More int’l ferry trips daily as operators see uptick in bookings
The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) has increased the number of daily ferry trips between the BVI and its neighbouring US Virgin Islands.
The BVIPA said they have seen an increase in bookings and this led them to increase the number of trips available.
The increased ferry bookings saw the BVIPA approving a request made by the international ferry operators to adjust the ferry trip schedules. The new adjustments will come into effect on October 1 and end on October 31.
The ports will see two daily round-trips. Each ferry will be permitted to carry a maximum of 65 passengers.
All ferries will leave Road Town, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas at 9 am and 11:30 am, respectively. The ferries will depart Charlotte Amalie for Road Town at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
All passengers arriving and departing BVI must reserve their ticket with the scheduled ferry operator through their booking portal.
The three ferry services that will be in operation are the Native Son Ferry, the Road Town Fast Ferry and Smith’s Ferry Services.
The new adjustment is a welcomed boost for ferry operators who saw a fluctuation of bookings due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Before, there was only one round-trip to the US overseas territory.
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The ferry schedule I saw posted for October 1 to 15 was one trip per day. Leaving at 0900 am. Please post current schedule.
They need to drop their prices they put up the price when they were limited now that they can carry more passengers they should drop the price.
The cost of travel to St.Thomas is untenable for mostly middle and low income families and people.
With those prices many will never see St. Thomas again. Yet, some would rather fly for a few more dollars and have more disposable time to do thier business.
Currently, It cost a minimum of $500- $600 just for ferry cost and pandemic realities to and from St. Thomas.. Who can afford that?
Hence, the fares should be reasonable and fair to both sides. WE know it cost to run a ferry service, but killing the people is not the way to do business. Be told, when you kill the people, you kill yourself and business.
Just wishing now that a group of people/locals would get together, invest some serious money in a supermarket with the aim to supply affordable food prices.
The current supermarket monopoly is sucking the blood, marrow and nutrients out of everyone here in the VI. This can be done.
It is possible. Food, the main essential to life can much cheaper here if managers seek alternative shopping.
People should not be robbed of the meager slave wages just to stay alive.
Agreed. I am happy to know that they will be adding additional trips. It will be more convenient for persons who live on Virgin Gorda taking a 4:30 pm ferry from Charlotte AML and having to overnight on Tortola
I thought that fully vaccinated persons won’t have to use the Potal if travelling to the BVI, once you have a Negative Covid Test no later than 5 days of travel. So what about booking for the ferry in advance, will you then have to call the ferry direct and book? Just inquiring for future travel by November.
Please drop the ferry prices. Right now the prices are comparable to flying to Miami. The price for a 45 mins sail to St. Thomas is RIDICULOUS. Mr. Premier or whoever is responsible please look into this issue. This will also benefit tourism increasing tourists travel to our shores.
What about dereck’s new ferry??
Poor Mankind. Blood sucking leeches. I am staying put. But We need to fight these Supermarkets. It’s a dying shame on these gluttonous Owners.