kpinn

Would like to take a western Carribbean Cruise in Mar. or April 2000. Have sailed Carnival twice before and find good value for our money. The difference in the two cruises are that the Sensation departs Tampa and includes New Orleans while the Paradise departs Miami and includes Ochos Rios,Jamica. They both include Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Any suggestions on tours ect are appreciated. Karen

Mike Miller

We were on the Sensation this past June. Wonderful ship great food. Recommend you snorkel in Georgetown, GCI. It is the best in the world they say and we very much enjoyed it. Also took the Tuluum excursion out of Playa del Carmen. The only tour we really were not impressed with was the New Orleans walking tour. It just did not seem to be worth the money. We did, however, enjoy New Orleans very much.

karen

Hi Mike thanks for the info, I keep getting mixed reviews of Tulum but everyone seems to agree Stingray City is a must. Thanks again Karen

Mike Miller

Let me expand Tuluum a little for you. It costs about $60 or $65 each for the tour which lasts 1/2 day. Bus leaves early in the morning (8 am I think)and the trip is about an hour. The tour guides are all graduates of a school which gives them a strong history background. This was my second western cruise. The first one had a trip to Chitzenitza (sp). The tour guide on that tour was just as professional as the one we had to Tuluum. The scenery is breathtaking at Tuluum. The story behind the site is also one well worth hearing. You will also see some wild inguanas while you are there. I hope you enjoy it if you go.

karen

Hi Mike : Thanks for the positive info on Tulum. Have you ever been to Chankanaab National Park, would it be posible to do that with Tulum? Thanks Karen

Mike

Karen, I just got off Carnival's Paradise Sunday and had the time of my life! From the food to the crew to the amenities offered on board was simply unbelivable! Unfortunetly, because of Hurricane Irene, we couldn't not get into the Grand Cayman's which is one place that I really wanted to go so that we could snorkel with the sting rays! We did get into Cozumel and Ocho Rios. My personal opinion is that Ocho Rios is a must you can goto New Orleans anytime provided the airfare is right etc. . . Jamica isn't always that easy. I can't speak for New Orleans becuase I have never been there, but in Ocho Rio's you MUST goto Dunn's River Falls and climb the waterfall. It is a lot of fun and throught the climb they take your pitcures (a perfect money maker for them) as you go up it. Of course you could get your own waterproof camera before hand d(they sell them there too but they cost $28) get the at home cheaper! The crew we had on the Paradise is on an eight month contract which ends sometime in March, so if your timing is right for Paradise you can't go wrong if you get the same crew we had! They were UNBELIVABLE! I'd be interested to hear which cruise you decide to go with, but which everone it is I'm sure you'll have a blast! Take care! Mike

karen

Hi Mike: Glad to hear you had a great time on the Paradise! We have booked for May 2000, to celebrate our 19th anniversary. The idea of a smoke free ship gave the Paradise the node for us. We also have heard positive things about the port of Ochos Rios, and I don't think I'd go to Jamaica on a stay at a resort holiday. I'd appreciate more details on the ship and things to do on board etc. If you could e-mail directly that would be great. Thanks

fran

<BR>Just did a cruise with your itineray and have done others. My suggestions: Stingrays in GC, Tulum in Cozumel, and the Falls. Of course, a catamaran snorkel tour is great in all three locations.