HAL Western Carribean Excursions?

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Ariana

Guest
Hi,

I'll be on the Zuiderdam at the end of May. I've been searching around for reviews on shore excursions but have found a minimal amount that pertains to our stops. I want to do all and see all!! Our ports of call include Half Moon Cay (HAL's private island), Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West.

Any suggestions? How do I get the best deals? How do the independent bookings work (ie: do we book on the cruise or before the cruise begins?)?

Thx!



Post Edited (04-01-04 15:37)
 
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Natalia

Guest
Re: HAL Western Carribean

Best deals will be to find things on your own, not the ship tours. Many of the same excursions can be taken independently. In Grand Cayman, go swim with the stingrays, its awesome (Captain Marvins is a great company to do this tour with)!! I did the Atlantis Sub there, that was cool (little pricey but better price on my own than through the ship), glass bottom boat was neat too (although not very long). You can grab a taxi and have them drive you around to see the island highlights, make sure you negotiate a price before you hop in. In Cozumel, I've been to the Tulum ruins (terrific), have to take this one through the ship though as it is basically an all day event. Last time in Coz, we rented a jeep and drove around the island on our own. That was a lot of fun. Theres Chanakaab Park, many say its great (I will be going there later this year). So much to do in Coz, its hard to recommend just one thing. Cant help with the other two ports, havent been to them yet. Have a great time! The western is a fantastic itinerary, especially for a first cruise.
 
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Darlene

Guest
Re: HAL Western Carribean

I don't know what you like to do. You can easily do these ports on your own. Many people bar hop in Key West even though they may arrive in the morning. We took the free tram in to town for a little shopping. No bargains here. You are still in the U.S. You can ride the tram all around town. I think the cost is $18 or less and you can get off and on as much as you like. Hemingway's house is here. On the way back to the ship the free tram stops at Fort Zachary State Park if you want to swim. Many people go to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Lot's to do in Cozumel. For the first time I would say Chankanaab for $10 per person or Mr. Sanchos for free.
 
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paljoeysmom

Guest
We are on the Zuiderdam on 5/1. In Key West take the Conch Train on your own for $18 p/p, afterwards walk around and enjoy the ambience. In Grand Cayman we are booking Nativeways to Stingray City, and the Coral Reef. In Cozumel we will take a taxi for $10 per cab load of folks to Chanukaab (whatever ?) and a $12 p/p entry fee to get in. Then we will rent snorkeling equipment for $5 p/p. In Half Moon Cay no idea. Take your own excursions they are lots cheaper than the cruise lines.

I know for a fact the ship chg's $22 p/p for the Conch Train, and $49 each to see the Stingrays.
 
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