There were five huge ships in port and everyone came to Sunset Bar and Grill. There were hundreds on the beach, busses and taxis everywhere. Signs saying you must order food to use a table(not just a drink) and live music that was so loud you could not hear someone talking a foot away. We walked away and had a wonderful lunch ar "Bar Code", a new small restaurant behind the medical school. About SB&G, as Yogi Berra said, "no one goes there anymore. It is too crowded"! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I think those signs on the tables are permanent, but just not enforced if there are a bunch of ships in.

Where is Bar Code behind the Medical School?

Is Bar Code where Albas used to be?

SXM??? Wendell

Turn into the medical school driveway and follow the road when it turns left. Bar Code is on the right. I do not know what it was before this.

It was not anything before this. That building has been a work in progress for several years.

That's why I always go down to the Driftwood Boat Bar. It's fun sitting at the bar there and people watching.

Not all of them were at Sunset. Orient beach was also packed. Not enough chairs at Club O, many were sitting on their towels on the sand.

And most of this is due to the fact SBAG is selling tours/packages on the ships.

Is this a fact? Are they selling the tour directly and what is included?

Transportation and a couple of drinks, it will depend on the package.

SBAG even mentions it on their site along with TripAdvisor.

Here is one Example

Haven't been here in 2 years and see a big increase in crowds everywhere
Mostly due to cruise ships
If you get 5 in 1 day that's thousands of people
That will ruin a very nice island
I now have to get the cruise schedule and plan around it

No one goes to Sunset Beach Bar for solitude, food or service! It is for the atmosphere! Food, drinks are all optional. Yes there will be crowds! Popular place now. Service at the bar there is crappy. We walk around getting drinks at Marty's, Driftwood, and SBAG. Just have fun watching the planes, but not for everyone.

Looks like the package is a tour company package selling to the cruise passengers. There is no mention that SSBG is directly selling the package. Didn't see any mention of it on SSBG's web page.

Under the FAQ:

"For reliable service, you might want to make a reservation ahead of your travels with Amigo Tours or Jo Junie Tours."

They are directing people where to book if they want transportation. Do you really think SBAG has nothing in this?

They are being directed to Sunset, yes, and Sunset gets the benefit, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are part of the booking process. But regardless, can't say I blame them if they were. They're in business to make money..

The bar is not directly involved with the marketing of the tour but the tour operator pays a discounted price for included drinks etc and the ship take 40 to 60% of the trip rate. Sunset Bar and Grill is directly marketed in the tour.

So $2 of the $4 beer goes to the ship?

SXM??? Wendell

Carol, I agree, everyone on the island has to make money when and how they can, and I am sure the cruisers will never forget SXM if they go to SSBG. We just wanted a burger and then to get back to the pool at the Towers. We were astounded at what we saw and I thought I would share. I know I am out of the loop on music these days, but I really don't get music so loud that the roar of the big jets is drowned out?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> That roar is a big part of the fun for me.

Exactly....we have been visiting the beach for MANY years and I can only remember eating there once. It is theater on a beach and it is a great show.

We do the Driftwood thing and usually bring some starters in a cooler (left in the car)..short walk to save $9-10/round....sit on the wall/rocks and watch the clueless.

It is most definitely NOT a day at the beach...although friends of ours go early and get chairs/umbrella facing the incoming planes and hang there until Air France lands around 430p.

Don't know about the music, but when we stay at Beachside, we go right past there all the time and some days it is an absolute madhouse, for sure!

I'm glad we got our fill in the less-crowded, quieter days. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> During our visit last month, it was so crowded with taxis and cars, we couldn't get anywhere near it. Not that we wanted to. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

I always know that I am "home" when I go by the bar and see all the happy people. We usually go to Driftwood or over to Marty's but the vibe is still the same! Happy people on vacation!

That is why we don't go anymore during high season. We found we can go late November, early December, and still enjoy a less crowded island.

We go early for breakfast or wait until late afternoon, the cruisers have generally headed back to the ship.

No a high percent of the TOUR rate goes to the ship and the tour operator probably gets the beers of 50 cents.