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]

The above schedule is in effect until further notice. Grand Vic is on the run. Capt Vic is prepping for its bi-annual Coast Guard inspection and thus will be off the run until further notice. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Given the conditions of the current economy in light of the global pandemic of COVID-19, Love City Car Ferries, Inc will be adhering to the above schedule effective Monday, March 23, 2020. M/V Grand Vic's schedule remains the same but the M/V Capt Vic's last departure will be at 3:30 pm from Red Hook. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call during normal business hours at 340-779-4000 or email us at [email protected]. Stay safe and thank you for your attention.

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