What to Bring and What to Expect When You Arrive on St Croix
〉 ARRIVING ON ST. CROIX
We will be tracking your flights as you travel and we will be at the airport waiting for you — regardless of whether you arrive early or are delayed. You will be met at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (airport code STX) by a member of our Greeter Team. You’ll recognize your Vacation St. Croix Greeter who will be holding up a sign with your name. You will pick up your luggage and car then follow your Greeter to your villa. We are tracking your arrival by flight number, so please call us if you have had to make personal flight changes. Call either of these numbers and please leave a detailed voicemail:
Office: 340-718-0361 Weekdays
Inderia (Greeter Team Leader): 340-201-5234
Airport Arrival Tips:
At Henry Rohlsen Airport (STX), you will exit the plane on the tarmac via a stairway.
If you anticipate requiring assistance deplaning under these conditions, please make arrangements with your airline when making your reservations.
At the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Welcome Kiosk near baggage claim, enjoy a sample of one of the locally made Cruzan rums while you are awaiting your luggage.
The washrooms in Arrivals are to the left, after the rental car windows and just before Baggage Claim. There are vending machines for sodas and bottled water in the baggage claim area.
If you are picking up a rental car, it often works well to have one person (for each car) head off to take care of the paperwork at the rental window to get the cars while the others in your group watch for and pick up luggage in baggage claim. That way, when the rental cars are ready, your group will have claimed the luggage and be ready to head on out to your villa.
Please make sure that you have arranged for adequate transportation for your group and luggage. Your Greeter may have the space to assist you by transporting a few smaller pieces of luggage but is unable to transport guests due to insurance considerations.
Arrival via Seaplane
Depending on which car rental company you choose, our Greeter may meet you at the location where you finalize your rental rather than at the seaplane port. Please let us know your plans so that we can discuss arrangements. After you pick up your rental car(s) you will be on your way. Remember to KEEP LEFT and follow your Greeter.
Take a deep breath, relax — you’re on island now!
〉 ARRIVING AT YOUR VILLA
Once at your villa, your Greeter will give you a tour of the property, show you all of the various features of the villa and explain how things work. We realize that you most likely will have had a long day of travel and may just want to unpack and relax, so one of our Guest Service’ staff will call you some time the following day to check up and answer any additional questions.
Vacation St. Croix is on call 24 hours for emergencies.
Clothing
Life in the Caribbean is very laid back and the island dress code is pretty casual even in high season. Cotton clothes are the preferred style for comfort. Men usually do not wear ties or jackets and no one bothers with raincoats. During the day, shorts and sleeveless blouses or tees are the norm. In the Virgin Islands, it is not acceptable for a woman to wear a bathing suit without a cover-up, however, except on the beach. Sarongs or pareos make perfect cover-ups and are available in many shops around the island. For most restaurants in the evening, a collared polo shirt and cotton slacks are acceptable for men, and sundresses, capris, or cotton slacks with lightweight tops are perfect for women. Hats or visors are great to protect you from the sun. Even if you tan easily, the sun will burn you if you’re not prepared. Be sure to use plenty of coral reef safe sunscreen while you’re here!
The low temperatures in the evening dip into the mid 70’s so you might want to pack a light-weight sweater or long sleeve shirt for cool Caribbean nights or cool air-conditioned restaurants.
This is the land of sandals and flip-flops but, if you plan to hike, be sure to bring appropriate footwear. Although most beach entries are sandy bottom and our beach sand is coral and does not get hot, beach shoes are a good item for all ages.
Cameras. Be sure to bring your cameras and consider a polarizing filter for the very best of beach shots. An underwater camera for snorkeling shots adds a great dimension to your vacation photos. Check out one of the many available brands of disposables — a perfect way to capture the underwater sights.
Mobile Phones. The major cell phone carriers on St Croix are Liberty (formerly AT&T) and T-Mobile (formerly Sprint). You should not incur roaming charges from those providers. You will need to check with your cell phone provider prior to your departure to inquire about roaming charges (including AT&T and Sprint). If AT&T or Sprint is not your provider, a “GO” phone can be purchased before you leave and work well here.
