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

A Caribbean sunset looks best from the water, and this 90-minute catamaran cruise gives you front-row seats. You leave from the Ritz-Carlton beach, sail into the waters around St. John, and watch the sky change while the crew serves champagne, drinks, and small bites.

I like the open bar and attentive service, especially since drinks may be brought to your seat. I also like the easy, polished setting: you can enjoy a resort-quality evening without paying for a full Ritz-Carlton stay. The main drawback is that the boat can carry up to 80 people, so this may feel more social than peaceful, and the boarding process requires walking into shallow water without shoes.

Key things to know before you book

• The sunset is the main event: The cruise is timed around evening light over the Caribbean, with views from the water near St. Thomas and St. John.
• Champagne and a full open bar are included: Beer, wine, champagne, and mixed drinks are part of the package, not an extra charge.
• Food is included but light: Expect assorted hors d’oeuvres rather than a full dinner.
• Board directly from the beach: You enter the catamaran from shallow water, so bring footwear you can remove easily.
• Captain Heather has received strong praise: Captain Jolene, Jackson, Mason, and Mike have also been singled out for friendly, attentive service.
• Plan carefully for parking and traffic: Ritz-Carlton parking costs $25, and arriving late can mean missing the departure.

Sailing from the Ritz-Carlton beach

The meeting point is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay in Nazareth. The catamaran departs directly from the beach, which gives the evening a more memorable start than walking down a regular marina dock.

There is one practical catch. Boarding takes place through shallow water, and one passenger specifically advised leaving shoes behind for the entry. You should wear something easy to remove and keep valuables secure. A phone pouch or small water-resistant bag is useful, though the supplied details do not promise storage facilities on board.

The Ritz setting adds polish, but it also creates a few extra steps. On-site parking costs $25, and finding the correct parking area and route to the beach may take time. Public transportation is nearby, but the meeting point remains at the resort, so check your route before the day of departure.

Give yourself more time than you think you need. Traffic on St. Thomas can slow the drive, and a late arrival may not be recoverable. One booking party arrived as the boat was leaving and found there was no clear ticket desk or dock representative able to hold the departure. The safest plan is to arrive early, locate the beach, and allow time for parking.

The 90-minute route and sunset views

This is not a sightseeing cruise with several shore stops. The appeal comes from being on the water during the short period when daylight fades, with the boat moving around the bay and toward the waters near St. John.

The route gives you broad views rather than a single fixed lookout. You can watch the changing colors from the deck, photograph the islands, and enjoy the breeze as the catamaran sails. On a clear evening, the horizon becomes the star of the show. One outing even included a double rainbow before sunset, a reminder that weather can add its own surprise.

The actual sailing time is about an hour and a half. That is long enough to feel like a proper outing but short enough to fit before dinner or after a day at the beach. I see it as a particularly good choice for your first evening on St. Thomas, a date night, or a final-night activity when you want something scenic without committing to a full dinner cruise.

Do not expect every minute to be spent under sail. The boat may slow or stop for the best sunset viewing, and that is often the right moment to take photos or eat. One useful tip is to wait until the catamaran settles before filling your plate. Eating while the boat is moving can be awkward, especially when the wind picks up.

Champagne, cocktails, and light food

The package includes champagne, a full open bar, assorted hors d’oeuvres, fees, and taxes. That makes the price easier to understand, since you are not paying $129 and then adding a drink tab at the end.

The bar service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew has been praised for keeping drinks flowing and, at times, serving people at their seats. If you want a cocktail, champagne, or another drink, you should not need to spend the whole cruise standing at a bar.

The food is best viewed as pre-dinner fare. It can include passed bites and assorted hors d’oeuvres, and the food has received plenty of praise. Still, one evening included very limited portions, so you should not book this expecting a filling meal. Have dinner plans afterward, especially if you usually need more than small plates.

Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated when requested at least 72 hours ahead. Alternative items may cost extra. That advance notice matters, so do not wait until you board to explain a serious restriction.

The open bar also changes the mood. This is a social cruise, not a quiet sail in which everyone sits silently watching the horizon. You can expect conversation, music or general activity from the group, and people enjoying the drinks. If you like meeting a mix of people from different places, that can be part of the fun. If you want complete calm, a private charter would be a better fit, though it would likely cost more.

Crew service and the people who make the evening

The crew receives the most consistent praise. Captain Heather is named often, with Captain Jolene, Jackson, Mason, and Mike also recognized for friendly and attentive service.

