Navigating Our Ferries: A Traveler's Guide

Think of it Like Flying

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