Just wanted to add my 2cents worth about the private charter. I did it last spring for the first time, I really needed a change from Marigot, so we booked thru CJ. I have seen Gotcha, many times and many swear by him for years. Lots of people use him. I tried to book him, and he was not available. CJ uses their own boat, The Justice, when it is available-my personal favorite because the boat was built on Anguilla, and handles the rough seas very well, plus I know the crew, and their expertise. The hotel on arrival sent us No Fear (not the cigarette) it was fine, as it was a very calm crossing. On the return we got
The Justice.

This trip I was able to get The Justice, and requested Funtime
on the return. It is enclosed-last spring we beat a squall. CJ is getting 2 new boats. I enjoy arriving directly on Maundays Bay, its no problem, its fun. Just hop off the boat,
the hotel will get the luggage.
We will do a short stop off at Blowing Point, but can pre-clear on the return.
I know Sandyfeet is getting off at Customs in Sandy Ground at the huge pier, than taxi over to CJ. All in all
I think time wise they are about the same. Most guests go right to CJ's beach, roll up their pants, etc. I have seen 6 month pregnant woman do it.

So there are choices! I will tell you I would probably not do the private boat during December as the seas can be rough-give me the big old ferry! As far as the executive service, it makes it easy clearing customs. Many times there is no line, but sometimes it can be very long. Hope this helps.

Hi Penny,
Thank you for sharing your private charter experiences, I really appreciate it. We have decided to book through CJ, main reason is we like the idea of arriving at the resort. My question is, since it sounds like we can make a request, do you prefer Funtime over Justice? The calmness of the sea I am sure makes a big difference as well. Just curious which you prefer. Thanks so much, Carol

Carol I prefer The Justice, but it is busy with hotel snorkeling excursions,
beach bar-b-que etc. so it is available
usually on a Monday, or Friday. Its hard to get. The only reason I requested the new enclosed Funtime, is just in case in rains (yes it can happen). I am really looking forward to CJ's new boats. As far as booking thru another boat service, all can
arrive at CJ's beach. Really it should not be a problem, just let them know about your arrival. Gotcha is a frequent regular at CJ. Have not seen
offshoresunsations-but again its not
a probelm. Not sure if I want to zip 70 mph-the regular boat goes fast enough for me! I have read its a great way to travel! I just read its cheaper too-$600 round trip. Its $ 285 each way thru the hotel.!!!!!
Sandyfeet you have to tell me all about it-will sunsations pick you up at CJ for your return. I would highly recommend it, as it gives you more time to linger. Then again with the cigarette it may be the fastest way, even if you go to Sandy Ground,it is still nice to leave directly from the beach!

BTW-as far as making a request, they will not ask you which boat you want,
I just asked for The Justice, and I am familar with Funtime 1 and 2. They used Funtime ( a charter) when The Justice was being painted etc.

Penny,
According to Vivian at CJ reservations(today) she claims no other company is allowed to come to the resort. Sandy Ground is a further distance to taxi from also, making the total time about the same I believe. So at this time I am lead to believe if you want to arrive at the resort it is through their boat service. I did not ask when the new boats arrive, would be nice if it is before April. Thanks for your response on which boat. Curious if anyone has booked themselves and been taken directly to CJ? Carol

I think CJ may have just changed thier policy or about to change their policy with regards to executive arrival and private charters. I think they feel they are losing money if you use another excursion company, hence their building 2 new boats. I also think that after they have the new boats and the new dock built, you will only be able to use their boats in conjunction with the executive service....Monopoly anyone??? I only know this because Cap gave me a hard time about the Executive service. They told me since I am not using their boat, I cannot use their arrival service. I had toi give them off shore's # and explain that they are an Anguilla based company. After a few phone calls, it got straightened out.
I believe you can be dropped off at CJ at anytime, as many like to go to CJ for the day from other islands for lunch, via private charter so it does not matter. Jack has said that is is much easier to be pre cleared at SG and go directly to the hotel than to go to BP - then to Cap. Hey whatever....I just know I will have a big smile on my face and looking forward to 10 days of bliss and not knowing what time or day it is...
I really just wanted something different as my husband loves that kind of thing..it was sort of a surprise for him (one of the anniversary suprrises). Now he loves looking on off shores website and watching the clips!


Penny....is there anyone at Cap I can speak to regarding my room? I just don't want to get stuck in the room I don't want (the middle one!). I did my best to request gr floor jr suite solarium, actually its on everything from my personal fax to Classic Customs reservation. Or should I just leave it alone and see what I get when we get there?

Sandy and Penny,
Sounds like you both will be enjoying yourselves there both in November? What fun!! I really hope you both will report on the private charters, and your stay in general. Jumby also sounds awesome, on the list of someday....
Back to the arrival at Cj, I only know what Vivian told me today, but I agree that it sounds like they are trying to be the monopoly in this area. Do you know when the new boats and dock will be ready? I have a long wait yet, but the planning and dreaming are part of the fun for me! Thanks to you both for so much useful info,Carol

I did not notice a date on the newsletter Cap sends out via E-Mail. did Vivian give you a date when you called her? Remember it's "island time"!! I guess we just squeaked in regarding the arrival and departure service and not using their boat. Lucky for me that I saved the confirmation fax from them as proof that it was OK'd.
FYI...Cap will be offering Butler service in the very near future....That will be the ultimate for me, someone to un pack and pack my bags - LOL! I would love to see what a butler would do with a suitcase full of shoes - It would be worth the price just to see that!!
If I hear anything when I am down there I will let you know when I return.
8 days to go....

