Hubby and I did our very first cruise, last September..lol. We had never been to the islands the ship stops at, so we took some recommendations from the people on these boards..and put together our own adventure.
It was our 2nd time in Key West though.
For Key West..it is so easy to do Key West on your own. The Conch train/trolley tour is very nice, or you can rent the electric car and drive around yourself. We went to hemingways house, turtle krawl, Bo's fish market (for lunch..yummy), of course all the famous bars, stopped at the Sotiel gallery, and did some shopping. We had a verandah room, so we watched the sunset from the ship. Otherwise, you can do the sunset party in mallory square.
For Cozumel..we got off the ship, first thing in the morning and grabbed a taxi to Mr. Sancho's beach area. We had planned on having lunch there, this was recommened to us by other cruisers on this board before we left. Food is wonderful, beach is beautiful, clean, clean bathrooms, large hot tub, very relaxing. We spent about 3 hours or so, then headed back to dock/shopping area. Our first stop was the forum shops..that is the farthest shopping center away from the dock area. Hubby wanted to get cigars (upstairs), we had mojitos at the bar/restaurant there (2nd floor, overlooks water). then downstairs..yippee, the jewelry store. Did some shopping until almost dinner time..took our packages back to the ship, freshened up and came back out for dinner. The ships look beautiful all lit up on the water after dark. We had dinner at Carlos and Charlies..lots of fun and the food was very good.
Grand Cayman...we knew we wanted to see some of the major sites..so we inquired about taxi..there is a taxi stand/dispatch area right up the dock..they had the 2 hour island tour from aroun $15 or $20 per person..it was great. Stopped all the places we wanted to go and then some...lets you out to look around, mail postcards..do shopping..no rushing..very laid back. We enjoyed this a lot. Then the driver offered to leave anyone at the beach if they wanted to be dropped there, otherwise he took us back to the shopping area. We had passed a couple microbrews/restaurants..so we decided we would eat there. 1st one is Rackhams..they have the stingray beer, and a great menu. Very nice gift shop also. Deck/bar over looks water.
2nd..Big Bamboo...5 beers to sample..lighter menu..fresh fish grilled right on the deck for you. Both of these are ocean side..a short walk up on the left..of course. After that..plenty of shopping and back to the ship.
Castaway Cay...we just relaxed on the adult beach...it is excellent. Our second time to castaway cay...daughter was with us..we rented tubes and went out...they work like magnafying glasses on the water..you can float around and see the ocean life beneath you..very cool.
Just too much fun!
