How would you rate the ports you've been to and why?

[ebandive]

I havn't been to very many ports, so it's fun to hear what people really loved, what was missable, and what made it so special or not special at all.

 

Here is mine:

1. Ocho Rios-- beautiful mountains and Dunn's River Falls was amazing! And jammin' to Bob Marley.

2. Cozumel-- we just went to Paradise Beach, but there is alot there I would love to still do, including snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins.

3. Grand Cayman-- Stingray City, crystal clear waters

4. Key West-- not as special to me because I can drive there if I wanted.

 

So how about you? :D

[dna1990]

Top

Antigua - spent the day on the water with Eli...most relaxing stop ever.

Key West - we ate fresh cooked fish from a deepsea fishing trip.

Cozumel - with some new friends and wait, I don't really remember the rest for some reason.

StLucia - pretty green lush island.

Cayman - my wife loves the Rays. The city is very cleancut.

 

Bottom

Ocho Rios - yes the falls are pretty, but the machine gun guards and scary street scenes turned us off. Also the pier area itself is (was) very industrial ugly looking. We had tablemates with bad experiences.

[ebandive]

Top

Antigua - spent the day on the water with Eli...most relaxing stop ever.

Key West - we ate fresh cooked fish from a deepsea fishing trip.

Cozumel - with some new friends and wait, I don't really remember the rest for some reason.

StLucia - pretty green lush island.

Cayman - my wife loves the Rays. The city is very cleancut.

 

Bottom

Ocho Rios - yes the falls are pretty, but the machine gun guards and scary street scenes turned us off. Also the pier area itself is (was) very industrial ugly looking. We had tablemates with bad experiences.

 

I think it's interesting... my top is your bottom! :p

[sweston85]

Top

Antigua - spent the day on the water with Eli...most relaxing stop ever.

Key West - we ate fresh cooked fish from a deepsea fishing trip.

Cozumel - with some new friends and wait, I don't really remember the rest for some reason.

StLucia - pretty green lush island.

Cayman - my wife loves the Rays. The city is very cleancut.

 

Bottom

Ocho Rios - yes the falls are pretty, but the machine gun guards and scary street scenes turned us off. Also the pier area itself is (was) very industrial ugly looking. We had tablemates with bad experiences.

 

Machine gun guards?! What... ? lol. Explain more, please? It's just we're currently in the process of looking for a cruise to sail on during February and some of them went to these port... but, now I'm thinking I don't want to go there?? I am TERRIFIED of guns... and, I think if I saw guards marching with machine guns I would immediately run back onto the boat..

[douglinc@msn.com]

Jamacia is also my least favorite, ok if we never go back.

 

Doug

[GwenyP]

Love, love, love St. Maarten. Orient Beach there is just a slice of heaven. We also loved Cozumel, especially since we're divers, and Grand Cayman. Nassau was OK .. it is what it is. We didn't pay the $$$ to go to Atlantis there. We've been to Belize twice. If you're a scuba diver it's great ... the second time when we didn't dive it was not so great. I hear the cave tubing is fun though.

[vacruizer]

1. Limon,Costa Rica - beautiful countryside, warm, friendly and knoweldgable people, not overdeveloped and touristy around the port, best coffee ever for sale very cheap near the pier

2. Panama - more beautiful countryside and the amazing Panama Canal - where else can you see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans within less than an hour's time?

3. Belize - once again, warm, friendly people and lots of neat history and natural attractions like caves and snorkeling - plus they have Belikan beer:D

4. Costa Maya - pre hurricane. Loved the charming village of Majahual and touring the ruins at Chacchoben.

5. Cozumel - not so fond of the shopping scene downtown and the pushy vendors but spent the day at Playa Uvas last trip and decide I liked Coz a little more. Great resort, gorgeous water, and not on the beaten path.

6. Grand Cayman - nothing wrong with it - just a little too overdeveloped and touristy for me. Snorkeling with the stingrays and Rum Point beach were great, but not much else there interests me plus it's expensive.

