I think person's perspective depends on where they live. For instance, we live in the Detroit metro area. I go into the city alot for cultural events and shopping. As a young adult I lived in an apartment in the inner city, so I am used to it. Many of my suburban friends are terrified to come into the city.

I'd be interested to know what criteria the OP uses in judging an island. Which island does he/she use as the standard? Mine would have to be Kauai. Not only is the island organically beautiful, but the people are out of this world. I could live there. We have been to St. John and I can't say the same. While the island is beautiful to look at and visit, I just didn't get the same friendly, welcoming vibe from the people. We were just as friendly as on Kauai, but often (but not always) got a slightly sarcastic reply in St. John.

e17345 - i'm still not clear what made you feel unsafe. you state "we felt very unsafe in certain instances" -could you elaborate just a little more.
not wanting to look at certain things is up to the individual but if you felt you were in a dangerous situation it could help if you say what and why so others might avoid a similiar experience...

Maggi,
I love Kauai also...next would be St John.We found most of the people to be friendly at both islands.

As someone previously mentioned..in the Virgin Islands..if you greet people with "Good Morning,Good Evening..etc." then most were friendly.

KVR,
As far as Aruba goes...I felt more safe walking around St John at night alone.I was not approached by drug dealers or prostitutes in St John.In Aruba prostitution is legal.

I know that this can happen in any major city..however Oranjestad is not a major city nor is Cruz Bay.

I just had better and safer vibes from the people in St John.

I am sure that this could happen to anybody..anywhere.Sometimes I think that you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and it leave a bad impression on you.

That must be the case with e17345.I would like to know what give he or she that impression of STT and STJ.

Christie

Maggi: I totally relate to the suburban friends being afraid and suspicious of my city home environment. As for Hawaiian versus West Indian culture, I'd even agree that West Indians can come off aloof or "slightly sarcastic." Christie is right in pointing out you have to go the extra mile with more formalized greetings. That's their way. They take it as a sign of disrespect when people strike up random conversations the way a typical, friendly American tends to do. I also think the morose attitudes of some are the result of the more difficult economics of these small Caribbean islands. Nothing like money worries to make you a grump.

To Calinurse (and to set the record straight)

I don't think it's quite fair to state that you've "heard that St. Croix is unsafe". Although I'm sure you have heard this, just as others will have heard it now from your post, it does not represent any first hand impression or knowledge.

I have visited that island for many years without so much as the tiniest problem, and I stay in town (Christiansted) on the waterfront and walk around at night. There is crime, I don't deny it. Unfortunately for those that live there it is almost exclusively local on local. It rarely (and I mean RARELY) affects tourists who practice even a normal amount of common sense.

And I agree that there are parts of my own home town (small city) where I would not go and which do not represent the city well - such is life.

Getting off my soapbox now.

I suspect this was the OP's first trip to the Caribbean.

(I also NEVER give credence to posts that are nothing but sweeping generalizations without specifics - as this one was...)

STT is a mecca for the "Ugly American" syndrome. I have been to STT several times and see it for myself on quite a few occasions.

To the OP. You wrote: "I keep reading postings about people's experiences with the island, and have not noticed any comments about the poor condition of the island.

I think it is a bit misleading for those who are planning a trip there...."

Hmmm, might it be just you who feels that way? :-\

Joanne, many thanks for setting the record straight for me abut St Croix.
I didn't finish my thought at the time I wrote it . What i meant was, I've been told St Croix is unsafe, but here we are in this thread comparing pre-impressions and pre-trip info and reality, so who knows WHAT the reality is? Yes, I've been told by a few people who've been there once, that they did not feel safe on St Croix and that the reason cruise ships no longer dock there, is the lack of safety nr the harbor. I have never spoken to someone who lives there or, like you, has visited often. It's far better to have a variety of opinions with which to make travel decisions. Thank you for yours. There's nothing wrong with getting on "the soapbox" in the name of more knowledge!!
Now there's another place to add to my list of "must visit someday."