This was our first Carnival cruise also. We have cruised before with Barefoot, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. We picked this cruise because of it departing New Orleans and the ports were ones that we had never been to before.
We had a great time on the cruise. The ship is gorgeous. The staff though friendly, I thought were not as friendly as the other cruise lines we had been on. For the first time we booked all our own excursions and did not go through the ship. On talking to others who went on the ship's excursions I felt we made the right decision, not only in cost, but overall experience.
In Montego Bay we decided to go to Rose Hall Beach which is a private beach about a 1/2 hour away from the port. We were lucky enough to get a cabbie by the name of Norman who drove us back and forth to the beach, to shopping and then back to the ship. He was very attentive, on time and gave some insight into life in Jamaica. The beach was very beautiful and secluded. The staff very attentive. The cost for the beach all day was $6 a person. The club offers jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, bar, restauranet, showers, etc. We went snorkeling for $25 a person. After the beach Norman picked us up and took us to a store where he knew the owner who took care of us, then we went across the street to Margaritaville for a drink and watch the entertainment. After that Norman picked us up again and drove us back to the ship. Cabs are not cheap in Jamaica so if you have a group of people to share it with will make it cheaper. We paid $90 + tip for having Norman all day long. You can check out the beach club via the internet. I found them through searching on Montego Bay's web site.
In Grand Cayman we booked our snorkel excursion through Captain Marvin's. In reading this board you will see many people referring to this company. We took the 2-1/2 hour snorkel tour which cost us $35 a person. They also offer all day and 1/2 day excursions. I suggest if you decide to book with Captain Marvin to book ahead on line. They only charge you when you arrive and check in, no charge for a no show. We had a tour guide by the name of Marshall. He did a great job. Snorkeling was much more pleasureable with 12 people instead of the 50+ that the ship excursions have. Their web site I believe is
www.captainmarvins.com
In Cozumel we changed our minds a couple of times and last minute decided to go to the beach at Playa San Francisco and passed on the Chankannab park. It was a good decision. The park is very laid pack and you have access to walk miles on the beach. There is a fresh water swimming pool with water volleyball, showers, bar, restaurant, etc. at this beach. Total cost was I believe was $8 taxi ride there, $5 a chair and umbrella for all day. You can also snorkel from the beach though we didn't because we were just too lazy. If you don't bring your snorkel equipment it is available for rental, plus all other water sports are available. Plenty of taxis are available to take you from from the port to the beach and then to take you back to the ship or the town of San Miguel, which we did and had some refreshments at Senor Frog.
Any other questions just let me know!
Cruiseaway