Private operator shore excursions

[A&S]

I'm nervous about booking shore excursions through a private operator.

there is an activity i want to do in cozumel that is not offered by RCL but I'm nervous. The itinerary says 10am - 7pm in cozumel. So is that 9am -6pm cozumel time?

And how long does it usually take to get off the ship? I understand your priority is fairly low when not booking through rcl.

When is the earlier i should book an excursion for?

[cb at sea]

If you're nervous about it--don't do it! Just book through the ship. That way, there's no chance of getting mixed up and missing anything. They will take you in hand and you don't do anything but have fun. The little that you might save by booking independantly isn't worth the headache to you!

[Sheffie]

We usually book our excursions through private operators, but I make sure that we will be back to the pier at least 1 hour before we need to be. You must do your homework, and then book what makes you comfortable.