Would appreciate input from experienced cruisers re this itinerary

[CowPrincess]

We've booked another cruise (yippee!!!!) for Feb 2010.... it will give me something to look forward to.

It is (sort of) a b2b, starting in Tampa, and going back to Tampa partway through OUR 14 day cruise.

Tampa, Florida;
Key West, Florida;
Sea Day
Belize City, Belize;
Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras;
Costa Maya, Mexico;
Sea Day
Tampa;
Key West;
Sea Day
Puerto Cortes, Honduras;
Santo Tomas De Castilla,
Costa Maya, Mexico
Sea Day Tampa

I liked it because it
- is 14 days (maybe I won't have to be dragged off the ship by Security if I can stay on a cruise for 14 days :D)
- has a number of sea days interspersed between ports (we found the 6 consecutive port days on the Sea of Cortez a bit tiring)
- we have a Canadian airline that often runs special pricing that flies to Tampa
- the pricing was very attractive

Now, though, I'm wondering about going back to Tampa and Key West part way through the cruise, AND wondering about the other ports -- whether they will give us a good Caribbean experience.

Any advice from more experienced travellers than I would be greatly appreciated. We have deposited the cruise, and have nearly a year to make final payment.

Thanks!!!

[mamadot]

We did this itenerary two years ago and really enjoyed it. Loved going out of Tampa under that beautiful bridge. Especially lovely at night! Found Tampa to be an easy port and loved that time on board between cruises. Go for it!

[Willsot]

With the sea days and a few repeated ports, it should be a very relaxing and warm break from the winter. We did a 7-day out of Tampa that included Key West, Belize City, Costa Maya and Santo Tomas DeCastillo. In Guatamala we took a bus/boat on the Rio Dulce that we enjoyed. In Belize we took a city tour/airport ride adventure (friends went cave tubing). At Costa Maya we just relaxed in shaded loungers on the beach with the dock and ships in full view and enjoyed the bar and lunch service all day. One day in Key West was enough for us and I would probably just remain on the ship if I had a second day, although it is an easy walk from the dock to town.

[irishjim]

Did this cruise a while back and really enjoyed itand so will you,have a great cruise.Can you tell me which aireline in canada?

[CowPrincess]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. After looking at the "repeat" ports, e.g. Key West & Costa Meya, I think we'll find enough to do in them that we will not be going "YAWN" on our return visit :) And we can go back to Total Wine on our 2nd Tampa stop!

Re Cdn airline: Westjet. Today or yesterday, they were doing a 50% off sale for almost all their routes, even warm destinations. Unfortunately, one can NEVER predict what triggers a sale with them!

[Willsot]

When I wrote "airport" in my above reply, I meant to say "airboat."

[arlodog]

Hope you can be at Key West at sunset. It is really a sight to see and Mallory Square is fun during the evening show! Have a great trip!