Port Adventures - Fantasy western caribbean

[Aligon]

We are travelling with boys (9 & 6) on the Fantasy Sep 13th. I am wondering what are the most fun excursions for the ports of Grand Cayman, Cozumel & Jamaica? This is our first DCL.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Sixks]

Grand Cayman….we did Dolphin Cove (not the one through Disney). They met us at the port and transported us to Dolphin Cove. When we were finished with our dolphin swim, they asked if we were going to Stingray city which was not too far away. We would have done that except we had done the stingray experience at Castaway Cay. We REALLY LOVED the Grand Cayman Turtle farm. We did the turtle farm right after swimming with the dolphins. We did the beach after (Surfside at 7 mile beach) but I didn't like Surfside. The taxi driver just took us there because we didn't know where to go. The sand area is super small and the bar blasts loud music and you can't get away from it. I would have preferred a different part of the beach that was more quiet with more sand. That being said, hubby wanted to rent a wave runner and we all had fun having rides but 30 minutes did not seem long enough.

In Cozumel, we just got off the boat and got a taxi to Paradise Beach. The pool area is AWESOME and the entire facility is really nice. We did pay extra for the ocean bouncy toys but my kids didn't really like them and we ended up hanging out at the pool. The taxi driver waited for us and was there when we were ready to return. I loved shopping at the mall they have right at the port and almost missed the ship boarding time because I was having too much fun shopping.

In Jamaica, just the adults in our group did the Great Hope Estate plantation tour through Disney. I would NOT do Jamaica on your own. I would book a Disney excursion. Most of the excursions are run by a company called Chukka and they all seem to take you to the Great Hope Estate. While there, some of the people tried to upsell us to do the zip line. Three of us stayed and did the zip line for only $20 more for just one ride but it was super fun.

I think Western Caribbean is super fun for excursions….much better than Eastern Caribbean which is more relax on the beach. Have fun on your trip.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

We went on a specialty cruise on another cruise line and visited GC and Jamaica.

We also did the turtle farm at GC (not with Disney). Highly recommended. Was one of my DDs favorite.

In Jamaica, we did Dunns River Falls (again not a Disney excursion). We enjoyed the climb, but didn't find it necessary to hold hands. The climb was lots of fun, but you must walk QUICKLY through the vendor market to exit. We did really enjoy this one, but probably wouldn't do it again.

 

[Aligon]

Thanks for this information. We are really excited

Question, why you didn't book through Disney? cost? I am really scared to miss the ship.

 

[kennedyandkailey]

We are booked for the April 12th Western CC.... After A LOT of research hours we recently booked the following:

Grand Cayman : Boatswain Adventure Park and Turtle Farm

Costa Maya: Mayan Ruins Tour (DH and I felt it might not be the most 'exciting' option but feel that it would be shame to take the kids there and not do this once...)

Cozumel: Dune Buggy and Snorkel Combo.... BUT we are leaning on the fence of canceling and booking outside DCL to go to Mr Sanchos All Inclusive....

DC are 11 and 9

Also, We have friends who just did the Fury Catamaran and Beach Party option in Cozumel and their kids loved it....

 

[truck1]

Thanks for this information. We are really excited

Question, why you didn't book through Disney? cost? I am really scared to miss the ship.

As far as paying for excursions, it really depends. Usually if you pay thru DCL, you are going to pay a higher cost, then if you paid directly through the excursion company. (can be as high as a 100% or better upcharge on some excursions) The benefit through DCL is that if your tour is late, the ship will normally wait for you.

On the other hand, some people may prefer a different tour operator for any number of reasons. From using them before, to price, to customized itinerary.

A suggestion for the OP, when we were there in 2012, and 2010, we did Margarittaville in both GC and Coz. I know theres 2 in Jamaica, but dont know how far they are from the port. The GC and Coz Margarittaville,GC have a pool with a slide, and the one in Coz, has a water play area in the ocean. Both are within walking distance of the piers. In GC we did Stingray City Snorkeling with Capt Marvins, and that was a lot of fun.

 

[JohnDS]

As far as paying for excursions, it really depends. Usually if you pay thru DCL, you are going to pay a higher cost, then if you paid directly through the excursion company. (can be as high as a 100% or better upcharge on some excursions) The benefit through DCL is that if your tour is late, the ship will normally wait for you.

