Reduced bookings leads to less daily ferry trips from now to October
A reduction in bookings have caused international ferry operators to decrease the number of trips between the BVI and the neighbouring US Virgin Islands (USVI) daily.
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, August 17 until October 15, there will only be one daily round trip ferry service; each with a maximum of 65 passengers per trip.
Therefore, all ferries will depart Road Town, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas at 9 am. All daily ferries will later depart Charlotte Amalie for Road Town at 4 pm.
Smith’s Ferry has been scheduled to operate on Mondays and Thursdays, Road Town Fast Ferry will sail Tuesdays and Saturdays, while Native Son will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The ferry operators will alternate on Sundays.
Meanwhile, news of reduced ferry bookings follows the recent announcement that anyone travelling from the British Virgin Islands to the neighbouring USVI will have to submit a negative COVID-19 test to USVI authorities within 48 hours of departure.
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I thought the Premier said tourism was booming?
The biggest customer of the ferry operators were locals. We used to go there to shop, for healthcare, visit friends and family etc. now it is a hassle and people are scared of covid. This isn’t an indication of tourist arrivals.
ferry charge too much. for that price people choose private/comfortable water taxi
It’s “fewer” ferry trips, not “less” ferry trips.
You’re welcome.
Therefore, all ferries will depart Road Town, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas at 9 am. All daily ferries will later depart Charlotte Amalie for Road Town at 4 pm.
WTF? How does this make sense??? HOW?????????????? The concern is lack of traffic but then they all leave at 9am?
I think the article meant to say that the respective ferry will leave at 9am. It’s only one ferry per day.
Why not give each company 2 days in a row?
Thought he said our economy is in over drive! Real Donald Trump he is.
What they expected with all these ridiculous FEES? Fees to Enter; Fees for Luggage; Fees if you Visitor;PCP Testing Fees; Taxi Fees; Quarantine Fees; Departure Fees; Departure Taxes. It’s best to go where One is not being burdened with some much money ISSUES. Ain’t NO RELAXING, Experience DONE!
This report is very disappointing. As a frequent traveller between the two islands, I find it very concerning that the government is only catering to tourists and not residents. Many persons traffic between the two islands to visit family. We have spouses, relationships, parents etc. There are no morning trips from the USVI. There are no afternoon trips from the BVI. I can tell you from experience about the afternoon trips especially on a Friday and returning early Monday Mornings. Why are we catering to tourists only? Do the government not realise the importance of this ferry service to residents?
Trip to ST. Thomas:-
here is the break down
Exit :Antigen/PCR Test – average $70
Boat Fare – Average $60.00
Luggage 1 bag – Average $10.00
Departure Tax – Average $15.00
Antigen/PCR Test $150.00
Boat Fare – Average $60.00
Departure Tax – Average $10.00
Luggage 1 Bag – Average $10.00
BVI Portal $85.00 (Vaccinated)
Total = $470.00
Imagine paying $470.00 for a visit to ST. Thomas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the reason there is a decline in travelling between both islands.
This doesn’t include taxi service, meals etc.
A trip that cost less than $100.00 is costing almost $500.00
Too many other places to visit without these excessive fees, limited ferry schedule to catch connecting flights, if not resolved soon unfortunately my group will be cancelling the two week vacation planned for November.
Sad
In addition to Covid concerns, the other big reasons for fewer passengers traveling between the VI-USVI is the cost and inflexible schedule. All once daily ferry trips depart Road Town at 9:00 a.m. and depart from Charlotte Amalie at 4:00 p.m. This means no afternoon departure from Road Town or morning departures from Charlotte Amalie. Schedule needs to reworked.
Why the h**l you all want to be visiting family and friends at this with the high rate of Covid infections in the Virgin Islands? You all just don’t get it.