Inexpensive things to do at ports?

[Ratpack]

We are sailing this July on a western Caribbean cruise out of Ft Lauderdale on the Allure. We will be stopping at Labadee, Falmouth, and Cozumel. Since there are 10 of us, we are looking for things to do at each port that has a minimum cost. Labadee would be our easiest I think since it will be more of our beach day, although we would like to do some other things there to see the culture, but the others are up in the air as to things to do.All of the excursions RC offers is quite expensive for what it is. The ages of the travelers range from 6 to 72. Anything anyone can recommend would be great so that I can start my planning would be great.

 

[Laz]

You may want to research each port and find out what you want to see and do first. Many people then strike a deal with a local taxi driver to take them to those sites. For a pre arranged price, the cabbie will spend the day driving and waiting for you. Just remember that you are on your own and the ship will not reimburse you for a bad day or wait for you if you are late for the ship.

 

[bumbershoot]

Check out the ports of call forum on cruisecritic.com! Very useful there.

 

[HopperFan]

Labadee - yes it is a beach day and you honestly don't have to spend any more money there. It is an enclosed compound so you really aren't going into "Haiti". There is the market where no one will hassle you and you can see/buy some cultural goods. If you want you can walk through the more open market but be prepared to be called out to, begged to look at wares and of course the push to buy. We found if we stayed on middle of path they didn't come up to us so there must be an understood line to stay behind for them. Make sure you see the ruins and walk up to the paths at Dragon's tale and the overlook past the pub. Some pretty views.

Falmouth - We walked through the enclosed port and looked at all the goods then 8 of us (all women) walked into Falmouth and headed several streets over to a restaurant where we went up on the roof for jerk chicken. The view was awesome and you could watch down on the street that was very local. We purchased a few items on the streets that were the same as inside the port but 1/5 the price. I felt totally comfortable walking there. Most tours, other than the town, are a long drive. Since we have been the port should be finished so you could just enjoy that if you like. It has the regular port stores plus market and the regular stuff like Margaritaville.

Cozumel - It really is a very safe place. First time our family went to one of the beaches for the day that was free but we paid for everything we got. We went back to the ship, showered and then walked all over downtown shopping, even side streets. We were at the pier downtown. Next time we were at south pier and the 8 of us did the Cozumel Bar Hop Bus tour and it was the best part of our cruise. Your groups' age spread wouldn't want to do that. The market at the south pier was very good but you will need to either take a tour or taxi to other places.

The plus of the Allure (like our next on Oasis) is there is so much to do on the ship we really consider it a CRUISE SHIP CRUISE more than port cruise.

 

[angiwright]

On Cozumel we loved Paradise Beach! We found a taxi driver that did a deal of $20 or $25 per person and he took us there, we had use of all amenities and then he drove us back.

At paradise beach they have beach chairs, umbrellas, a small shop, snorkeling gear to use, life jackets to use, water inflatables to play on, kayaks to use and an amazing pool if you prefer the pool over the beach. It is very clean!! Our ages also ranged a lot. From 5 yrs to 60's. And everyone had a good time.

The only money we spent outside of what we paid the taxi driver was lunch (the restaurant was very good) and a small amount on a few things from the store.

We will definitely go back to Paradise Beach next time we are in Cozumel.

 

[rainspine]

In Labadee, I'd suggest just enjoying the beach and the free food. If you drink, my suggestion would be to have a Labadoosy or 2. In Cozumel... find an all inclusive beach, and it will be great for all 10 of you.