Need Advice for West. Cruise

[Castlepixie]

I have never been on the Western cruise and need advice on what to do at the ports of call. I will be traveling with 6 friends and we would like to keep the cost of excursions at a minimum. Any advice is appreciated. Very interested in getting to beaches at the different ports. Thank you.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi - one of the things that I offer anyone that wants it is information of Key West - see I was born and raised in Key West and know just as much as a conch can - the information I have is free and the only cost involved is the cost of a large manilla envelope - self addressed and with about $3.50 worth of stamps on it - send it to me, I fill it up and return it back to you - there are no strings attached - I enclosed coupons, maps etc and it makes it easier knowing something instead of going knowing nothing.
Anyone is most welcomed to the info - you can write me at snelsonbrown@aol.com or just mail the envelope to The Perfect Gift, 6550 North Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920- if you have any questions I can help with, just call the shop.
Have a great time in my hometown but be careful of those tee shirt shops - they will get ya.
Always
Shirley

 

[Castlepixie]

Thank you Shirley for your help. I will definitely mail you my envelope. I have read so many of your previous posts and you seem like such a wonderful person. Always willing to help others!
Key West is sounding wonderful--the weather is Maine is quite chilly today!

 

[Wavegirl]

In Grand Cayman you MUST go to stingray city and or do the beach horseback ride, both are excellent.

We LOVED the catamaran (sailboats) trips and have used the following companies and each one was great:

Snorkeler's Dream Catamaran : we did this on our last trip, 3.5hrs, 3 snorkeling stop and one is of course Stingray City were you get to stand in the water (crystal clear) and the stingrays swim all around you, incredible!! The captain plays his guitar while you sail back too...really cute!! $34 for adult and only $20 for kids...BEST DEAL

Captain Bryans Hannibal Catamtaran we've done this many times, 2.5hrs, 2 stops including stingray city for $34 and $25 for kids

The Beach Horseback Riding is another excellent one, we loved it and so did our kids. Really nice way to see the beach and get hear about the Island. Penny is incredible, she runs the place, great guide. You can do this as a double excursion too, stingray city and then horseback riding..best of both worlds, sea and shore

 

[cjsmith]

We did Stingray City with Captain Marvin's in June and LOVED it!
In Key West we did the trolley tour. I prebought the tickets on line prior to our cruise and was all set and ready to go.
In Cozumel we rented a jeep and toured the island. WE did the minor ruins there, which was okay and then spent the afternoon at Mr Sanchos.

 

[GenieDana]

You can save even more if you check out Nativeway for Stingray City in GC. They have one of the earlier tours so you get on the bar earlier than most = less crows and more rays. They drop you back of at the tender pier or 7-mile beach - your choice.

Nativway Stingray City (Adults - 6 and over) $25.00
Children 6 and under - FREE

Make reservations by e-mail - No deposite required, and you pay on boat after your tour (credit cards and cash)

http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/about.html

The other don't miss if you have kids:
Turtle Farm admission (adults) $6.00
Turtle Farm admission (children 6-12) $3.00

http://www.turtle.ky/video.htm

In Cozumel, rent a Safari from LessPay ($30) and head out on your own. Snorkle off shore at Dzul Ha (FREE), which is where the locals go.

http://www.islacozumel.net/services/lesspay/

At Dzul Ha, there is a beach club that is really nice ($5 per person) and the price includes a Drink, so if you get a nice frozen margarita it's basically free. This place is across the street from Dzul Ha:

http://cozumelinsider.com/palmar/

Good luck and have fun!

 

[jlawall]

Great advice from the previous poster about getting there early BUT DOES ANYONE NEED MORE RAYS???? I'll admit, I was alittle squeamish!!

 

[disneystyle]

Thanks GenieDana we are giving NativeWay a try on our Jan. 3 cruise.

 

[RellingTwin]

Eagle Ray Divers was the highlight of our Western cruise. The best snorkel trip I have ever been on and the best bargin of our trip!
www.eagleraydivers.com

 

[natdencro]

I agree that Key West is a great day, and the "train" ride is a must. However, we noticed that the Disney excursion was too "regimented" for us, and a little slow to get everyone organized, due to varying age ranges and abilities. We took the ride independently and it was easy........... just a few steps from the harbour. Dont bother with the "sunset in Mallory Sq"........... a den for pickpockets............... and you get a better view of the sunset from the ship! Make sure you disembark again though, as the ship is so beautiful as it lights up at night.

We intend to do the Stingray trip in GC, as there is very little to do there if you dont have an excursion planned.

Desperately wanted to do the horse ride, but have back problem. However, having read the comments on the board, I shall do it NEXT time: hang the pain................. its been a dream of mine since I was knee-high to a grass-hopper!


Cozumel is fun, but found the shop-keepers as little "pushy". Make sure you "haggle" with them for discounts! They expect it!Need to go back there also, as dd (crew member) took us to Carlos and Charlie's for lunch........... bought us HUGE drinks of "sex on the beach", and then weren't physically fit enough to explore more! Not a place for young children, but is great for 25+ "children"!

Ah, the memories are coming flooding back! Roll on March 2004.
Nat