jean87510

The one with the shipwreck is the Cali A which is literally right next to the cruise port off of Eden Rock. If you have your own gear you can do it yourself. Or you can rent gear at the dive shop there. If a choice between 2, I'd do the other. If the excursion Sunken Ship and Snorkel is available, grab this. Its the Kittiwake plus cheeseburger reef and is a tough trip to get minus the Stingrays by locals. I have this reserved on my Beyond cruise.

That's exactly what we are doing in February off the Equinox. We get in at 7 and leave at 3. Car rental place we use opens at 9. It just isn't worth it under 5 hours to drive around so we are taking Caribe over to Klein bonaire to drift snorkel for the day. Plus it's much cheaper then guided snorkeling and more fun.

It is an EXAMPLE of a crowded pool deck. Surprisingly other lines have chair hogs as well.

Yes the pools are packed as it is a sea day. Because normally people are off the ship on a port day. And I have witnessed this pandemonium on the Carnival magic not in my prior picture but 3 weeks ago. You could not move in the pool area let alone get a chair. We went down to the lower outside decks. My point was why on earth would anyone even WANT to sit in that mess of chairs and people, fighting, timing people, moving stuff, arguing, reporting to staff...etc...? I would give my chair away and run to my balcony or a nice shady corner. I wouldn't care who was gone for 30 minutes or 5 hours.

So this is actually worth it? Give me deck 5 or my balcony.

yes. We did this in March. It was just my husband and I with a guide once we got there 1st thing in the am. Our taxi waited for us then took us to infinity bay where we had reservations for a pay as you go day pass. Same cab driver took us back. We got really lucky that day!!

My favorite excursion in Cozumel has to be renting bikes and going off on our own with our snorkel gear. Or taking a small boat tour to do the palancar and Columbia reefs. Favorite beach bar is definitely Sky reef for the overall experience of food, drink and snorkeling. We are renting bikes yet again in 3 weeks and will try some new spots.

Hopefully if group is big, they will split it as they did one of mine as its annoying both ways to people who are hikers as opposed to those who dress inappropriately (heels, flip flops, a dress) or have bad knees, heart conditions...etc... I am usually the middle as I don't climb up as fast as others but I can always keep up. Husband usually races with the guide for the Alpha prize. Its a tough but doable hike. Its definitely harder going down but if you are prepared to get muddy and have gloves, you'll have a great time.

Its offered on my December 2022 cruise on RCCL. We are in St. Thomas 8a to 6p and have it as a 4 hr afternoon excursion 115 to 515. So we are doing Magens bay first as we want to do the hiking trail, then back to ship to grab our snorkeling gear, then off to our excursion.

In Cozumel, parasailing and zip lining if you just want the adrenaline effects. If you want to actually experience Cozumel then ATV to Jade Cavern followed by a snorkeling boat excursion. You can jump into the cenote as well. My suggestion is if you like to just be outdoors, rent a bike and ride the loop around the island stopping at various spots on the other side. This is doable and unique. We have done this on land and cruise vacation.

absolutely agree with this. I have done this hike 2x now and as long as you have proper shoes, water, gloves, hiking socks, water; and a hat or sweat band, it's not bad. I've done this 2x in my 50's and I live in the northeast US. If you want to get prepared for it, try the treadmill for 30 minutes on 3.0 at 10 incline.

there is a small fee for donkeys. you'll have to check their website. It's an amazing experience to hear their story and drive around the compound. If you like snorkeling, this is the island to pull over and snorkel from shore. I have great spots we have used on lsnd and cruise vacations. The flamingos are at a distance every time I see them from the road. There are also flamingos at the donkey sanctuary. The beaches are not like beaches say in Antigua or St Martin. They are snorkeling beaches as in rocky. One of the spots we love is the salt mines beach which is really rocky to get in BUT amazing once you start snorkeling 🐢🐢🐢😁

I truthfully don't understand why people love the golf carts when a car is so much more efficient but that's me. I always rent a car here. Easier to get around and see more things thsn the same loop. Regarding the park, truthfully, this is something if you do it, do when you are in port for 12 hours and first thing in the am. We tried it in 2020 but unfortunately got there at noon and our ship was leaving at 4. When we got to the entrance, we didn't want to pay just to only be there for an hour. I believe there are boat trips that go there so I'd look for that.

I have had this happen last fall where nothing was showing for Costa Maya. What I did was I went into the Royal app, selected a different sailing that had the same itinerary but was an earlier sailing then mine (September instead of November) and looked at the shore excursions to get a rough idea and to start researching. They will show up. Mine finally did by end of August last year. But it was a little different as cruises were starting up as were excursions. I would think by 90 days out you should see something.

