I think there are plenty of sandy places to enter the water at Rainbow Beach without water shoes. There are rocks on the ends of the beach, which were there long before Maria. The only place where I have ever worn water shoes on St. Croix was at the Annaly Bay Tide Pools. Rainbow Beach is wonderful, but I disagree that it’s the only/best beach option after the hurricanes. I have been to STX many times but never on a cruise, so I’m not sure how much time you are given. Since you’re coming in November by cruise ship, you might consider Sandy Point; that’s a very unique experience and should be open when you’re there. The final scene of Shawshank Redemption was filmed there. Cane Bay is also great, but you’d have to get transportation from the pier. I believe many cruise ship passengers also go to Sand Castle/Dorsch Beach (on the West End just like Rainbow but south rather than north of the pier). I used to love Sprat Hall, which is just north of Rainbow; I felt like Maria hit Sprat Hall hard and it wasn’t the same place. I heard that La Grange Beach, also close to Rainbow, was badly damaged as well. If you have lots of time, Buck Island is fantastic. Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay are also amazing, but, like with Buck Island, you’d need a lot of time.

As previously stated -- if you're in good shape, you can walk it in 15-20 minutes or about a 5 minute taxi ride. Just keep in mind if you walk it and have some drinks there at Rhythm's bar....you might have to walk back if you can't get a taxi. Enjoy - it's a good time there.