Arrived on the sunshine Feb 28th along with 5 other ships. Was a bit concerned about transit to and from Maho with that many people in town, but it was not an issue. Rode the water taxi across to the shopping center and caught the bus from there. Just look for the bus that has a "maho" sign in the window. Cost pp was 2.00 each way. Transit time from the shopping center was 30 minutes going and 35 returning. Caught the return bus in front of the "market/grocery store" next to the airport for the return.
I don't recommend the beach for swimming, it was packed, the waves were huge, and they beach itself is quite steep with maybe a 20 ft landing on top between the street and water.
One large wave made it all the way to the street, soaked everyones beach towels, shoes (including mine) and everything else on the sand. Stayed about 2 hours saw 2 737's land and a number of small atr7's and other puddle jumping aircraft. No large planes took off during the morning 10 to 12ish, i believe you have to wait until at least mid afternoon for the larger aircraft to leave, but didn't want to chance being late to the ship.
