I know this is like reading tea leaves, but how frequently does it happen that the ship can't dock in a given port, i.e. because of weather, etc.? We're going in January to the Western Caribbean, and I've been thinking about arranging some of the excursions independently (e.g. snorkeling on Cayman Islands). If I reserve and pay ahead of time, any estimates what my chances are that the ship won't be on Cayman on the predicted day, and I'll lose my money? And, please, no nasty answers.

It happens more frequently during hurricane season (Sept - November) then in January due to weather but there are always other factors such as medical emergencies, political unrest, safety issues, docking issues, etc. .. We once didn't dock in a port because there was a military ship in our spot and we went to a different port.<BR><BR>When you are speaking with these tour vendors, ask them what happens if the ship doesn't dock at the port. I have arranged several excursions privately and always ask. In 80% of the time, they say that we will not be charged if the ship doesn't stop at the port. These companies are used to cruiseline schedules and definitely keep track of which ships make it to port and which don't. <BR><BR>Good luck!

Theresa's comments are very good. The only thing I would add is specific to Cayman. Most ships have to tender at Georgetown and if the seas are rough Grand Cayman is scrapped. We've never had a problem, but I have read of a lot of people missing Grand Cayman for bad weather. Your other ports are probably fine, unless you are going somewhere very exotic/unusual.

Don't ever pay in advance.<BR><BR>Paul

Best time to cruise is January thru July.Hurricane season is offically June 1-November 30.

Thanks for the advice. I did check, and Captain Marvin for instance does not charge you if the ship doesn't make it to the port. On the other hand, Paul, theexcursion outfits that I have checked out so far do require a credit card to guarantee a reservation, which I find totally reasonable. Which ones do you suggest that do not require payment (or at least my credi tcard no.) in advance???? The other one we're really interested in would be the Dolphin swim in Cozumel.

FYI - most of the excursions I have booked privately do require a credit card # to hold the reservation.<BR><BR>I have done Capt Marvins and it ranks up there as one of the best excursions I have ever done. Definitely a very reputable group!<BR><BR>Have also heard excellent things about dolphin swim. Try to book this to leave you plenty of time to get back to the ship. We were on the Millennium 2 years ago and 4 of my friends did this. For some unknown reason, the ship stayed on a different time then the port which caused them to almost miss returning to the ship ontime. When they booked the excursion privately, they just assumed that the ship would be on the same time as the port.<BR><BR>Good luck on your planning!<BR><BR>Theresa