Vote on Tuesday.
Do the right thing.
Do the right thing.
We have been to all of those ports in the past and can make some recommendations.
| Cozumel: |
Diving: There are several good dive operators (PADI 5-Star, NASDI and others) near the dock. Don't waste your money on the ship's dive program. Even if they are the same operators that you would choose, you will probably pay more and the operators' contracts with the cruise lines restrict their flexibility (i.e. no diving computers, nitrox, etc.). I can highly recommend AquaWorld Divers, right near the dock. The last time that I was there, they let us dive our computers, but I got the impression that they only allowed it because it was the slow season and 6 of the 8 people on the boat had computers. Drinking: Carlos & Charlie's. Go there AFTER diving. 'Nuff said. Ruins: As ruins go, they are better than average, but nothing like you will find in Belize and Guatemala. Note that if you do go the the ruins, you will not have time to do much of anything else. In fact, depending on the cruise line, you may not even have the opportunity to do anything else at all. I tend to cruise the higher end cruise lines, so I don't know how Carnival handles that tour. |
|
Grand Cayman |
Diving: If you are a diver. Dive the Wall - Steep and Deep! Again, don't use the ships dive operators. There are several very good PADI and NASDI dive operators a short taxi ride or only a moderate walk from the dock. I can highly recommend Parrot's Landing (1-345-949-7884 - I am not sure if they are still in business) and DiveTech (http://www.divetech.com/). Advanced divers might want to book with DiveTech, as they offer nitrox, trimix and decompression diving (even if the ship books with them, advanced diving will be prohibited). They also have SCOOTERS! Naturally, appropriate certifications are required. Non-Divers: My first suggestion is Get Certified before leaving! Otherwise, you will miss out on the best thing that the Caymans have to offer. But, if you are just to afraid to dive, then the next best thing is Stingray City. Wade or snorkel with the stingrays. Rum Cake: This is also where you get your rum cake on this cruise. |
|
Ocho Rios |
Dunn River Falls: Whatever else you do in Jamaica, you must climb Dunn River Falls. But, be extremely careful of the T-shirt vendors at the top. In fact, most of the T-shirts sold in Jamaica are manufactured locally and are very poorly made. Look for Haynes, Jerzees, etc. and even then, make sure that it looks and feels like a quality shirt. This is common throughout the Caribbean, but rampant in Jamaica. Diving: DO NOT USE THE SHIP'S DIVE OPERATORS! Jamaica dive operators are extremely laid back (not safe, shoddy equipment, etc.) Even the PADI 5-Star facility that I use is more laid back than any other 5-Star operator that I have ever used in other countries. I have heard many horror stories about other dive operators in Jamaica. At least PADI holds the 5-Star operators to a higher standard. Also, do not expect to see a lot of fish. The Jamaicans have fished the reef out. However, the coral is fabulous. Parasailing: It's a blast. Try it. Coffee: Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is one of the world's most expensive coffees. One cup may not sell you on it, but after a few cups, most people begin to understand why it is so expensive. It's a matter of taste. But, if you are into coffee, then you should at least take a pound or two home. Just be careful of counterfeits. Your cruise director will be able to tell you what to look for. |
Also, if there is any way that you can afford it, get an outside stateroom with a balcony. It's well worth it. For those who have not cruised before, you might want to consider second seating. That's because at some ports, the last shore excursions return only moments before first seating occurs. No matter how much you rush, if you are on one of those excursions, you're late for dinner.
I hope that things will change and I will be able to join you guys. But if not, I wish you fair weather.
nutmeg & zelig
My parents agreed to watch the boys for a week. No airfare for us and a free night in Jax. Whattyasay?
MKM
MKM