Western: What to do in ports

[DOOGIERUNNER]

We'll be cruising in July on the Western and yes, I know we're 3 mos out but I'm starting to do some research on places to see and things to do on our own. We have a DD -7 and DS -9. Does anyone have any recommendations on the following?

Key West - I have no idea, perhaps snorkeling on Catermeran but would prefer to wait for Gran Cayman/Sozumel for that. Any nice beaches, I've also heard there's a lot of street performers in the evening?

Gran Cayman - 7 mile beach, Stingray City (Captain Marvins), Hell?

Cozumel - Snorkeling @ Chakkanab, snorkeling on Fury Catemeran, any shoppiong, other beaches?

My kids snorkeling experience has been limited to Castaway Key. They enjoyed it. Would "real" snorkeling be too intimidating?

Any other advice is appreciated...

Thanks!

 

[ruvidu]

http://www.cayo.net/keywest/
http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/index.htm
I believe you will find a lot of information about the two mentioned ports of call.
Russ

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Key West - Hogs breath saloon

Cozumel - Carlos n Charlies

 

[Hopkins]

We have 272 days until our cruise and I have a tentative schedule of activities planned. It's never too early to think about such things. LOL.

KEY WEST:
Conch Republic Tour and Museum (DCL)

We'll be doing the Conch Tour Train Tour of the city sites. It's a silly cute think that looks like a train, but is more like a Disney parking lot tram. It's been running since 1958, so it's tradition.

Visit Mallory Square, shop and eat at Meson de Pepe's Casa Cayo Hueso Restaurant (authentic Conch Cuban Cuisine).

Visit Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum. I think your kids might like this. It combines actors, films, laser technology and actual artifacts from the wrecked vessel Iaasac Allerton which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. You join master wrecker Asa Tift and his wrecking crew as he tells you the story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West. You will be invited to climb the 60 foot lookout tower and if need be, alarm Mr Tift of any wrecks on the reef!


COZUMEL:
Tulum Ruins (DCL)-most visit of all Mayan ruins. Ancient Maya built this "walled city" on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Dinner at Pancho's Backyard-romantic setting for dinner and some of the best margaritas on the island. Dine on the lush patio of one of Cozumel's most beautiful colonial buildings, amidst splashing fountains. Located inside the Los Cinco Soles store on the waterfront. Av. Rafael Melgar #27

Cozumel Mini-Golf-lush, tropical putting course set amidst waterfalls, fountains, streams and ponds. Corner of Calle 1 and 15th Ave. 3 blocks from the ocean, downtown, look for the huge flagpole on the waterfront... walk directly inland 3 blocks.


GRAND CAYMAN:
Atlantis Submarine Expedition (DCL)-view the famous coral reefs, coral formations and unique Caribbean marine life from your 48 passenger Atlantis submarine.

Land and Sea Island Tour (DCL)-Cayman Turtle Farm, Hell and Stingray City (this excursion only allows viewing which is good since hubby doen't swim).


I hope this was helpful. I can't wait until we hear from the DIS folks experiencing these things first hand.

Tina