Recommendations for Shore Excursions

[rjf32]

I am going to be going on my first cruise in May with my fiance on a western carribean cruise. The stops are Labadee Hispaniola, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Caymen, and Cozumen Mexico. We are thinking of doing the kayaks in Labadee, a Dunn's Falls/Dolphin Swim in Jamaica, renting some scooters in Grand Caymen, and some sort of ancient ruins tour in Mexico. I was just wondering if anybody had any recommendations regarding these excursions. I was also wondering if it is best to book them through rccl way in advance, or if there are better ways to book them.

[Dem920]

Captain Marvinin Grand Cayman. He does a snorkeling trip that you also get to swim with the stingrays. One of the most incredible experiences of my whole life. Just google him. We booked on our own and met him right by the pier in Grand Cayman. Much cheaper than RCCL and not nearly as crowded.

Just my two cents.

-Dem920
tdembek@optonline.net

[johnlcruise]

Go to www.shoretrips.com
It will be cheeper then RCCL and its with smaller groups. And yes they will get you back to the ship on time.
Enjoy your first cruise..You'll be back for another cruise before you know it.
Its easy to get hook on these types of Vacations :)

[Dave&Deb]

We were just in Grand Cayman last week (Thursday) and we swam with the stingrays and snorkeled. It was awesome. We booked privately through Captain Bryan's. You can go to www.grandcaymanexcursions.com (http://www.grandcaymanexcursions.com) and find a bunch of places. I recommend booking yourself and it is cheaper. We went on a very large catamaran and there were only about 12 people on board. It was great. Have a wonderful time.

[siouxks]

I am going to be going on my first cruise in May with my fiance on a western carribean cruise. The stops are Labadee Hispaniola, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Caymen, and Cozumen Mexico. We are thinking of doing the kayaks in Labadee, a Dunn's Falls/Dolphin Swim in Jamaica, renting some scooters in Grand Caymen, and some sort of ancient ruins tour in Mexico. I was just wondering if anybody had any recommendations regarding these excursions. I was also wondering if it is best to book them through rccl way in advance, or if there are better ways to book them.
Just back from that same itin. We did Dunn's River falls & Dolphins in Jamaica -- My daughter & I did the dolphin touch -- it was neat, but not sure if it was worth $80.00 pp But w/ that said -- my husband & son did the $138.00pp dolphin touch & said it was one of the most amazing experiences he has had. Worth every penny!

Grand Cayman if you are going to go to a beach -- do not book through ship!! We went to the same beach w/ people that didn't pay for an excursion. Get a taxi & ask to go to seven mile beach (Beautiful!)

Have fun! Enjoy

[vmom]

We did Capt. Bryan's also and would highly recommend it. Found out about it from the port section on these boards. Got some other great ideas for independant excursions from the boards also. If you go to Ocho Rios, would recommend the river tubing. It was one of the major highlights of the cruise.

Try the port section of the boards for great info and links.

[Giorgi-one]

Most cruise directors on every cruise I have taken (16 to date) have recommended against renting scooters on any of the islands. Very crowded, one lane, winding hilly roads, driving on left side, subject to instantaneous showers, etc.

[anankae]

IThe stops are Labadee Hispaniola, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Caymen, and Cozumen Mexico. We are thinking of doing the kayaks in Labadee, a Dunn's Falls/Dolphin Swim in Jamaica, renting some scooters in Grand Caymen, and some sort of ancient ruins tour in Mexico.

This is my upcoming cruise minus Labadee.

I have chosen (this time around):

Cozumel - the Mexican cooking workshop. I *almost* booked the tequila tasting seminar but changed my mind. Previously in Cozumel I've done horseback riding and dolphin swim. I've done Mayan ruins in Belize, that was excellent.

In Grand Cayman I'm doing the Jolly Pirate thing.

In Jamaica, we're doing the canopy zipline tour.

[Da Mama]

Brand spankin' new to the board and to cruising. Love this site as I've learned all sorts of things. Thanks for the info. Can hardly wait for our cruise, RCCL Vision on March 5th, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Our first holiday since 1991. Long overdue! First time in Mexico too so any suggestions would be great!
Thanks!

[PhinsAndGills]

Okay, Jamaica DO THE CANOPY TOUR! It's simply the most amazing thing ever. Here is my review on the same intinary you're taking (only we didn't go to Coz because of Wilma...) I did the stingray swim in Grand Cayman (review in thread also...)
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=261238

also here is a couple links to the Canopy Tour. Most people just RAVE about it.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=261671
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=270991

[cincicruisers]

the canopy tour is just amazing. I was scared to death when we left to go, but it was the most amazing excusion we have taken so far.
Enjoy
Sounds like you have a great plan

[BLUEICE]

Stingray tour in Grand Cayman is awesome. Can't recall who we booked with (outside of cruise line) and we had a great time.

For Ocho Rios we did the Dunns Falls tour with Peat Taylor and had a fantastic time. He is so funny and highly recommend him. His web address is www.peattaylor.com.
We even left our personal belongings with him on the bus with no problems. He never leaves his bus.

In Cozumel, I hear Paradise Beach is a great place to go. Although we never got there in September (detoured shopping) we plan on going in April.

Hope this info helps.. have a great cruise.