New to Cruisin'

[SN Just A Cruisin']

This will be my Sis and my first cruise. We are leaving Galveston 5/1 on Carnival Ecstacy to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Any tips on venturing out on your own instead of booking an excursion through Carnival?

[Cruise Fanatic]

eIt really depends what you are looking at doing. If you are looking at going to one of the public beaches nearby you should do ok getting a taxi. But do not get in a taxi and ask to go to a private beach. Be sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. If you meet up with some people on the ship maybe you could join with them in doing something. You might feel more comfortable going on your own with more people rather than just the two of you.

[MACMOM]

IN PLAYA DEL CARMAN MY SIS AND I RENTED A CAR ($45) ALL DAY AND DROVE TO THE MAYAN RUINS WHICH WE LOVED. THEN DROVE INTO THE TOWN OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND WALKED AROUND AND DID SOME SHOPPING THEN DROVE BACK TO THE SHIP. HAD NO PROBLEMS. THEN IN COZUMEL WE GOT OFF THE BOAT AND GOT A TAXI TO GO TO THE NATIONAL PARK THERE, CAN'T REMEMBER THE NAME BUT IT IS EASY TO FIND. GOT TO THE PARK WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL BEACH, PARK, MAYAN RUINS AND LITTLE CABANAS ON THE BEACH FOR USE. THEY HAD SNORKELING AND NICE CLEAN RESTROOMS THERE. TAXI COST $10 AND ENTRANCE TO PARK $12. WAS GREAT CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK. SO WITH A LITTLE RESEARCH YOU CAN GO AND HAVE FUN WITHOUT TAKING THE TOURS. WE ARE TAKING OUR SECOND CRUISE SAT ON THE CELEBRATION GOING TO KEY WEST THEN THE BAHAMAS. WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT WAS.