Carnival Freedom 3/8/09 - First Time Cruiser

[MelsCruise]

Hi Everyone. I'm a first time poster and first time cruiser. This cruise will be a special one to celebrate 24 years of marriage and a 40 something birthday.:D

 

I've been "cruising" the posts and admit that I get a bit dizzy when trying to find everything I'm looking for. I've spent hours on end trying to find information and for the most part have found everything I needed.... EXCEPT, I am struggling with the shore excursion aspect. I am OK with the Keys and will just do what everyone else does. But then we go to Cayman and Ocho Rios. I'm not overjoyed at Carnival's selection of excursions and thought I would find other vendors to see what they were offering and their prices. This is where I need your help. Where do you go to find other resources for excursions? Is there a place here on this forum? OR where on the WWW can I look for options? OR, as a first time cruiser, would you suggest that I just stick with Carnival's options?

 

Any and all ideas or suggestions are welcomed. Thanks, Marianne

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Hi first timer I would reck you use carnival they are $$$ but it is safe guaranted and not bad why have a problem it is your first .we have been on over 20 and we still take the ones with the ship if it is the first time at that port

[MelsCruise]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate the input of veteran cruisers!

[shsabres]

Take it from me when I took my first one. Experience the island and at least take one port where you don't book anything. My wife and I were so sick of going to an excursion and seeing only one aspect of the island that this year when we go we are booking one excursion total on our seven day cruise. You can also book excursion (if they are not all filled up, which they weren't when we got on), on the boat itself!!