That attention can matter on a boat. The crew has been described as safety-conscious, helpful with drinks, and attentive to families. A couple traveling with a four-month-old felt well supported, with crew members checking in and helping them stay comfortable. Children are allowed, so this is not an adults-only sailing.

The service can also make the difference when the boat is full. With capacity for up to 80 people, the cruise is not guaranteed to feel small. The crew works to keep drinks and food moving, but you may still find yourself sharing the deck with a sizable group.

Seating is another small consideration. One person suggested more cushions, and you may spend part of the evening standing to get the best view. That is not necessarily a problem during sunset, when standing at the rail is often ideal, but it is worth knowing if you need a fully seated experience.

How the $129 price measures up

At $129 per person, this is not the cheapest way to watch a sunset in St. Thomas. You are paying for the location, the catamaran, the short evening sailing, the open bar, champagne, food, and the convenience of returning to the Ritz-Carlton beach.

I think the value is strongest if you plan to enjoy several drinks and want a polished evening without arranging a separate restaurant reservation. A couple can spend a similar amount quickly on drinks and appetizers at a resort, although the boat adds the sunset and sailing experience.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, want a full meal, or mainly need a quiet place to watch the sun go down. In that case, a public beach viewpoint may give you the sunset for far less. This cruise earns its price through the combination of water views, service, and included refreshments.

The resort association can also raise expectations. One person felt the food portions and sailing did not match the Ritz-Carlton name or price. That is a fair warning. Think of this as a well-served sunset sail departing from a luxury resort, not as a formal Ritz-Carlton dining experience.

Boat changes and what to confirm

The advertised experience may use a named catamaran such as Lady Lynsey, but boat assignments can change. One group was moved to Daydreamer because of a private event on Lady Lynsey and was unhappy that the change was not announced ahead of time.

If the specific boat matters to you, confirm the vessel before departure. Also ask how any price difference or refund will be handled if the operator changes the boat. This is especially important if you are booking for a special occasion or paying for several people.

The operator is Cruz Bay Watersports. Confirmation is issued when you book, but the information provided does not promise hotel pickup. You should plan to reach the Ritz-Carlton on your own and make sure you have a working contact number before setting out.

The activity can be canceled for poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Regular cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Inside that window, the payment is not refundable, and changes are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this sunset sail

I would recommend this cruise for couples, families who want an easy evening activity, and anyone looking for a scenic final drink before dinner. It also suits people staying near the Ritz-Carlton who want to avoid a longer drive to Charlotte Amalie.

Families can participate, but you should not assume the atmosphere will be quiet. Children are allowed, and the boat may carry many people. The crew has shown care toward families with infants, but parents still need to handle beach boarding and keep a close eye on little ones around the water.

This is also a good option for people who value service. Drinks served at your seat, attentive crew members, and a smooth return to the same beach make the evening simple. You do not need to plan several stops or organize your own drinks.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need a substantial dinner, or are uncomfortable boarding from shallow water. I would also think twice if your schedule is tight. St. Thomas traffic and resort parking can work against you, and the boat may leave on time even if you are close by.

My take: book it for the setting, not the meal

The best reason to book the Days End Sunset Sail is the view from the water. Add the open bar, champagne, friendly crew, and a catamaran ride, and the $129 price becomes reasonable for a special evening.

Go in with the right expectations. The food is light, the boat may be busy, cushions may be limited, and the exact vessel can change. Arrive early, bring easy-to-remove footwear, plan dinner afterward, and confirm any dietary needs at least 72 hours ahead.

If you want a relaxed Caribbean sunset with drinks and a resort departure, I would book it. If you want a private, silent sail or a full dinner, choose another type of cruise.

FAQ

Where does the sunset sail depart?

It departs from the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, at 6900 Great Bay, Nazareth, St. Thomas 00802, USVI.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise returns to the Ritz-Carlton meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The sailing lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is champagne included?

Yes. Champagne and a full open bar are included in the price.

Is food included?

Yes. Assorted hors d’oeuvres are included, but the food should be treated as light appetizers rather than a full dinner.

Is parking included?

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

Can children participate?

Yes. Most people can participate, and children are allowed on the cruise.

Can food allergies or dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes. Alternative food items can be arranged with at least 72 hours advance notice. Additional costs may apply.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are also offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.