Re: Cinnamon Bay First-Timers! Need Pro Advice! :)

[watergirl52]

Wow What a ton of questions! First of all Congratulations on your wedding! Here's your post and my answere:
On Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:32:22 PM UTC-4, Melissa Nicole wrote:

Hi there! My fiance and I (both age 27) would like to visit Cinnamon Bay campground (it sounds amazing!) for our honeymoon trip some time after our wedding on 9/6/2014. We would like to stay for 5-10 days. We have A TON of newbie questions since neither of us have ever been that far from our tiny little hometown in Northern Michigan. We plan to relax, fish (don't own gear), snorkel (no gear), swim, and hopefully venture out and explore the rest of the island for a day or two. Maybe enjoy a night or two of drinking, eating out, etc.
CBC is closed during Sept. & October every year so I hope you weren't planning to go right after your wedding. BTW, that is the "dead" time on the island, many places shut down.

You can rent snorkel gear right at the campground-don't know about fishing.

I suppose I will make a list of questions and see who is willing to take a moment and offer advice. :) It would be very much appreciated! OR refer me to an agency that can offer free help.... :)

- How do you get to the campground from the airport?

No airport in STJ. Fly into St. Thomas, taxi to the ferry; ferry to Cruz Bay in STJ; taxi to CBC. Sounds complicated but isn't really. The local people will direct you and the ferry ride is a beautiful relaxing way to de-stress from the plane ride.

- How can we get around the island for sightseeing (just a couple outing days here and there) without spending a fortune?
Best way is rent a car. Taxis can be expensive and "tours" don't do the island justice. You would want a jeep which can be expensive but if only for a few days worth the price.
- Is the campground and all amenities open year-round?
See above
- What is the best month of the year to visit (weather and lowest price-wise)?
Anytime is the best time weather wise in my opinion. If you're from the far north you won't notice the difference in temperature. Price wise I would suggest off season (much more laid back too) Between Thanksgiving & Christmas, From say April to end of July.  August tends to be super quiet as it's the time many locals pick to go on their vacations. STJ. Carnival time is from about the last week of June until the 4th of July. It can get pretty wild (but not dangerous) so if you want quiet avoid that time.
- We would like to stay in one of the best cottages. We enjoy privacy, location convenience, and occasional people meeting. Where would that be? And how far in advance should we reserve in order to get it?
Reserve ASAP. As soon as you get your airline tickets. Check out the campground map.  The most private (and expensive) are the "10's." But furthest away from the bathhouse. I like "8's & 9's" best. All the cottages are pretty private though. Not the "camping in a parking lot" feel you get at some campgrounds
- What amenities come with the cottage and what needs to be asked/paid for?
8's,9's & 10's (&maybe 7's) come with a fridge. 2 fans, propane stove, plates, coffee maker etc. Linens are also supplied. Cottages 1-6 have all the above but not a fridge which can be rented.
- Is there a locked door on the cottage?
Yes,
- Do we need to bring towels?
I would recommend beach towels as the ones they supply are smallish
- Are the showers ever uncomfortably chilly?

Showers are heated by the sun. So yes they can be chilly on a cloudy "winter" day. But remember. It's all relative 

- What food would you recommend that is easy to prepare, low-cost, and won't take up much room? Where is the best to buy it all?

Depends on what you like.

Some people like to bring their food from the States. Personally I like to travel light. 2 food stores in Cruz bay Starfish & Dolphin Markets pretty much have everything you need but it's expensive. I would bring coffee, spices, salt, sugar. There is a camp store but it's poorly stocked and extremely expensive.
- Is alcohol allowed to be brought back to the cottage? We're not heavy drinkers but some beer or wine at our convenience would be great!

LOL! You have clearly never been to the Caribbean if you need to ask this question! Yes alcohol is allowed in the cabins, sold at the T're Lizard lounge and everywhere else. It is the cheapest thing you'll buy down there!

- Rough estimate of how much $$ we should bring (aside from airfare, campground costs)? We are not big spenders but we want to also thoroughly enjoy our time. What is the max amount you think a couple would have to drop if we were being a little excessive?
If your going to eat out (which you should at least a few times) I would guess $200-$250 a day especially if you plan on renting a jeep, going on a day sail, renting a kayak or snorkeling gear.
- Do we need passports to re-enter the states?
No, USVI is part of the US, but you might want a passport to take a day trip to the BVI's
Hopefully someone can help with some of these questions... I know it's a lot but I am beginning my research and first-hand advice is always great! :)

Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

  

[Island Eddie]

Some of my thoughts, Melissa:

Some embedded below to your specifics but a few extras:

Try the BBQ at the open air joint next to the Post Office in Cruz Bay (can never remember the name).  Good, cheap..