Thanks! Will give me time to stake my claim on the specialty restaurants as we have unlimited dining rather than unpack.

Wanted to jump in here and ask a question. We purchased the Key for our upcoming Allure cruise due to a RCCL glitch which advertised it at $16.99 pp. (was corrected later that dayon website to $32.99). I've never needed it before as we usually go on the smaller ships and I never really saw the advantage. But regardless, I am curious about something mentioned. So say if you board at 1030am, you can go directly to your room? And all your bags will usually be there including carryon? Its my 1st time with this so I really haven't paid attention to posts about it in the past.

Thanks. As I've stated, Ive done this in San Juan before. And also as I stated, we arrive the day prior. San Juan is a great place as was Barcelona to get back off and explore. Plenty of time to wander the ship. My question is for more recent post covid travelers. I did reach out to RCCL and 2 TA friends. Apparently now with the protocol changes, yes this can be done.

that's a good idea but I think the more recent ones after October may be better as the rules were different last spring. Thank you.

I agree. I'm trying to see if anyone has done it post covid. We are looking to possibly rent bikes and explore San Juan as we've done in the past. I'd hate to set something up then have to cancel.

was this before the testing requirements lifted?

We are on the Voyager in December 2022. We will probably embark early since we are flying in the day before and have to be out of our hotel by 10am. Since our ship leaves at 830pm from San Juan, we wanted to go back out in the early afternoon as long as we are able to. I have done this in the past pre covid in Barcelona and San Juan a few times and had a lot of fun. So my only question is, is this allowed again or once we board, that's it, no going back outside? This is a 5 day cruise.

good for them.

i should clarify that for a family of 6 lunch can be expensive which is why I suggested bringing supplements. And factor in drinks as well. We just spent $550 in Bermuda at a beach bar for the day with 6 adults. The least expensive meal was $18. Granted these are kids but sodas and waters add up.

best island to window shop then go to beach is St. Martin. You can do the planes at Maho 1st then make your way back to town for shopping then hang on the beach. I'd rent a car here, St. Kitt, Barbados, St. Thomas and St. Croix. Id save tours for St. Lucia. also, if leaving from San Juan, stock up on breakfast or granola bars for excursions. Lunch can be really expensive on the islands. Dont bring actual food off of ship unwrapped! Go somewhere local grocery store for drinks. We have a nice cooler bag we use that we have put ice in. We also have large water pouches that we have worn for hiking that we fill and take with us if on our own. I've done those san juan sailings and started avoiding excursions and started going off on our own because it adds up. 1 port can cost a family of six easily $700 plus tip. Kids like animals, fast things, not sitting for hours in a car on a tour...etc... Mine are in their 20s and 30s and still talk about a 7 port sailing in 2014 where they went to the donkey sanctuary in Bonaire. And the Boatyard in Barbados!!

MON, FEB 20 St. Thomas, USV * private snorkel full day? (Is there a better island for this? If your private tour takes you to St. John, keep it. Great snorkeling. If not, go to Sapphire Beach via cab TUE, FEB 21 St. Croix, USVI * snorkel and SCUBA Buck island half day agree with above poster WED, FEB 22 Philipsburg, St. Maarten * free day, window shop and beach Go to mullet bay beach. Find out plane schedule that am before disembarking so you can figure out when to walk over to Maho. local buses or taxis are an option. no need for a guide THU, FEB 23 St. Lucia * zip lines If your kids like snorkeling, get an excursion to the Pitons. You can get one at the dock. Or go to Pigeon island. If you want to explore, book a land and sea tour. But if by land its a long ride with kids fyi. We did a solely boat tour with my kids and they loved it. FRI, FEB 24 Barbados * no idea…. But would like to experience a bit of the island… Try to get something with the animal cave and the wildlife reserve with a stop at the beach SAT, FEB 25 St. Kitts, Kitts and Nevis * no idea…. I would rent a car here. St. Kitt is really easy to drive around. Many many things to see. Javins tours were great for us but snorkeling part may be tricky for little ones. But if you want a lazy day, try getting a day pass room at the Marriott. edit: I know 6 is expensive. Try purchasing your own snorkeling gear. Use public transportation if available like St. Martin. Renting cars are always the best option. Only island I would not drive in is St. Lucia. I have 5 adult kids now but when younger, anything with animals or fast boats was the best.