Solo cruiser looking for advice on beaches

[bnbeyer]

I posted this in the solo cruisers forum, but I'm also going to post it in the relevant Caribbean ports forums. Hoping to get some feedback.

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I'm excited to be going on the Carnival Vista Nov. 2 with a free balcony stateroom. I won a seat in the slot tournament finals and the casino. I was going to take a friend, but she had to back out. My husband doesn't want to go because of our dogs and teenager in school. I asked my sister and another friend, but they aren't available. So solo it is! Since the cruise was free, that's really not a problem for me.  However, I don't want to do shore excursions. I was planning to just take taxis to beaches at the ports. Since I'll be alone, I'm wondering if you have recommendations on if these would be safe or not for a solo woman and if you would recommend a different beach. I do like snorkeling also.

 

Montego Bay - I was probably going to go to Doctor's Cave beach or maybe Frenchman's Cove beach. Thoughts or recommendations?

 

Cayman Islands - I was thinking about going to Cemetery Beach, but it is isolated with no facilities, so since I'll be alone, I'm not going to do that.  There are a gazillion other beaches I've seen listed, and I don't know which one to choose.  Maybe I should just tag along with a group from the ship?  Options I've seen on the SevenMileBeach are Royal Palms, Beach Club public beach, Sea Grape beach, Courtyard Marriott, Smith Cove, and Spotts beach. 

 

Cozumel - I'm debating between Chankanaab, which I heard was a good option for both snorkling and the beach, or Paradise Beach, which Mitsugirly reviewed as offering great facilities, good food and drinks, a HUGE pool, nice beach and good service.

 

I welcome your thoughts!

[bankofdad]

We are going on this same itinerary in a few weeks.

 

On Montego Bay, I will defer to others, tho we will be going to Dr's cave beach.

 

On Cayman, we have been to Calico Jack's up on Seven Mile Beach twice and are going there again.  Check the number of ships that will be in their first though, because  it can get over run with cruisers if there are more than two tendering in.  They rent loungers and umbrellas and offer tables if you order drinks and food from them.  Next door to a public beach park, very nice place to spend the day.  Clean Facilities, easy to get to by cab of bus.  Wave runner rentals next door too.

 

Been to Cozumel more times than I can remember and have done a number of different things there, but Paradise Beach is my favorite.  Good for anyone of any age, something for anyone to do (or not do).  Snorkeling from there not the best, but the water toys, kayaks and (at an up-charge) banana boat rides and wave runners make it a great day.  Pool is great too if you don't feel like being on the beach,  Food is pretty good too, DW tells me the frozen drinks are great and I just heard they added taco trucks!!!!

 

In any case, all three are safe for a single lady traveler.  Just mind the cabbies in Montego Bay and make sure they know EXACTLY where you want to go and what you expect.  Have a great trip!

[fabuloso]

Hi!  I'm a solo traveler and have been to all 3 solo. 

 

I went to Falmouth, Jamaica.  Did a city tour and then wandered around.

 

Cozumel. I've been to Paradise Beach and Chankanaab.  Both were fine, but I preferred Paradise.  The cab ride is the most costly part of the excursion as a solo.  

 

Cayman Islands.  I started at Cemetery Beach and just walked.  There were many times when there was no one else around and then you'd come across a crowd.  I never felt uncomfortable because there are buildings all along the shore.

 

I'll check back if you have more questions.

[jiimmy2k]

On 7/26/2019 at 11:03 AM, bnbeyer said:

I posted this in the solo cruisers forum, but I'm also going to post it in the relevant Caribbean ports forums. Hoping to get some feedback.

----------

I'm excited to be going on the Carnival Vista Nov. 2 with a free balcony stateroom. I won a seat in the slot tournament finals and the casino. I was going to take a friend, but she had to back out. My husband doesn't want to go because of our dogs and teenager in school. I asked my sister and another friend, but they aren't available. So solo it is! Since the cruise was free, that's really not a problem for me.  However, I don't want to do shore excursions. I was planning to just take taxis to beaches at the ports. Since I'll be alone, I'm wondering if you have recommendations on if these would be safe or not for a solo woman and if you would recommend a different beach. I do like snorkeling also.

 

Montego Bay - I was probably going to go to Doctor's Cave beach or maybe Frenchman's Cove beach. Thoughts or recommendations?

 

Cayman Islands - I was thinking about going to Cemetery Beach, but it is isolated with no facilities, so since I'll be alone, I'm not going to do that.  There are a gazillion other beaches I've seen listed, and I don't know which one to choose.  Maybe I should just tag along with a group from the ship?  Options I've seen on the SevenMileBeach are Royal Palms, Beach Club public beach, Sea Grape beach, Courtyard Marriott, Smith Cove, and Spotts beach. 

 

Cozumel - I'm debating between Chankanaab, which I heard was a good option for both snorkling and the beach, or Paradise Beach, which Mitsugirly reviewed as offering great facilities, good food and drinks, a HUGE pool, nice beach and good service.

 

I welcome your thoughts!

Doctors Cave is very gorgeous. Highly recommend this stop