The Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean Cruise - activity recommendations

We are taking an Eastern Cabibbean Cruise from Miami to San Jaun, St. Thomas, and St. Martin for 7 nights, I am looking for some port recommendations, good beaches, good food (we will have a 3 year old with us) and any must sees that will be convenient.

We only 5 hours in the evening in San Juan - would love to get a feel for the area to see if we would like to come back sometime.

Thanks

Hi: St. Thomas has become an exceedingly commercial port. Years ago you could get great bargains there, but in the last 20 years or so, it is not true. I would avoid the shopping areas and go to the many fantastic beaches they have. By the way, my general rule of thumb is to not book any tours with the cruiseline (unless it is something extraordinary). When you come off the ship in those ports there are tons of vans, with the drivers offering all kinds of tours for much less than the cruiseline....and....you can bargain with them. My favorite island is St. Martin. We always book a driver that takes us first to the flea market where you really do get bargains....a few aditional stops and winiding up at Orient Beach. Orient Beach is half a dressed beach and half nude beach. We get dropped off where people are dressed. There are a few little food stands and one in particular, can't remember the name but you will surely see it, has live music with many guests dancing and partying. It is a fun place to have a burger at. As for San Juan, I would simply take a stroll through Old San Juan. While many will suggest El Morro, I found it a very disappointing old fort to see. The shops in OSJ are fun to look in and the clothing shops usually allow you to bargain.

Thanks for the information - I am doing some further research on some other boards as well. Our friends are kinda cheap and don't want to eat any meals except on the cruise since it is paid for (that is not how we live) so I am going to find us some nice spots for the beach and lunch and maybe I can talk the hubby into buying me another diamond :D

is there anything fun and exciting in ST. Thomas

Try the forum at Cruisecritic.com