Allison

Hi, <BR> <BR>Just returned from a 7 night stay at the Buccaneer. If anyone has any questions, I'd be glad to answer, but I have to admit, we didn't leave the resort much! <BR>The restaurants at the resort were good, although more expensive. The staff at the resort were pleasant and helpful. <BR>They were doing some minor work to the grounds in some areas while we were there, but we loved the many different plants and palm trees on the resort. The view of Christiansted from the Terrace restaurant was awesome. <BR>The oceanfront room was nice, although I wish it had screens instead of shut windows. <BR>We stayed right on Mermaid beach, the best beach on the resort. The water was beautiful. The sand was not powder white, but nice nonetheless. Some small rocks would wash up in piles in the morning. <BR>The resort was kid/family friendly but VERY quiet. The extent of our night life was a drink or two at the bar after dinner. The nightly entertainment was usually good. <BR>Buck Island is not to be missed, although I wished we had taken a more personal trip than the 1/2 day offered by Mile Mark. Although there was certainly nothing wrong with the trip, it was just a little crowded on the boat. Buck Island is breathtaking. We even saw a large sea turtle while on our way! <BR>Shopping in Christiansted was fun, and so was lunch at Stixx, although the service for a quiet afternoon was slow. <BR>All in all it was an incredibly relaxing vacation, that even my picky husband enjoyed. <BR>As much as I want to visit more islands in the future, I will have a hard time not just going back to the Buccaneer! <BR>Also, thanks to all the people on this list that helped me with my St. Croix questions! All that Fodor's research paid off big time! <BR>

lp

Allison, we are considering this hotel for our next family vacation. My kids will be 6 & 9...did you see kids in this age range?? How was the pool?? Which rooms would you recommend for best view? Is it safe to take kids into town to shop and eat? Is the Buck Island trip kid friendly? I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and would appreciate any feedback..thanks!

warren

I love St. Croix! My inlaws have a condo and we've mooched them for it four times in the past several years. <BR> <BR>You will need to check with the tour operators about bringing kids on the Buck Island tour. I have been 4 times (each visit to STX) and have never seen kids on the boat (unless you count a 13 yo). Not to say that they aren't allowed, I just haven't seen any. <BR> <BR>Regarding the Buc, your kids will fit in. I usually see families with kids of all ages (especially in the 7-10 range). There's a lot to do at the resort. <BR> <BR>Also, Christiansted is very safe during the day, but I would stick to the more well traveled parts of town at night (along the waterfront and main street). My inlaws (the condo owners) have warned us to never go to Frederiksted after sundown - oooh, sounds ominous. <BR> <BR>Besides Buck Island, I believe there is a rainforest tour which your kids might find interesting (the western half of STX is rainforest, the eastern half is desert). <BR> <BR>St. Croix overall is extremely safe and family friendly. Enjoy yourself!!

Bill

Allison, <BR>Next time in St.Croix (I love St Croix) try Big Beards Adventure Tours to Buck Island. I found it very friendly, family oriented, and very personalized. I remember we picked up the tour in Christiansted and we stopped at The Bucaneer to pick up passengers on our way to Buck Island. Now my question for you about The Bucaneer - is Mermaid Beach the big curved beach that sits below the hotel? And if so, how was the snorkelling there during your visit? The water was very cloudy the day we were there. <BR>

Allison

Hi, <BR> <BR>I would definitely recommend the Buccaneer with kids under 10. There are two pools on the resort, one up near the main house, and one near Grotto beach. They were clean and looked nice, but not overly impressive. The pool near Grotto beach seemed to be frequented by families with kids. <BR>I preferred the beach and view of the rooms by Mermaid Beach. Our oceanfront room was great. The ocean front rooms by the Grotto beach are closer to the pool and snack bar, if that is important to you. <BR>The town seemed pretty safe and very 'American' to me, the afternoon we were there. <BR>I would double check the tour to Buck Island, I'm sure its fine to bring younger kids, but I only saw some young teenagers on our trip. <BR>As far as the water clarity at the Buccaneer, I will say it was not like Buck Island in that respect. The water varied in cloudiness, but it was only very minorly cloudy. Overall I found the water clean and clear. The snorkeling off of Mermaid Beach was actually surprisingly pretty good, although no where near Buck Island. Mermaid beach is the beach that has the dock were Big Beard's would pick up passengers. I heard the rainforest tour and beer drinking pigs is a fun thing to do, although we never made it! <BR>Hope this helps! <BR>

Sue

Hi,Alison <BR> My husband and I will be at The Buccaneer first week of July,cant wait! <BR>I have read so many good trip reports on this resort. About The Buck Island <BR>cruise,we also have booked with Mile Mark.This will our first time snorkeling,believe it or not.Anyway,does the tour separate the beginners from the more experienced??????? I guess we can always take a hike on the island or just sun on the beach there.Are you able to bring any thing on the boat,like a backpack and towels? Do they lock up personel belongings on the boat? Any info would be appreciated.Thanks,Sue from Mass.

Norm

Where are the Buccaneer's? Under the Buccan Hat!