First Time Cruisers On Western Need Advice

[shirley 38]

HI I AM SO ENCITED I CAN'T EVEN GET TO SLEEP TONIGHT.
WE ARE WILL BE ON THE WESTERN CRUSIE ON APRIL 24. 2004.

PLEASE PLEASE, We are older but love all activities especially snorkling and seeing Ruins and shopping. Love beaches.

Maybe what I am trying to say nothing too strenuous like rock climbing.

Please what not to miss at Key West, and the Islands.
I really need for to be special.

I am only talking about off board excursions. We don't care if it is Disney or another company.

It just has to be a good. Thanks in advance. This means so much to us.

Oh I forgot to mention my little pooch is a rare cockapoo. He will be 14 years old but thinks he 2. Rare becaise he is pure silver. They have not had one since him.
Built like cocker, intelligence of a poddle, loves to swim, thinks he was put on this earth to tackle squriles and thinks like a human.
Isn't he a cutie.

 

[auntrenae]

Hi,
I've been on the western 3 times and love it. As for what to do on excursions, I haven't been out on one at Key West, but have heard that a lot of people like the beach there as well as the trolley tour.
On Grand Cayman, I ALWAYS do Capt. Marvins half day tour to stingray city. He's the first captain to take a boat out there for tourists and does a great job. He's a local company and you can find out more about him by logging onto www.captainmarvins.com They take you to the coral gardens, then to stingray city, then to the reef. I have had nothing but excellent service and a lot of fun. On our second trip there my DH and DS did the deep submersible that goes down 800 feet and is quite expensive. They are glad they went, but wouldn't do it again.
On Cozumel, we have just shopped or done the fury catamaran sail and snorkel and beach party. The snorkeling is amazing and they have a photographer in the water to catch you feeding the fish. The beach for the party isn't very good, though. This last time my DH went to the Tulum ruins and had a great time with friends.
There's my 2 cents worth, I hope it helps!

 

[jrabbit]

In KW and Grand Cayman we went on DCL snorkeling excursions.

The one in KW took us out about 8 miles to a reef and the snorkeling was great.

In GC we snorkeled at a shipwreck and a reef in the harbor in front of the Magic. It was about the best snorkeling we have experienced. My family was to freaked out about Sting Ray city. If we make it back, I'm going with them or without them.

 

[plutojudy]

bump for more replies

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

We haven't gone yet, but we leave in 24 days!!!!! (March 27th Western).
We have cruised this itinerary before, couple of times - different lines, and have done the run of the mill, usual shore excursions, so this time we've decided to do some different things. Here's what we have planned:

KW: BOB's (Breathing Observation Bubbles). These are like underwater motorscooters that you ride on (only like 2-3 mph) that have big glass bubbles for your head that you can breath in. There is a photo at www.bobkeywest.com. Take a look at it. Looks like a blast. No training necessary and you only can go down about 10-12 feet. Can't wait!!!

GC: Doing the Stingray City thing, but not with the usual companies, we've booked the Bucaneer Catamaran because it is the only boat with a licensed liquor bar onboard. We love to sail, snorkel, and have a cocktail or two and this one hits them all! Best of all, the timing is perfect. Starts at 10:00 am so we won't have to try and rush onto the first tender, and they are proud of the fact that they get to stingray city when the cruise excursions are NOT there (timing) so that it isn't a zoo!!! Sounds perfect. Price was right too, $38.00 pp for 3 snorkel stops, beverages (cash bar for liquor), SC and a sail on the catamaran!

COZ: This one looks like it's going to be my fav! Dune Buggy Tour! We get our own little dune buggy and follow a guide to some Ancient Mayan Ruins, Deserted beaches, places that no car can get to, a deserted beach with some of the islands best snorkeling, traditional mexican lunch on the beach, fun & sun in the sand, and then drive the Buggies some more. And all the Mexican Beer you can drink! This is a 7 hour tour, and with the Magic being in Port for so long in Coz, this will be perfect. We Take off at about 10:30 am and return to town at about 5:30, giving us plenty of time for some shopping and Charlos & Charlies!!!! before having to be back on board for the 11 pm sailing!

So, Like I said, I haven't done any of these, but wanted something a little different. If you would like more info on any of the above, let me know! I will write a full review when we return!

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[Tandyc]

mrsfuzzmo-

Great post! Love your excursions. I have wondered about the BOB thing, but I couldn't get your link to work. Who did you book with? How expensive was it? How long do you have them? Can more than one person ride at a time? Are children allowed to ride?

Sorry for all the questions, but I think this maybe the next excursion I book.

Thanks again!

Tandy

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

If you click on the link in my post it doesn't take you to the right place....Computers....Arghhhhh....But if you type the address in the address bar, it will take you to their new site. You can't get a reservation on it yet (I've noticed), but you can contact them. Before their site was up, they had an underconstruction site with a phone number. I called it and talked to "Phil" (I believe) and he said I should just call the week before we go down and he will set up a scheduled meeting time for us. I, today, tried their "Contact Us" portion of the site and haven't heard back yet.

Here's what I know. I believe the youngest age is 10. Weight limit is 350 lbs. No height restrictions as far as I can tell. You can only ride 1 person to a BOB. There is only one headpiece - breathing bubble attached.
Trip is about 3 & 1/2 hours and includes some snorkeling as well. Try and get onto their website and let me know. I believe cost is around $90.00 pp.

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[snelsonbrown]

I just wanted to say that if you would like some information on Key West, I would be more than happy to send you all types of information - the only cost is a large envelope with about $3.50 worth of stamps on the self address envelope - mail it to me at The PerfecT Gift, 6550 North Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Fl 32920 - I will fill it up and send it back - there is coupons, maps and much more.
Always
Shirley