i do have to disagree with jd a bit.....one or two ships IS a big deal...especially when they are two of the monster ships....the 5 thousand passenger type. Our opinion, is if one is going into town...best time is around 3 or 4. many ships gone already.....and the ones that arent gone, most people are back at them. Also, the later in the day...the better the pricing!!!!! I noticed last month, that Orient didn't seem as crowded this year with cruisers... I think a lot our using Great Bay as their destination beach....