I suppose I should edit my comment about the need to make reservations during Christmas/New Year in SXM. I was thinking about us and we have not made reservations in years without any problems. We generally dine earlier than the "Cosmopolitan" folks and don't frequent the more popular fine cuisine establishments as often as we used to.
Have not noticed price bump in dining but of course pay the higher rental car rate and endure the cattle herding associated with air travel.