We are booked on a 9-night Eastern Carribbean cruise at the end of March on Explorer of the Seas. Need advice on where to go on each island when you get off. Want beach time, but not somewhere that the cruise people are not wanted, which is at the resorts..I guess public beaches with some amenities, such as lounge chairs/umbrellas is what I am looking for. Stops are St. Thomas, DR and Puerto Rico. ANy advice??

Do you know about the cruisecritic website? They have forums, one of which addresses specific cruise ports. I have found it useful in the past. Also, I might do a search here on the Carribbean forum on specific ports - or perhaps post individually question such as "Public beaches in DR near cruiseport" or whatever you want.

Thanks gail - I will check out the cruisecritic website....

Why do we always have to bow to cruisecritic? Let's prove Fodorites are not any less experts! Here is my 2c: St. Thomas - great beach is Magens Bay beach. Last time they charged $3 p.p. admission at beach. Just take taxi. I heard Coki beach is also good but haven't been there. In PR, there is a beach close to pier, haven't been there either. You can also take a ship shore trip to rain forest. I remember lots of amazing orchids and waterfall of youth in the forest.

Thanks Gail...

I have spent the last days/hours on cruisecritic...Never heard of it...Am now signed up for the meet and mingle for our sailing...Makes it a bit more interesting - and getting lots of advice on excursions......

You are welcome dcap127