No, Vivian did not say anything about when this changed, she simply said their boat service is the only one allowed arrive there. I guess they figure that will stop some of the competition. Good thing you have your confirmation and are all set. The whole things sounds fantastic, only 8 days to go, yipee!! Have a fabulous trip and look forward to reading your posts.Carol

Now I have learned something about the boats. Honestly I see Funtime, and Gotcha pull up on the beach to take day trippers out. Caps new boats will be ready the end of December. They now have many more day trips, snorkeling etc.in their package -that the service is another perk they can use any way
they want. As far as the executive service in SXM, I think its a company CJ uses, other hotels in St. Martin use it too.
Sandyfeet to answer your guestion about the room, I just talk to reservations
(anyone) and address my request, I also email prior to arrival. They never tell me I will get the room, so I am also on tender hooks. I find the hotel to be business like on the phone, and much warmer in person.

Once you are there, especially if you
want villa 11 or 12, you might be able to transfer at one point during your stay. I sure wish I knew how they
play room roulette, but I do know they
try hard to please. Now at Jumby I always know I am getting "my" room, same in Bermuda!
Cap has become very popular-I cannot believe all the discussions I hear about the rooms, at Georges, at Pimms. As I have stated on this forum-we even had to move to another hotel as CJ
was unable to take us the whole time.
Now I feel I own part of the hotel having stayed there over 12 times! And I am still not certain or guaranteed
to get my room request!!!

Sandyfeet-Is CJ planning to build a dock? Did I miss something, I cannot picture where it would be.

Hi Penny!

I read it somewhere...they are building a boat "launch" not a boat dock. I think a launch is a lot smaller than a dock, and they will need it with the added boats. I think they will be upgrading the arrival and departure service in December as well - as per the newsletter. They must be setting up a package with the new boats. Cap really knows how to make things as stress free as possible....so I guess we will wait and see!

As far as rooms though....I think I will call on Wednesday as we will be there Saturday. Do you happen to know who I speak to, as I think there is 1 person in charge of room reservations (I think it may be Vanetta, but not sure). I wish they would give you some kind of idea about your room, as it is nerve wracking until you check in. After spending lots of money you always feel "unsettled"...I do not like surprises like that!

I have to say I never check, and wait until I get there. I was only disappointed once, they gave us a center
room (they moved us one day later)-the year before they had upgraded us to the pool suite! I usually talk to the person I make my resservations with at CJ-who handles Q club. As I said it is never promised-they do what they can. Yes it is unsettling! I will say it once again-Cap has become too popular!
I am not happy either-yet when I made the reservations, on my last trip whihle at the hotel, they wrote down the room we were in for our next trip.
So all I can say is try and relax. Good-luck!

Hi Penny,
I probably should be posting this as a new question, but here goes anyway. Since you have been to both Cap and Jumby and are about to go again, would you be able to compare the two for me, the main points that is. It is too soon for me to think about the next trip I guess, but this coming trip was between these two resorts. I still want to go to Jumby.I love hearing first hand comparisons. When do you leave? Thank you,Carol

Carol do a search on Jumby, and CJ as I have commented in the past. Also there are a few excellent posts from a fodorite who was a both places this past summer. Both very different places. Anguilla is the whole island experience, many more dining options, fantastic beaches. Jumby is all inclusive-(top draw) fine dining and service. For me it is hard to pick just one, but I must admit
Anguilla wins by a hair. CJ is home to me, but I preffered the hotel before all the hype. Also I think the beach at Cj is a bit better, but the traquility on Jumbys beach cannot be beat. Anyhow, read, and ask me specfic questions, I will be happy to answer.

Penny,
Did a search and that was really helpful, I had posted questions myself! Specific questions: Do you recall having crayfish offered on the menus? Which rooms would have the most similar beach access as CJ? Are the courtyard suites the only rooms with garden bath/solarium set ups? Is weather (in april if you have been there then) similar/different? Thanks again for you help,Carol

Hi again Carol! I have not seen crayfish on the menu, caribbean lobster is on the dinner menu at the estate house, also grilled lobster atthe Sunday barbeque.
We have only stayed in Court yard suites, they are set back overlooking the beach, lined with palms, just a one minute or less walk. The Pond Bay house also overlooks the water, probably
has better views, not the outdoor shower.
Yes I have been there in April quite a few times, the weather has been excellent-I do not want to jinx myself
but we have never had a rainy day there.
April of 2002 we had a few rainy days on Anguilla, we left the island in pouring chilly rain, got to Angtigua
and it was fine! Hope to go to Jumby this spring again, unless we try something new!

Thank you, Penny. I love crayfish, even over the lobster...We were in Anguilla for 8 days in April 2002, and did catch several days of rain also. Maybe it was around the same time. (We go in April for our anniversary.) Maybe April of 2005 we will try Jumby. Thanks for the reply, and have an awesome upcoming trip. Will look forward to you posts. Carol

Carol, hate to keep this thread going,
but yes the April of 2002 on Anguilla
was too rainy for me! So you know what I mean!! It really does make a difference. We went this past April late, and it was fine-ditto at Jumby. We usually go the week or so after Easter so-- thats how we plan the spring. Rain and Anguilla a rarity for sure! Glad my posts help!