alinka

We are going on a cruise with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. I would like to try and avoid the excursions through the cruiseline. Any advice on finding safe, local tour guides/companies that would do tours in those places, and overall - fun things to do while we are there? Thanks!

KVR

We've done the same cruise, but our Captain skipped Ocho Rios.

For Cozumel we took a cab for $10 at the pier and went to Chankanaab Park. We spent the morning lazing on the beach and snorkeling. The have a resturant and bar that provided beach chair service. The food was good and inexpensive. In the afternoon we took a cab back to the cruise shopping area and looked around and then hit Sr. Frogs and Carlos & Charlies. That was a 3rd trip to Cozumel.

In Grand Cayman, the highlight is swimming with the Sting Rays. Most people go with Captain Marvin. We have previously been to Grand Cayman on a land vacation and went with Soto. We enjoyed it. On our cruise, we booked with the ship and did the aqua boats to the Wreck of Cali. We also previously did an full Island tour with Tropicana Tours. Since Grand Cayman is a tender port, it took forever to get off the ship. The ship sponsered tours get off first, then everyone else, which is why we chose a ship sponsered tour for this port. If you choose to book on your one, allow at least 2 hours to get off the ship, which wastes most of your port time.

For Ocho Rios, we planned a full day tour with A to Z Jamaica Tours. Which was the only port we hadn't been to yet. We booked ahead on-line, but you don't have to pay until you get there. Since we didn't dock there afterall, it was no issue regarding funds. We still haven't made it to Ocho Rios yet.

alinka

Thanks so much, KVR!

chgeeb

Hi alinka,

I just went on that exact cruise a few months ago. It'll depend, what ages are the people you're going with?
OCHO RIOS - Even though it's part of the cruiseline tours, I HIGHLY recommend doing the Dunn's River Waterfall tour for Ocho Rios. Google it.It's SO much fun, you get cool off, enjoy great people, BEAUTIFUL views, a little exercise, and get great pictures! And it's something you'll never do ever again, I mean how often will you hike a natural waterfall? It's great and only took a few hours!

COZUMEL - when we went, we just did our own thing. You can beach it, or just browse the area. We ventured, shopped, and explored. We wanted to try a "real" mexican place for food, which we eventually found. Authentic tacos (which were great and cheap), with random iguanas and stuff around! it was a blast! If you like to drink and party, this is the place to do it. 11 AM: shots of tequila everywhere. Then late afternoon we went to Margaritaville (right on the water), and a few of us went for a swim out to the water trampoline, then had small appetizers there, then back on the ship!

GRAND CAYMAN - once again your call. Like KVR said, the stingrays are great! we did lunch at the Hard Rock and got some souveniers, some of us went ot the beach. This has a very "USA" feel to it, seems like it's just a coast town in the south, but it's beautiful.


Also, which cruise line are you going on? I was on Princess, and it was spectacular!

alinka

Thanks, chgeeb! This really helps. We are going on Carnival. I know it isn't the 'luxury' line, but we've gone on it several times and have been pretty happy. We are going with a couple friends, and will have 4 kids with us. Our son is 10, so he will definitely enjoy all of the activities you and KVR listed. Can't wait for December (although enjoying the warm weather in Oregon now as well ;-)