can anyone make comparisons? tia.

If you mean to visit, I don't think there's much of a comparison. St. John is much smaller and nicer IMO. Kelly and I stayed at Caneel Bay on St. John for our honeymoon and loved it (although it's pricey). We ventured out of the resort a couple of time and thought the rest of the island was pretty nice as well.

We went to St Croix a few years ago and thought it was OK, but definitely showed more signs of poverty and fewer high end beaches, restaurants, etc.

yes, to visit.

and thank you for the info, very valuable!

TBird...

I agree with Short's assessment of the two islands...St. John's is definitely the more upscale of the two islands. St. Croix is the lesser developed of the two with not as high end resorts/etc. I had my first honeymoon there in 1978 and hadn't been back until last year, as I began representing a 4 star cottage property there called Chenay Bay Beach Resort. I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw and experienced, since it has been so long since I was last there. If you're interested in more info about it, shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to assist.

T-Rep

travelrep, pm sent.

we are looking for a quick 5 day/4 night getaway in may.

If snorkeling is a priority for you and Mrs. TBird, St. Croix is far better. You can walk into any beach, Cane Bay, Fredriksted, etc and find coral and fish, loads of them. Take the boat out to Buck Island for the best snorkeling in all of the Caribbean. It makes Grand Cayman's North Wall look sparse. Plenty of good restaurants on St. Croix as well as lots of places to explore with a 4 wheel drive.

yeah, we are leaning that way(st croix) and with t-rep's rec at chenay bay resort. everything at st john is a bit expensive.

You'll snorkel better and eat better on St. Croix.

T Bird - St. John is a quick ferry boat ride away from St. Thomas, if you need the touristy aspects. If you are looking for some quiet R&R, I would pick St. John.

Board-O is right about the snorkeling in St. Croix, I still have a coral scar or two on my leg from diving there.
I saw my first shark there - fortunately it was a sand shark.
Frederiksted is on the western end of St. Croix, so you can catch some great sunsets there.

Agreed with Board-O and Dave who claim St Croix has excellent diving/snorkeling. I had a wonderful dive there during my visit.

st croix is locked and loaded.

i won't have problems bringing wine in, correct?

I've spent a lot of time on St. Croix and I think you made a good choice. It doesn't feel like a tourist island - there are pros and cons of that.

Some tips:
- the rum factory tour is actually pretty fun
- stay away from downtown on the days when cruise ships come into port
- I remember Tutto Bene being my favorite restaurant in Christiansted.
- there used to be a nice, romantic restaurant at Villa Madelaine -- not sure if it is still there.
- the beach south of Frederiksted is beautiful (it is the beach from the last scene of Shawshank Redemption). you have to take a harsh bumpy road to get there (4-wheel drive recommended), but check it out during the day.
- you can go shore diving at Cane Bay and then eat/drink at the Boz's Cane Bay bar. I prefer the snorkeling there. Buck Island is also a great place for snorkeling, although more crowded and you have to take a boat.
- there is great casual restaurant near the Great Pond... forgot the name of it - South Shore Cafe?? It is only open certain nights, but I used to really enjoy that place for fish.
- if you like to seek out the local dives, go to Nolan's Tavern for the best West Indian food (conch fritters, conch chowder, goat, etc)

I'll second Cane Bay. Just walk in the water with your mask and fins and you'll be surrounded by fish and coral. Take some bread in a plastic bag and pull out pieces. The fish will take it out of you hand. Bring an underwater camera.

I wouldn't miss Buck Island.

The road is smooth, but sand. Unless you stop in a puddle, you'll be fine with any car.

thanks everyone. headed out first thing in the am. any last minute rec's?

Have a great trip, TBird. Remember and underwater camera. Take bread in a plastic bag to feed the fish. Go to Buck Island. Restaurants listed above.

have a great time