cynamil

I always cringe when I see people wanting to go to Margaritaville in Grand Turk. I know, it's just my opinion but... You can go to Margaritaville in basically ANY beach city in the United States and other cities that aren't beach cities for that matter. You're going to a foreign place on vacation, why go to a chain joint that's right next to the ship and not see/do anything? It just seems like a waste of money to cruise if that's what you want to do in ports. (I am not saying YOU, I am just saying in general so please don't take that the wrong way.)

 

Rent a golf cart from Karib, Nathan's or Wet Money ($90) and cruise the island. Ride around and see their way of life, the things they do, how they live, their lifestyle, etc. Ride up to the light house, see the salt salinas, check out Her Majesty's Prison, go down and enjoy some time at Governor's Beach, grab a bite to eat at Jack's Shack. It's the best way (again, in MY opinion, not everyones) to spend your day in a foreign place on vacation. Either way, enjoy your time at GT!

The idea of the golf cart sounds perfect for me and my family. It sounds like you know this island well. In addition to what you already listed do you have any tips for must-do/must-see stops? Anything we should bring with us from the ship to make the day easier. This is our first time going and it's me, my 25 year old niece and 16 year old daughter. We are on a budget, but we want to see the life of the locals, try their food, learn the history, and also enjoy the ocean and beaches. We will have about 6 hours in port.

Does anyone know the cost of a taxi to go to the zoo? Or of a local tour company that does trips to the zoo?

We went to Belize on Royal Caribbean in April 2013. We booked the excursion through the cruise ship to go to Bannister Island. It was ok. If I was to do the beach excursion again, I'd take the water taxi, based on what other people said. Once we were done with the excursion(It was only 3 hours) we went to Belize City. It's a gathering of overpriced junk mostly made in China, that you can buy pretty much anywhere. However, just passed security, you can go into the city. We bargained with a guy named Michael for a horse and buggy tour of the city. He had his credentials on him, and security told us the city was safe. Michael gave the 4 of us a lovely narrated tour of the city for $40 total. At the end of the tour we stopped to purchase some handmade souvenirs from some locals at a little flea market set up. They are very very poor, but the craftsmanship was great. We were able to bargain some prices down. The one downfall was the lady who got upset and rude when I kept refusing braids for my daughters' hair. My girls don't like braids. They wanted the hand carved dolphin and toucans instead. This year we are considering taking a taxi to the zoo based on the recommendation of a lady who did that during our last visit.

I e-mailed RCCL to see if they still go there since it was reportedly sold. They said yes. Has anyone been there recently. Previous reviews were poor and wondering if possibly new owners have improved it at all. My daughter just wants a nice beach day and parents need shade. It looks like there used to be quite a bit under thatched umbrellas. Going early January. Thanks!

I went there in April 2013. Not sure when it was sold. It was a pleasant day. My kids had their swim masks and we saw 1 fish and 1 very large seastar. The sand was very sharp and we we were very thankful for our swim shoes. We did borrow the kayaks for no charge, and that was fun. There was a bar for drinks and a little bit of food for purchase. The souvenir shop was practically empty.

This is my first time going to Costa Maya. I was looking through the excursions offered through Norwegian, and I'm not impressed. Me, my mom, and my two daughters, 9 and 13 will be traveling. I'm looking for something safe, fun, and not strenuous. We will be in port for most of the day. Tropicante and Mahahual seem to be mentioned a lot. Any suggestions from people that have actually been to Costa Maya? We like swimming, eating, and looking at locally made souvenirs.