We leave in April for 7 day Explorer. I am interested in which tours to take and what stops to go our own way. We are going to Labadee,Gr.Cayman, Ocho and Cozumel.Thanks

On Grand Cayman, I would definately snorkel in Sting Ray City, I had booked independently with Captain Marvins. Unfortunately if the water is rough, they close the port, so we didn't get to do it. On Labadee, there are no tours, it is a beach day. The beach is beautiful however. If you are considering renting jet skis, etc, book them ahead, they are limited. On Ocho Rios, we booked Dunn's River Falls with Peat Taylor. For $25US, we climbed the falls, visited Fern Gully, stopped for some shopping and were returned to the ship. He was an excellent guide, the bus was new and clean and we arrived at the falls before the cruise ship excursions. On Cozumel, we took a cab to Chakaanaub St. Park, good snorkeling, nice facilities.

Excellent advice Dawn. From all the posts I've read these were the best suggestions.We did Chankanaab and loved it (in Jan.)We'll be on the Voyager in June and this time we'll rent a jeep and explore Coz. They were pretty cheap and the driving looked easy.

Barbara/Dawn<BR><BR>Hubby and I are going to be traveling with the folks - mid 70's on Explorer. Would you still recommend the tours? I hear that you can avoid the high cost of some tours by just going to the beach yourself. Any info on that?

Definitely try Capt. Marvins at:<BR><BR>www.captainmarvins.com<BR><BR>It was the best snorkeling trip I have ever been on! They are in the Caymens.

Definitely snorkeling with the stingrays in caymens.