First time cruiser- Cruising the western caribbean next month. Need advice on shore excursions. Thanks!?

Question

I have heard not to use Carnival's excursions because they are overpriced. However, I feel more comfortable doing so because its my first cruise. I picked one excursion per port, just wondering if anyone has done these or has better suggestions:
Grand Cayman Islands- Cayman Parasail & Beach Escape
Cozumel- Beach Buggy & Snorkel Combo
Belize- Cave Tubing
Costa Maya- Jungle Beach Bread

Thanks!!

Correction: Jungle Beach Break!!!

Answer 1

I have been to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya. It seems that you have made up your mind already on tours. Grand Cayman is best for going to the beach and you can get there easily by taxi or mini-bus right from the pier for about $5. each way to the 7-mile beach. The beach has a changing room, rest rooms, and a small snack bar. Unless you just want to para sail just get a taxi instead of booking a tour on-ship.

Cozumel is not an island for touring, there are no sights to see; we took a tour once and didn't see anything we would want to go back and see again. It is a great place for snorkel and scuba, which you are planning to book. 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.

In Costa Maya we did the beach too, not much we wanted to see there and it was stinking hot too.

The advice I always give for tours is this. Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours. HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored 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.

Answer 2

My husband and I have been on many cruises, all in the Caribbean. We usually take the excursions that the line offers except when we have already been to that island/country and know what we want. My favorites have been Grand Cayman- Stingray City ( my favorite excursion of all times) Cozumel we go independent and hire a taxi to take us to Chaakanab (sp) National Park ( we love snorkeling) We have our own gear but they do rent out cheap gear. Belize Cave tubing YEAH. and Costa Maya we just went to the "fishing " village of Mayahaul (sp) and spent the day laying on the beach. Had lunch at the port there. They take US dollars but be careful they give change in Pesos. Which can be had to change back. Try to give them as close to correct change as possible. You're going to have the time of your life. Remember enjoyment is not included in your cruise package you have to pack it in your bags. For much more info check out cruiseaddict.com and cruisecritics.com for advice from veteran cruisers about anything. They love to share. Bon Voyage.

Answer 3

You have selected a lot of water fun, but you will be missing a lot of what the islands have to offer. In Costa Maya, I would suggest doing a trip to the ruins. It may sound boring, but it is not. If you even want to consider it, go to Cruise Critic.com and look under ports. You will see rave reviews for going to the ruins with David and Ivan. We went with them and it was wonderful. They actually owned the land where the ruins were found and the government took the land away from them. You also can go to roll call on the Cruise Critic site and look for the sailing you will be on and talk to others going on the same sailing. If there are enough signed in through cruise critic, the cruise line will host a separate party for you. Belize cave tubing is a great choice. Had lots of fun there.
Sally B

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I would recommend using the cruiselines shore excursions. Too many people get scammed trying to find a better deal on their own. You wouldn't save that much money anyway.