Dena, EMDEE, KathyZ, joannapv, KarenS-- Thank you all for your insights. This site and its occupants is really wonderful. Everyone jumps right in and makes us feel "right at home" and more eager than ever to get this trip under way- waiting is so hard! Sorry I haven't been on-line for a couple of days- we've been in Atlantic City sharpening our losing skills.
Dena, we certainly will take your advice about getting business out of the way when we get on board. Your list of things to do will help a lot, that's for sure. As for my query about watershoes, I get the idea as soon as you mention sea urchins! I am not familiar with cone shells (poisonous?). I didn't realize though that the composition of the beach was not soft sand- that's what I would expect in paradise! At any rate, our shoes have been mailed from an on-line store and should be here any day now.
I did find Susan W's review and found it really well written and informative, as were some others regarding the islands that followed slightly different itineraries.
KarenS... I don't know you, but you're a gem! If I can get organized enough to take a pic of Diana and myself, get it onto my computer, and get it mailed to you, I would be happy to have you post it for us. I am so used to film photography that I have not devoted enough time to learning how to use my new digital camera, so even downloading pics to my computer is still an adventure!
Well, I've got to go for now, but again, thanks to everyone for the information. If anyone has more gtreat tips, we'd be glad to reaed them. How we wish we were cruising with all of you!