St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D’oeuvres – Ritz-Carlton

A Sunset Sail from St. Thomas to St. John: An In-Depth Look at a Luxurious Caribbean Experience

If you’re visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, a cruise like the Dinner Sail to St. John offers a perfect blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and a taste of local charm. For $149 per person, you’ll spend roughly five hours aboard a stunning 53-foot catamaran, departing from the Ritz-Carlton resort in St. Thomas. The experience includes sailing, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and enough time on St. John to enjoy a meal at the restaurant of your choice, followed by a starlit cruise back.

What immediately draws us in is the chance to combine luxury sailing with free-flowing drinks and picturesque views—all at a reasonable price point. We also love how flexible this tour is; rather than a set menu, you get to explore St. John independently, which is ideal for those craving a more authentic and personal island experience. The only thing to consider is that the boarding involves beach access—a short, sometimes rocky walk that might be less ideal if you have mobility concerns. This tour suits travelers who want a laid-back, scenic evening with good company, beautiful scenery, and a touch of adventure.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing from St. Thomas to St. John with panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible dinner options: you choose your restaurant on St. John to suit your taste.
• All-inclusive drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the way over, plus desserts and cordials on the return.
• Informative and friendly crew that makes the trip enjoyable and safe.
• Ideal for couples and small groups looking for a romantic or social evening on the water.
• Beach boarding may be a challenge for some, especially in high tide or dark conditions.

The Experience: What You Can Expect on the Water

Starting right at the Ritz-Carlton’s beach, the adventure begins at 5:00 pm, with the crew welcoming guests aboard a beautifully maintained catamaran. The vessel offers plenty of space to relax, chat, and take in the views. Once underway, you’ll notice how smoothly the boat cuts through the water, giving you the sense of effortless sailing—something many reviews highlight as a major plus.

The first part of the trip is dedicated to enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while the crew orients you to the journey ahead. Multiple reviews emphasize the politeness and professionalism of the staff—they keep the mood upbeat and are attentive to your needs. The open bar is noted as a highlight, with drinks served generously and efficiently, keeping everyone refreshed and happy.

As the boat approaches St. John, you’ll love the stunning scenery—crystal-clear waters, lush hills, and the iconic Virgin Islands backdrop. This leg makes for some memorable photo opportunities. Once ashore, you’ll have time to explore the island, whether that’s grabbing a casual snack or a full dinner at your selected restaurant. Some reviews mention the convenience of the boat leaving directly from the Ritz-Carlton, which simplifies logistics and means less fuss and more time enjoying the island.

The Return Journey: A Nighttime Cruise Under the Stars

After dinner, you’ll reboard the catamaran for the cruise back to St. Thomas, which many travelers find even more captivating. The starry sky, combined with gentle sea breezes, creates an atmosphere perfect for unwinding. During this return trip, desserts and cordials are served, adding a sweet touch to the evening.

A number of guests praise the relaxing, peaceful vibe during the return, with some noting the excellent service and friendly crew once again making the experience memorable. Even if the weather isn’t perfect—some mention rain—the crew’s professionalism helps ensure everyone still enjoys the ride.

The Food and Drinks: What’s Included and What’s Not

On the sailing over to St. John, the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails are included, providing a good start to the evening. Guests often mention the quality of the drinks and the variety of snacks, which are enough to whet your appetite before dinner. The desserts and cordials served on the return add a lovely finish to the trip.

However, it’s important to note that dinner is not included—you are free to dine at your own pace at the restaurant of your choosing in St. John. This flexibility is a definite advantage, allowing you to experience local eateries, whether casual or upscale. Some reviews noted that the hors d’oeuvres could be more substantial, but generally, they set the tone for a festive evening.

The Value of the Experience

While $149 might seem steep for a boat ride, considering the all-inclusive drinks, snacks, and the value of the scenic views, many find it a worthwhile splurge. Plus, the fact that it includes transportation, a lovely boat, and flexible dining options makes it feel like a good deal for a memorable Caribbean evening.

The Itinerary in Detail

Departure from Ritz-Carlton

The trip kicks off at 5:00 pm with guests gathering at the beach near The Ritz-Carlton. The boat is spacious, well-maintained, and ready for a smooth sail. The crew provides safety instructions and helps guests settle in for what promises to be a relaxed voyage.

Sailing to St. John

Once underway, the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres start flowing. As the boat glides through calm waters, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, lush hills, and sparkling waters. Many reviews highlight how peaceful and scenic this part of the trip is, with some describing it as “serene” and “unforgettable.”

Onshore in St. John

Depending on your preference, you’ll disembark at the harbor or dock, where you can explore local restaurants. Guests often appreciate the convenience of the departure point, which is right at the Ritz-Carlton, and the ample time—often a couple of hours—to enjoy a meal or explore the island’s beaches and shops.

Returning under the Stars

After dinner, the boat departs for the return journey at sunset or after dark. Many reviews comment on the beautiful night sky and the calmness of the sea, making this part of the trip a highlight. Dessert and cordials are served during this cruise back, providing a sweet ending.

Final Disembarkation

The boat returns to the Ritz-Carlton beach, typically around sunset or early evening, wrapping up a well-paced, scenic, and enjoyable outing.

Authentic Guest Perspectives

Feedback from guests paints a picture of a generally high-quality experience, with many noting the knowledgeable crew and beautiful scenery as major highlights. One reviewer mentions, “Seeing the stars and the scenery was amazing,” emphasizing the romantic, peaceful vibe. Another states, “The crew was very polite and amazing,” which underscores the importance of good staff in making the trip memorable.

Some constructive feedback points to the beach boarding process, which can be rocky or challenging in high tide or dark conditions. A few guests felt that the ** hors d’oeuvres could be more substantial or better timed**, but overall, most find the experience worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for couples looking for romance, small groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a relaxing, scenic evening on the water. It’s perfect if you enjoy sailing, good drinks, and the freedom to dine independently—especially valuable for those wanting to explore local flavors on St. John without being tied to a fixed menu.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate authentic, intimate experiences over large tour groups, as reviews mention the personalized service and friendly atmosphere. Be prepared for beach boarding, and bring your camera for stunning sunset and starry sky shots.

The Sum Up: The Value and Who It’s Best For

This St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John offers a wonderfully balanced mix of scenic sailing, relaxed luxury, and flexible dining options. The well-reviewed crew, beautiful views, and inclusive drinks make it a highlight for many visitors seeking a memorable Caribbean evening. It’s especially suited for those who want a romantic, hassle-free adventure that combines sailing, local exploration, and scenic beauty.

While it’s not a full dinner cruise—since you pick your restaurant in St. John—this flexibility is a plus for travelers wanting to tailor their experience. The beach boarding might be a challenge for some, but for most, the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere more than make up for it.

For anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and adventure to their Virgin Islands visit, this cruise is a highly recommended choice. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking in the stunning Caribbean sunset, you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments—and probably a few good stories to tell.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for the cruise?
Yes, the tour departs at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier to settle in and enjoy your welcome drinks.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the sail to St. John, desserts and cordials on the way back, all fees and taxes, and the use of the boat and crew services.

Do I need to arrange my dinner beforehand?
No, dinner is not included. You’re free to choose your own restaurant in St. John after disembarking, which offers flexibility and the chance to explore local cuisine.

Is parking available at the Ritz-Carlton?
Yes, free parking is available at the port, though on-site parking at the Ritz is $25.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the beach boarding difficult?
Boarding involves walking over a rocky beach, which might be challenging in high tide or dark conditions. If mobility is a concern, consider this when booking.

Enjoy your trip and happy sailing in the Virgin Islands!