We just sailed the 2/25 Western...other than rain at Key West... absolute gorgeous weather!!!
Just thought I would share a few things... if they have already been posted elsewhere I apologize... I have not had time yet to catch up on the boards.
Grand Cayman- This was our third Western cruise and the first time that we rented a car. I would HIGHLY recommend it. We rented a jeep from AVIS, put the top down and drove to Rum Point. The drive was much longer than I thought 45-50 minutes (I would recommend getting off the boat as early as possible) but Rum Point was well worth it.... a nice shaded beach with a beautifully calm lagoon. The rates are reasonable... $81 USD for the jeep which included all taxes, gas, insurances and drivers permit. You can get cars as cheap as $51 USD.
Costa Maya- We loved this port. Very small and unintimidating. Definately preferred this stop over Cozumel. We did a little shopping in Mahajual (SP?) and then sat by the beach... ordered a bucket of Corona (6), nachos and guacamole and chips... all for $18 USD. Word of warning... the Magic is the third ship to arrive. We got off the ship as soon as we docked and there were already large crowds everywhere. The taxi line was extremely long and the golf carts were sold out. Once in the village, getting a taxi back was a breeze.
Castaway Cay- if you have younger children the Stingray excursion is worth every penny. I reluctantly booked it... since it looked a bit lame in the photos... it was everything but. Wilson, who lives on the island and who previously worked at the Living Seas, is extremely knowledgable and very patient with the kids. My kids pet, fed and swam with the rays. They are still talking about it.
A few things on the ship... Scoops now offers wraps and light sandwiches which is a pleasant option for their "fast food". The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from room service are now the pre-packaged smuckers ones with the crust cut off... and if you are ordering the much talked about cheese platter from room service... order one per person since they are quite small...
We are re-booked for next year... the count down begins...
Just thought I would share a few things... if they have already been posted elsewhere I apologize... I have not had time yet to catch up on the boards.
Grand Cayman- This was our third Western cruise and the first time that we rented a car. I would HIGHLY recommend it. We rented a jeep from AVIS, put the top down and drove to Rum Point. The drive was much longer than I thought 45-50 minutes (I would recommend getting off the boat as early as possible) but Rum Point was well worth it.... a nice shaded beach with a beautifully calm lagoon. The rates are reasonable... $81 USD for the jeep which included all taxes, gas, insurances and drivers permit. You can get cars as cheap as $51 USD.
Costa Maya- We loved this port. Very small and unintimidating. Definately preferred this stop over Cozumel. We did a little shopping in Mahajual (SP?) and then sat by the beach... ordered a bucket of Corona (6), nachos and guacamole and chips... all for $18 USD. Word of warning... the Magic is the third ship to arrive. We got off the ship as soon as we docked and there were already large crowds everywhere. The taxi line was extremely long and the golf carts were sold out. Once in the village, getting a taxi back was a breeze.
Castaway Cay- if you have younger children the Stingray excursion is worth every penny. I reluctantly booked it... since it looked a bit lame in the photos... it was everything but. Wilson, who lives on the island and who previously worked at the Living Seas, is extremely knowledgable and very patient with the kids. My kids pet, fed and swam with the rays. They are still talking about it.
A few things on the ship... Scoops now offers wraps and light sandwiches which is a pleasant option for their "fast food". The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from room service are now the pre-packaged smuckers ones with the crust cut off... and if you are ordering the much talked about cheese platter from room service... order one per person since they are quite small...
We are re-booked for next year... the count down begins...
