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»	Cruise Talk » Ports of Call and Destinations » Rent a car in St. Thomas?

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Topic: Rent a car in St. Thomas?

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 01-16-2001 11:34 AM

Has anyone ever rented a car in St. Thomas? We are thinking of renting through Budget Rent a Car. I checked on their web site. The price isn't too bad. I thought it might be fun to explore the island? Has anyone done this? Any bad experiences? Is it REALLY hard for a U.S. citizen to drive on the left?

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-16-2001 02:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Mercy:
Has anyone ever rented a car in St. Thomas? We are thinking of renting through Budget Rent a Car. I checked on their web site. The price isn't too bad. I thought it might be fun to explore the island? Has anyone done this? Any bad experiences? Is it REALLY hard for a U.S. citizen to drive on the left?

Yes, Mercy, it is hard to Canadians and Americans to drive on the left, especially at round-abouts. I wouldn't take the chance - have seen a lot of accidents in Grand Cayman and St. Thomas. Hire a taxi and let him do the driving. Most car rentals in St.T. are jeeps - 4 wheel drive. I think most of the cars in St.T are stick shift and boy changing gears going up those hills is no fun if you don't know how to use one. I have not completely forgotten how to drive a stick shift.

[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 01-16-2001).]

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

WJCdiver
First Class Passenger
Member # 946

posted 01-16-2001 05:46 PM

I wouldn't do it. They drive on the left which is tough. In additition, the roads are very narrow and winding, going up and down steep hills. I didn't see much parking either.

Given one day in port on a cruise stop how many taxi rides can you take. Lets see one to the beach (2 if you go to St. John's.) One back to town to shop or return to the ship. The ship will be docked at or tendering to downtown Charoltte Amalie, and during the day time you can walk anywhere. If you want to go to a restaurant at night I'd probably cab it from the ship dock.

The only possible exception I would consider would be a 4-wheel drive on St. John's to tour the island, but I'd rather just lay on the beach.

Bill

Posts: 159 | From: New York, NY | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 01-17-2001 03:38 PM

Stick shift and the 'wrong' side of the road - they're only half the problem.
Many of the great lookout points are almost impossible to find - once out of town, road signs, names etc. are rare. The island is very hilly. Local drivers know the narrow roads, where you can pass, hairpin bends etc.
Better you should be driven - agree on a price for X# of hours before entering the car/jeep/van - you'll see more and it's a whole lot safer than driving yourself - four or six people sharing the cost makes it very reasonable. Many of the taxi drivers are trained Tour Guides. Ask if his AC is working!
There's a cable car ride up the mountain - it's worth taking - some nice refreshments when you reach the top - there's lots of time for a walk too. Enjoy

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 01-17-2001 07:47 PM

If you decide to rent one, make sure you have plenty of insurance and say lots of prayers! I recall going to St. Peter's house in a taxi and thought for sure we would never make it without an accident. Some of the roads with the hairpin turns are enough to scare the h*** out of anyone.

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 01-18-2001 10:03 AM

O.K., O.K., you have convinced me! I will take a taxi. My husband would be the one driving. I told him my idea and he said "left side, NO WAY"
I remember hiding my eyes more than once on a tour in Jamaica. They also drive on the left.
2 more days until we leave!!!!

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

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