If you've ever flown anywhere, you already know the drill: you book your ticket, arrive at the airport, go through security, and then head to your gate. Our Virgin Islands ferry system works much the same way—just swap the airplane for a boat and TSA for the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA). Here's what you need to know to make your journey smooth sailing.

The Dock Isn't Ours—Just Like the Airport Isn't the Airline's

Here's the thing: Love City Car Ferries Inc doesn't actually run the docks. That falls under the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), a government agency. Think of it like this—when you fly, the airline doesn't own or control the airport. They don't run security. They don't manage the TSA lines. And if you're stuck in a long security line and miss your flight, you can't really blame the airline, right? Same concept here.

Your Journey: Step by Step

When you arrive at the dock, you'll first need to stop at the VIPA toll booth and pay your entry fee. Only after you've paid can you pass through the gate and actually access the dock area. This is your "security checkpoint" moment.

Once you're through that gate, you're in the system. If you're inside before your scheduled departure time, your reservation is locked in and with good communication, you're good to go. But if you're still waiting in that VIPA line outside of the gates when the boat leaves—just like missing a flight because you're stuck at TSA—we can't hold the vessel for you, and that delay isn't on us.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Arrive early. Just as you'd never show up at the airport 15 minutes before a flight, give yourself plenty of time to get through the VIPA toll booth and gate. Lines can get long, especially during busy travel periods.
• Speak up. When you're being directed where to go, make sure to tell the dock personnel which company you're booked with—Love City Car Ferries, Inc. The folks on the dock work for VIPA, not for us, so they need to know which vessel you're looking for. Also, if necessary, get out of your vehicle and check in with a Love City staff; you will see them at the vessel's ramp. This is similar to going to the counter and speaking with, let's say, the Delta agent.
• Look for our boats. We're the Capt Vic and the Grand Vic--both are black and white, and our names are clearly displayed on the vessels. Other ferry companies use these same docks, and they definitely won't honor a Love City reservation, so double-check before you board.

Missed Your Departure?

If you do get caught in a VIPA delay and miss your reserved departure, don't panic. We'll still honor your booking on our next available trip—on a first-come, first-served basis. Just check in with us once you get through the gate.

Quick Reminder

The people you'll encounter at the toll booth and directing traffic on the dock are VIPA agents--Virgin Islands Government employees--not Love City Car Ferries, Inc's staff. They're there to keep everything organized and running safely, but they don't work for us. Please remember this as you gauge your interaction with us. 

So remember: arrive early, pay the toll, get through the gate, look for the black and white Capt Vic or Grand Vic, and enjoy the ride.

Safe travels,
​
Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]

Captain Victor William Sewer-known to all as Captain Vic, is a seafaring giant in the story of these islands. The Victor William Sewer Marine Facility, commonly known as the Creek, bears his name in recognition of a life spent building the maritime connections that bind our community together. 

Act No. 7008
Act No 7008 of the Virgin Islands Legislature, honors his legacy documenting his many contributions to the maritime industry, such as:

• Transforming his boat, the Jolly Roger, into a floating classroom where knowledge traveled by water,
• Establishing the first ferry service between Cruz Bay, St. John and Tortola—opening new horizons for inter-island commerce and connection,
• Co-founding commercial marine transportation between Red Hook and Cruz Bay as the first boat captain of the St. John Development Corporation,
• Serving as the Virgin Islands Port Authority's first harbormaster, setting the standard for marine management in these waters.

Maritime Tradition
Captain Victor Sewer inherited this maritime tradition from elders in the East End and Coral Bay communities. The name Sewer is derived from the fact that long ago, his ancestors sewed sails on seafaring ships. In fact, when we trace the genealogy of the families— the Sewers, the Varlacks, the Hedringtons and the Boynes for example— we find that this business is a service to the people and the ancestors as it upholds a traditional family vocation that has lasted for hundreds of years. The new generation of Sewers, owners of Love City Car Ferries Inc, did not inherit a business. What we did inherit is the practical maritime knowledge passed down through direct experience, apprenticeship, and family tradition.  Captain Vic was instrumental in training a new generation of boat captains, including his grandson Llewellyn T. Sewer.

A Heart for the People
Thus, via this family vocation, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue providing the people of the Virgin Islands with a critical service. We understand that our service must be measured with "a heart for the people." In everything we do, we put your sustainability and our viability first, because without this symbiotic relationship, everyone suffers. For example, during lockdowns, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Love City Car Ferries Inc did not moor its vessels due to the lack of monetary compensation. Instead, we ran empty. Why? Because we knew the island of St. John still needed food, fuel, water, medicine, mail, etc. For us, our work is not just business, it is a service to our community.

Pillsbury Sound is Essential
Even though transportation across Pillsbury Sound is essential, we understand that you have a choice and we are grateful -truly grateful- for your continued support. We are happy to see you every time you drive aboard the M/V Grand Vic or the M/V Capt Vic. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for trusting us with your journey. We do not take it lightly.

