rental cars on eastern cruise

[IndyDisneyFan]

We are going on the eastern cruise in October and would like to rent cars on both St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The problem is I am having troubles locating rental car companies close to the port. Can any of you seasoned travelers help me out please? Also, how far in advanced should I reserve?

Thanks!
Laura

 

[northernmouse]

Hi, IndyDisneyFan: I've rented a car from Avis at both St. Marten and St. Thomas. I believe they're both close to the port, based on the location addresses on the Avis web site. (Great By Marina, St Marten, Dockside Mall, St. Thomas)) Maybe I better check before I find myself taking a cab to find my car!

 

[donnier]

Laura-

In St. Marteen, there are several rental car "booths" to the right as you exit the pier. At the end of the pier there is a sort of welcome center. To the right of it is a covered walkway area. AT the end of the walkway you will find the rental car booths. Don't worry about booking in advance. There will be several "salesmen" in the walkway area who will have photos and rates for plenty of cars. Don't say yes to the firsr, bargin with a couple for a good rate. We rented a Suzuki 4x4 for about $50.

In St. Thomas, there is a BUdget (I believe) office close to the pier. Next to the pier, there is a large shopping mall. Several car rental places are scattered through it. However, I know for sure there is one across the street from the mall. It is to the left of the big "beverage" outlet that you can see from the pier. You'll know what I mean when you see it.

Couple of tips for you....St. Marteen driving is just like USA, on the right with left hand drive. In St. Thomas, you get left drive cars and drive on the left. If you've never driven on the left, be careful.

DOnnie

 

[DonnaDavid]

I've found several web sites that address the rental car issue. If you go to www.usvi-on-line.com and click on the "getting around" link, you will find several of the rental car agencies in St. Thomas. If you go to www.mrstm.com/list , you can find a list of rental car agencies in St. Martin. Also, there is a good chat forum at www.gobeach.com (at the bottom where it asks something like "where do you want to go?" then click on St. Martin and from there go to the chat section.) There are several posts about car rentals in St. M. I remember a particularly good post that I read several weeks ago where a number of people recommended specific agencies. I can't remember if it was Avis or Budget (or both), but there were a number of posters who strongly recommended avoiding that agency. And since I'm listing my favorite web sites, I also recommend cruisecritic.com (good forum), vinow.com, experiencestmaarten.com, and frommers.com/destinations/caribbeanandtheatlantic. Happy hunting!
Donna

 

[IndyDisneyFan]

Thank you so much for your help. I was using Travelocity trying to locate agencies but wasn't having much luck. And thanks for the tips about what side of the road to drive on! My husband will have great fun trying to figure that one out! Luckily he will be the one driving, not me. I would have never even thought about that. People on this board are great!

Thanks again!
Laura