three to five ships per day. Still St. Croix offers many things to see and do.

A Big Beard's Adventure Tour (www.bigbeards.com) to Buck Island for snorkeling (half-day or full-day) may well be the highlight of a vist to St. Croix. Buck Island is a US National Park (http://www.nps.gov/buis/) and has a great underwater self-guided tour. Buck Island is a 30-minute sail from Christiansted.

For those items you may need during your stay, there are two Super Kmarts.

Hope this information helps you in your decision making process.

[eileen henry]

We just vacationed on St. Criox in December. It was great. We stayed at a small bed & breakfast (Villa Greenleaf). The room and the view were incredible. Not to mention our breakfast. It was not on the beach but all the beaches are public, and the two days we went to the beaches we felt like the only people there--in fact, we were at one beach.

A car came with our room, and we explored the entire island. As with anywhere, common sense is important.
We found the people we met friendly, helpful and informative.

I have been traveling the Caribbean for 30 years. But, for some reason, I kept passing over St. Croix. I am sorry it took me so long to get there.

If you do go, take some time out to do at least part of the Heritage Trail. And, chill out at Sunset Grill.

And if you like small intimate places I recommend Villa Greenleaf. Hopefully, Metro will be there to greet you.