 Safe Travels,

Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]

May 21, 2026. Another day, another notice from Big Red Barge Co. that reads like it was ripped from our playbook—except this time, they couldn't resist adding their usual snide commentary. "When other ferry operators began raising their prices, we chose to hold ours," they write, positioning themselves as the benevolent saviors of the Virgin Islands while conveniently omitting the truth.

Let me be crystal clear: We see exactly what you're doing, and we're done staying silent about it.

The Copycat Chronicles

Let's start with the obvious. When Big Red Barge entered this market, they didn't just take inspiration from Love City Car Ferries Inc (Love City)—they photocopied us, verbatim: our website design, our booking engine, our physical tickets, our terms of carriage, even our accounting software, which wasn't popular in the Virgin Islands market at the time, but happened to work well for us. We watched them lift our operation blueprint, piece by piece.

We didn’t stay silent because we were okay with it. We spoke to our attorneys who made them take down our language from their website. We took legal action to protect what we built. That’s how seriously we took their theft. But we chose not to air this publicly–we believed in letting the legal process work and in maintaining some dignity in the industry. Competition makes everyone better, right?

But there's a line between competition and calculated manipulation, and  they've crossed it repeatedly.

The Pricing Charade

Here's what Big Red Barge won't tell you in their carefully crafted "community letters": They were pushing us to raise our rates long before VIPA ever mentioned docking fee increases. We have firsthand testimony—verifiable, documented proof—that Big Red Barge's owners and managers were actively prodding us to jump to $80 round trip, $65 one-way, and $100 for tourists. They wanted price coordination. They wanted us to move in lockstep.

We refused. Not because we didn't see the writing on the wall with rising costs, but because we know what price-fixing looks like, and we won't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Our response was simple: "Do what you please. Your business has nothing to do with us."

So what did they do? They waited. They watched. They let Love City —100% native Virgin Island owned company—take the heat. We raised our rates because we had to, because VIPA increased our docking fees, because we believe in paying our employees fairly and maintaining the vessels that serve this community. The new price structure was chosen by our administrative team by calculating and spreading the increase in the VIPA docking fees. We absorbed costs for years. We still provide complimentary or reduced rides for the sick, the shut-in, the elderly, and yes, even the deceased—something we've done since 1997, the value of which is incalculable.

And then, like clockwork, Big Red Barge follows. Again. It's their pattern: Let Love City go first, take the community's ire, wait for things to settle down, then announce their own increases while pretending they held out as long as possible "for the community."

The Gaslighting

The most galling part isn't the copying—it's the manipulation. Big Red Barge writes these letters dripping with false virtue, claiming they "absorbed the difference for as long as we could." What they don't mention is that they were desperate to raise prices before us, even way before VIPA mentioned anything about changes in docking fees. They wanted $80 round trips when the market wasn't demanding it. They were ready to squeeze the community then, but lacked the courage to lead. Now they cast themselves as the patient, benevolent operators who held out as long as possible.

The community deserves to know when they're being emotionally manipulated. This isn't the first time Big Red Barge has used this strategy, and it won't be the last. They flatter us with imitation, then attack us with insinuation.

Who We Are

Love City Car Ferries Inc  isn't backed by outside millionaire investors. We don't have deep pockets from afar cushioning our decisions. We're native Virgin Islanders who built this service from the ground up using maritime knowledge passed down through generations. We've been good corporate citizens because this is our home. Our employees are our neighbors. Our passengers are our family.

When we make decisions, we consider every stakeholder—our employees who deserve fair wages and benefits, our community that depends on reliable service, and yes, our owners who invested everything to keep this operation running. We don't hide behind carefully worded notices that take veiled shots at competitors. We don't coordinate pricing behind closed doors and then pretend we're operating independently.

We're leaders. We always have been. We make the hard choices first because that's what leadership requires.

Enough Is Enough

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but not when it's weaponized. Not when it's followed by letters designed to make the original look like the villain. Big Red Barge wants to copy our business model, our operations, and even our pricing timing? Fine. That's the market. But don't then turn around and gaslight the public into thinking you're the ones holding the line for the community.

We're tired of it. We're tired of the copying, the prodding, the cowardice, and the propaganda.

Love City Car Ferries Inc will continue doing what we've always done: serving this community honestly, sustainably, and transparently. Our record speaks for itself.

To Big Red Barge: The flattery stopped being flattering a long time ago. For once, try building your own narrative.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, 2026,  as we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, it's important to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of America's territories to our military history. The United States Virgin Islands, though small in size, has a proud tradition of military service that deserves recognition.

 


A Legacy of Service
Since becoming a U.S. territory in 1917, Virgin Islanders have answered the call to serve in every major American conflict. From the trenches of World War I to the mountains of Afghanistan, Virgin Islanders have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their stateside counterparts, demonstrating courage and commitment despite being thousands of miles from the continental United States.

