Returning Your Rental Car Before Cruise Departure

For cruise passengers who rent a car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National on St. Thomas, returning the vehicle before cruise departure is critical. Missing your ship because of a late rental return is a costly mistake. Here is how to manage the return process safely.

Plan Your Return Time

Calculate your return time based on your ship's departure:

• Ship departure: Usually 4-6 PM
• Latest safe return: 2 hours before departure
• Buffer for inspection: 15-30 minutes
• Buffer for transportation to port: 15-20 minutes
• Buffer for port procedures: 30-45 minutes

Work Backward from Departure

Example: If your ship departs at 5 PM:

• 4:00 PM — Be back at the cruise terminal
• 3:30 PM — Leave the rental facility
• 3:00 PM — Complete the vehicle return and inspection
• 2:30 PM — Arrive at the rental facility
• 2:15 PM — Fill up with gas

This gives you a 2-hour buffer before departure.

Fuel Up Before Returning

Remember the full-to-full fuel policy:

• Find a gas station near the rental facility
• Fill up before heading to the facility
• Save your fuel receipt
• Do not skip this — refueling charges are very high

Return Process

1. Drive to the rental car facility at STT
2. An attendant will inspect the vehicle for damage
3. Remove all personal belongings
4. Finalize the rental agreement
5. Take a taxi back to the cruise terminal

Taxi from Facility to Port

Taxis are available at the rental facility to take you back to the cruise port:

• 5-10 minute ride to WICO dock
• 5 minute ride to Crown Bay dock
• Taxis are typically waiting near the facility
• If no taxi is available, call one or ask the rental staff for help

Tips for a Smooth Return

• Keep track of time throughout the day
• Set an alarm for your departure deadline
• Don't try to squeeze in one more stop
• Allow extra time for traffic
• Have cash ready for gas and taxi
• Remove all belongings before the inspection

What If You're Running Late?

If you are running behind schedule:

• Skip the gas fill-up (better to pay the refueling fee than miss your ship)
• Call the rental facility to let them know you are coming
• Take a taxi directly to the port if the return is taking too long
• Deal with the rental return later — your ship is the priority

Never Miss Your Ship

The most important rule: your ship will not wait. Always err on the side of caution and return your rental car with plenty of time to spare.