1st time cruiser. Shore excursion help please!

[Lisa Zindle]

Planning Fantasy cruise this sept, western Caribbean. Was wondering if I really need to plan an excursion for each port? Really looking to do zip line, I think Jamaica is the only port offering this. Any recommendations for this? Will be myself, husband and daughter (12).
Now what to do in Cozumel and Grand Cayman?
Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[princessmommyx3]

We don't always do an excursion in every port, but we try to if it is a port we have never been to before. If we have been before, we sometimes choose to stay and enjoy the empty ship. I can't actually help you with Jamaica because we chose to stay on the ship there (even though we had never been, we had 3 port days in a row and that is exhausting for our young kids). For Grand Cayman, I would first recommend Stingray City - it is one of my favorite places to visit. I have never been to the turtle farm but it seems that most people enjoy it. Or, you could do a beach day at one of the resorts. For Cozumel, I have heard good things about the Fury Catamaran excursion, a beach day at Nachi Cocum, or a beach day at Playa Mia. When we went, we did the Dolphin Discovery at Chankanaab Park and we enjoyed it. There are other things to do at Chankanaab after the dolphins too (pool, snorkeling, sea lions, restaurants, etc).

 

[taishartrueblood]

You certainly don't have to do excursions... but if you are in a new place or something looks interesting.. go for it! Do not be hesitant about booking privately, NOT through Disney..... the private bookings will still guarantee that you get to the ship well ahead of time and you can often save over 50%.