Cruise Talk: Cozumel and Grand Cayman

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»	Cruise Talk » Ports of Call and Destinations » Cozumel and Grand Cayman

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Topic: Cozumel and Grand Cayman

larry
Just Boarded
Member # 659

posted 05-08-1999 09:08 PM

Any tips for these ports of call would be appreciated. Cruising in June and have time to plan some good shore excursions. Thanks

Posts: 2 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: May 99

aunt
Just Boarded
Member # 486

posted 05-10-1999 05:14 AM

same question for me..cruising with Imagination end of may and also visit these ports !!

Posts: 7 | From: the netherlands | Registered: Apr 99

Cruiselvr
First Class Passenger
Member # 96

posted 05-10-1999 01:11 PM

I've heard that Xceret is THE place to go. It is an ecological park and a good friend just got back from a cruise (last week) and said it was incredible. I've been to Tulum and it is unbelievable as well. I'm not into shopping so I can't help you with that part of these stops.

Posts: 34 | Registered: Apr 99

Brian
Just Boarded
Member # 51

posted 05-10-1999 11:27 PM

I am going to those ports in September. According to my brothers (both seasoned cruisers and both visited those ports twice) Chankanaab park in Cozumel has the best snorkelling and overall "handiness" sneak some bread to feed the fish but avoid being told not too. Also, be advised to "steak out" a place early, due to the popularity. Feeding the sting rays in Grand Caymen is a "must do" from all I have heard. Look into some black coral jewelry available only in GC. You may find others opinions by searching for your ship here: http://www.cruiseinc.com/reviews/

Posts: 8 | From: WA. | Registered: May 99

Bob
First Class Passenger
Member # 41

posted 05-11-1999 01:28 AM

Cozumel is one great island. Fairly safe to drive around and not get lost, watch for tourist on mopeds and if your into that sort of thing it would be a great place to do so. Residents are friendly and the whole place is without the "Usual sense of Mexico" great beaches along with that reported above. Just a great place to visit even if only for a day. Most ships dock now there is two piers. Grand Caymond is also a friendly if expensive island but easy to get around. Walk off the pier to downtown without any trouble. (You tender) We found the turtle farm interesting (If your into that sort of thing) and I always recommend that you do the tourist thing and "Go to Hell" and get a t-shirt. 7 mile beach and using a hotel beach is also an option. I'm not sure if the ships are going on sundays anymore, I think that the locals were about to stop that from happening but if you happen to be there then most places in town are closed. Enjoy.

Posts: 25 | From: BC Canada | Registered: Jan 99

cncservo
First Class Passenger
Member # 532

posted 05-20-1999 03:58 AM

Cruised the imagination last June to the western Caribbean and visited Grand Cayman Island. Stingray City is great, I took a Kodak sport underwater camera with us that I purchased at Walmert for 14 bucks. One year latter I am still amazed at the quality of pictures that camera takes.

Posts: 170 | Registered: May 99

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 05-20-1999 01:07 PM

Larry, Barry and Aunt. We did the Western Carribean cruise on the Imagination a few years back and in Jamaica we did the Dunes River Falls. I personally wouldn't do anything but a ship registered tour in Jamaica. Nice island but the people are very pushy and there is a lot of bad things going on there. Be careful and stick to the setup activities.
Cozumel and Cayman were totally the opposite. People in both places were great. In the Cayman Islands we went to Hell and the turtle farm on a bus tour. Great stuff. We also rented snorkles, fins and an underwater camera from the ship. We tendered to the island and when we got off the pier we turned right and walked along the shore a few hundred yards when we came to a small outdoor type bar/patio. There is a beach in front of it and we got in the water there. We brought along some bread from the ship and I have the most amazing pictures of the most beautifully coloured tropical fish that I have ever seen feeding on the bread out of our hands. Something you just don't forget. Our girls loved it. Next time we will hit stingray city. It is supposed to be awesome.
In Mexico we did the Tulum tour. Spectacular what these people did. A sight everyone should experience. In cozumel we lazed around and just walked up and down the main drag. The sights are terrific and the people are genuinely friendly. A great pace for life, to bad we can't live at that pace.
It's a genuine stress reliever. Have a wonderful time folks and take lots of pictures. We are going again in three years but this time we are doing both the East and West. It will be our 25th anniversary.

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 05-20-1999 01:08 PM

Sorry , that should have been BOB not barry.

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99

Leah
Just Boarded
Member # 268

posted 05-24-1999 12:36 AM

In the Cayman's definitely do "Stingray City". A great experience...not to mention that the water is sooooo incredibly warm and amazingly tourquoise and clear. Bring an underwater camera and some snorkeling gear couldn't hurt! In Cozumel, we did the Island adventure tour and was rather disappointed in this specific snorkeling tour...only saw a few fish and an old tire. Maybe try another excursion. On our cruise, many viewed "Carlos and Charlies" (a bar that boasts foot high margaritas and no air conditioning) a must-see. If you plan on buying stuff in either port, generally the farther you get away from the dock the cheaper things became. I made thew mistake of buying items at the first few stores we walked into, only to find that the exact same items were much cheaper a little further away. (New Orleans too. There, I'd recommend going to the flea market to buy your souveniers, because the merchandise was ALWAYS cheaper than in the regular stores) Have a great trip!!!

Posts: 3 | Registered: May 99

Leah
Just Boarded
Member # 268

posted 05-24-1999 12:40 AM

I almost forgot...book your shore excursions ASAP...We booked all ours on the second day we were on board...and some of the more popular ones were already full!

Posts: 3 | Registered: May 99

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 05-25-1999 03:26 PM

Test

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 05-25-1999 03:36 PM

Larry:
I agree with Leah on the posting above. Make SURE you sign up for the shore excursions you have chosen ASAP after getting on board ship. The most popular ones (i.e. Stingray City) sell out VERY quickly.

I recently came back from my very first cruise (the ONLY way to travel!!!). I did an 11 day Western Caribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. I visited both ports you mentioned. My advice: on Grand Cayman, definitely do Stingray City. Although we did not do that, we heard nothing but positive feedback from those who did. And as far as Cozumel, DEFINITELY do NOT miss a visit to Carlos 'N Charlies (Pub/Rest.) if you a GREAT, FUN time that you will ALWAYS remember! It's an AWESOME place and we had a total blast!

I also agree with one of the other postings...both islands are very safe and the people are extremely nice so don't be afraid to do any excursion you want. I've also heard the jeep excursions were fun too.

If I can be of any further help or if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Have a GREAT trip and happy cruising! You'll love the experience!!

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

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