We will be in St. Martin on a day when 3 huge cruiseships are there. Wondering if we should head to Orient Beach or stay right at beach near hotel due to crowds.

I'm a bit worried about the condition of Orient. We had been there a few years ago and it was wonderful.

Two schools of thought come to mind.

Having been a Pasanggrahan guest, they do provide free chairs and umbrellas on their portion of beach but you tend to see a lot of cruise ship guests wandering through the boardwalk in that general area. Not a bad thing and not at all problematic to me but to some this might be a turn-off. If you fall into that category another beach might not be a bad idea, assuming you have a car and don't mind moving around.

Personally speaking, if there are a lot of ships or particularly large ones in, I'm thinking Orient might be a more crowded option too since the cruise ships often promote 'the nude beach' as a place to go and see, if not be seen. And almost everyone has heard of and wants to see 'a real nude beach'........ even if Orient is really a 'clothing optional' choice. Taxis drop passengers off along the beach in pretty sizable numbers all day long.

If you really want to avoid the crowds, you might want to select one of the less crowded beaches like Baie Rouge or Simpson Bay Beach. My personal favorite is Friars on a good day........

My favorite island beach is Mullet but unfortunately, if its a really busy cruise ship day you will probably see three or four party boats there bringing their cruise ship excursion guests to this beach.

On that one day, I would probably head somewhere else, if it were me. Unless, as Pat said, you like seeing a constant parade in front of your chair. I might pick that day to go to Dreams or Anse Marcel Beach Club..

Thanks for advice. Think we will head to Club O. (nudists for years)

OK, then, sounds the way to go. Just might want to get up and around early to get a good seat on the beach. I'd try to get there no later than 10.

Just an FYI to those who haven't been to Friars Bay since last year, the road has been fixed and has no potholes. It to me is one of the best beaches but the road was almost impassable. The restaurant there is fabulous. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />