We have been long time visitors to the island and have arrived by air and sea. St. Maarten/St. Martin relies heavily on the tourist business and without the cruise ships would suffer greatly. I realize the cruisers do not spend the same amount of money as they once did, but neither do other visitors. It is a sign of the times influenced by the economy.I also realize the infrastructure does not lend itself to so many visitors, but neither does that of other islands we have visited.Perhaps in the future we might see some changes, but there is only so much land to deal with so really I am not expecting too much improvement in this area.

So Yes. I do feel that cruisers are GOOD for the island regardless whether other visitors are happy about it or not. It should not even be our concern. We are merely visitors to this country and are privileged to enjoy nature's beauty there.