Any must do's on the Western....

[videoman]

Can anyone give me the MUST DO's on the western crusie. I will be traveling with my family 9 & 5 year old girls along with beautiful wife (Celebrating her birthday on October 15th) We will be sailing October 11, 2003

Thanks

 

[plutojudy]

You must remember to relax and have fun!

 

[BeanoC]

You'll be on board one week before us!! We are on the 10-18 Eastern. We sailed on the 10-12 Western last year.

Be sure to try some authentic Key Lime Pie in Key West!

If you're into chess, don't miss the great deals on chess sets in Cozumel. They're kind of a pain to carry all the way home, but they're cheap!

Don't miss the mexican buffet on deck, on (I think) Thursday night.

Our cruise missed Grand Cayman due to weather, so I can't elaborate on that. I'm sure it's changed a lot since I was last there! I hope you don't have to miss Cayman too, but if you do, you may get into Cozumel that night... if you like nightlife, don't miss Carlos and Charlies... Just bring lots of aspirin!!



'Beano'

 

[FOJMO]

Beano - can you tell me about Carlos and Charlies? My DD (17) wants to go there. Is it a nightclub, restaurant, dance place, bar, what??? Is there an age limit to get in? Anything you can tell me is appreciated. Thx, VAL

Also, is that in Cozumel or Grand Cayman??

 

[BeanoC]

FOJMO - Carlos and Charlies is a bar/nightclub in Cozumel. I am not certain of the age limit but I believe it is 18.

Our cruise missed Grand Cayman because of weather, so the Captain went full-steam to Cozumel and got us there around 10:00 PM that night, as sort of a "consolation" to missing GC.

A group of us got off the ship and headed into town, and the place was hopping!! We first went into Senor Frogs and had a drink or 2, then made our way to Carlos and Charlies. All but 24 crew members were given shore leave, and I think every one of them was at Carlos and Charlies!! It was very loud, and it got quite crowded too, but if you can get past that, it was really fun. We had a drink or 2 or 3 or ... and literally stumbled our way back to the ship, I must admit. But is was a fun experience and it was worth it! We teased a few crew members the next day as they tried to do their jobs with 4-alarm hangovers!!



'Beano'

 

[mmouse37]

The drinking age in Cozumel is 18 but they hardly proof....we brought our DD18 and DS17 (one month shy of 18) to Carlos and Charlies. We felt he was mature enough to handle the club scene...which he was. He did not drink but didn't have to...he was having a ball just dancing. Both teens had a great time even with us there!!!

...we also missed Grand Cayman and went straight to Cozumel. Most of the crew was hanging out there as well!!! Beano...what cruise were you on...we went 1/4/03.

MJ

 

[ppiew]

Key West - go to the Butterfly place at near the far end of Duval St. (main st) Your 5 yr old especially will like it. It is inexpensive (cost us $39 for 3 adults 1 child. See the goofy stuff at Mallory Square (right at the pier) in the early evening. (performing cats, etc.)

Cozumel - Mini-golf is really great! Lots of shade, walking distance from ship. They even bring you drinks on the golf course.

Grand Cayman - book a Captain Marvins excursion to swim with the stingrays and snorkel at the coral reef. Even if GC gets cancelled, they won't charge you

CC - just the BEST!!!! do whatever you like on the beach. We booked the CC pkg. which included snorkel gear (for underwater snorkel trail) 1 hr. of bike rental (they even have stops with ice water along the way!) float pads and/or innertubes.

 

[BeanoC]

mmouse37 - We were on the 10/12/2002 cruise. We actually were about to anchor in Cayman when word came that the Tenders would not run because of the weather! Talk about teasing us! Look everybody, there's Grand Cayman... goodbye!!

FOJMO, I should add that I hope you don't get to see Cozumel at night, because you'd have to miss Cayman to do it! But you can still go to Carlos and Charlies during the day, if you don't have excursion plans.

I didn't mention CC, since it's not strictly a Western related stop, but I do highly recommend the parasailing there! It was great fun; a very relaxing experience and not too expensive. $70 each I think it was. Go for it!!!!




'Beano'

 

[mmouse37]

We also were within reach of Grand Cayman when the CG Port Authority told the Magic she could not anchor in the harbor due to high winds.

So close, yet so far....

MJ

 

[Cdolan]

You really should try to do Stingray City; if no one in your party is afraid of fish, it is really cool, the stingrays are literally swimming around your legs, gliding by really, you can hold them, touch them, have a photo with them, etc. And Seven Mile Beach is just beautiful, not crowded, and it is public; just enter by one of the blue "man swimming" signs and enjoy the day. We used Captain Bryan's Charter, short walk from pier once you tender in, and they have a van take you to the dock where the catamaran is. We had great tour guide/boat captain; stick with the captain, he has fish food and will attract the creatures for great photos with a water camera.

 

[Trinity]

Everything on the boat is tons o' fun. I think your kids will love Studio Sea (I believe it is called).

You can't miss the performances like Disney Dreams (a must see!)

Enjoy!!

Kelly

 

["Ginger"]

If you like Key Lime Pie you have got to try a Key Lime Pie Pop.

It's a piece of keylime pie frozen placed on a stick and dipped in chocolate. To Die For!!!!
I found it at Blond Giraffe on Duval Street, it's not a very big place so you really have to watch for it.
Rent an electric car while at Key West, it's fun and a great way to see everything at your own pace.

We rented a jeep when we went to Grand Cayman. We got to see the whole island. Did a little swimming at Rum Point, and they have a great place for a good lunch. Try a frozen mudslide YUMMY!!! Make sure you go to HELL while there just so you can say you've been there. LOL
We found that Andy's had a good rental rate.

If you are beach people, as we are, try Mr. Sanchos while at Cozumel.

A must do - Have fun.
Hope you have a great time no matter what you do.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi videoman!

Can anyone give me the MUST DO's on the western crusie.

As soon as you enter the stateroom, gather the family around the toilet and flush. Advise everyone that this is the same sound which will emanate from the commode at 3AM...