 

Can you tell I like the off the beaten path stuff? I'd just as soon be as far away from a Senor Frogs or Margaritaville or Diamonds International as possible. Nothing wrong with them - just not my thing. You will see lots of people list my top 3 as their worst ports because the immediate port area is seedy - just like many ports in the U.S.

[crusinpsychRN]

I love Key West even if I can drive there! I didn't necessarily like the ports but what we did there. Liked cave tubeing in Belize as well as zip lining. Majuhaul in Costa Maya before the hurricane.

[BOW]

Priceless!!!!!!!!!

[ebandive]

Machine gun guards?! What... ? lol. Explain more, please? It's just we're currently in the process of looking for a cruise to sail on during February and some of them went to these port... but, now I'm thinking I don't want to go there?? I am TERRIFIED of guns... and, I think if I saw guards marching with machine guns I would immediately run back onto the boat..

 

I had completely forgotten about it to tell you the truth! I remember the guards, but I think it is just to prevent drug trafficking (sp?). They didn't bother me. Just be prepared for somebody to try to sell you drugs. Not that big of a deal, just say no and move on. My DH had dreads at the time, so he must have been approached a kazillion times with drug offers, but politely declined every time. It was pretty humerous actually.

[Wennfred]

Best

 

Isla Roatan, was one of our Favorites.

Costa Maya, lots of fun, Clearest waters I have ever seen, lots of fun there.

St. Maarten, Orient Beach rocks, Boo Boo Jam beach is where we went.

St. Thomas is beautiful everywhere you go.

 

 

Worst

Jamaica due to its high crime rate and highly aggressive people.

[REAGS]

I took a Carnival cruise on the Holiday in 1990 and there were guards on the docks at Ocho Rios Jamaica then! Nasty and scarry to me but to each his own.

[azrose]

Venice, Itlay---It is probably the most magnificent port to enter in the world (imho).....especially with Pavarotti playing on the big screen!!

 

WOW!!

[fllady61]

Machine gun guards?! What... ? lol. Explain more, please? It's just we're currently in the process of looking for a cruise to sail on during February and some of them went to these port... but, now I'm thinking I don't want to go there?? I am TERRIFIED of guns... and, I think if I saw guards marching with machine guns I would immediately run back onto the boat..

 

 

Belieze is a tender port, and on top of that, you have all the guards with machine guns.

 

Costa Maya, was great. easily accessiable, and nothing unusual

 

cozumel - was ok, don't remember much about that port.

 

Nassau - Very good, accesssable, etc.

FreePort - same

 

St. Thomas- long port. thank goodness for the shuttle. we were the last ship in port that day.

 

St. Maarten - port was ok, but getting into town with some of the shuttles was rediclous. the would drop you off 10 blocks from town.

 

that is it for me.

[vacruizer]

Machine gun guards?! What... ? lol. Explain more, please? It's just we're currently in the process of looking for a cruise to sail on during February and some of them went to these port... but, now I'm thinking I don't want to go there?? I am TERRIFIED of guns... and, I think if I saw guards marching with machine guns I would immediately run back onto the boat..

 

You will also see machine guns mounted on the front of the U.S. Coast Guard boats that escort your ship out. Usually with someone's hand on them the whole way. Armed guards are the least of my worries and I'm afraid of guns, too.

[lovebug33]

I've only ever been to three, but here's my list!

Top

Puerta Vallarta: loved the excursion we went on because we got to go into the jungle and see the countryside

Cabo: got to go on an ATV ride and see the desert; loved the shopping and the Gigglin Marlin

 

Bottom

Mazatlan: could be because our kayak tour got canceled, or I was sick, but it just seemed dirty and crowded

[santacap]

For us, in order

 

Roatan - beautiful landscape and scenery. Never felt unsafe, very friendly people, we never really saw a beach but will do that next time

 

Cozumel - beautiful water, scenery along the coast, only been there once but our tour was amazing, could have been the guide who made the island but it was a great memory.

