No shore excursions?

[DramaGeek]

Has anyone done a Disney cruise and NOT done shore excursions - that's not to say not left the ship - but instead traveled around the ports independently?

Looking to hear from people who have done this and whether or not they think it was a better use of their time than an organised excursion?

We are doing a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise and are having trouble finding Disney shore excursions that interest us both.

If independent travel isn't a good idea what are some shore excursions you would recommend for 2 adults (24 and 30).

This is our first cruise so any help will be greatly appreciated. TIA for your help.

 

[cleophus12]

Hardly ever do ship's excursions. Most of the ports are very easy to get around. Do your homework and plan excursions your family will enjoy. If the ship's excursion is simpler, do that. We don't usually like being tied to a bus full of people and prefer to do things on our own. We have never had any problems, but not all ports are entirely safe on your own. Western ports should be okay for the most part. Cozumel is really easy to do on your own as is Grand Cayman if those are on your itinerary.

 

[dpswift]

We have done both. It depends on where you are and how much time you are in port. If time is going to be tight use the ship excursion because the operators will be sure that you are back on time. You do not want to lose hundreds trying to meet up with the ship to save 50 bucks.

However many ports are easy to do on your own. As PP mentioned be sure to check on the safety of the area you are visiting and their customs.

 

[truck1]

Without knowing your likes and dislikes, its hard to give a recomendation.

Typically, we will walk around a port, and see the sights, and try different things on our own. Usually well do some homework, to see what the islands have to offer. Print off what you might like to see or do.

If you like to swim, try Margarittaville in Grand Cayman, they have a large pool and slide. The one in Cozumel has an in ocean play area.

 

[DramaGeek]

Thanks for the advice!

We are stopping in Cozumel, Falmouth and Grand Cayman. If you've been to these ports I'd love to hear your experiences.

This is our honeymoon so it's just us going. Thanks again for your help

 

[JohnDS]

You do not want to lose hundreds trying to meet up with the ship to save 50 bucks.

This is our consideration, the excursions we want use all of our port time. Disney guarantees your return to the ship if you book through them. If we are on our own, we may miss the boat and then be responsible for our travel to the next port.

 

[JohnDS]

Thanks for the advice! We are stopping in Cozumel, Falmouth and Grand Cayman. If you've been to these ports I'd love to hear your experiences. This is our honeymoon so it's just us going. Thanks again for your help

In cozumel we are hoping to do the secret river.

 

[insureman]

The last time in Grand Cayman we took a taxi (van) to the Marriott on 7 mile beach. If it's not too crowded at the resort you are allowed to use their facilities for a fee. If it is full you are allowed access the beach through their hotel. Just bring some towels. Website below.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/

 

[kohlby]

We're currently looking into doing a Disney cruise and may do their port excursions. However, that's because we have three kids and that makes things more complicated. I have to look into it more to see if it's worth it. Pre-kids, we did not use the ship's excursions. It meant less money and MUCH smaller groups. It did take more planning, but it was so worth it. For one, our group of 6-8 people went off with the guide while at least 50 people went in another group from the same ship we were on - and ours was cheaper! Do check times carefully. We always had plenty of time to get back to the ship so we didn't worry about that.