Does anyone just stay on the ship? Skip excursions altogether?

[deedz]

Just wondering if anyone just stays on the Ship and skips the excursions altogether (besides CC).
I am cruising for the first time 2/27/05 and have had friends tell me excursions were a waste of time, and others say its the absolute best.

Since we are all cruising DCL, I wanted your opinions!!!

thanks

 

[missmulan]

the benefits are (when staying aboard):

-not crowded pools, gym, basketball court, etc..
-get some rest so you can stay up longer
-discounted spa treatments
-use the laundry and you don't have to wait for an empty one
-see a move at the Buena Vista Theatre


anything else?

 

[jennat]

I stay on the ship on occasion but only if it is an island I have been to a couple of times before. There are advantages to a lot of people being off the ship...sure.... but you have to think, they are off the ship because there is fun stuff to do off the ship. I would research your ports of call, see if anything "thrills" you and if nothing looks good then stay onboard. Where are you going? Maybe we can give you some ideas.
Jen

 

[deedz]

Hello! Thanks for the quick replies!
I am going on my 1st Cruise Feb 27th 2005, Wonder 4 night!!!

I can't wait!

 

[KMovies]

I've always taken an excursion the first time that I have been to a new port (Nassau, Key West, St. Thomas, etc.) but on return visits, rarely get off the ship. My love is the ship, taking a tour of the islands is nice but only need to do it the one time.

 

[Masonpips]

It really depends on what you like to do. This year was an exception for me as I was ill during the cruise so I only got off in Grand Cayman and at Castaway but we've mixed it up in past cruises:

Key West: got off, walked around alone, had key lime pie - total time off 2 hours
Grand Cayman: got off, did Captain Marvin's 3 hour tour - total time off 4 hours
Cozumel: stayed on ship, LOVED the empty pools/activities, it was like cruising your own yacht!

St. Maarten: did Orient Beach and shopping on our own, off ship 6 hours
St. Thomas: did private daysail, off ship from 9-ish to 3:30 or so

Key West: I laid in the cabin sick, dh hit Walgreens (lol) and wandered about
Grand Cayman: we got off to go to Captain Marvin's but they let us cancel as we had little kids and it was rough; we did some shopping and were back onboard in 2 hours max
Cozumel: kids and dh and friends went to Paradise Beach on their own while I laid in the cabin

We always get off ship at Castaway!

 

[lbgraves]

We have only spent 1-2 hours off the ship in each of the ports on the Western & Eastern. Of course, we spend the entire day on the beach at Castaway Cay.

 

[GavinsMom]

We'll be on the same Wonder Cruise! We can't wait and are counting the days until we leave!
In Nassau we are planning on taking a bus to the Wyndham Resort to spend the day. They have a Casino, Pool with a slide and a nice beach area! There's lots of info about it in past threads. Just look for Cable Beach threads.
Do you have a big family coming on the cruise with you?
This will be our first Cruise and we're very Excited too!
Amy

 

[allears]

We have purposely picked one port at which we stay on the ship. We like going to the islands and seeing different places. Plus it is very educational for our children. However, our main destination is the Disney Magic. So we take advantage of the empty ship at least once during a cruise. This time we're planning on spending time on Grand Cayman and staying on board in Cozumel. The excursions are great, and should be part of the experience, but you don't have to feel like they are a must at every stop.

 

[Verandah Man]

On our recent 4 day cruise, DW and I only got off the ship when we arrived at CC, then just relaxed on the beach for a few hours.

 

[webray]

Well, if you have been to the islands your ship stops at many times and don't need anything..then stay on the ship. If it is your first time..why would you stay on the ship. Get off and enjoy the islands. They are all wonderful in their own way. Visiting with the locals is excellent. You don't have to take some big expensive excursion, just get off and explore. Test the local food/drink. Do a little shopping, mail some postcards to friends and family.

 

[deedz]

thank you all...
I have so much to learn before my 1st cruise!!!

 

[natsmom125]

We too never do any excursions. That is just our choice. We love the ship when it is virtually empty and quiet.

On our 12-4 cruise, we did get off in each port for some shopping and DD had to get post cards, brochures about each place, etc. for homework. But in each we were back on the ship in probably 2 hours...oh until DD spotted the Golden Arches of McDonalds in Cozumel....DH had to take her to McD's....I refused.....lol

We probably stayed a little longer in Key West...just walking around and looking...or people watching if you like...and there were some sights to see too...

If we ever did the 3 or 4 day again, I'm sure DH would make an EXCURSION to the Atlantis casino.....

Although we do get off at CC....I wouldn't even do that if DH and DD didn't make me. We live within walking distance of the beach, and all the things they offer on CC we can do here. But it is a good place to relax and again,
watch people!!!! And eat...and drink.....

Phyllis