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Gotta love a new gimic for the tourists, but it could be good for those who want a nice boat ride. Personally I would suggest the following:
If you Dock at Havensight- Get off the ship and take a taxi to town. About a 10 minute ride that will let you off either by Emancipation Park (Marketplace, Post Office are here), or Downtown Waterfront ( Near AH Riise Alley), or Midtown along the waterfront (Green House Rest. Palm Passage & Royal Dane Mall) walk around and do your shopping. Once tired go back to the ship and stop in Havensight if you want a change of scenery, or buy that item you needed time to "think about". All the same stores are at Havensight that are in town. They carry the same items and the prices are identical.
If you dock at Crown Bay: Take a taxi to down as above and do your shopping. Right now I wouldn't rely on Crown Bay as a "think about it" option. Only a few stores found in town have a location there (Bernard Passman, Royal Caribbean, AH Riise, Diamonds International, Aseck) If those stores are one where you were thinking about the item then I guess that would be ok, but Crown Bay just doesn't have the same size that Havensight does to have and thus alot of the same stores you see in town are not there.
Why I wouldn't just shop at Havensight... St. Thomas is a pretty and diverse Island and the people, if given the chance, are friendly. I know some people get offended by all the people asking if you need a taxi while in town, or those trying to get you to come into the store. The Main Street Barkers are part of the rhythm of Charlotte Amalie. Believe me they won't bite. A polite "No Thank You" is often that is all that is needed. Shopping at Havensight, while it will complete your shopping needs, deprives you of the experience of shopping in the Shopping Capital of the Caribbean. Look at it as an experience, an adventure, and remember you're on vacation. Take it easy, don't get frazzled and enjoy the moment.
I am guessing this tour will cost at least $50 a person $100 a couple. For comparison here some prices:
Havensight to Town $5 each person each way, 2 people round trip -$20
Crown Bay to Town - Same as above
Havensight to Crown Bay approx $7 each person each way,2 people round Trip $28
For two people to go from Havensight to Town to Crown Bay Back to Havensight for a will cost approx.$34
A big savings over the ship price.
Scott
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