When we stayed there several years ago, we bought groceries to fix breakfast & meals. We frequently ate out for late lunches (to keep restaurant costs down). We found that menu items similar to evening menu but portions a bit smaller and prices considerably smaller! Plus less crowds & no waiting for a table.
The 2 times we stayed on GCM, we were on 7 Mile Beach and didn't find it that crowded. Certain places along the beach get packed when cruise ships are in, but not the entire beach. The sand and water entry is soooo much better on 7 Mile. We were all packed to go a 3rd time to stay on East End at Morritts Tortuga but Hurricane Ivan arrived a day ahead of us. That hurricane was quite destructive to that resort and other places on GCM. Since then, we have been back to GCM on 5 cruises, but have been going to St. Maarten for long stays. We are interested in going back to GCM for a week or 2. We found it easy to drive all around the island once Mike got used to driving on the left side of the roads and parking lots!