We are going to cozumel and progesso any idea on what we should take it will be in the end of September and wondering about temp. Also which shore excursions are fun going with carnival. Also does any one have any fun tips on saving money while on the ship?
2006-07-30 06:20:27 · 6 answers · asked by sugarbuger 1 in Travel ➔ Cruise Travel
I have been on dozens of cruises and its pretty much the same on all ships. You will need summer/swim wear for days on ship and on shore for tours and beaches. No need to bring beach towlels, they will be provided. Each day you can dress as you wish until 6:00 PM when the ship will request that you not wear shorts and swim wear in public areas such as the dining rooms, lounges, cafes, show room, and casino. You can put on shorts and go to the gym or pool at night. But you'll need (sports casual they call it) after 6:00PM. Your cruise will probably have two formal nights (if it is 7 days or more) and you will be asked to wear formal clothes Long dress, suit and tie or tux. You'll meet the Captain, have a drink and have pictures taken. They will serve a special dinner, like maybe Lobster and have baked alaska.
Cozumel is mainly for folks who want to spend a lot of time at the beach and/or in the water snorkeling and/or scuba diving. We took a tour of the island and didn't see anything worth going back to. There is not much else on the island besides beaches and shopping in the town. If you make a cruise stop in Cozumel your best activity will be a tour that goes to the main land for the tours to Chichen Itza, Xcarat, or other places.
The price of your cruise includes all food and lodging. But they charge plenty for alcaholic beverages and also for soft drinks. I always try to carry a six pack of bottled water and a six pack of 16 oz Pepsi or coke for my cabin (just take it aboard in your carryon). I take a cup or mug from home to carry my softdrink around ship in. I also smuggle on a pint or quart of booze in my packed bags (just put it in with toiletries) to consume in the room. They will not let you bring liquor on ship from home or ports. Ships drinks cost more in the fancy glasses they have, so order drinks in a plain glass or cup; you have to specify this when you order or they'll give you the expensive one.
Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken. Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing. Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. The one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THEY WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.
2006-07-30 14:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As everyone has already told you, you should pack as if you were going on a beach vacation. Just take a sweater or light jacket in case the air temp or a/c at night is on the cool side.
Formal nights have a different dress code but if you choose not to dress up there are alternative restaurants where you can dine. Formal clothing is not mandatory--just suggested, and definately open to interpretation. You'll see everything from lovely pants outfits to elaborate gowns, and sports jackets and slacks to white dinner jackets and tuxes. You'll even find that alot of people change their clothes after dinner and photos anyway to be more comfortable!
As far as shore excursions, check out Carnival's web site. Carnival (as will most other cruise lines) will have a place where you can input your booking number and look at and even pre-book the available shore excursions. This makes it easier for you since waiting to purchase till you are on board means you take your chances that the excursion you want isn't already sold out!
FYI--if your nervous about the kids, leave the sitter with the ship to shore number (you'll find it on the website and in the brochure) and take along a cell phone which, provided your carrier is international, you can use in port to check in with home. You will not have phone reception at sea and ship to shore is something like $15.00 per minute plus tax & fees. I don't know about your ship per se, but most ships now also have internet cafes where you can log in and e-mail home and up load your photos too so your family can share your vacation along with you!!
By the way, whytedunker1 was only partly correct. You do pay extra for gratuties, liquor, shop purchases, spa services, shore excursions & gambling (including bingo). You would pay for all those things on a land based vacation too. However, the production shows, comedy shows, theme nights, dances, movies, meals, snacks, 24 hour room service, games, lectures, dance lessons & other various activities (and there are plenty!) ARE included in your cruise fare.
2006-07-31 13:51:55 · answer #2 · answered by auntienaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cruising the most economical way to travel. Your food, beverages, stateroom and in your case, two destinations are included. If you are a coke or pepsi drinker, the cruise line offers a soda ticket that you can purchase for unlimited soft drinks. It is a very good value. Each of you will be allow to take one bottle of wine with you. If you want the wine for dinner, there is a $15 corkage fee.
Go to carnival.com, click on shore excursions. There are numerous activities that you can do. These again, are the best value.
As for temperature, the temperature never drops below 70 degrees and in September, it should be gorgeous.
Saving money...yes...get involved in the activities on the ship. There are fabulous shows and activities ongoing daily. Each evening, the crew will place the next days activity sheet under your door. Get out there and have fun!
2006-07-30 14:56:59 · answer #3 · answered by great_travel_agent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cozumel: Carnival will tell you to stay on the one, main street right by the water. We found better deals and more "ethnic" shops a block or two back - big open-air gift market, too.
Saving money: stick to drinking iced tea or juice instead of pop or alcohol as much as possible. Otherwise all food and nearly all activities are free (included in the price of your ticket).
Fun: try to participate in some of the shipboard activities - games, contests, dances, etc. You'll have more fun if you feel like you're part of what's going on. Enjoy late-night walks on deck with your hunny -- take advantage of your time alone while you have it!
Have a great time - we love cruising!!
2006-07-30 13:28:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cruises try to make all their money from you during the trip.
They'll charge you for everything. The ticket was just the tip of the iceburg. If you want to do anything, drink anything, eat anything, you have to pay big money. You can save money by staying in your cabin and just watching tv.
2006-07-30 13:25:19 · answer #5 · answered by whytedunker1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
were going to a cozumel cruise at the end of sept. too!! on the 28th to be exact, and we are also sooo worried about leaving our kids, i think that is soo neat, mabey we will see each other, congrats! and good luck to you, you probably deserve it just as much as us!
2006-07-30 23:27:55 · answer #6 · answered by hotsing1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