Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
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Ports are Open: Business as Usual

8/24/2020

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Love City Car Ferries, Inc is Operational

The storm has passed without any major impact on the Virgin Islands. After their assessments, the United States Coast Guard opened the USVI ports on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 9 AM. Subsequently, we resumed our service the same day with a limited schedule. However, as of Monday, August 24, 2020, we are back to business as usual and we are operating our regular post pandemic schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email us or give us a call at 340-779-4000. Thank you for your patronage and we look forward to seeing you on board!
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Fleet Update

8/12/2019

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Update on our fleet: Love City Car Ferries, Inc. owns 3 car ferries in the Virgin Islands, M/V Capt Vic, M/V Island Vic and M/V Grand Vic. As many of you may already know, the M/V Island Vic was destroyed in the storms. Minor repairs on this vessel is currently being done. Major repairs will require the vessel to be moved to a shipyard.  The good news is that that M/V Capt Vic is finally at dry-dock for its bi-annual inspection.

The M/V Grand Vic is fully operational and therefore
 available for your transportation needs between St. Thomas and St. John. Please keep in mind that we only operate the Vic branded ferries, which are black and white vessels . If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at 340-779-4000. For more information, please revisit the original fleet update post: Fleet Update.  Thanks for your patience and understanding.

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Fleet Update

5/14/2019

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M/V Grand Vic is Available for your Transportation Needs Between St. Thomas and St. John, US Virgin Islands

Update on our fleet: Love City Car Ferries, Inc. operates 3 car ferries in the Virgin Islands, M/V Capt Vic, M/V Island Vic and M/V Grand Vic. As many of you may already know, the M/V Island Vic was destroyed in the storms. She is not fixed yet because we used her insurance money as seed money for the building of the Grand Vic. Island Vic will be refurbished as soon as we can fully recoup financially.

You may be wondering, however, what's up with the Capt Vic. That vessel worked tirelessly after the storm and is still a viable vessel for operation. However, we've paid Subbase Dry-dock our deposit since November of 2018 for her bi-annual dry-docking and we are still waiting our turn. Apparently they have a big project going on and we are next in line. Until then, we prefer not to harass Capt Vic too much. We believe she needs some tender loving care, which leaves the M/V Grand Vic.

Grand Vic is available for your transportation needs between St. Thomas and St. John. Please keep in mind that we only operate the Vic branded ferries, which are black and white vessels . If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at 340-779-4000 during our office hours of Mondays to Fridays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you on board the M/V Grand Vic.
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Reminder to Board the Correct Vessel

3/28/2019

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Reminder: Love City Car Ferries, Inc operates the Vic branded black and white car ferries. If the vessel does not have Vic in its name, you have boarded another company’s vessel. We do not operate all the car ferries in the Virgin Islands. Keep our brand in mind if you desire to do business with us. Thanks for your time and have a wonderful day.
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#LoveCityCarFerries #lovecity #VirginIslands #USVirginIslands #USVI#ferry #rockcity #stjohn #stthomas #travel #captvic #islandvic#grandvic
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Frequently Asked Questions

2/25/2019

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How long is the ride?
The ride is 20-30 minutes, depending on the weather, etc.  During this time, you'll enjoy the short cruise, the cool trade winds and the beautiful panoramic views of Pillsbury Sound, the waterway that separates St. Thomas and St. John, are hypnotic.
Do we need to make a reservation?
No, there are 35 available spots on one ferry and 20 spots on the other. Individuals with tickets have guaranteed spots, those without are served on a first come first served basis.
Do we need to stay in the car?
No, you may exit your vehicle and walk around on the main deck or travel to the second deck and or passenger lounge depending on which vessel you are on.
Is there a separate charge for passengers?
No, the cost includes passengers.
How do I find the dock?
Click here for more information regarding directions.
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If I have a reservation, what should I do when I arrive?
Your spot is reserved as long as you are in the gate before departure time. You must check in by informing a member of the crew. Read more here.
If I miss my reservation, can I still use my ticket?
Your spot is reserved as long as you are in the gate before departure time but if you miss your reservation, your ticket will still be honored on the next available Love City Car Ferries, Inc ferry.
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Results of Poll: Should Car Ferries be Regulated?

2/12/2019

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On February 2, 2019, the Virgin Islands Daily News ran the article "Should Car Ferries Be Regulated?". We were curious as to what our customers thought. So, we conducted an unofficial FaceBook poll asking, "Should there be additional regulations by the VI Government for the car ferry industry?". This question gave us the opportunity to see what our most engaged customers thought about this issue. 74% said no additional regulation while only 24% said yes. 

