Lauren123

My In-Laws did it back in September and loved it. We were thinking about doing the same one on our Cruise in May. They did say the catamaran was basically a "booze cruise" and people did get loud on the way back. It didn't bother them, but not sure how you'd feel about that if you have kids with you. As for the beach, that was great as well, and even as older adults they themselves used the inflatables and slides and had a blast. I can't say exactly how much time each event was but I know they were satisfied. 

I imagine that once you are off the ATV's for good then you can do anything you want. I recall our ATV excursion at either St. Thomas or St. Maarten (I got those 2 ports mixed up the whole time we were on that cruise !!) that the beach break was right in the middle of the excursion.  We rode our bikes to the beach, swam or ate (or whatever we wanted to do) and then got back on our bikes and rode back to the shop.  I believe it was in St. Maarten.  I think the beach we went to was Orient Beach b/c I seem to recall that some of our friends went to the "nude" side. I, however, lingered at the cantina.  I had no interest in seeing something that I would never be able to un-see (re: my male friends, I mean).

I disagree on not using 3rd party excursions.  You simply have to know your times and book with someone reliable.  A lot of times the cruise line will charge almost double for the same excursion.  Most 3rd party excursions fully refund you if your ship does not arrive, just watch their terms of service.  Also, they are typically less crowded.  If you use a well known and highly rated 3rd party they will get you back to the ship on time.  Their livelihood depends on it.  If you are new to traveling and want to do something far from the port that is when you should stick with the cruise line.  Research will save you money and provide a very personal experience.