Port excursions--Cozumel and Grand Cayman

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tncin

Guest
I am interested in knowing if it is better to do snorkeling/SNUBA in either Cozumel or the Grand Cayman or if it makes a difference. Seems to me that there is more to do in Cozumel than just that but not a lot more to do in the Caymans. Also, is it worth it to pay more for SNUBA than snorkel. Have snorkeled before. Just seems like you are always coming up and adjusting the mask/snorkel. Didn't know if it is worth the extra money. Haven't seen a post while I was lurking about SNUBA at all.

Thanks for any info.

Cindy
 
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Madam Z

Guest
I've taken the Western Caribbean cruise with Carnival Twice - once in 2003, than again in 2005 - Cozumel has GREAT shopping but beware - the "Australian Opal" and "diamonds" are not real - anywhere but the ship. Buyer beware we found out when we got home and one of the diamonds fell out of the ring. The jeweler had a good laugh on us. I paid $500.00 for the ring. Learned a good lesson. I've never Snuba'd but I have snorkeled in Grand Cayman - don't pay for the expensive excursion there. Just walk about 5 minutes at the pier - there will be a little shack that rents out snorkels & fins - good ones for about $15.00 total for two. We purchased the excursion with the cruise line - walked 5 minutes to the shack where they geared us up. You swim right there - it is absolutely amazing, so many different types of fish. The ship is so close that we could easily see people on the balconies watching us. Next time we won't purchase the excursion. I wish I could remember the name of the shack but you can't miss it - just follow the "Snorkeling" excursion (not the one going to the see the stingrays).

I hope you will find this helpful. Good luck and have fun on your trip! I've never Snuba'd - but it sounds interesting.
 
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Mbandy

Guest
We always try to do one new thing on each cruise. We did SNUBA in Cozumel last time we were there and loved it. We did the one that is close to Downtown. Part of the route is through the wreckage of the old Dolphinarium which was kind of cool.
 
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blazintrails

Guest
I solve that problem (and expense) by taking my own snorkel gear on board. Then I can just head in at any public area at any port of call. I rented the first time and found I do better with "junior" sized gear, so I bring it with me. Hope this helps.
 
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reumor

Guest
Hi - My cruise to the Wester Caribbean will be the first. I am looking for a good excursion in Montego Bay. Some of the sites say it is not as safe a one might think. Any ideas out there?
 
S

shellgonzo

Guest
Hi, I've been to the Cayman Islands three times, and each time I have gone I've done something different. But each time I have made it to Eden rock for snorkeling. They have all the gear there ( you can rent), the fish there are awsome. I would also just walk around, the island is alittle pricey. Eden rock is just a walk away, and there are many shops close by that you can walk to on your way. Have fun and enjoy your cruise!!
 
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Mbandy

Guest
I don't think Mo Bay is unsafe. Some people are uncomfortable with the locals soliciting for "taxi tours", hair braiding, etc. but just say a polite "no thank you", keep walking and you'll be fine.

I loved rafting on the Martha Brae River in Jamaica. Here's a link to the web site.

http://www.jamaicarafting.com/
 
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j_nolesfan

Guest
I'm going to the following ports on my cruise departing 03/22 and I'd love to hear advice from the ones who've been there and done that. Thanks in advance. There are four of us, me, my wife, and two boys ages 9 and 13 (closer to 16 and 20 if you ask them, lol).

Costa Maya, Mexico Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 6:00 PM
-Last time, we hung out at their big pool with the bar, got a better idea?

Belize Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 5:00 PM
-Plan to cave tube (name the best local guide)

Cozumel, Mexico Arrive 7:00 AM Depart 4:00 PM
-I'm sure I'll see Carlos and Charlie's. Not sure what else to do.

Grand Cayman Arrive 9:00 AM Depart 4:00 PM
-Stingrays (book w/ Carnival or..?)

While you're at it, can you name a hotel near the Port of Miami that's decent but not outrageous (under $200 a night)?

Jeff
 
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