Mamie, remember that the days that there are no cruise ships in, the shops are closed. I think the shopping is better when there are only 1 or 2 in port, they are open but not as crowded. Most say the days that there are 4 or 5 in port might be a day to spend off the island (day sail or ferry to another island).

I asked the same question some months back here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=5&tid=34904296

Mamie:

It's all relative......We've travelled to STT many many times...even via cruise ship. Being from the Jersey Shore area the word crowded in New Jersey has a different meaning than on STT. Don't worry about how many ships are in port. We've shopped at Havensight several times with 2+ ships in port and still found a parking spot in their lot. As for crowded beaches.....I've never seen a "crowded" beach on STT, but then again it's all relative. In NJ a crowded beach is when you can't get to the water without walking on someone else's blanket.

One tip, however, rent a car! You'll be glad you did.

Have a good trip.

F.I.

Only question I would have, is what is your concern about cruise ship passengers? You'll still have a good time even if you run into them. Think of a crowd as an opportunity to meet new people.

mamie...don't worry about the cruise ship passengers. They only place we went where I thought it was crowded, including the roads was mountaintop. Even at that, it was no big deal. Just go about doing what you want to do...

Ok, sounds as though cruise ships are a non-issue; concern was that streets, shops would be clogged with people running frantically from one duty free to another. Experienced this on Santorini to some extent. Thank you!

Future Islander, we pick up a rental car the day we arrive.

Mamie, you'll be fine. One or two ships is no biggie. Just go and enjoy your trip. Though don't forget about being on island time.

I have to say I am not a crowd lover so I have a different opinion than most on this subject. We went to Megan's & Coki's on a big cruise day & just looked & turnes away.Way too crowded for us I can do that at home. We spent the rest of our week in STJ via the ferry on deserted beaches. So, it is up to your preference where you go.

Unless there are more than three ships in port, I don't change my plans.

Are you going during summer? If so, there are normally 2 ships. Don't worry about that...they spread out enough not to make an impact. If 3 or more, I would avoid Coki since it is a small beach and there's not much room to "get away". Magens Bay....drive all the way to the far left when you arrive....hit the sand where you can't drive anymore...then walk to your left. It'll be deserted.

If you're really concerned, ht the beaches where the ship people don't go....Brewers, Emerald, Hull, Neltjberg. Or even the remote "hike to only" beaches like Sunsi Bay.

In summer, I wouldn' worry. It' the high season "5 - 6 ship" days that worry me!

Neltjberg is quite a ride to get to. Sunsi is new to me. Where is that?

Sunsi is around the area called Estates Tabor and Harmony. It is kind of between Peterborg and Tutu. You would NEVER see the beach unless you were going to it. (I can hear the locals cursing me at this moment - sorry y'all!)

Last I was told, a fence was erected. Locals, as usual, were protesting by cutting holes and going through the fence. Not sure of the current situation. Entry is high up on the mountain, with steep walk down and a steep climb back up. I spoke with someone who lives at one of the closest homes on the mountain...he said 30 minutes down, but 1 hr back up. From what I've been told, snorkeling and diving is really great at this beach. Even with a little publicity, it is hard to get to. The roads in this neighborhood are dirt and rough! Think Neltjberg....maybe worse...then a steep, long walk.

Here's the view of the beach and the bay, courtesy of the website for one of the close villas - Moonpath Villa.