Beach break excursions

[Disney_Fan_01]

I wanted to know from those who have done beach excursions on your own at places like Cozumel, Grand Cayman. Based on my understanding, one can rent chair and umbrella on any beach for about $25; significantly, less than what Disney would charge to do a similar excursion. But, how safe do you feel about your personal belongings, given that we have to carry passports as well. Is this one of the reasons why Disney charges a premium along with the fact that the ship will not leave without you. I am not concerned about the later as we never plan to cut it too close to get back in time

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I wanted to know from those who have done beach excursions on your own at places like Cozumel, Grand Cayman. Based on my understanding, one can rent chair and umbrella on any beach for about $25; significantly, less than what Disney would charge to do a similar excursion. But, how safe do you feel about your personal belongings, given that we have to carry passports as well. Is this one of the reasons why Disney charges a premium along with the fact that the ship will not leave without you. I am not concerned about the later as we never plan to cut it too close to get back in time

Just because you do the excursion with DCL, doesn't mean that your items on the shore are any safer. They take you to the same beaches = same issues.

No need to take your passport ashore with you (unless that's what you're using for your photo ID). KTTW card and driver's license (for those 18 and over) are all that's necessary to return to the ship and they both can get wet. As can credit cards, and cash. I carry my cards on my person (in my swimsuit) for water excursions.

Generally the ship will not leave without you, if you're on a ship's sponsored excursion, but it's not guaranteed.

 

[apathetic]

Disney does charge a fee for the convenience of doing all the work. It's up to people to decide if it's worth it. On a DCL excursion, you just show up and all is arranged. But at many ports, especially in the Caribbean, you will find many tour operators offering the same excursions for less money right as you get off the ship. But now you are out of the Disney safety umbrella. Many people choose both options, it is just what you are comfortable with. When you get to the location, you will see people from Disney, Norwegian, Carnival, etc along with people who decided to do it on their own. There is no difference in experience.

 

[Momee]

We have done our own beach excursions in Cozumel. We saved a good bit of money doing it, but I totally understand why some people would rather pay the extra money through Disney for the convenience and security.
We've had great experiences in Cozumel at their inclusive beaches. Playa Mia is nice and so is Paradise Beach.
You can take a cab once you're off of the ship and the cab drivers will take you wherever you'd like and sometimes you can schedule them to come back at a certain time and take you back.