VIPA Reminds Travelers of Rules and Procedures at St. John and St. Thomas Ferry Seaports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2026

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has been experiencing a significant increase in disorderly behavior and chaotic incidents among travelers on return trips from St. John to St. Thomas, following the nightly events at the St. John Celebration Village. These incidents threaten the safety of all travelers and will not be tolerated.  To ensure public safety and improve efficiency at our ferry ports, VIPA would like to remind travelers of the following rules and procedures:

• Zero Tolerance for Disorder: There will be an increased presence of enforcement partners at both the Cruz Bay and Red Hook transit hubs to maintain order.

• Ample Ferry Capacity, No Need to Rush: There are plenty of ferries available to transport all travelers from St. John on the short 15-minute ride to St. Thomas. If a passenger or group misses one ferry, another vessel will follow shortly after. Therefore, there is no need to push, shove, or rush at the gates. Travelers who behave in an unruly manner at the ferry ports will be addressed by law enforcement officers.

• Continuous Boarding: To prevent terminal congestion, boarding at the Loredon Boynes Marine Facility in Cruz Bay, St. John, will be continuous.

• Digital Ticket Preparedness: To facilitate seamless and fast boarding, passengers using digital tickets must have their QR codes on their phone screen before reaching the scanner.

• No Gate Loitering: Passengers are prohibited from waiting for groups or "holding spots" at the ticket scanners or within the fenced street tunnel. Groups must assemble before entering the line or meet on board the vessel.

VIPA thanks the traveling public for its cooperation in keeping our ferry services and port facilities safe and efficient, and wishes all residents and visitors an enjoyable St. John Celebration. 

###