On the other hand, some people may prefer a different tour operator for any number of reasons. From using them before, to price, to customized itinerary.

A suggestion for the OP, when we were there in 2012, and 2010, we did Margarittaville in both GC and Coz. I know theres 2 in Jamaica, but dont know how far they are from the port. The GC and Coz Margarittaville,GC have a pool with a slide, and the one in Coz, has a water play area in the ocean. Both are within walking distance of the piers. In GC we did Stingray City Snorkeling with Capt Marvins, and that was a lot of fun.

It's also my understanding that with the DCL excursions you will gather onboard and then go, if your unfamiliar with a port that could be a good thing. I saw something about preferred tendering at Grand Cayman also.

 

[thdarragh]

We are booked for the April 12th Western CC.... After A LOT of research hours we recently booked the following:

Grand Cayman : Boatswain Adventure Park and Turtle Farm

Costa Maya: Mayan Ruins Tour (DH and I felt it might not be the most 'exciting' option but feel that it would be shame to take the kids there and not do this once...)

Cozumel: Dune Buggy and Snorkel Combo

DC are 11 and 9

Also, We have friends who just did the Fury Catamaran and Beach Party option in Cozumel and their kids loved it....

Are you a member of our Fantasy April 12 Facebook group? FE group? Still time if not.

 

[wiigirl]

It's also my understanding that with the DCL excursions you will gather onboard and then go, if your unfamiliar with a port that could be a good thing. I saw something about preferred tendering at Grand Cayman also.

 

[Auntieluncher]

[QUOTEQuestion, why you didn't book through Disney? cost? I am really scared to miss the ship.[/QUOTE]

If you are afraid of missing the boat and you haven't been to the port before, the extra price of the excursion is worth the peace of mind. When you are on a Disney booked excursion, the ship won't leave you. Sometimes that's worth the price. We've been on a cruise where we almost didn't make it back in time but the bus driver assured us they would wait. There had been a tragic shooting of a child a few days before and they were having the funeral that day. Traffic was horrible (as in nearly standstill) and we were about 10 minutes past all aboard time. But they were happily waiting for us and got us on quickly. You just never know what's going on that could cause a delay. If you want to save the money, make sure you leave enough time to get back.

We've also been onboard watching from deck 9 or 10 while folks ran frantically to the ship because they were late. And, we've left people before so be aware, if they can't find you, they will leave you!

Have a great cruise! We love the Turtle Farm on GC. Been twice and enjoyed it both times. Once with Nephew who was 11 at the time and DD 7; then again with just DD then 9.

 

[kennedyandkailey]

Are you a member of our Fantasy April 12 Facebook group? FE group? Still time if not.

No... Tell me more!!!

 

[Aligon]

This is going to be our first cruise and we never have been in these islands. I prefer my peace of mind for our first experience. Maybe next time, we can be more adventurous.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[sdjen]

I will second the turtle farm in GC. We did the DCL excursion here when my dd was 5. Really enjoyed it. The one we did included a tour with time to touch the turtles, lunch (pretty good) and time for swimming also. One saltwater and one fresh water swimming pool which we really enjoyed.

We also LOVED the dolphin swim at Dolphinaris in Cozumel. Probably the highlight of our first cruise. Not inexpensive but an awesome experience that my daughter still talks about.

Have a great time!

 

[pouncingpluto]

What do you think about the turtle farm for 3-year-olds?

 

[sdjen]

What do you think about the turtle farm for 3-year-olds?

I think it would be really fun. Especially if they also like to swim. If I remember correctly the fresh water pool was a zero entry which is great for little ones.

 

[pouncingpluto]

Thanks! It looks good.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

We are on the 8/16 Western Fantasy cruise and was thinking about the Jamaican Bobsled, has anyone done it before?

We always use DCL port adventures for the safety on not missing the boat and the ease of paying using our OB account.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I was thinking of doing the dolphin swim/turtle farm combo in GC. It says 45 mins at the turtle farm. Does anyone know if that's even enough time to see a lot?
I have 2 boys ages 5 and 7.

Thanks!