Shore excursions western caribbean Cruise 2/09?

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phantom_of_valkyrie

There is nothing to do in Costa Maya. It's a really boring port--I stay on the ship the whole time. It's really just a refueling stop with some small shops built by the cruise company. You are at the beach when you get off the ship so there is no point in doing a Beach type shore excursion.

I don't take shore excursions every port I go to so if you are debating doing one at Costa Maya or Belize, do Belize hands down. I enjoy staying on the ship b/c the spa is cheaper on port days and the ship is cooler. Plus both times I've been to Costa Maya, it's been the hottest port, really uncomfortably hot. So the ship was cooler and I had my own personal waiter at the pool.

If I were going to do a shore excursion there though I'd do a Mayan Ruin. Seeing a Mayan Ruin is truly an amazing experience.

The Snorkeling in Cozumel is the best of any port I've been to yet. Go to Chankanaab Park. You can take a shore excursion there or just take a cab. You walk right off the beach into the water and thousands of fish are right there. I've done snorkeling excursions many other islands and Cozumel is just truly the best. There are just sooo many fish and much closer than anywhere else I've ever been.

Penny

The ruins, hands down. Snorkeling in Cozumel is excellent. Since the last hurricane came through they have upgraded all of the facilities. There is now a World Heritage UNESCO site there that is terrific. I also recommend swimming with the dolphins there if you get the chance...several clients have done so and well...look at the photos, www.fairwindstravel-tours.com. This client was a trainer at the Sea World in San Diego. She said the park and staff are top-notch.

Penny

Achaholic

I cannot comment on Costa Maya or Ft. Lauderdale. I will however suggest snorkeling in Cozumel. In fact, one of the best places I have ever snorkeled was at Chaankanaab in Cozumel.

I am not sure if you are looking at an excursion by the cruise or not. Chaankanaab is only a 5-10 min cab ride from the port. I believe the cab ride was under $10 each way and admission to the park was about $12/person all day. Admission grants you access to the lagoon and gardens. There are several beach chairs & huts, a beach bar/restaurant, and pool. They do the swim with the dolphins stuff there to but obviously that is extra and I believe you have to make reservations. You can rental snorkel equipment there if you like. The lagoon has a few reefs and is teeming with fish.

I am sure that an excursion will probably net you a great experience as well but Chaankanaab may be a more economical choice while still getting in some top notch snorkeling.

Violet

Whatever you do, do not do the carnival shore excursions...basically they rip you off. Once you get of the ship you will have the opportunity to do the same things at half the price or even less. I've been on many cruises and yes Ive paid for the carnival shore excursions but now I've learned to just set off on my own and at port every option will be available for you cheap!. I highly recommend snorkeling in Cozumel, I just got back from there actually. It cost my husband and I like $12 each to rent snorkel gear. Remember things are CHEAP in Cozumel, a corona should only cost you $1.50. They will try to sell you everything under the sun at the port but if you journy our you can get anything for like $5 or less!! Just dicker dicker dicker with the locals. I got Large blankets 2 for $6 and when they started they were $20 each. Also, it helps to tell them you arn't on the cruise ship and you are staying on the island because they will give you way better rates.
Also one more thing, I highly suggest renting a car on Cozumel because it's cheaper than getting a taxi guy to drive you all over the island. If you rent a car from like avis online for the day that you will be in cozumel you can rent it for under $30!

MomSezNo

You really need to do a little research about these ports. The Western ports are generally fairly easy and safe to do on your own [with the exception of Jamaica and, maybe, Belize], but you need to be somewhat familiar with the ports.

Definitely go to Chankanaab in Cozumel. Take a cab. Renting a car can be problematic if you get stopped by the police [and they sometimes do hassle tourists].

Costa Maya was totally wiped out by the hurricane a couple of years ago but has been rebuilt and is once again open. Yes, there is a beach right at the dock, but it's very rocky. Go into the little town there [short, cheap cab ride] for a nicer beach and to be away from the port itself. Before the hurricane [don't know if they're back up and running] there were a couple of local guys who got rave reviews for their ruins tours - David and, I think, Ivan [?]. More info at the site below.

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then go to the "Ports of Call" boards for more info than you could possibly need from experienced cruisers.

DO NOT be late getting back to the ship if you go out on your own. The ship will not wait for you if you are late unless you are on one of the ship's excursions.

Kristina L

When I was in Costa Maya I was torn between the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins. My research lead me to take the Kohunlich Ruins. There are multiple structures and it is very unique. The Chacchoben appeared to only have one notable structure. I believe the Kohunlich was slightly more expensive, but I think that it was worth the price difference. Google images of both location to have an idea of what they look like and to see the differences.

In Costa Maya, there was beach and shopping at the port. If you wanted to do an excursion and come back to the port for a little beach time. Spending 5 hours on the beach could be fun, but I wouldn't recommend missing out on other things just for the beach.

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