 

St Maarten - amazing waters, beautiful landscapes. Drawbacks is the obvious tension in some cases between the sides, but theres so much stuff to do and see you need to go back.

 

St Thomas - amazing waters, great people, and we got married there

 

Belize - didnt get to see much of this port, again only once but we did drive through on the way to cave tubing. Nice little drive, interesting diversity.

 

Nassau - once you've been to Atlantis I kind of ran out of stuff to do there that we enjoy. Nice place, little pushy with the sales.

 

Grand Cayman - way too commercialized for our tastes, lots of 'americana' if you will, not that there's anything wrong with that, just not my idea of exploring new cultures and places.

[nawlinscruiser22]

1. Cococay-Royal's private island- what a fabulous day! A little slice of heaven! I hear Half Moon Cay is similar so I am looking forward to my visit in 2009!

2. St. Thomas- The views from mountaintop, banana daiquiris, and gorgeous beaches-need I say more?!?!

3. St. Maarten-The best coconut smoothies in the world right at the dock, beautiful beaches and great shopping. Also, I won money at the casino!

4. Grand Cayman-Swimming with the stingrays is one of the most memorable excursions I have taken.

5. Cozumel-I have been there 8 times in 2 years. You would think I would be sick of it by now...umm nope:p I love Nachi!!

6. Key West-The coconut shrimp and the key lime pie store are great. The rest is just average. I did appreciate how clean it was.

7. Nassau-Unless you go to Atlantis, its forgettable.

8. Progreso-The ruins are great but its just so hot and the vendors are pushy. The $2 double decker bus ride around town is fun.

9. Costa Maya- I know alot of people loved it pre-hurricane. I, unfortunately, didn't get to really experience the charm because both times I was there, it was raining heavily.

10. Calica/Playa del Carmen- The vendors were rude and pushy. The beach was nice.

[dtsquared]

Cayman-most favorite place on EARTH!! Stingray city, Hell, Turtle Farm, Seven Mile Beach. I like this port the most b/c there is very little merchants pushing all there stuff on you

 

Tortola--Virgin Gorda excursion to the BATHS--The single most beautiful sight I have ever experienced

 

San Juan--loved the old city area and the fort! Plus I won $1000 in the casino

 

St Thomas-snorkeling was great

 

Cozumel--swimming with the Dolphins and lots of fun on the pier at Senor Frogs

 

Calica--went to Tulum and we absolutely loved seeing the ruins

 

Cabo San Lucas-go on a water taxi and see the Los Arcos. Very cool!

 

Costa Maya-the port was reaaly nice before the hurricane

 

Nassau-beautiful water

 

Key West-very laid back and hard to believe that it is still the USA

 

La Paz-not much to do at all. But a nice little town with great water and really nice way to see everyday life in another country. Great food

 

Mazlatlan-cliff divers were cool! Had some good shopping as well

 

Belize-I am not a fan because it was just toooooo hot.

 

Other places i have visited:

 

Punta Cana-very beautiful--just dont leave the resort

 

Cancun-Most fun I have ever had

 

Hawaii-Absolutely reccomend everyone to visit this area (especially the smaller islands--they are nice as they are not as commercialized as the larger ones.

[cruzeluver]

Through exhaustive (some may even say obsessive :p ) research beforehand, I have managed to enjoy every port I have been to. Keep in mind, we look for things to do that are different from home. I can lie on a beach, get drunk in a bar and buy cheap t-shirts at home. So with that said:

 

Cozumel-gorgeous water and seemingly endless options

 

Roatan-beyond beautiful, and the locals are proof that money cannot buy happiness

 

Belize-the rainforests and caves are awesome!

 

Nassau-surprisingly good snorkeling, interesting history if you seek it out and Atlantis is fun

 

Key West-funky as all get out

 

Cocoa Cay-nice beach day, beautiful water, but not really a "private island" kind of person. would rather have some culture to experience

 

St Thomas-again, beautiful as all get out and friendly folks!

