ashevegas

I've read a number of posts where people say try not to go there(insert the island name here) on the days when the cruise ships dock.
How can you find out what those days are?

Traveler

Do a google search for the port authority web site for (insert the island name here). For example, Grand Cayman's cruise ship schedule can be found at http://www.caymanport.com/schedule.htm

I'm not sure all islands have this online, and I know that weather, etc. will cause changes, but this is a good indication of what is supposed to be there on any given day.

CF

A lot of hotels on the islands have a schedule of the cruises. You can also get them9schedules) in those little what to see-do-eat booklets that they have for free in hotels, stores and the airport.

snorkelcat

St. Thomas also has the cruise ship days posted on a website and I think you can call the tourist office stateside and get a copy of St. Thomas This Week and there is a copy of the cruise ship schedule there. If you travel to the Caribbean in the summer, you will be dealing with fewer ships.

Basically for islands that get many ships like Grand Caymen and St. Thomas, you don't need to avoid the island - just avoid certain locations. For example, on cruise ship days in St. Thomas, if you avoid downtown and the beaches the cruise ship recommends (Magens) you can find quiet beaches and non crowded places easily. I use this strategy on cruises as well - go to off the beaten path, lovely locations and have a great time!

Knowing

I saw on another thread that you will be there at the same time we are, so I know that there will be cruise ships in every day. Guess we will just have to put up with a lot of people. One other comment I'd like to pass along. This is our first trip to this island, but on other islands, when we have told salespeople where we were staying and not on the cruise ships, we have paid less for items that we've bought. It's worth a try there as well.