One night to Miss Lucy's past Coral Bay, good food, great breezes - closes fairly early. Other option is Sunday brunch but reserve.  Reasonable

Beer and burger at  Skinny Legs in Coral Bay -

If you are like to snorkel, Salt Pond, Leinster Bay ( Waterlemon Cay) are should do's (http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Beaches.htm).Catch Honeymoon and Trunk on a day when there are no cruise ships.  If funds permit, consider a day cruise on a snorkel catamaran or sail boat or a day trip to the Baths on Virgin Gorda.

If fishing, just wading out (go to the west or far east end of the beach to get out of the way.  Nothing special but I'm a fisherman, so have to wet a line..

Make sure to catch a sunset sitting on the beach with a rum drink well in hand and tip it toward those of who are with you in spirit.

On Sunday, March 16, 2014 5:32:22 PM UTC-7, Melissa Nicole wrote:

Hi there! My fiance and I (both age 27) would like to visit Cinnamon Bay campground (it sounds amazing!) for our honeymoon trip some time after our wedding on 9/6/2014. We would like to stay for 5-10 days. We have A TON of newbie questions since neither of us have ever been that far from our tiny little hometown in Northern Michigan. We plan to relax, fish (don't own gear), snorkel (no gear), swim, and hopefully venture out and explore the rest of the island for a day or two. Maybe enjoy a night or two of drinking, eating out, etc.

I suppose I will make a list of questions and see who is willing to take a moment and offer advice. :) It would be very much appreciated! OR refer me to an agency that can offer free help.... :)

- How do you get to the campground from the airport

Agree on renting from AP at STT.  Only way to go.  Stop at KMart for supplies (everything but ice).  There are two on STT on the way to Red Hook Get a car you can lock up, not a jeep.  Carry a water proof pouch or small box for car keys  when snorkeling. 

 

- How can we get around the island for sightseeing (just a couple outing days here and there) without spending a fortune?

Get the book - St. John Off the Beaten Path (Amazon) - will have all the reference you need.  For the island itself, just drive it - take some drinks and fins and head to different beaches.  If you are hiker, be sure to do the Reef Bay hike.  Prefer up and down but there is a down only w/ boat ride back sponsored by the Park Services.  Be sure to stop at the Park Service office in Cruz Bay.

- Is the campground and all amenities open year-round?

Closed August and Sept. 

- What is the best month of the year to visit (weather and lowest price-wise)?

Prefer period between Easter and Memorial Day or 4th of July (Carnival).  Best prices, lowest crowds, best water temps 

- We would like to stay in one of the best cottages. We enjoy privacy, location convenience, and occasional people meeting. Where would that be? And how far in advance should we reserve in order to get it?

10 is tops, book a year out 

- What amenities come with the cottage and what needs to be asked/paid for?

Get a refrigerator for $10 a day.  Handy and not chasing ice every day. 

- Is there a locked door on the cottage?

Nope, small ammo box inside, bring a combo lock. 

- Do we need to bring towels?

Towel service is convenient but towels are scratchy - can changes sheets twice a week and I think towels 3x 

- Are the showers ever uncomfortably chilly?

Time of year?  Prefer to take shower late afternoon after swimming and before cocktails.. 

- What food would you recommend that is easy to prepare, low-cost, and won't take up much room? Where is the best to buy it all?

Get as much as you can on STT, couple of nice but pricey markets in Cruz Bay 

- Is alcohol allowed to be brought back to the cottage? We're not heavy drinkers but some beer or wine at our convenience would be great!

Duh, yea! (just kiddin) - get some Cruzan Rum, VI brand, cheap, and good.  Try the coconut rum... 

- Rough estimate of how much $$ we should bring (aside from airfare, campground costs)? We are not big spenders but we want to also thoroughly enjoy our time. What is the max amount you think a couple would have to drop if we were being a little excessive?

- Do we need passports to re-enter the states?

No but take them with you - you may want to take a ferry or sail to BVI one day