Welcome aboard, Kimberly! It's only a few weeks now until you set sail, and if you're anything like me, I imagine you might already have a suitcase or two out and ready to drop items into as you begin to pack!
The
Island Drive and Explorer Cruise is a great Port Adventure. Besides the adventure itself, I love that guests have the option to return to the cruise pier with the group or return to downtown Philipsburg. Those who head back to Philipsburg will need to find their own return transportation to the pier to reboard the cruise later in the day. You might consider returning with the group to Philipsburg, which is on the Dutch side of the island, then catching a taxi for the approximately 15 - 20 minute ride to the French side of the island where you'll find Orient Beach. You'll see plenty of taxis waiting at Orient Beach to take you back to the ship when you're ready.
Just watch your time as you finish the Port Adventure and determine how much time you'll have left to visit Orient Beach. Depending on when your adventure ends, you can determine if you'll feel comfortable time-wise to head over to Orient Beach, or if it's best to head back to the ship. But, be sure to leave plenty of time to return to the ship from the beach if you go, as you wouldn't want to miss the boat! I believe that All Aboard time for the ship in St. Maarten is usually around 6:30 p.m., which leaves you quite a bit of the day to explore, but check your Personal Navigator that day to confirm the exact All Aboard time for your port stop.
I hope that helps as you count down these last few weeks until you head out to sea with Captain Mickey and the gang! Have a wonderful cruise, Kimberly!