Another choice is to do a non Disney sponsored excursion. We are currently planning on using Bernards tours in St. Maarten. It has a lot of positive reviews on cruisecritic, but we haven't booked quite yet. If we can get enough people interested in similar things, we could also go with a private tour through Bernards. We are hoping to change the public tour around a little bit to make sure we are at Maho beach for the larger planes landing in the afternoon. Cost is much cheaper than most of the Disney excursions and you get to see a little bit more of the actual island.
http://www.bernardstours.com/interest.htm
The tour will consist of the following stops.
Great Bay overlooking Phillipsburg and harbor.
Cayhill overlooking Simpson Bay marina.
Sunset Beach bar ( Maho Beach ) where you can see the planes land right over your head.
Marigot - open market (French Capital).
Hilltop at Orient Bay overlooking the beach.
Swim at Orient Beach for up to two hours, as time allows.
Return to Philipsburg will be between 1:30 and 2:00, depending on factors.
Note: Shopping at the Rima's store will be for 20 minutes if time allows.
Note: Each scenic stop will be between 5 to 10 minutes.
Note: The Marigot open market will be a 30 minute stop.
Note: Upon your return to Philipsburg, you will be offered a direct return to the ship at the Cruise Facility, or you may choose to remain in Philipsburg for shopping and return to the ship on your own.
If anyone else is interested, please post or PM me.
Thanks
Ed, DW, DD11