Virgin Islanders have fought in:

•  World War I
•  World War II
•  Korean War
•  Vietnam War
•  Gulf War
•  War in Afghanistan
•  Iraq War
•  Various peacekeeping and humanitarian missions

Remarkable Service Rates
The Virgin Islands consistently demonstrates one of the highest rates of military service per capita in the nation. According to historical data, the percentage of Virgin Islanders serving in the U.S. military has often exceeded that of many states:

•  During World War II, approximately 10% of the Virgin Islands' population served in the armed forces
• In the Vietnam era, the territory had one of the highest per capita enlistment rates in the nation
• Recent statistics show that Virgin Islanders continue to serve at rates significantly higher than the national average.

This extraordinary commitment to service speaks volumes about the patriotism and dedication of the Virgin Islands community, despite their geographic separation from the mainland and their unique status as a territory rather than a state.

Notable Contributions
Virgin Islanders have made their mark in every branch of the military, earning countless medals for valor and service. The 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Borinqueneers," included many soldiers of Virgin Islander heritage who distinguished themselves during the Korean War.

The territory has also contributed to national defense in other ways. During World War II, the Virgin Islands served as an important strategic outpost for the U.S. Navy, protecting Caribbean shipping lanes from German U-boats.

This Memorial Day
As we enjoy our Memorial Day weekend with family and friends, let's take a moment to remember the Virgin Islanders who have given their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us that patriotism knows no geographic boundaries and that the commitment to American ideals extends far beyond the continental shores of the USA.

To the families of fallen Virgin Islander service members: we see your sacrifice, we honor your loved ones, and we thank you for the gift of their service. May we always remember that freedom is never free, and it has been paid for by brave men and women from all corners of our nation, including those beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]

As the gentle Caribbean breeze whispers through our islands this Mother's Day, Love City Car Ferries, Inc. extends our warmest wishes to all the remarkable mothers across the Virgin Islands. Today, we honor the women who embody the unique spirit of Caribbean motherhood – a blend of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love that shapes our island communities.

The Caribbean Mother: A Force of Nature

Here in the Virgin Islands (VI), motherhood transcends the conventional. Our Caribbean mothers are a force of nature – simultaneously fierce protectors and gentle nurturers. They are the keepers of our traditions, the transmitters of our dialect, and the guardians of our cultural identity.

From Cruz Bay to Christiansted to Road Town, VI mothers, mother uniquely. They raise their children with the sea as their backyard and community as their extended family. A Virgin Islands mother might discipline with a sharp word today and celebrate with a bowl of peas soup tomorrow – teaching resilience through both structure and indulgence.

The Village That Raises the Child

In our islands, the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" isn't just a proverb – it's our daily reality. Virgin Islands mothers understand that motherhood extends beyond bloodlines. The auntie next door, the grandmother on the near by island, and even the ferry operator who watches children grow from season to season – all play their part.

This collective approach to child-rearing is deeply rooted in our heritage and island history. Our mothers know that in a place where everyone is connected, their children are never truly alone. They build networks of care that span our islands, creating safety nets that catch our youth when they stumble.

Passing Down Island Wisdom

Virgin Islands mothers are our first teachers of island wisdom. They know which herbs soothe a fever, how to read the weather from the color of the sea, and when to plant an avocado tree for the best harvest. They pass down these essential survival skills alongside stories of our ancestors, ensuring that our cultural knowledge flows from one generation to the next.

In the kitchen, they teach more than recipes – they teach patience, resourcefulness, and the art of making something delicious from whatever the land and sea provide. A Virgin Islands mother's kitchen is a classroom where history, culture, and love blend into dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Navigating Modern Challenges

Today's Virgin Islands mothers face unique challenges as they balance traditional values with modern realities. They're raising children in a digital age while trying to maintain our island traditions. They're navigating economic uncertainties with the same resilience their mothers displayed after hurricanes and other hardships.

Love City Car Ferries, Inc. recognizes the incredible strength of these women who often work multiple roles – sometimes crossing our waters daily for jobs on neighboring islands, all while maintaining their households and raising the next generation of Virgin Islanders.

Honoring All Forms of Motherhood

This Mother's Day, we celebrate not just biological mothers, but all women who mother in our islands – the grandmothers raising grandchildren, the foster mothers opening their homes, the godmothers guiding their godchildren, and the community elders who mother us all with their wisdom.

 A Special Thank You from Love City Car Ferries, Inc.

As we ferry passengers across our beautiful waters daily, we witness firsthand the strength of Virgin Islands mothers. We see them transporting children to school, carrying goods for family gatherings, and traveling to support loved ones on neighboring islands.

To every mother who has ever boarded our vessels – we see you, we honor you, and we thank you. You are the heartbeat of our islands, the anchors of our families, and the guardians of our future.

This Mother's Day, Love City Car Ferries, Inc. invites all Virgin Islanders to join us in celebrating the remarkable mothers who make our islands not just a place to live, but a place to belong. Happy Mother's Day to the women who keep our culture alive, one child, one tradition, one day at a time.

Travel with Love City Car Ferries, Inc. this Mother's Day and create new memories with the special women in your life. Book your island journey at www.lovecitycarferries.com or call us at 340-779-4000. Our ferries are ready to connect you with the mothers who shaped your world.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]