Western Caribbean (Mariner)-how are the ports?

[WeirdEyes]

We're thinking of booking the Western Caribbean on the Mariner for next summer. We've only been to the Southern & Eastern Caribbean. The ports are Labadee, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman, & Cozumel. What are your experiences in these ports and are they nice? I've heard that Labadee & Grand Cayman are nice. DH is apprehensive about going to Jamaica. Thanks for any input! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [B]Shelia[/B] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Mariner of the Seas-May, 2004
Carnival Destiny-June, 2002

[Family of 14]

These are our favorite islands with the exception of St. Thomas, St. Johns and St. Johns, Antigua.

Jamaica is not all that bad. The other islands have so much to offer. Enjoy!

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[lvcruiser]

Our Western Caribbean cruise last year was our favorite thus far, due to the ports we visited. Labadee is a nice beach day. Jamaica isn't all that bad as long as you stay within a group and don't talk to the locals. We used Peat Taylor for an excursion to Dunn's River Falls and had one of the best times of our lives. Grand Cayman is quite interesting - so much money on that island, you can practically smell it. We used Nativeway for an excursion to Stingray City and had a fantastic time petting the rays. Cozumel, in my opinion, is a pretty good port for Mexico, although I have never been to any others. The people were friendly for the most part and shopping bargains abound. Carlos and Charlie's is a non-stop party if you want to have some fun, but be prepared to pay a hefty price for anything to eat from their menu.

All in all, we had a better time on this cruise than to the East or South.

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Until NOS Sailing 10/23/04

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[WeirdEyes]

Thanks for your comments! I look forward to going to islands I've never been to before. I will miss St. Thomas though.

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [B]Shelia[/B] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Mariner of the Seas-May, 2004
Carnival Destiny-June, 2002