We Are Going to the Bahamas!

Written on 08/02/2024
Greg Guastavino

February 2025



Hawksnest Beach​

Our Trip to St. Thomas is Sold Out!

Thank you to our Faithful Men who have registered for the Marine Biology Society research trip to St. Thomas.

Students who are still interested in attending may join the waiting list by emailing Mrs. Frydberg.  If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted in the order in which your waiting list request was received.

 


Trip Details



Sunday, February 16, 2025 - Thursday, February 20, 2025

Casa De Petrus Villas - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

A maximum of 19 students. Chapperoned by Mr. Tobacco, Mrs. Frydberg, and other Monsignor Farrell Faculty.

Depart and return from Newark Liberty International Airport for St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (students and parents are responsible for their own transportation to and from Newark).

 

About Casa De Petrus Villas

We will have the entire Casa De Petrus Villas to ourselves.  Click here for a photo gallery of this amazing property!
 
Two students per room with a shared king or queen bed and private bathroom.
 
Casa De Petrus Villas is a multi-villa Caribbean compound that sleeps 24 guests - 12 Bedrooms, 12 Beds, and 12 Bathrooms with a pickleball and basketball court.


Interior of one of the villas​

 


Expansive windows and doors ensure captivating sunrise and sunset backdrops of the Caribbean Sea. The villa resort is comprised of 3 distinct and separate villas, each designed with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a resort-like waterfall or swim-up private pool to the master bedroom, and all the trappings of a 5-star resort, including an outdoor recreational facility that has a pickleball and a basketball court as well as a cornhole and giant tic-tac-toe board. All villas are fully air-conditioned. Additionally, there is a backup generator on site.

This island oasis is perched on Cabrita Point Peninsula, the easternmost point on St. Thomas and overlooks the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and St. James Islands. 


Passports/ID



US citizens do not need a passport to travel to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. However, they must carry proof of citizenship and a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include:
 
1. **Proof of Citizenship**: This can be a certified birth certificate or a Certificate of Naturalization.
2. **Government-Issued Photo ID**: Such as a driver's license or state ID card.
 
While a passport is not required, we strongly recommend that each student has a valid US passport.


Cost and Payment Schedule



The total trip cost is $3,950 per student.  All meals and excursions are included in the trip price with the exception of breakfast and lunch on departure day (Thursday, February 20th).


Trip Itinerary


 (subject to change)


Casa De Petrus Villas


Sunday, February 16th

5:00 am: Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport

7:00 am: Depart for St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Cyril E. King Airport

12:04 pm: Land at Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

1:00 pm: Board charter bus

2:00 pm: Lunch at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville 

3:30 pm: Check into Casa De Petrus Villas, drop off bags

4:00 pm: Board charter bus

4:30 pm: Sky Ride to Paradise Point

6:30 pm: Depart Paradise Point

7:00 pm: Dinner at Sun & Sea Bar and Grill



Sky Ride to Paradise Point


Monday, February 17th

7:45 am: Board charter bus

8:00 am: Arrive at Coral World Ocean Park

8:15 am: Breakfast at The Beach Café

9:30 am: Shark Talk

10:00 am: Dolphin Talk

10:20 am: Shark Encounter

11:00 am: Sea Lion Presentation

11:30 am: Caribbean Reef Encounter

Noon: Lunch at The Shark Bar

2:00 pm: Dolphin Splash and Swim and Sea Lion Encounter

4:00 pm: Depart Coral World Ocean Park



Coral World Ocean Park​

 


4:15 pm: Arrive at Casa De Petrus Villas, change clothes

5:00 pm: Board charter bus

5:30 pm: Arrive at VI Jet Boat Tours 

6:30 pm: Board charter bus

7:00 pm: Arrive at Casa De Petrus Villas, shower/change for dinner

8:00 pm: Board charter bus

8:15 pm: Dinner at Sudi’s Caribbean Bar & Grille

 



VI Jet Boat Tours


Tuesday, February 18th


8:00 am: Breakfast

9:00 am: Board charter bus to Red Hook

10:00 am: Board ferry to St. John

10:45 am: Arrive at Cruz Bay, St. John

11:00 am: Lind Point Trail hiking

1:00 pm: Lunch at The Longboard  

3:00 pm Depart for the beach (Salomon or Hawksnest)



Casa De Petrus Villas


5:00 pm: Return to Cruz Bay

6:00 pm: Dinner at High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill

8:00 pm: Board ferry to St. Thomas

8:45 pm: Board charter bus to return to Casa De Petrus Villas



Snorkel Cat All-Inclusive Adventure


Wednesday, February 19th

9:45 am: Board charter bus

10:00 am: Arrive at Margaritaville

10:30 am: Snorkel Cat All-Inclusive Adventure (breakfast and lunch included)

3:30 pm: Arrive back at Margaritaville

4:00 pm: Board charter bus to Casa De Petrus Villas

4:15 pm: Relax and unwind, enjoy the pool at Casa De Petrus Villas

5:30 pm: Either a guest speaker at Casa De Petrus Villas or Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom activities 

7:30 pm: Dinner TBD

9:30 pm: Board charter bus back to Casa De Petrus Villas



Casa De Petrus Villas

 


Thursday, February 20th

7:30 am: Pack for home

8:30 am: Breakfast

9:30 am: Board charter bus

10:00 am: Arrive at Pirate Treasure Museum 

11:30 am: Board charter bus to Cyril E. King Airport. *Lunch at airport is not included in trip price.

2:00 pm: Flight departs for Newark Liberty International Airport (actual flight time is subject to change)

6:00 pm: Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport 

 


Travel Insurance & Refund Policy



Optional Third-Party Travel Insurance

Monsignor Farrell High School strongly encourages all who are participating in the Marine Biology Society Research Trip to St. Thomas, USVI, to independently seek and secure travel insurance. Travel insurance is an essential safeguard against unforeseen circumstances that may impact your ability to participate in the trip. We recommend the following three respected travel insurance providers for your consideration:

Travel Guard by AIG
www.travelguard.com
Phone:1-800-826-1300

Allianz Global Assistance
www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Phone: 1-866-884-3556

Travelex Insurance Services
www.travelexinsurance.com
Phone: 1-800-228-9792

Please review and choose the insurance plan that best meets your individual needs.


Refund Policy


Monsignor Farrell High School will not refund any funds received for the Marine Biology Society Research Trip to St. Thomas, USVI, under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to the following situations:

  1. If a student is not in good standing with the Dean's Office.
  2. If a student is not in financial good standing with the Office of the Bursar.
  3. If the school must rescind an invitation to a student for any reason.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet all the necessary requirements and maintain good standing throughout the process.

By participating in this trip, you acknowledge and agree to this policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful experience for all involved.