Hi, please excuse my lack of knowledge as we walk into the cruise world as a family of "newbies" - I know life is about what you make of it... that being said.. We still want to have a good vacation ! Why do I get the feeling that every time we want to do something ... like the buffet, or an excursion, etc that we are all rounded up into a line to wait in another line... the whole idea of this trip was to take a break from the lines (no more theme parks for us... ughhh !) My main concern is when we dock in Cozumel - as we may not get off @ the 2nd port - do we have to hurry into the huddle to get off the boat ? Or can we let the masses go & then take our time ? We will probably take an excursion there, probably one organized thru Carnival just for safety concerns, etc... (not getting stranded by private tour guides) I just dont want a panic situation, as I know that will really stress my family out... any thoughts, anyone ? thanks !

My Family did all the vacations. Disney, Universal, Condo's, Resorts, etc...

Then we took the Carnival Conquest to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Now all the kids want to do is cruise!

Mine range from 14 to 20 (4 of them)

We now are booked on the Glory.

I don't remember any lines for buffets other than the chocolate one the 2nd last night.

The cruise is what you make it. Plan on having fun and don't allow little things to bother you.

Do some research for your ports. I booked all mine thru independents. Saved a ton of money and had a ton of safe fun.

I can recommend excursions for those three ports. All I need to know is the ages of the kids and types of activities you like to do.

Good Luck and enjoy!

Sodey

Hi
I was on the Carnival Inspiration to Cozumel first week of March 2004. I think you'll like Cozumel. Our ship docked at this huge pier that looks like it could berth 4 cruise ships. In no time at all, say, half an hour, all the necessary lines had been tied to the moorings and we were free to explore or go on excursions.
I hate line-ups too. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this never happened going ashore. There might have been 5 people in front of us going through the security check at the gangway. Took but a moment. Our cruise had rough weather and we only got ashore in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. At Grand Cayman we were tendered ashore and again there was no line up at all. We literally walked through the security check point and on to the tender. As it happened, we were about half an hour later than most people going ashore because we took our time with breakfast. There might have been a bigger lineup at the first rush, but not in our experience. Embarking and disembarking in Tampa was a different story - no fun. Long line ups. But nothing compared to say, Disneyworld. I think it took 75 minutes to get on the ship from start to finish.

Sodey - my son is 13 (gonna be 14 while onboard... hope to have a big to-do for him there) He doesnt act like other teenagers in the fact that he doesnt want to be alone or away from us (hes not embarrased to be with us as some teens say) he is a great swimmer.. we are considering the dolphin swim... he doesnt want to go snorkeling... I just dont want our party being split up & worrying all day about trying to find each other...
I am not sure if we will do excursions in Calica - we may just go over to the nicer beach & chill for a bit... or stay onboard and enjoy the emptier / roomier ship... would appreciate any suggestions you have. Have any of yall ever booked thru cozumel insider ? Thanks again !

calica or play del carmen if you dicide to get off there is a a big open air tent full of venders and you can shop right there and then get back on board they serve food on board while you are in port so not to worry about eating and the decks are empty and the pools and spas empty also the only thing is all the ships stores are closed and the casino, you can take a cab to town if you wish and take short walk to beach and sun bath there , there is also a park there nature one which you also have to take cab to you are about 4 to 5 mile from the port to town, if we ever go there again we will shop the tent and stay on board My daughter and her boyfriend did the horseback riding she said it sucked the horses are barn sour. haver fun whatever you decide Fran

Steph, Exactly what ship and what ports are you visiting?

If you are stopping in Cozumel, The ship pulls up to a large concrete pier. I suggest you get off as early as possible (8 am). Walk right past all the shops at the dock and head straight to the large Taxi stand. Ask for a ride to Chankanaab ($10 for cab ride. Not per person!) Trip takes less than 5 minutes and drops you off at park entrance. Pay $10 entrance per person. Chankanaab is beautiful! They have great walking trails with large (huge) lizards and a gorgeous beach with sparkling clean restrooms, waiters come to your lounge chair and serve you as you lie in the sun or under your own grass hut umbrella. I would suggest walking to the southern end of the beach right in front of the bar and snorkel rental counter. In front of floating raft. I would strongly suggest you all snorkel as the water is clear and you see many fish, sea urchins etc... The Dolphin swim is just to the North. After 3 to 4 hours (noon time) walk back to park entrance and take cab to Carlos and Charlies for a great, fun, noisy lunch. Make sure you buy the family picture in the Carlos and Charlies frame. (Great momento) Then walk around some of the shops and bargain for some cool stuff. Leather is a bargain. Go into liquor store and pick up some Kaluha (cheap).

Then head back to ship. This will be a full day but very inexpensive and a load of fun for all of you. I promise you won't feel afraid or uncomfortable. Chankanaab and Cozumel is almost like Texas in terms of fear factor.

WoW Sodey - Thanks for the specifics ! We are on the Celebration going to Cozumel & Calica... if we take our own snorkeling gear, is it nice enough to snorkel @ Chakanaab ? Without the tour I mean... what do you recommend for Calica or Playa del Carmen ? Do u know anyone who has taken the water taxi to Cancun ?

you can also go to playa del sol Cozumel, nice beach and atmosphere different price ranges shopping is also there small little mall outside of park and beach massages 20.00 for 25 minutes, heaven!!!!

I haven't been to the other port. But do some research and post your questions at www.cruise-addicts.com

As far as Chankanaab, yes snorkeling is great. At times, there must have been over 100 fish 2lb size within 2 feet of me and all around me. Amazing. There are also statues in the water you look for while snorkeling. Do not book a tour with the ship for this spot. Just go on your own as I outlined before. I have not been to a better beach as far as cleanliness in the states.

Sodey,

At Chankanaab is the snorkeling equipment included in the park fee? BTW, it went up to 12. We are on the 5/1 sailing of the Zuiderdam and plan to go there.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sodey:
Steph, Exactly what ship and what ports are you visiting?

If you are stopping in Cozumel, The ship pulls up to a large concrete pier. I suggest you get off as early as possible (8 am). Walk right past all the shops at the dock and head straight to the large Taxi stand. Ask for a ride to Chankanaab ($10 for cab ride. Not per person!) Trip takes less than 5 minutes and drops you off at park entrance. Pay $10 entrance per person. Chankanaab is beautiful! They have great walking trails with large (huge) lizards and a gorgeous beach with sparkling clean restrooms, waiters come to your lounge chair and serve you as you lie in the sun or under your own grass hut umbrella. I would suggest walking to the southern end of the beach right in front of the bar and snorkel rental counter. In front of floating raft. I would strongly suggest you all snorkel as the water is clear and you see many fish, sea urchins etc... The Dolphin swim is just to the North. After 3 to 4 hours (noon time) walk back to park entrance and take cab to Carlos and Charlies for a great, fun, noisy lunch. Make sure you buy the family picture in the Carlos and Charlies frame. (Great momento) Then walk around some of the shops and bargain for some cool stuff. Leather is a bargain. Go into liquor store and pick up some Kaluha (cheap).

Then head back to ship. This will be a full day but very inexpensive and a load of fun for all of you. I promise you won't feel afraid or uncomfortable. Chankanaab and Cozumel is almost like Texas in terms of fear factor.

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No, last August it cost $3 for mask and snorkel and $2 for fins so $5 total. We rented 3 sets and shared. You don't rent at the main entrance. You walk to the beach. (south end) and rent from an equipment stand or counter.