Elizabeth--we've been on over 30 cruises and know the drill. Years ago, we were on the last tender back to the ship numerous times. Of course that shows you how long ago it was, that I'm even talking about a tender! Regardless, unless something catastrophic happens, no one should be afraid to use a taxi in SXM. Just don't cut it too close. If a person does only cruise ship excursions, you miss out on 95% of what the island is. Again, years ago, we got off the Norway (again, got to be YEARS ago!!) and took the White Squall to St. Barts for the day. No way I would do that now, but we were much younger and braver. To stay on SXM? Take a cab. Cost will be half, the experience will be double.