The St. John Festival Village opens tonight, June 28, in Cruz Bay. The island is celebrating its 65th Anniversary of Carnival in “Love City.” The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) reminds the community of the following to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival season:
Security measures will be heightened at VIPA’s seaports in Red Hook, St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John. Travelers should expect to encounter Port Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and other law enforcement officers conducting security screenings and searches. These measures were requested by the St. John Carnival Committee in the interest of providing a safe festival experience for the community and visitors.
Firearms – Only law enforcement officers will be permitted to possess firearms on the ferries. A previous announcement issued by VIPA stated that the boat captains would collect all other licensed firearms. However, VIPA was later notified by the owners of the ferry companies that the ferry captains and personnel will not be allowing or storing any firearms on their vessels.
Berthing – Please adhere to the posted signs prohibiting vessel berthing at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility (the Creek) in Cruz Bay. Berthing space has been reserved for law enforcement vessels. Privately-owned vessels berthed in the reserved spaces will be removed.
Parking will be provided by VIPA at the temporary gravel lot adjacent to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School for a flat rate of $10. Shuttle service will be provided by East End Taxi at $2 per trip. Parking will also be available on the lower level only at the new parking garage at the Urman V. Fredericks Marine Terminal for a flat rate of $10.
There are 75 regular parking spaces and six accessible spaces on the lower level. The fees at the parking garage will revert to normal after parking equipment is installed.
