10k

We are going to the 4seasons next week and were told that the 4s boat is 115 round trip per person. we are trying to figure out if that is a good deal or a rip-off. It looks like there are some ferries for 10-20 bucks, but how do we get there from teh airport (SKB) and then where do they drop us in Nevis? Maybe it would be a hassle to go cheap? Help please! thanks!

RoamsAround

The Four Seasons launch is not so much a rip-off but rather it's VIP treatment and like everything else associated with the Four Seasons you pay for the added service.

For the fee their representative will meet you at the airport, put you and your luggage (you won't have to touch your luggage once you clear customs) in a private cab that will take you and other Four Seasons guests who are on your plane to the dock in Port Zante (Basseterre) where you'll board the launch and set out for the 35 minute trip to the Four Seasons Dock. During the trip you'll be given a welcome cocktail and you'll be "checked-in" to your room. When you arrive at the dock you'll be taken directly to your room in a "golf cart". Your baggage will be off-loaded and arrive in your room moments later. The process will be reversed for your trip home.

If you take the "regular ferry" you'll have schlepp your luggage out of the terminal, get a a taxi to take you to the ferry dock where you'll wait in line to purchase your tickets, wait in another line to pay your Port Tax, wait some more until the next scheduled ferry which will take 45 minutes to get to Charlestown. From there you'll have to wait until you luggage is off-loaded from the ferry (they do this after everyone disembarks). You'll then have to catch a cab for the 7 minute ride to the Four seasons where you'll still have to check-in and be escorted to your room. You repeat the process for your return trip. Figure it will cost you $10US plus tip for the cab from the airport to the ferry dock, about $9US PP one-way for the ferry and Port Tax and another $12US (I may be slight off on this estimate) plus tip for the cab from the ferry to the Four Seasons.

Personally, if you can afford the daily rate at the Four Seasons you might as well pamper yourself and use their "meet & greet" service. It will save you time and make you feel important. It's a great way to start and finish a vacation.

10k

Thank you so much for the detailed help; we REALLY appreciate it

I think you sold me on the 4S ferry. We have a 2 yr old and I cannot imagine waiting around for another few hours with her-that will be pushing her patience.

We typically do not spend money on ourselves. This trip will be a first in many ways. I suppose we will leave Motel 6 behind in the not too distant future. LOL

eileen

My husband and I have done the regular ferry and althought cost effective, it was time-consuming and difficult to get our luggage onto the ferry with the press of people all trying to get on. Add a 2 year old to the mix and it's a no-brainer -- go with the luxury -- it's difficult enough to fly these days with a young child without complicating the trip. Have a great time, Nevis is wonderful!.

travlgal

Took the public ferry last year for a day visit to the Four Seasons, which we loved. It worked out fine for us, but my kids are older! If I was coming from the Airport, I would absolutely use the service of the Four Seasons - they will take great care of you. You will love Nevis and the Four Seasons!

Nevisian

If you can afford the Four Seasons than you can afford their launch. They great you at customs and take your luggage through with you: you don't see your luggage again until 10 minutes after you get to your room. You will be checked into the hotel at the airport while you wait for the other passengers to clear customs. They accompany you to the dock and board you on one of their fast boats or, if you are with a large group, their cabin catamaran. You will be offered rum punch, fruit punch, perrier or evian water and a cold, scented towel. Their boats get you from island to island in a much shorter time and they land at the Four Seasons' private dock where you are met and escorted to you room or villa. If you take the public ferries you have to get yourself from the airport to the public dock on St, Kitts and hope that there is a ferry running in a short while. Then you have a trip across to the Charlestown public pier from where you will have to take a taxi to the resort.