Days End Sunset Sail Open Bar & Hors D’oeuvres STT Ritz-Carlton

Sunsets are better from the water. This 90-minute catamaran cruise leaves from the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and heads into the waters around St. John, giving you a front-row seat to the Caribbean sky. I like the included champagne and full open bar, plus the easy mix of sailing, photos, and light food. The main catch is that the $129 price does not include gratuity, and the hors d’oeuvres may feel modest if you arrive hungry.

I also like the attentive crew, with Captain Heather, Captain Jolene, Jackson, Mason, and Mike praised for friendly service on different sailings. You should know that the boat can carry up to 80 people, so this is not always a quiet, romantic sail. On busy departures, standing room and seating comfort may be limited.

Key points to know before you sail

• The sunset view is the main event: You sail away from the Ritz-Carlton and watch the sun drop over the islands from open water.
• Champagne and a full open bar are included: Drinks are served during the cruise, with bartenders sometimes bringing them directly to your seat.
• Food is light, not dinner-sized: Assorted hors d’oeuvres are included, but portions can vary.
• You enter from the beach: Boarding may require walking through shallow water, and one useful tip is to leave your shoes behind.
• The boat can hold up to 80 people: Some departures feel social and lively rather than hushed and intimate.
• Arrive early and allow time for parking: Ritz-Carlton parking costs $25, and the departure area can take time to find.

A sunset sail from the Ritz-Carlton beach

The setting does much of the work here. You meet at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay in Nazareth, then board from the beach and head out by catamaran. The short transfer from resort grounds to open water gives the experience a polished start, but it also creates one practical wrinkle: you may need to walk through shallow water to get aboard.

The cruise lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That is long enough to get away from shore, settle into the rhythm of the boat, enjoy a drink, and watch the changing light without giving up your entire evening. It also works well as a pre-dinner outing.

The route is described as sailing into the waters around St. John. Exact sailing patterns can depend on the weather and the captain, so you should think of the trip as a sunset-viewing sail rather than a sightseeing tour with fixed stops. You will not be visiting beaches or going ashore at another island.

The boat eventually returns to the same Ritz-Carlton meeting point. That makes the outing easy to fit into a resort stay or an evening planned around the eastern end of St. Thomas.

What the sunset looks like from the catamaran

From shore, a sunset can be lovely. From the water, it feels broader. The horizon opens up, the sun reflects across the sea, and the islands become dark shapes beneath the changing sky. The main appeal of this cruise is the chance to watch that process without buildings or beach umbrellas blocking your view.

Clear weather can produce the best colors, but even a breezy evening has its appeal. One sailing included a double rainbow before sunset, a reminder that weather can add something unexpected to the view. The wind may also make the ride feel more refreshing, though it can make eating a little awkward while the boat is moving.

You will want your phone or camera ready before the sun reaches the horizon. The best photos often come from the transition between bright daylight and the first soft colors, not just the final moment when the sun disappears.

The crew can also help with photos. One account specifically praised the staff for working on their photography skills, and the overall service style sounds attentive rather than hands-off. Captain Heather received repeated praise, while Captain Jolene, Jackson, Mason, and Mike were also singled out for friendly, engaging service on another departure. Crew assignments can change, but the staff is clearly an important part of the experience.

Champagne, cocktails, and a light spread

The $129 fare includes alcoholic drinks, champagne, assorted hors d’oeuvres, and all fees and taxes. The open bar is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. You can order drinks throughout the sail, and one sailing had a bartender bringing drinks directly to seated passengers.

The champagne is described as free-flowing, and several people found the drinks generous. If you want a relaxed evening with a cocktail in hand, the package delivers more than a basic boat ride. You are paying for the view, but also for the service and drinks that make the 90 minutes feel like a special occasion.

The food is best understood as a light snack rather than a meal. The hors d’oeuvres have been praised as delicious, and some departures served ample passed nibbles. At the same time, one disappointed passenger found the portions very limited. That difference matters. I would eat a small meal beforehand, especially if you are booking this as a late afternoon activity.

There is also a sensible eating tip: wait until the catamaran slows or stops for the sunset viewing before filling your plate. Wind and motion can make balancing a drink and food difficult. The food is easier to enjoy once the boat is steady.

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, alternative items can be arranged with at least 72 hours of advance notice. Extra charges may apply. That arrangement is not automatic, so contact the operator before the trip rather than waiting until boarding.

Is the boat relaxed or crowded?

This cruise can feel social. The maximum capacity is 80 people, and children are allowed. A family with a four-month-old found the crew attentive and helpful, with staff checking in and offering drinks even on a full boat. That suggests families are welcome, but this is not an adults-only sail.