Car ferries in the Virgin Islands have a responsibility to answer to various local and federal government agencies, such as: The United States Coast Guard, Army Corp of Engineers, Virgin Islands Port Authority, Department of Transportation, NOAA, United States Department of Commerce, OSHA, etc. Responding to and complying with the requirements of these various agencies takes time, attention, and dedication. Each of them do what is necessary to ensure that we are safe and compliant with the law. Adding another agency would not improve our efficiency, effectiveness or responsiveness to customer issues. It would in fact have an adverse effect. We are hoping we can continue our service with no additional regulations.
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Why is that Customer Allowed to Jump the Line?

8/30/2018

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Revised and Reposted from June 16, 2016

Open Letter to all Customers

We apologize for any inconvenience you have/had experienced in your attempt to catch a car ferry between St. Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands, wherein Love City Car Ferries, Inc via the M/V Capt Vic was your service provider. We are doing our utmost to accommodate everyone. However, currently we are the only car ferry service in operation and at such times the lines are long which results in frustration, especially when someone was allowed to jump the line.
     Before delving into the issue of jumping the line, please keep the following in mind when catching a car ferry during times of high congestion:
  1. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the departure time for M/V Capt Vic’s scheduled departures;
  2. First come first served has its limitations (explanation below;)
  3. Vessel stability is the a priori factor that governs loading;
  4. The United States Coast Guard certified Captain on duty has the final say regarding the loading of the vessel.
     Generally the vessel is loaded first come, first served.  However this manner of loading has its limitations and at times other factors take precedent. This is not an issue when there are several car ferries in operation.  But when the number of ferries constricts, then customers get frustrated when they see others taking priority in the line. This frustration is understandable. Customers may then think that Love City Car Ferries is being unfair. But things aren’t always as they appear at face value.
     While we are here to accommodate everyone, please keep the following in mind:
  1. food via trailers has to come to St. John, 
  2. gas has to come to St. John, 
  3. the mail has to come to St. John, 
  4. the garbage has to leave St. John, 
  5. customers on dialysis have to leave St. John to get treatment,
  6. cancer patients have to leave St. John for treatment etc.
  7. reservations have been prepaid and some are catching flights,
  8. another car further back in the line may be a better fit for stability reasons. 
Without food and gas none of us can have a sustainable existence on St. John. Also, health care for critically ill patients is a matter of life and death. Finally, as a tourist destination, it is quite unsightly for the garbage to be piled up on the island. Or, there may be a concrete pour on St. John and the concrete can not sit on the docks. As a result of all of these factors and a myriad of others that may occur, we have to make decisions on a case by case basis, that may result in a particular customer taking priority in the line.
     Hence, if you are in the line and someone jumps the line in front of you, please know that we do not value them more than you. Instead there are other factors that demand us to allow said customer to take priority.
     During this time of increase congestion on the dock, we are continually reminded of our motto “A Heart for the People.” As it guides us, we hope it will guide our customers, as well, in knowing that we appreciate each and every one of you and that we will do our utmost to ensure that we serve everyone to the best of our ability.
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Employees & Brand: Important Information

8/8/2018

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Employees 

​Employees of Love City Car Ferries, Inc are, for the most part, on board the vessel. Our employees wear blue shirts. Individuals on the dock are agents of Virgin Islands Port Authority. They are the ones who line you up as you wait for the vessels; they are also the ones in the toll booth. We can not control their process nor their procedures. Please keep this in mind as you consider whether or not we have provided good service; as we are noticing negative feedback based on their actions that has nothing to do with us.

Brand

Love City Car Ferries, Inc operates the M/V Capt Vic. We are not the operators of all car ferries in the Virgin Islands. Instead we are known to operate ferries under the Vic brand, Island Vic and soon to come Grand Vic. If the vessel you are on does not have Vic in its name, then it’s not one of ours.

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We aim to please. Thanks for your patronage.
#lovecitycarferries #lovecity #virginislands #captvic #islandvic #grandvic #ferryschedule
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Simple Tips to Catch a Car Ferry in the United States Virgin Islands: Revised and Reposted

5/31/2018

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How do you catch a car ferry in the United States Virgin islands? It is easier than you think. Below are 5 simple tips that can help you.
  1. If you are not a resident and you are not familiar with the landscape, you may first have to get a local map of the island so that you can find the docks. Click here and scroll down to find general driving instructions from the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas to the Red Hook terminal where the car ferries depart.
  2. Call Love City Car Ferries, Inc. at 340-779-4000 to make a reservation or if you are computer savvy, just book online. Bookings must be made at least three days prior to departure.
  3. During regular times, arrive to the docks 10-15 minutes before departure time.  If you arrive sooner, you may not catch the ferry you booked, especially since different companies use the same dock.  Love City Car Ferries, Inc. has black and white car ferries and the sailors wear blue shirts.  The vessels are the M/V Capt. Vic and the M/V Island Vic. Refunds are not given for incorrect boarding. So if you have a reservations, ensure you catch the correct ferry.
  4. During high traffic times, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure time. Check our facebook page for information. 
  5. When you arrive at the dock in Red Hook, you will be greeted by a Virgin Islands Port Authority official who will collect a small government toll. Once you pay the toll, let them know you have a reservation. It will help them direct you where to line up. If you don't have a reservation, they will still direct you as to where you should line up.
  6. Be prepared to reverse onto the vessel.  It is best to keep your windows rolled down so that you can hear the instructions of the crew member who is guiding you on board.  Once parked, engage your safety breaks and wait for the cashier to process your ticket.
  7. After your ticket is processed, you are free to exit your vehicle and enjoy the views of Pillsbury Sound, the waterway between St. Thomas and St. John.
See you on board!
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Merry Christmas and Holiday Hours

12/22/2017

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Wishing you and your loved ones all the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season and peace and prosperity for the New Year.

Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
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Happy Valentine's Day from Love City Car Ferries, Inc.

2/14/2017

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Happy Valentine's Day from our family to yours. No matter how busy we get, we ought to say a special thank you to that special someone in our lives. Hope your day is special and memorable. Remember that St. John is the island of love so feel free to visit soon and let us know if you need any assistance with your booking. Have a wonderful day!
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Merry Christmas

12/21/2016

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Merry Christmas to One and All

This has been an eventful year in the car ferry industry in the United States Virgin Islands. We have had and continue to have our trials. Nevertheless, we are thankful and grateful to you our customers, vendors, and patrons.

We at Love City Car Ferries, Inc. continue to do what is necessary to serve you to the best of our ability. If we have fallen short, our sincerest apologies, it is never our intent to displease you in any way. As the year draws to a close, feel free to stay in contact with us by emailing, calling (340-779-4000), or sending us a message on social media. We can be found on Twitter @VICarFerry, Facebook, and Instagram. Let us know how we can help.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you for connecting with us. We appreciate you! You are awesome! You are the Best! We love you! God Bless.......
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Car Ferry FAQ: Do I Have to Stay in my Car?

9/27/2016

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Do I need to stay in my car when I ride Love City Car Ferries' vessels?

When you come on board the M/V Capt Vic or the M/V Island Vic, you will first park your vehicle. Then we ask that you seek out the cashier, before exiting the vehicle, in order to pay for the service you are about to receive. You do not, however, have to stay in your vehicle during the duration of the car ferry ride. Both vessels have a lounge where you can sit and relax. The M/V Island Vic's passenger seating is larger than the M/V Capt Vic's. Either way the choice is yours.

There is so much to see as you traverse Pillsbury Sound, the waterway that separates St. Thomas and St. John. In addition to observing the beautiful turquoise Caribbean waters you might just spot a dolphin and other beautiful sea creatures. Also, the birds are always flying about the vessel and are a great back drop to photographs, not to mention the sunsets and sunrises are picturesque. In addition, pay attention to the smaller cays such as Lovango, Congo, Mingo, Grassy and Thatch Cays which are to the north. While on the south you can find Great and Little St. James, Dog Island and Dog Rocks. Where else can you find such natural beauty? So, while you are free to stay in your car, you are also free to exit it and enjoy the scenery.

Disclaimer: For your own safety we ask that you follow the directives of the crew and the directions of any posted signage.

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ALERT: CAPT VIC IS RUNNING ITS REGULAR SCHEDULE TODAY

6/30/2016

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Inspection was Yesterday and the Capt Vic is back on the run today, Thursday, June 30, 2016

Yesterday was hectic for everyone, with M/V Capt. Vic having to go through its regularly scheduled annual United States Coast Guard Inspection. As a result, the vessel was down for most of the day. However we worked closely with the Coast Guard and thankfully the vessel is in full service today.

We understand that without the M/V Capt Vic, the congestion, especially in Red Hook was horrendous. Today is going to be different because both the M/V Capt Vic and the M/V Island Vic are operational and will be able to handle the flow of traffic.

Thanks for your understanding and see you on board.
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Finding the Car Ferry Terminal in Red Hook, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

6/28/2016

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Satellite Images of Red Hook, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Route 32/Smith Bay Rd into Red Hook
Car Ferry Entrance Closest to the Pond
Red Hook Rd
Red Hook, St. Thomas, VI
At times it can be confusing when trying to find the departure terminal for car ferries going to St. John from Red Hook, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. These satellite images can help. Take a closer look before you begin your adventure to Red Hook.
The following are noteworthy:
1. Passenger and car ferry departures are both in Red Hook.
2. Passengers leave from the Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Facility
3. Big landmarks in Red Hook that are helpful in finding the car ferry dock are the American Yacht Harbor and the pond. Red Hook Road runs by both of these landmarks.
4. Red Hook Road is route 32.
5. If you are coming from Smith Bay you will pass the pond on your left and the car ferry entrance will be your first left after the pond.

This being said, just use your intuition, and any devices such as maps, etc. Also don't be afraid to ask questions. Once you are in Red Hook, it is almost impossible to miss the departure terminals to St. John. We look forward to seeing you on board.
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