RandSluv2cruise

For the first time, we took a ship's excursion in Salerno. We took the Pompeii tour on Princess. Our guide was amazing. Most of the other ports, we just did out own thing. We took the city bus to Paradise beach in Mykonos. We also did the speed boat tour in Kotor with Montenegro Submarine & Speedboat Tour. They have stands along the warf. Ended up being a private tour to the islands and then Perast. Highly recommend.

Based on other reviews, we visited their Facebook page and made a reservation. We decided to do the full package: island tour, Monkey and Sloth Hangout, and snorkeling. This ended up being one of our best excursions ever! Via Facebook messenger, you will get your confirmation and directions to find them at the port. Ignore all of the other operators and head directly across the street to the person with the Daniel Johnson's sign. We were partnered with Brittany, a local. She had a very clean car and showed us around the island. We saw the West end and East end. We also saw the impoverished part somewhere in the middle. The Monkey and Sloth hangout was awesome. Daniel started by rescuing monkeys and sloths. His staff was very friendly and helpful. It was a little creepy having monkeys sitting on my head and reaching down my shirt. They also have a cage with parrots that will perch on your arm and head. The sloth just hung on your shoulders. It made for some great pictures. We left directly from his property for snorkeling. It was one of the best snorkeling trips I have ever been on. There were lots of fish and other sea life. We made two stops. At the end of the day, Brittany took us back to the ship. It was only $45 per person for the full day. My wife decided not to snorkel so they reduced her fee to only $30. I was totally blown away by this awesome excursion.

While I haven't been to every attraction in Costa Maya, this was one of the best stops I have ever made on a ship's excursion. We e-mailed Steve and he reserved us some beach chairs on his property. He will send you detailed instructions on how to get to his property. Print the little treasure map and follow them. You won't be steered in the wrong direction. We spent $3 per person and took the open air trolley from the port. It cost $2 per person to return in a cab. $10 round trip for 2 people! His staff is so friendly and accommodating. He told us that many of his guys have been with him for nearly 10 years. There is no cost to hang out at the beach. They do ask that you order food and beverages. One beer, 3 Diet Cokes, 1 bottle of water, order of fresh guacamole, and some amazing batter fried fish tacos cost only $26. They have massages available and can hook you up with any water activities. The owner, Steve, spends time chatting with all of his guests. The beach was small, the water clear, and the palm trees gave much needed shade. I can't say enough great things about Tropicante. Should we return to Costa Maya, we will definitely go back.

I've narrowed down my next cruise. Online cruise discounters are offering the same class cabin for $300 per person less than the cruise company. Is there any advantage for booking with the cruise line?