western 5-7 not that long

[kaykels]

This was my 3rd DCL cruise but 1st time on the Magic. It was AMAZING!

Embarkation : crowded! Get there early! I arrived at 11 am and the lines were huge. Get there by 10:30 at the latest!

Ressie Scramble: Different from previous cruises on the Wonder. Family went to PC for lunch while I went to Palo for ressies. We didn't do the spa, otherwise hubby would have gone there. No need to rush to the kids clubs. Do that LATER when the madness dies down (unless you need Flounders res)

Key West: Wasn't fun for the kids because we walked and walked and walked. It was hot and crowded. If you are expecting Margaritaville to look like the one in Orlando you'll be disappointed. It's small, not air conditioned and crowded. The kids wanted to go back on the ship. I went back out later and took a cab ride with my dad. We paid the driver $50.00 for a 1 hour tour. We saw the beautiful beaches and we were kicking ourselves for not going THERE with the kids!!!!!!! NEXT TIME !!!!!

Day at Sea: Mickey pool was way too crowded. They should empty that at some point because it was really HOT (eww) AND there were some nasty floaters. SO..... my advice is get up there early, then do other things. Take a late night swim. We had deck 9 almost to ourselves in the evenings. It was the best part of the cruise.

Grand Cayman: We went to Sea Grape Beach and the sand was white and powdery, the water was crystal blue. Save most of the shopping for Cozumel and enjoy the water here!!! Although booze is cheap!

Cozumel: Dang it's HOT here! There is a mall when you disembark. It's very nice. We went to Paradise Beach (next door to Mr. Sanchos and they are almost identical) I read so much praise about this place but I was disappointed because the sand is rough and rocky and the water had a lot of sea weed and debris. You need water shoes here! It isn't SAND under your feet. It was a nice day, but it's a long cab ride and back to back beach days were too tiring.

Castaway: What I can say! You can't go wrong here. It's paradise!

We had a ball! By the way, if you can't finish all of your cakes on pirate night or dessert buffet night, send it to the kids clubs for the staff! They were so happy I thought they were going to cry~!!!!!

 

[Liz]

Thanks for the great info! I had no idea you could get on the ship that early in the day!

 

[KKB]

We went to Paradise Beach last Oct....not near Mr. Sanchos, but right next to San Fransisco beach...not long cab drive(maybe 10 min. S. of port)...no rocky beaches (bare feet for us), soft sand(like cornmeal), totally clear water(although storms could bring in debris).
Sure doesn't sound like the same place! It was our FAVORITE port!
Just wondering if there are 2--or maybe it was somewhere else.
Glad your trip was wonderful!
Kris

 

[Liz]

KKB, how do you get cabs and are they expensive? I would worry I couldn't find a cab back to the ship, or is that not a concern? Thanks!

 

[KKB]

I believe there were cabs waiting outside the beach, too--I don't remember ever calling for one. Either way, not a concern.
Price was like $10 each way, I think.
We are anxious to go back--fav port over Costa Maya & Jamaica.
Happy cruising!
Kristin