What is there to do if you don't pay for excursions at the ports of call? Do you all typically go on the excursions or just wing it and do your own thing?
At all ports of call, you can always stay on board and enjoy the ship if there isn't anything that interests you ashore.
As for getting off the boat, I would be glad to share with you what we have done in the past, and what we plan to do at each port. Also, someone had posted previously that The Grand Caymans is their favorite destination. Maybe they will share their list of insider tips.
COZUMEL - On previous sailings, we have done a few different things.
Once we took a taxi (side note - if you plan to grab a taxi at any of our ports, area experts warn that you should agree on a price before you get into the vehicle ), to Chankanaab (sp?) State Park. The admission is low, and they have historical recreations of Mayan cities and ruins, beautiful beaches with snorkeling, beach chairs, public restrooms and showers included in the price. There are things such as the dolphin experience that is available for an extra fee.
Here is their website with a coupon . I think the boat offers excursions here as well. You would need to price compare.
On another, we did a x-rail off road and snorkel adventure. This was not offered by the boat. We booked it privately before the cruise. We got to drive these 4 person off road vehicles through town, and into the jungle for a fun muddy adventure. Half way through, we stopped at a private beach where we could snorkel, swim, enjoy the included lunch, or just hang out in a hammock. This was very exciting, and we have been considering possibly doing it again.
We have also spent the day enjoying the shops and eateries down town. We will dock down town so if you just want to explore the shops, they will be an easy stroll from the boat.
Finally, I have heard many people talk about doing a private beach break to either Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos. I have never been to either, but have heard great things about both.
We will be at this port on Sunday, and many things do not open on Sunday's. When you are searching for what you want to do, double check that where you want to go will be open.
GRAND CAYMANS - We have never gotten the opportunity to visit the Caymans before, so I don't have any been there, loved this items. What we are planning to do here is rent a jeep, and take a drive around the island. We also will probably make a stop at a beach for some swimming and snorkeling. From what I have read, all of the beaches on the island are public beaches.
JAMAICA - We have only been here once before. During that visit, we went to Dunn's River Falls, and climbed the water falls. It was an amazing experience, and we loved it. However, Jamaica is not someplace as a whole that we enjoyed or felt safe. So, we are opting to stay on board at this port. If you choose to do anything off board, this is the only port I would recommend doing an organized excursions. I know others (most of who where traveling without kids) really enjoyed Jamaica, and this is just my opinion.
SAN JUAN - This port will be a new experience for us as well, and we are very excited about it. We have a local (or at least someone who is from Puerto Rico ) in our group - We Want to wreck-it. This is who I have been looking to for input on our final stop.
So what have other previous cruisers done?
~ Tink ~