The group size is the biggest factor in how peaceful the experience feels. On a quieter departure, you can sit with a drink and watch the water in relative calm. On a fuller boat, you may spend more time standing, moving around for a clear view, or chatting with people you have just met.

That social side is not necessarily a flaw. Several people enjoyed meeting a mix of passengers from different places, and the casual bar service encourages conversation. If you like a lively shared outing, the group format may add to the fun.

If you want a private, silent sunset with your partner, this may not be the right boat. One person found the cruise less relaxing because of the number of people aboard and the presence of children. Seat cushions were also suggested as a comfort improvement, so do not assume every place on the catamaran will feel like a padded lounge chair.

The boat itself has been described as beautiful, and the ride is generally smooth. Safety is taken seriously, with the crew described as attentive to boat procedures and passenger care.

Boarding at Great Bay requires a little planning

The departure point is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at Great Bay. The cruise ends there too, which removes the need to arrange a ride from a different harbor. Public transportation is nearby, but you are responsible for getting to the resort.

On-site parking is available for $25. That fee is not included, and finding the correct parking area and walking to the boat may take longer than expected. I would arrive early, especially if you are driving from another part of the island.

One serious caution comes from a missed departure. A passenger allowed 75 minutes for a 30-minute drive but encountered traffic, then lost more time locating parking and the dock. Calls and messages to the listed contact did not receive a response before the boat left. The practical lesson is simple: build in a generous buffer and identify the parking and beach meeting area before departure day if possible.

The catamaran is entered directly from the beach through shallow water. One useful note is to wear or carry something that can get wet, and be prepared to board without shoes. The supplied information says most people can participate, but for specific accessibility concerns, you should contact the operator in advance.

How the $129 price compares with the experience

At $129 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride. You are paying a resort-linked price for a polished setting, a sunset sail, an open bar, champagne, food, and a crew focused on service. For a special evening, the combination can make sense.

The value improves if you plan to enjoy several drinks and appreciate the Ritz-Carlton departure point. Buying cocktails and champagne separately at a resort could quickly narrow the price difference, although the comparison depends on what you drink and how much you eat.

The value drops if you expect a full dinner, a private charter, or a quiet luxury cruise. The hors d’oeuvres are light, gratuity is extra, and the boat may be busy. One person felt the cost did not match the Ritz-Carlton association after receiving limited food and an ordinary sailing experience.

There was also an operational complaint involving a boat change. A passenger booked the Lady Linsey but was moved to the Daydreamer because of a private Ritz-Carlton event, without advance notice. That is not a normal feature you should expect, but it shows why you may want to confirm the boat and ask what happens if the assigned vessel changes.

Who will enjoy this evening most?

I would recommend this cruise for couples who want a memorable final activity before dinner, friends who enjoy drinks and conversation, and families who want a short outing that does not take up a full day. It is also a good choice if you are staying near the Ritz-Carlton and want an easy resort-based departure.

The cruise suits people who care more about scenery and atmosphere than a detailed narrated tour. You get the sea, sky, drinks, food, and crew service. You do not get a long list of historical stops or a full island tour.

Families can participate, including those with very young children, but the open bar does not make this an adults-only experience. If you are looking for a calm date-night setting, try to choose a less crowded departure if that option is available.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike boarding from the water, or need a full meal. Ask the operator about accessibility before booking, and arrange dietary alternatives at least 72 hours ahead.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

Sunset cruises depend heavily on weather. Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

The departure time changes with the season because sunset changes, so check your confirmation carefully. Confirmation is provided at booking. Do not rely on the cruise operator to solve a late arrival, since the boat may leave at the scheduled time even if you are close to the beach.

Should you book the Ritz-Carlton sunset sail?

Book it if you want a short, polished sunset outing with champagne, an open bar, light food, and attentive crew service. The view from the sea is the real prize, and the setting can make a fine last evening in St. Thomas.

Skip it if you need a full dinner, a private boat, or a guaranteed quiet atmosphere. I would also avoid booking it with a tight driving schedule. Arrive early, plan for the $25 parking charge, expect shallow-water boarding, and treat the hors d’oeuvres as snacks.

For the right occasion, the package is good value at $129, especially if you will use the bar and enjoy the social mood. Just keep your expectations in the right place: this is a scenic cocktail sail, not a private luxury charter or a complete evening meal.

FAQ

How long does the sunset sail last?

The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St. Thomas, USVI.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the Ritz-Carlton meeting point.

What drinks are included?

Champagne and a full open bar with alcoholic beverages are included in the price.

Is food included?

Yes. Assorted hors d’oeuvres are included, but the food is intended as a light spread rather than a full dinner.

Does the tour include parking?

No. On-site parking at the Ritz-Carlton is available for $25.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 80 travelers.

Can children participate?

Yes. Children are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.