Western cruise questions

[precious2flh]

We are booked for a week long western cruise. Since we booked this cruise, I have been laid off from my job. We have paid off the cruise and are still going but we will not have enough to pay for excursions. Can you all help me with "free" things we can research and do at each port? We have an 8 yr old daughter and a 13 year old son and they would enjoy anything, even window shopping.

Thanks so much!

 

[LynnTarrant]

In Cozumel although not totally free i would recommend the Chankanaab national park the taxi costs $10 each way ( for the cab not per person) and then the park costs $5. There is a sealion show, a beach, snorkeling (free if you have your own gear), children's play area, Mayan ruins, and botanical gardens. This is where you can swim with the dolphins and although that might be out of your price range just sitting watching them is pretty awesome.
In Grand Caymen you can do your own tour by local bus for only a couple of bucks. The buses go to Hell where you can post cards and to the Turtle farm (there is a cost here for entrance) there is also a rum cake shop at the farm where you can taste the cake for free. Buses also run up an down 7 mile beach we got off at the Holiday Inn the beach is free access although if you want loungers etc you'd have to pay for them.
Castaway Cay play on the beach take your own sand toys , snorkeling free again if you've got your own equipment.

If all else fails stay on board it's great fun and there's always plenty to do.
Another tip whenever you have your child stand with characters etc ask for a picture on your camera too that way you won't spend a fortune on photos.
Hope this helps
Lynn

 

[randytenn]

You might also look at what you can do to raise some "cruise cash". A lot of people talk about selling "junk" on EBAY, like toys your kids no longer play with, etc. Garage sales, taking unworn clothing to consignment, and many other ideas.

You can get the kids involved, trying to find ways for them to earn money. Walk dogs, wash cars, collect cans, rake leaves etc., can be fun ways for them to earn cruise money. Plus, they learn some lessons about money.

There are a ton of things to do in the ports that don't cost a lot of money. I'm sure you will have a great cruise, no matter what happens.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by LynnTarrant
In Cozumel although not totally free i would recommend the Chankanaab national park the taxi costs $10 each way ( for the cab not per person) and then the park costs $5.

I think LynnTarrant gave good advice about Chankanaab National Park on Cozumel. It was wonderful ten years ago, and I've read that it's been substantially upgraded since then.

Admission was $10 per person ten years ago, and various websites indicate that admission is still $10. That's a little higher than what LynnTarrant wrote, but it's still much cheaper than official DCL excursions.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Also on Cozumel, there is a mini-golf run by Sally and her husband Scott (I think).

We went (within walking distance) and had a mini-golf tournament with other DIS friends and had a ball (very reasonably priced). We had a tournament for $12.00/person, but I think regular golf is maybe $7.00.

If you post a specific question, Sally will usually answer, she monitors this board.

 

[LynnTarrant]

sorry you are right $10 each, don't know if there were any reductiond for Kids

 

[Ellay]

Originally posted by Horace Horsecollar: (sorry I don't know how to do it properly)

"I was wonderful ten years ago, and I've read that it's been substantially upgraded since then."

I'll have some of whatever you've been taking please.

I could do with some upgrading.