Grandeur of the Seas

[gordie]

Heading out of Tampa 30th on back to back cruise to Cozumel twice and Costa Maya once what are the best things to do in these 2 ports there is 6 of us travelling together.
Thanks alot

[DebCruise]

We just returned TODAY from the same cruise - 5 nights on Grandeur. At Costa Maya we had reserved a catamaran/snorkeling excursion thru the ship (didn't book it until we were on board, I think it's something new they added). We got off the ship & hung around the port until time to meet (2:30) and found out that it was cancelled due to choppy waters/undertow. Our Plan B was renting a golf cart ($30 for 2 hours). We actually enjoyed that alot because it took us away from the cruise-line manufactured port and into the REAL town. Once there, you can rent snorkel equip., get a massage by the water, and just drive around & see how the real people live. Our table mates did the jungle tour & they weren't real thrilled with it.
On Cozumel we had arranged for a tour on our own through cozumeltours.com We were with Nelda for almost 6 hours ($60 a piece for the 2 of us) & we thoroughly enjoyed it. We saw the whole island & had lunch at Coconuts. Also went to the ruins at San Gervasio.
We tend to avoid the cruise line tours if possible and this trip that worked out well for us.
Let me know if you have any questions about the cruise - it was our 6th but first on Grandeur & 1st to Costa Maya & Cozumel. The ship has seen better days but was okay all-in-all.
Enjoy!

[gordie]

We booked a junior suite and was wondering if we could bring a bottle of liqour on board to have a cocktail before dinner. How much are drinks on board? and the food in the dining room was it ok

[DebCruise]

The "rules" state that you can't bring liquor on board & all bags, purses, etc. go thru x-ray. We didn't try so I'm not sure if you could. We did bring some bottled water & had no trouble with that in our bags. Bars are all open from the minute you get on board so if you want a drink you can get one!! There's a drink special each day -- I think it was $3.50 & that seemed very popular.
The food was pretty good, not fabulous. At our table of 6 there was a mix of opinions from "magnificent" to "just okay". Good time to try things you may not try otherwise since you can always just ask for something else if you aren't pleased. The shrimp/lobster night was very good. I tried a couple of the chilled fruit soups & they were both really good. Steaks were good, as well. If you dine in Windjammer for breakfast the "custom made" omelets are delicious - they have them every day towards the back - don't miss them. We're not big on buffets so it was nice to have something freshly made & hot to eat!

[CRUISING PHOTOGRAPHER]

We just got back from Cozumel on the Grandeur (3/16-20). We enjoy history and snorkling, so we booked the Tulum & Xel-Ha excursion through the ship. It was an excellent tour with a great guide. It does take 8 - 8 1/2 hours, so we only had about 30 minutes to shop before getting back on the ship for dinner (early seating). The Tulum ruins are in excellent shape. If you have any interest in history, they are worth seeing. Don't buy anything at the souvioneer shop on the way there as everything is very overpriced!!!.
Have a great trip.
Jim.

[georgi]

Ooh, I can't wait! We're doing a cruise on Grandeur April 29th-May 6th...Cozumel, Georgetown Grand Cayman, and Aruba!!! 32 more days!!!