excursions in grand cayman and cozumel
 

My mother-in-law and some friends are going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel while cruising on the Norweigian Majesty. Can you recommend some excursions and/or alternatives to the ones offered from the cruise line? All they want to do really is lay on the beach and do a little shopping.

In GC one of the most well known attractions is stringray city where the rays actually feed out of ones hand as they are so used to it. My advice is to read a little before you go to see what is offered then cut a deal with a cabbie when you get of. They will be there. You could also look at the itinerary affered by the ship and use that to see what you want then do it on your own.

We were in Cozumel with 5-6 other cruise ships -- We were docked at the new pier so had to take a taxi into town. Walked around, had lunch, and taxi back to the ship.

We're going on a cruise later this month and stopping again in Cozumel. My current thinking is to rent a car for the day and explore the island. Cost for rental car at the airport (Budget) is around $29.00.

Anybody else done this?

Cruise line excursions are very costly, and I feel it's better to do it on your own. ((b))

yes budman my husband and i did that in barbados. we got a taxi for a fixed rate and he took us all around the island. we told him the kinds of things we'd like to see and did all the rest. it was pretty much cheaper that way than to take an excursion and we went at our own pace and had the trip tailored to meet our needs. at the end of the day he took us to a beach and then picked up back up a few hours later.

Cozumel is a small pleasant island, but cruise ships can overwhelm its ambience. If you like to snorkel, avoid the main park and find a snorkel boat out of the main town - many are readily available. Otherwise, rent a car and visit the modest but pleasant Mayan ruins and see the rest of the island.

If I recall, best beaches are towards the southern end of the island but facing west of course

I would recommend Seven Mile Beach in GC. It's $3 per person in a taxi to get there and $4 per person to get back to the port. The Westin is very nice about allowing visitors to use the bar/restaurant/bathroom but they will not rent chairs. About a half a mile up the road at the Holiday Inn beach you can rent a chair for $10, which includes a soda or bottle of water. It's much more crowded than at the Westin. And then of course there is all that other beach area, about 5 miles altogether. Happy travels.