ok, I found on my own, that Playa Del Carmen is the place to go for shopping if docking in Calica... I believe it is about 8miles away. If taking a taxi, does anyone know about what that would cost? Carnival does offer this shopping trip as an 'excusion', however I think I would rather do this on my own time... thoughts?

I don't remember exact rates, but they were reasonable. Maybe someone's memory is better than mine. I would almost guarantee it would be less expensive than an excursion.

Playa del Carmen is only 3 miles north of Calica. I forgot how much the taxi fare was but it was not much. On my last trip there, I opted to visit Xcaret which is only five minutes by taxi from the ship and it cost $10.

it is 10 dollars. or it was last year. we always try to find someone to share the taxi with us because it is 10 dollars if is 2 people or 4... we usually find a crew member headed into town and share a taxi, they seem to know where the best places are to shop and bargain.