St. Thomas provisioning

[Tigertail20]

Hi everyone,

We'll be chartering from CYOA in St. Thomas this summer. They offer a deluxe provisioning package, 7 brk/lunch and 4 dinner, and then a brk/lunch-only package. Both seem expensive but convenient. They also mention a store, Pueblo, just up the street if we choose to self-provision. Any suggestions from people who've been there about which route is best? We plan to eat more on board than on shore.

They also offer a liquor/wine list and the prices look OK. Any suggestions there?

Thanks!

[camaraderie]

Pueblo is fine and cheaper and you'll get only what you want to eat. Biggest problem with Pueblo is the time and the taxi ride. Note that it is more an older style super market...not a mega-store like you now find in the states. For specialty items of a gourmet nature there is a small shop in Crown Bay that many use...but it is quite expensive.
Assuming you are headed to the BVI's as well...you may just want to partial provision and pick up more stuff later

[Tigertail20]

Thanks, Camaraderie. I think we'll have extra time, so that won't bother us. Does Pueblo also carry beer, wine, and liquor?

[camaraderie]

Tiger...yes...on the beer/wine...not sure about the liquor. Oh BTW...I just had a great thought for you regarding the BVI.
The ample hamper provisioning store in Roadtown and West End Tortola is a WONDERFUL store to shop in while visiting but you can also see everything they carry on line and have an order waiting for you when you arrive. Do your basics at Pueblo...but save some room for some of the AH stuff!! They DO have hard liquor. Here's the link!
http://www.amplehamper.com/

[Tigertail20]

Thanks for the link. I don't think we're going that far - just puttering around St. John - but you never know, and that's also good info for the future.

[camaraderie]

Tiger...with all due respect..you are NUTS if you don't go to the BVI"S!!
There is NOTHING like the Baths and Norman Island Caves and Jost VanDyke on St. John! Do both!! You're only talking 30 miles from end to end anyway!
Have fun whatever you decide!

[Tigertail20]

We only have 5 days, but I'll look into it. I appreciate the advice and any other suggestions.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by Tigertail20

We only have 5 days, but I'll look into it. I appreciate the advice and any other suggestions.

Buy rum not coke - coke is expensive even if you drink it...

[ChristyRodman]

Hi! I used to live on St. Thomas & worked on the charter boats there. Gourmet Gallery is the shop at Crown Bay Marina, and they're worth the trip. They have another location at Havensight Mall, which may be more convenient to get to & both locations have a great deli. Havensight Mall is at the cruise ship dock, & just a block away from the Pueblo. Don't let the taxis overcharge you! ;-)

[FarCry]

I think Cam was suggesting the smaller Peublo near Crown Bay and not the one over by Havensight. From the CYOA dock(in the middle of French Town) to the Crown Bay/Sub-base area is a much quicker trip than the other direction enjoying glacial traffic speeds towards Havensight. Peublo could supply some staples but I would highly reccommend Gourmet Gallery for any fresh foods like meats, fruits, veggies etc. Their prices will be much higher but the quality will be also.

I also second Cam's suggestion to spend the extra couple of hours to get to the BVIs (don't forget clearing through customs) you will not regret it once you are there. Sailing and navigation are easy and in the summer you will have no problem with the crowds that most charters are used to. St John is nice, I frequently sail over there for day trips but whenever I plan to sail for more than a day, the BVIs are more enjoyable.

Lest I forget, Jody's advice may be more important than any other regarding provisioning. GOT RUM?