This question will reveal how much of a noob I am

J

jdog2011

Deck Crew
Its my first cruise EVER and I am wondering if cruisers can get off at the ports (Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Key West) without booking excursions?
Or is this a charge also?
I guess I need to know if we can get off the ship and just wander around, go to the beach without doing a specific excursion?

Thanks!

:sunny:
 
Calgon1

Calgon1

Awaiting results of mental evaluation
Oh, absolutely! In fact, most cruisers do just that. And, you are not restricted to only those excursions offerred by the cruise line. When you go ashore, there will be many vendors offering excursions, tours, etc.

One word of caution though - If you book independently, and your tour is late returning to the ship, there is a very VERY real possibility that your ship won't be there. When they sail, they sail. However, if you're on a ship's excursion, the ship will either wait for your return, or the cruise line will absorb all the costs and return you to the ship at the first available opportunity.
 
D

dhudd

Ordinary Seaman
Yes you sure can go and explore any port that your able to. Do you homework prior to your sailing date. Check out each port, (on the internet or from prior cruisers). But be very careful in Jamaica. Alot of areas are not safe, (alot of thievery drug dealing and harrassment toward tourists). If you do go by yourself...be sure to go where other ships tourists go and stay with other groups of tourists, (do not go by yourself). That way you are protected and you are only taken to safe areas. We always go on a ships sponsered tours when we go to questionable ports and or to ports that we've never been to. Don't get me wrong...Jamaica, (Ocho Rios), is a fun port, (Dunn's River Falls and exc). Make sure to try the "Jerk Chicken"...it's great along with a "Red Stripe Beer".
Grand Cayman island will be very crowed. There are usually many different ships anchored there. You will be tendered, (a boat will take you from your ship to the port and back, free of charge). In Grand Cayman Island you can take a taxi around the entire island. You can also "go to Hell"...Hell is a small town on the other side of the island. Grand Cayman Island has wonderful beaches...most of them are free. There is also great tax free shopping. You should have a blast...Hope you have a great cruise...Dave & Diane.:cheer:
 
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