Eastern Caribbean advice

[bdm@pga]

We are Dcl veterans but this is the first time on 7 day to the eastern Caribbean. In the Bahamas, we got off the ship the first time, and wasn't impressed. So from then on, we just stayed on the ship in port. This cruise however, we think we might want to explore. Is it possible to just get off and explore or go to the beach without booking an excursion? Are the beaches free? Any help would be appreciated. Just for references...2 adults and 2 children under 12.

[faline]

If your itinerary includes Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, there is a lovely beach and boardwalk right there. It would be very easy to explore on your own here. We stopped at this location on a non-Disney cruise and had to tender from the ship to shore.