Snuff, we actually ended up with poor weather on a couple of our stops, however I'll tell you what I know. In Cozumel we did a beach day at Playa Mia (sp?). The resort was nice. A buffet lunch and open bar is included. They have several pools, a water slide and a splash area. (I think Hannah will be too big for the splash area, it's for little kids). The water at the beach is a little rocky but you can swim out to a floating island of bouncy type stuff. The food was adequate, not fantastic, but good enough. If you don't want the buffet you can order food a la carte for an additional price. The beach is nice and they had plenty of chairs, included with your excursion. We did not do the ruins however we will probably do them on this next cruise. We are torn between going to the mainland or just seeing what's on the island. I believe there is an excursion that combines the local ruins with the beach day, we may do that.
Grand Cayman was a bust for us, thunderstorms over the beach. We were given the option to cancel our excursion once we got off the boat and we were one of the few families to do so. Speaking with some others that chose not to, it seems we made the right choice. That being said, we were planning a beach day on seven mile beach. Other options are a dolphin swim and a stingray adventure. A family on the dolphin swim said it was great, until they got stuck out in the storm. A note about Grand Cayman, it is a tender to the dock and you will need extra time to get there. Disney will give you instructions that say plan on thirty minutes, we planned forty five, and almost missed our excursion time. Plan on at least an hour.
As far as Jamaica goes, we had not planned anything, we always try to plan on one port day on the boat to allow the kids better access to the things that are usually crowded and Jamaica was that day for us. I have been there before and might recommend Dunns River Falls if you are adventurous enough. Look it up on the Internet, and if you think you might want to do it invest in a waterproof camera and some water shoes. The port at Jamaica is beautiful and fairly new, however it is similar to any Caribbean port. Falmouth is quite a distance from most things you will want to see and the excursions are quite pricey. Plan on an hour drive to wherever you want to go.
On past cruises we did not do planned excursions choosing to go out on our own instead. In these ports that may not be the best idea with the exception perhaps of Grand Cayman. I would use the Disney excursions again given the choice. Our money was refunded within one day on the Grand Cayman trip. I doubt we would have had that option if we did an independent excursion. Parts of Jamaica can be sketchy so it would be best to be with an organized group.
The last day is on
Castaway Cay, which we consider to be the best part of our cruise always. This was our fifth cruise and the CC day is like coming to our home away from home. Tube and raft rentals are available and a good idea. The water is clean, warm and beautiful. Plan to spend most of your day off the boat. We rented bicycles for the first time and really enjoyed it. The island is not very big so you can explore it by bike in an hour or so. It is not a strenuous ride at all. If you are into running, you might want to sign up for the 5k. More of a fun run (or walk for many), but a nice way to see the island as well. Lunch is served on the island and drinks are available as well.
I hope this was somewhat helpful. We look forward to seeing you all on the ship.
Ironically, the SW ones are easier for me to replicate LOL..but our son Adyn (will be 9 on the cruise) said mommy and daddy weren't pirate enough last time...I don't think we realized how much fun it would be for the whole family!! Easily becoming an addict!!
