are the excursions worth the price?

[estreet03032]

We will be going on our first disney cruise feb 26 2005 with our daughters( 9,5). It is the western cruise. We just received the brochure for all of the excusions and we did not find any excursion really appealing except the dolphin encounter in cozumel. Does anyone have any suggestions on which ones to stay away from or not to miss?
Thank you to all who reply.

 

[grace12499]

We just got back, 7 day western, and we did our own tours. We did Capt Marvins in Grand Cayman. IT WAS PERFECT.
We did dolphin encounter in Cozumel and it was perfect also.
Saved big $$ buy booking both ourselves.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[Deweysgirl]

We did the jet ski eco-tour on CC. $90.00 for a single rider or $160.00 for two. This was just so awesome! It is a must do excursion imo. The only downfall is it's one that you can't reserve in advance so you have to reserve it as soon as the shore excursion desk opens upon boarding the ship.

 

[traycie2201]

Don't forget to check out other excursion providers as they may have something that appeals, the most popular ones are shoretrips.com, nativewaywatersports.com, captain marvins and captain bryans, don't forget there are also lots of things you can do without planned excursions hire a car, visit mr sanchos or paradise beach, key west treasure hunt or you can just explore or stay on the ship.

Have a great trip

 

[kcashner]

Excursions can be much cheaper booked on your own...besides, you can be on your own schedule then. Captain Marvin's is great! There are other companies that offer similar things, but his is the best.

Your biggest cost savings is in the 10-12 age range. DCL considers your child an "adult" for cost purposes on excursions at 10, whereas most private vendors start adult fees at 12 or 13.

The dolphin encounter is just that...you get in the water and the dolphin swims close enough for you to touch. It is NOT a "swim with the dolphin" thing. If you have the time, a much better deal is the dolphin swim at Discovery Cove in Orlando (a sister park to Sea World). It is about $225 per person for the day, but that is an "all enclusive" day....parking, and entry photo, lunch, wet suit, dolphin SWIM (limited to 30 minutes in the water by FL law)...plus unlimited time in their lazy river, coral reef, stingray pool, aviary, etc....and includes all animal food.

On the Western, Chankaunab park offers something for everyone. A taxi is $20. You do need cash for admission, but once in, all "stuff" can be charged. It is another "much cheaper to do on your own" than thru DCL.

We really aren't crazy about ports on the Western...and frequently stay on the ship! (veteran of 10 Magic cruises....)

 

[kshabare]

omg estreet03032 - we just booked our 2/26/2005 trip last week. We'll be cruising with you!
We've been on the Western and we're happy to be going again. Go to our link (http://www.shabbyfam.us/WesternCarribeanFeb2003/DayoneWestern03.html) and check out our pictures. We went with Captain Marvins and plan on doing it again. We did the early excursion and had plenty of time to go to the beach afterwards.
This is our 5th cruise and after booking with DCL the first trip we learned if you do your own homework you can save $$ and have just as much fun. What I also liked is that the excursion is already paid for before you go and it's less money charged to your DCL bill in the end.

Kim ºOº

 

[TheWog]

cozumelhomes.com has a dune buggy excursion that looks like a lot of fun.