i just booked a cruise through disney and we are stopping in st. maarten's for one day and st. thomas for one day. was wondering what the best spots were to hit since i'm only there for a day, and whether or not i should book the excursions through disney or if it would be cheaper and easier to just go out on my own?

You most likely will not have too much time. If shopping is not your thing I would rent a car and head for the beach!

I have only been there once but I enjoyed Dawn and Orient beaches.

The cruise ship will have excursions to a few places. Most people will say Orient Beach. I happen to think Oeient is too commercial. Dawn used to be nice until the Westin was built. If you do not want to do the excursion thing you can rent a car for the day and explore on your own. If you do not want to rent a car you can find a taxi at the pier and make arrangements to have them pick you up when you want. I happen to like Mullet Bay and Friars Bay.

When in St Thomas we took the ferry from Red Hook to St Johns and went to Cinnamon Bay. You can take a ferry from Charlotte Amalie to St Johns also. The cruise excursion will suggest Trunk Bay which is beautiful but will be crowded with cruisers.

Can you explain the difference between Mullet Bay and Friars Bay, I'm just now starting to research a trip to the island for the first time.Thanks.

Mullet Bay and Friar's bay are two different beaches. Mullet is only several minutes north of the airport, Friar's is further, on the other side of Marigot, the French capitol. Of the two, I prefer Friar's; if tou buy lunch, you are provided with chairs and umbrella, also. Plus, there is another beach nearby, Happy Bay, only accessable by walking (10-15 minutes) that is more remote, but also quite scenic.

Friar's Bay is a smaller beach.very calm,with 2 nice beach bar/restaurants on it.
Mullet Bay beach is a longer beach. it can be calm or have some good surf depending on weather.
there are 2 small beach bars there.
each beach is very beautiful.