Excursion at every port?

[hughiedeweylouie]

I was reading this board the other day and people were responding to a question about what mistake they made with the cruise. Most said they wish they had just laid back and enjoyed the ship more. Does that mean that maybe we shouldn't schedule an excursion in each port of the 7 day Western Cruise? Maybe just a couple of excursions.
Also, what do you do if you book an excursion and the ship changes dates or its itinerary. Can you get a refund?
Thanks,
Ann

 

[AnnMorin]

We have done the western and one excursion I would not miss is stingray city.... it is just amazing! In key west and cozumel I think you could do fine on your own.. it is true that planned excursions do take up a great deal of time. If you have been to the ports before than they are great to show you other things but the first time exploring can be such a joy!

 

[pippy]

We're going on the 7 day western. This will be our first disney cruise. We're only taking 2 excursions. One in Cozumel and one in the Grand Caymens. Actually 3, the DH wants to go to tulum and our DDis too young to go, so we two will be doing the dolphin encounter. Except for the DH spending the entire day seeing the ruins, the other excursions will be short so we may relax and enjoy the beaches. I don't want to spend my vacation running around seeing things.

 

[gdulaney]

There are probably a billion different opinions on what to do and how much to do... I guess it depends on if you think that this will be the only time that you visit these ports. If you think that's the case, then I'd say "go for it!!" Do as much as you can. If you don't think that this is a one-time deal, if you think that another cruise is in your future...then you can be a bit more laid back.

It does get easier to decide. On our last cruise, we did an excursion in St. Martin (Rhino rider), shopped a bit and headed back to the ship...where we lounged by the pool and relaxed. In St. Thomas, we did a bit of shopping...no excursions...then just relaxed on the ship.

Whatever you do, I hope you and your family has a wonderful time!

Ginny

 

[goodfaerie]

Our ship was diverted, so a lot of things changed about our cruise. My experience, in a nutshell, was this: Whatever scheduling problem there may have been was taken care of. As soon as DCL knew about any one change in our itinerary, we received a message in our stateroom advising us and letting us know about the subsequent changes. Everything worked out fine, and we didn't miss ANYTHING. I have no idea how they accomplished the dizzying task of reassigning things for all those people, but, then, that's Disney.

As for doing an excursion at every port--I wasn't feeling up to a tour, so we spent the Key West day in the spa...and it was the BEST. Keep it loose--don't let one excursion or activity make or break your cruise. Even if something is cancelled or switched, there are a gazillion other ways to enjoy yourself.

Have a great time!!!

Goodfaerie

 

[jlawall]

Whatever you do, just have fun!!! We did the kayak excursion in Key West and had a really good time. Best wishes for a great cruise!!!!!!!!

 

[DMOMof3]

Also, what do you do if you book an excursion and the ship changes dates or its itinerary. Can you get a refund?

I just booked a dolphin swim with dolphin discovery for the western cruise and if for any reason the ship doesn't make it to port that day I get a full refund

 

[jrabbit]

Even if you don't do a formal excursion at each stop, I would recomend getting off of the ship and walking around each port for a little while (even Nassau - which I really didn't like). Take some pictures, buy some postcards, be prepared to say NO a lot. It will broaden your perspective on the world.

 

[denise5374]

Since you are on the western, get off the ship in Grand Cayman. I spent a week there a few years ago and it was by far the moxt beautiful island I have seen. And from my memory, there were no people wandering around the streets, asking for this or that(unlike Nassau).

But, anyway we did Stingray City and that is definitely a Not Miss. It is truly an amazing experience!

Whatever you decide, enjoy yourself and don't stress too much, remember you are on vacation!!!

 

[TartanFan]

We've been on 3 DCL cruises and have only done 1 excursion (Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel) but then we're not "organised tour" types! We have gotten off the ship at every port and wandered (shopped) a little but going your own way certainly gives you the opportunity to come and go as you please - we found we kinda had the best of both worlds - a flavour of the ports but still able to take advantage of the less busy ship!

However, I'm a firm believer of "each to his/her own" and I'm sure you'll have fun whatever you choose! Enjoy!

 

[jgalecpa]

I always plan at least one excursion per cruise, not one per stop.

(mind you we have never done A DCL before)

Sometimes, the joy of discovering things on your own on some new island is amazing. (To my wife this means shopping).

Sometimes we go on oranized jaunts, based on the port. (To my wife this means shopping).

Sometimes we stay on the ship and enjoy the quiet of the boat (To my wife this means shopping).

jim