clackey

There are several independent local tour companies, but I can recommend Bodden Tours from past cruises. Great guides, good tours and I am sure that they can take care of you. They will customize a trip for you and a lot cheaper than the cruise lines.

The best advice that I can give you is: Take half of the clothes that you think you need and twice as much money.

Carnival in 81 and Royal Carib 182.

We have used Machu Picchu twice and recommended them to friends who used them also. They are good folks and do an excellent job. I had doubts when I used them the first time. The neighborhood looked rough, even though this was after Katrina. No need to worry. Their parking is inside a covered, gated area. They have a shuttle to and from the terminal and will have your car ready to load and leave as soon as you arrive from your cruise. Like I said, good folks.

We did ours at the Post Office and mailed the applications. Got them back today. It took 5 weeks.

Most trips have had warm temps, but the water is a little cool. I would guess in the mid-70's.

A lot depends on the port. We have done 19 cruises with 20+ cruise ports. Many of the eastern Caribbean ports are easy to DIY as is the Yucatan. Jamaica, Honduras and Belize are 3 where we usually go with the ship tours. We once did a DIY in Belize and nearly missed the last tender to the ship. Ginger D always reminds me of that one.

Good advice so far, but I didn't see anything about earplugs. They come in handy if your cabin is under the dining room when they are scooting chairs and tables at 2 A.M. and when the live band cranks the amps to high. I swear that the band (Blood Power) almost made me deaf. Possibly the best band that I have heard on a cruise, but definitely the loudest.

We just booked 2 this week. Voyager of the Seas 5/9 and Carnival Valor 1/28. We had 4 canceled during the pandemic and we are going through withdrawal. This is our third on the Valor and is for our Anniversary/Birthday get away. Just the two of us. The VOS is with our daughters. Our elder daughter has never cruised while the younger one has done two with us. This one will be FUN! Now if mt computer will let me into Machu Picchu Parking website I will book with them. They are good.