 

St Martin-even more beautiful and friendly then St Thomas

 

Acapulco-cliff divers are a must and great nightlife!!

 

Zihuatenejo-charming, charming charming, hope it doesn't become just another "tourist" place

 

Puerta Villarta-great local eats! and seems to have something for everyone

 

Cabo San Lucas- snorkeling in the bay was a highlight for sure. calm gorgeous waters and tons of fish and coral

[Cruiser from MS]

St. Lucia I loved the beauty of the island not to touristy.

St. Kitts I also loved the beauty of the island and it to was not to touristy.

St. Maarten was ok but way to touristy for me

Jamaica did not like at all but the mountains were pretty. I agree wit the poster concerning the AK-47's carried by the police. It is dirty and the vendors are way to pushy. You just do not feel safe...

Cozumel ok did not like the tender ride for the Myan Ruins but we enjoyed the ruins.

Grand Cayman I though was pretty and the water was amazing.

Costa Maya I liked very much.

Costa Rica I was a little disappointed in but loved the cheap good coffee, and the friendly vendors. They were sooooo nice and friendly and they did not bug you to buy their goods

Panama evertthing was amazing

I have enjoyed every island we have visited. Every port we have been to has had something unique to enjoy. But then again you are on a cruise. :)

[clackey]

I've seen guards with guns in most ports and since I am a gun nut, I have no problems with it. I would rather see armed police or military closeby than to be out and about with no armed escort handy, especially in some hole-in-the-wall like Belize.

 

We have had the opportunity to visit 4 Mexican ports , Belize and Honduras.

 

Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel have some gorgeous beaches, lots of shopping, great food and a great selection of things to do.

 

Progreso has a more laidback, "real mexico" feel about it. It is a jumping off place to some of the best Mayan Ruins and Cenotes. Merida is special with its unique architecture.

 

Costa Maya was not my favorite stop, but I did enjoy joining the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, and spending a day at Chac-chi Resort. I hope and pray that Joaquim gets it rebuilt.

 

Belize has some of the best snorkeling and the cavetubing is pretty unique. If you haven't tried this, you need to do it. This was one port where I would not do it own my own. Once you leave the compound where the tenderdock is, you need to have a guided tour. The bars on the windows and doors of ALL of the houses tell you that this is not a safe place.

 

Roatan has some great beaches and snorkeling also. The great thing about Roatan is the fact that you can use a taxi driver for a guide, have him drop you somewhere and then pick you up at a specified time. I wish that all ports were like this.

[fllady61]

You will also see machine guns mounted on the front of the U.S. Coast Guard boats that escort your ship out. Usually with someone's hand on them the whole way. Armed guards are the least of my worries and I'm afraid of guns, too.

 

 

that is any port anymore. Port Canaveral even does it with their Casino boats that go out. so that does not bother me.

[suzy1212]

#1 - Grand Cayman - First trip we did a snorkel and stingray tour with Sotos. The second and third visits we did Rays, Reef, and Rum Point with Nativeways. Only thing wrong with this port is the Conquest leaves so early in the afternoon. ~~~ #2 - Cozumel - Close second. First visit we went to Tulum on the mainland. Second visit we took a snorkel tour and spent the rest of the day at Paradise Beach. Third trip we went on a glass bottom boat snorkel excursion. ~~~ #3 - MoBay - First trip did one of those submersible things. Water was cloudy. Felt sick looking out the window. Also went to Margaritaville which is great fun. Second trip went to Rose Hall and Margaritaville. Third trip it rained hard all day. We intended to go to Sunset Beach but we ended up just shopping in the terminal (which had no electricity) and getting back on the ship

[Spiritfan123]

Roaten Island

Absolutely the best!! I cannot wait to go back but will fly in and stay a long weekend. It is aweseome!!!