Excursions; booked too many or not enough

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi Everyone,
Have enjoyed lurking and reading, and hope to hear lots of opinions. Did you find you overbooked your excursions or wished you had booked more?

We (Me, DH and DDs 13 and 11) are
booked the Dolphin Swim (independently of DCL) for Cozumel, and of course plan to do a little mini-golfing there too. Otherwise, it's wide open.

I was leaning toward booking something that would last a couple hours or so in every port- but am rethinking that as I hear there are so many things to do in the Navigator and the Kids CLubs. Or we can just play it by ear and get off the ship and enjoy on our own if we want. What do you think?

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

 

[eye R.N.]

We tend to book one excursion ahead of time, then play the rest by ear.

Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman was pre-booked (on our own) We did the trolley tour on our own in Key West, mostly because I wasn't sure what they kids were going to be up for that day. By the time we got to Cozumel everyone was beat, so we hung out near ship.

Our guiding principle is this is everyone's vacation and a time for family memories. So if everyone agrees on an excursion ahead of time it's a go. If a segment of the family really wants to try something new and the others don't then we don't pre-book and just see what's available that day.

 

[rae519]

So much to do and see and remember the tropical heat is going to wear you out much faster than you are accustomed to. Children often get more tired and dehydrated than adults - so watch your water intake.

We find that the excursions make the time pass faster and sometimes it's just nice to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Best advise is relax, you are on vacation! Plan at least one excusion but don't get trapped into the minutia!!

Rae

 

[kcashner]

We also book one ahead and wing it on the others. You can book on board up to a day ahead if there is space, and can book privately while you are on the islands if you wish. You want some "chill out" time. DOn't overschedule yourself.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Personally, we try and get one excrusion (if only a short one) at each port. Here's my thinking, You have plenty of time on the ship, make the most of the time on the islands, as you may never get there again. My parents started traveling with us (4 girls) when we were young (ages 2-7). We ALL can honestly say that the excursion "adventures" that my parents "forced" us to go on, were some of the greatest, most memorable experiences of our lives. Imagine 4 little girls wanting to go deep sea fishing in Grand Cayman....not.... but going anyway. 30 years later, each one of us can name our fishing guide (Harrison Green) and what kind of fish my Mom caught (Wahoo) and then had the restaurant cook it for dinner for us that night. We all remember our first taste of turtle soup, Mom's first ride on a waverunner in Barbados, our jitney driver in St. John (Barnett Frett) and so many other things that I can't even begin to write because I would run out of room. We are now all in our 30s and still love to cruise and travel in the caribbean. We love to do the adventerous excursions, because they bring us the most memorable moments. I thank my parents for giving me the gift and love of travel.
I think that you should find at least one "neat" thing to do in a port, whether it is an excursion , or on your own. It will bring your kids memories that will last a lifetime. I wouldn't just let them stay on the ship at a port and miss something that could impact them forever. Make them see the culture, taste the food, experince the land. They may not want to try something or go somewhere, but will thank you in the end. I am a testament to that.

Maureen

 

[jrabbit]

Even if you don't do any "official" excursions, you ALL should leave the ship at each port.

Something I wish we had done was to send ourselves a postcard from all of the islands we have visited (we've done Castaway Cay every time and not one other port ).

Another thing that's fairly low cost is to hire a cab for a short tour of the area you are in. You really need to get away from the port area to get a "feel" of where you are. It might be a little frightening, but it is worth the experience.

Rae is very correct. The heat and humidity will sap your energy quicker than you can imagine (unless you live in the south where you have an idea of how it can get). So pace yourselves. And everyone drink lots of water throughout the cruise (caffinated beverages - coffee, colas don't keep you hydrated).

When we did the western, we snokeled at Key West, snorkeled at Grand Cayman and then went to the beach on our own at Cozumel. For us, laying on the beach was a great way to recharge (and get our first sunburns of the trip).

Have fun. Leaving your options open and doing something on the spur of the moment can work out great. We went to Orient Beach on St. Maarten at the last minute on our own. DW said in looking at the possible shore excursions - "No Naked People!!!" Well there is the possibility of seeing some women toppless and people fully naked. We had 3 children with us ages 8-14 and we did see some nude people and several ladies (but not that many) going around topless. DW didn't mind (that was a big shock!!), the kids barely noticed (and have not turned into sex fiends) and I enjoyed the sceenery. We had a wonderful time playing in the water - nice sized waves to bob in jump on tumble around in. And the beach was beautiful and is in a beautiful location. Comming down over the mountain, the first glimpse of the beach is breathtaking. If we didn't get away from the port we would have missed this.

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Thanks so much everyone! I knew you all would give me some much needed direction and I now have a much better idea how to approach the ports; and especially thanks for the advice about the heat and humidity. We live in Massachusetts, and I am sure I am underestimating the weather in June, even though I researched it. We'll be packing lots of water on our jaunts.

So we'll definately plan to leave the ship in each port, as you said we may never have a chance to see these places again. I've booked ahead the a big once in a lifetime excursion that we can't miss (the dolphin swim on Cozumel); plan on renting a car to cruise around and get a feel for Grand Cayman- play it by ear as no one is interested Stingray City; and of course RELAX on CC. I figure the popular excursions will be sold out, but some of the more expensive ones like those various sub and glass bottom boat tours may be available last minute if the idea grabs us. Most importantly, I would love to think my daughters will be talking about the cool things we experienced on this once in a lifetime vacation. My DH and I operate small businesses and it's very difficult to get away (our last week off was in 2000 at WDW of course!) so it'll be time to live it up

Thanks again for all the help.
Kathy

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Kathy, I think you've made a wise decision! (And by the way, Grand Cayman is beautiful on your own!) Enjoy! And just remember, it's the adventures that make the memories!

mrsfuzzmo