There are so many sites to book your own shore excursions, at half the price of Carnival. Has anyone done this? Have any problems? You sure can save a lot of $$$ when booking 4 of them in each port!! Any good links to some ideas for Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel??
We have used Shoretrips.com countless times with excellent results. They have insurance should the worst happen and you miss your ship, just like the providers you book through the cruise line.
We like snorkeling and stingray city of Cayman. Lots of nonship providers can be booked right off the pier on Cayman--they seem to be three deep trying to get clients. We like Chakanaab park in Cozumel, have swam with the dolphins there. Also Playa Mia is a great place for a beach break with lots of access to cabs for returning to the ship. We also did Atlantis sub in Cozumel and enjoyed that.
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Laurie
RCCL Nordic Empress 1993
RCCL Nordic Prince 1994
RCCL Explorer 2003, 2005
RCCL Navigator, 2004, 2007
RCCL Mariner 2006
RCCL Liberty 2008
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Booking your own tours is the way to go. It's cheaper and you get more personal service/care. For Grand Cayman, Stingray City was excellent! We went with Captain Marvin's. The guys were very helpful and carried my 5 and 7 year olds when we needed help. Even held my hand while I was snorkeling cos I'm not a confident swimmer at all. They also have a videographer with them. A friend's gone with Native Way Watersports and had a good time with them. They have a photographer with them. Both charge $35 for the short excursion which included the Stingray City, as well as snorkeling at Coral Garden. For me the hightlight was Stingray City, but the kids loved snorkeling.
I would have to agree, I think there is a lot more flexibility when you book them yourself. There are so many more things you can do at each port if you book them yourself. Then you can spend the time you want at each of them.
hi tesi. Our family loves snorkeling @ Stingray City in Grand Cayman. I would do that every time and never get sick of it. It is awesome !
Cozumel has some of the best caribbean snorkeling you're going to find. Personal fav. is Chankanaab Park. Beautiful beach, colorful tropical fish swimming in the reefs, warm/clean waters, lounge chairs for your use, showers, lockers, music, food, great drinks, Igaunas roaming the park, lush plantscape. We've been going to Chankanaab for 20 years and every time we go, we find that they've improved on the Park. Others like Paradise Beach too, although, I cannot vouch for it.
Cozumel and Grand Cayman are 2 of our family favorites. Have fun !
ALC, after hearing your comments several times in different threads, I am convinced that we will take in Chankanaab Park when we are there in April on Explorer. Have been Cozumel and done a few things but have never been to the park. Looking forward to it because you can go there at your leisure/on your own and make your own time.
peter, you will NOT be disappointed in Chankanaab Park. Make sure you take some time to walk through the paths in the park to take in the beautiful, lush plants, birds and Iguanas. It's just breathtaking. You will feel like you're in the Rainforest. Please let me know your thoughts upon your return.
Tesi, the Buccaneer is a great excursion to Stingray City in GC. The timing is perfect, and if you love a catamaran, this is the way to go! We have used them, and our friends just used them this week and had a fabulous time!
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