Hello all I am travelling on NCl Sun Dec 22nd with my husbandand 2 sons 18 and 21. Our itinerary is Western Caribbean ( Roatan. Belize, Cozumel and Stirrup)I will appreciate any tips that will be helpful especially regarding off shore activities. None of us are swimmers, so snorkelling is out. Any surprises I should be aware of. We are the first time cruisers and trying to be as prepared as possible, so any advice will be appreciated
First, welcome to Cruise-Chat. There are a gazillion things to do in each port you're visiting. Do you see the "Find" tab at the top left of this window? I'd recommend for your research type in each port name individually and do a search. You'll find tons of responses and can look through them to see what is right for you at each.
Roataan is a good beach port...I've taken the island tour and found it is beautiful...there isn't much to really do there...a very poor country...there is some local shopping near the ship landing...Belize is also a poor area, but a couple of GREAT Mayan ruins to see, Old Belize River ride is very nice, and there are some cave and river rafting to do...Cozumel is GREAT SHOPPING....Many Many shops and some beach areas too....This is a good cruise to wet your appetite on cruising..and I can almost guarantee you will be hungry for cruising for the rest of your life.....Enjoy the Ride...
Of your ports, the ones I've been to are Cozumel and Great Stirrup Cay, multiple times each. Years ago, we enjoyed a shore excursion to Tulum out of Cozumel. If your family is interested in history, this may be a good choice. I'd book this through the cruise line given its distance from the ship, and it is also a long tour. Should you decide to stay in town, there's great shopping and a nice restaurant at Los Cinco Soles/Pancho's Backyard.
Great Stirrup Cay is a beautiful beach, and I think that non-swimmers would enjoy it, as well. The waters are usually pretty calm, so "getting your feet wet" isn't too intimidating. We've taken several nice walks along the beach. Definitely bring sunscreen, and apply it often. This is the only place I have ever gotten a sunburn. (Ouch!)
One major thing I'd be aware of on the ship is its rules regarding 18-year-olds. In short, he will be able to use the casino and, with your written consent, purchase beer and wine but no other alcoholic beverages. More on this topic is in the NCL Guest Ticket Contract.
Forgot about Tulume at Cozumel....A wonderful trip....plus you can see the outline of Tulume on the horizon...It's the only ruin located on the water....Enjoy
We love the Sun. We've been on it twice and are going on it the third time in March. We're doing the same itinerary as you are so I'll be eager to hear what you think.
We thought the food in the dining rooms was great. We also tried a couple of specialty restaurants and they were excellent. The first cruise we did the buffet more and it was fine, but the last time we only were there once or twice.
The entertainment was great and the cruise director has the energy of a teenager (Linda, I think). She's pretty hilarious.
The ship was clean, the staff were more than polite and our room was always tended to twice a day.
Anything specific you'd like to know -- just ask. Lucky you going so soon. Judy
NCL does offer laundry and dry cleaning at a cost. They usually have a ship special for all the clothes you can fit in a laundry bag for about $20.00 to $25.00. This happens with about two days left on the cruise.