Electrical and Rechargeable Items
The electrical outlets are the same as in the United States so no adapters are needed. If you are traveling from Europe you will need an adaptor. Most villas have hairdryers in each bathroom.
〉 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND U.S. CUSTOMS
Fortunately, if you are a United States citizen you do not need a Passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands. You will need to present government-issued identification (Drivers License, ID card) as well as an original copy of your birth certificate (with a raised seal). It is always recommended that you travel with your passport, as it is the easiest document to present anywhere you go. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, then a Passport issued by your country of origin is required for entry.
If you are planning on inter-island travel within the United States Virgin Island you will need a government issue valid ID. For travel to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a passport is required for U.S. Citizens.
〉 DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES
St. Croix is a duty-free shopping destination. Any US resident, including children, can return, or send, to the mainland $1,600 worth of duty-free imports every thirty days. If you go over your $1,600 allowance, V. I. purchases are dutiable at a flat rate of 6 percent on the next $1,000. U.S. residents over the age of 21 can return with five bottles of liquor duty-free or six if one of the bottles is the locally produced Cruzan Rum.
〉 ACTIVITIES
St. Croix is a great place to just kick back and relax but there also a wide range of activities for all ages and interests – something for everyone.
〉 SHOPPING
St. Croix has a wealth of galleries and artisan shops featuring locally crafted art, jewelry, glass, wood carvings, clothing, cosmetics, and home decor. As St. Croix is also a duty-free port you will also find excellent prices on name-brand leather goods, cosmetics, and fragrances.
〉 ST. CROIX SECURITY, SAFETY & HEALTH
Keeping these few security, safety, and health tips in mind will help to ensure that your vacation is enjoyable and hassle-free.
- We recommend keeping your villa and your car locked, as you would at home.
- Don’t keep any valuables in your rental car, even if it is locked.
- It is a good idea to avoid walking poorly-lit streets alone at night as you would in any urban area.
- When visiting our beautiful beaches, observe water safety and “buddy” rules and be sure to keep an eye on your group’s swimmers and snorkelers while they are in the water.
〉 DRIVING SAFELY ON ST. CROIX
Driving on St. Croix can be challenging as we drive on the left. Stay alert, watch the movement of traffic, follow the speed limits, and drive carefully. On the major roads, remember that the turn lanes are situated opposite from their locations state-side and that left turns are permitted on a red light, following a complete stop. Seatbelts are required by law for both front-seat passengers in the USVI (and recommended for all passengers). Drivers must use a hands-free device if using a cell phone. If you are waiting for a space to enter traffic or make a turn, drivers in the oncoming lane may signal you with a honk of their horn, a wave, or a flash of their headlights — this means they are stopping to allow you the right of way.
〉 HEALTH
Sun Safety
Do not underestimate the power of the Caribbean sun — many a traveler has had their vacation spoiled by painful sunburn or sunstroke. Protect yourself with sunscreen (reapplying often) and avoid the strong mid-day rays. Sun reflects off our beautiful water and coral beaches — even reaching into the shade. Remember to wear a hat or visor, sunglasses, and to rehydrate frequently with plenty of water.
Bites & Stings
“No-see-ums” (sand flies) normally live in the earth or sand, and often appear at dusk or after heavy rains. Mosquitoes might come out after heavy rains or when the winds die down. Keep insect repellent in your car, beach bag and in the villa. Skin-so-soft, Neem, Lemon Grass and other oils work best for the “No-see-ums”.
Plessen Urgent Care
Plessen Urgent Care located mid-island in Sunny Isles is available for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries 7 days per week. They treat patients ages 2 years and up with in-house digital x-ray and a full spectrum lab. Their friendly, professional medical team is experienced in Urgent and Emergency Care. Open Monday through Friday 7am to 7pm and weekends 8am to 2pm for walk-in service. Click here for more information and directions.
24 Hour Emergency Medical Care
Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center, Sunny Isle: 340-778-6311
Pharmacy
St. Croix has pharmacies that are open seven days a week. We can help you find one that is most convenient to your villa’s location.
