Any strategy to avoid Baths crowds?

Hi, we arrive on March 21st on the Epic from 8am until 6pm. Any strategy for avoiding crowds at the Baths? Go earlier? Go later? Is that a good place to stay for the day, or would you suggest incorporating other things into the day? We're a party of 10 and would like primarily a "relaxing beach day".

It looks like the Epic is in Europe at that time. Is that the right ship? I see the Escape there on Mar 30 along with the Spirit?

With 10 hrs in port you may be able to avoid the biggest crowds by timing your visit, and drivers there may be able to help with that. You could enjoy Savannah Bay (or Spring Bay which is within walking distance to the Top of the Baths) first, then head to the Baths. But you can't totally avoid the crowd at the Baths simply because you are part of it. Land visitors will go there early or late that day to avoid the cruise ship crowd. There are also a few day sails that go there from STT daily and it can get quite crowded with bigger ships in port.

For "primarily a relaxing beach day" I'd just stay on Tortola and head for either Brewers Bay or Long Bay (West End). You'll find more details on the different in other threads on this forum, this one has basic descriptions in post #1 -

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1877491

Note that the Long Bay Resort no longer offers day passes or access to a pool, but they do rent lounges for $5 each and there is a restaurant and restrooms. LB is a beautiful, "picture postcard" nice long walking beach with beautiful island views and pelicans diving. It can be rougher however and is rockier on the west end, so for wading and swimming Brewers would be a better choice.

Of course Smuggler's is a short taxi past LB and is the most gorgeous beach on the island IMHO. There may be free lounges there and Nigel may be selling drinks and food but no guarantee. Also not sure if the portapotty is still in the parking lot. You'd need to have a driver return for sure. These are the inconveniences for a beach less visited...

Taxi to Brewers (and Cane Garden Bay if you want more beach bar options) is $8pp each way, $12pp to LB. Ferry and taxi to the Baths would run about $40pp round trip.