I am seriously contemplating this for our upcoming cruise to the Western Caribbean (Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Montego Bay). On our very first cruise, we were in awe of one of our tablemates who stayed onboard the entire length of the cruise to enjoy the ship. As our last few cruises have been very port intensive, and we have been to these Western Caribbean ports before, I can now understand -- and this may be our chance to try it out. The thought of having the pools to ourselves is enticing, as is lingering over meals, having air conditioning close by, and not having to watch the clock during the day.

Thoughts?

The only time I can remember never going ashore was many years ago when Princess tried summer cruises to the Mexican Riviera. I think it was in July or August and I remember walking down the gangway and turning around and walking right back up--the heat and humidity was THAT oppressive. Of course nobody else went ashore either so it was just like a sea day.

But when going to Mexico, which I do a lot because it is so convenient for me, many times I will skip one or even two of the ports for the very reasons you mention. But I've found that there is a point where "quiet" can actually turn into "lonely" :-)

You too?

We'll likely go ashore in Cozumel because we like the place. As for Georgetown we might go to the Boatswain's Beach Adventure they have developed at the turtle farm. Sure it it touristy but I want to be able to comment on it for the members.

Mo Bay holds no interest!

We have skipped a few ports but never a whole cruise, altho it may happen. I love the ship. The heat gets to me now. thats why I love the late winter and late fall cruise. Some ports just dont hold any intrest for me.

I can hear the dinner conversation now.

Tablemates take turns talking about snorkeling, seeing ruins, Pancho's Backyard; petting turtles, Seven Mile Beach, etc.

Me: "I read a book."

Actually, maybe that's not so bad after all.

We have skipped a few ports also but I need to get off once in awhile
That said we are doing a Panama canal cruise next year & been to most of the ports so may just stay & enjoy the ship or maybe get off in a couple of ports.
It is 18 days so I may need to make sure my land legs still work

I've skipped Freeport a few times is all. You should at least take the short walk on GC to Abanks and get some conch fritters. I might could miss a few ports on the Dream to explore the ship, the Elation probably not as I know those ships very well.

Besides if you don't go ashore you can't really say you've been there. I remember being ill the first time I went to Dominica. I was still determined to walk to the end of the pier and set foot on the ground. Cozumel is one of my favorite ports. You can read a book under an umbrella at Paradise Beach. Rumor has it that Tom has wifi set up at the bar now so you can check your email etc. if you like. I just can't imagine staying on the ship unless I had to. Then again, I am more acclimated to hot and sticky weather than you are probably, and even I don't cruise in July.

To borrow a phrase from the Nation of Why Not.."Get Out There!"

Dwayne

I don't think I would ever skip a port. I may not stay off of the ship long but would definately get off.

I've also skipped ports, notably Nassau (having been there umpteen times) but usually leave the ship for at least a little while.

Note that some ships are still closing the pools while the ship is in port, along with the shops and casino.

On my 3-night cruise aboard the Sovereign in 2008, I stayed aboard in Nassau and went ashore at Coco Cay for about two hours - really just to take photos, I didn't stay for lunch but instead had that on the ship where there was no feeding frenzy. So that was it - I boarded the ship and only left it for a couple hours until we returned home.

Even on repeat islands (and we haven't done that many cruises) we can find somewhere else to explore all thanks to the great chats we have reviewed. Even if we don't take a port tour, we, at least, do get off for a short time.

Peterl

quote:

Even on repeat islands (and we haven't done that many cruises) we can find somewhere else to explore all thanks to the great chats we have reviewed. Even if we don't take a port tour, we, at least, do get off for a short time.

This is true Peter. Like Sandy, I have been to Bahamas umpteen times. But, how do you know if something hasn't changed if you don't check things out. Many say negative things about Jamaica, but if they haven't been off the ship in years and gone out and explored, then how do they know if it's changed or not? Last month in Nassau, I got off the ship to check out the rumor of a new straw market. There isn't; however; they are rebuilding at the site of the original and in the future the straw market will be moved back to it's original location. Several years ago after having been to Nassau many times, I thought I had done everything. I thought the Pirate's Museum sounded cheesy, but decided to give it a try. And was surprised I actually thought it was interesting.
I like to at least get off the ship and walk around a little.

I usually try to at the least go ashore for a few minutes, just to say I was there. Last yr in Nassau we decided to go see the marching flemingos.(I would not recommend it) It was so very very hot. I got scared for myself. We headed straight back to the ship. If we go to a port and it is that hot again I definately will stay on the ship.

I usually go over to Cabbage Beach on Nassau. Last year I was comped to re-visit Blue Lagoon Island. It had been many years since I had been there because of it being damaged multiple times by hurricanes. Boy had it changed. It was wonderful. The tour operator asked me to send a review/report to Carnival as it had been taken off of the Shore Excursion list for a long while. Not sure if my review did the trick, but it was added back a few weeks later.

Blue Lagoon Island Shore Excursion

Dwayne

Not yet, but we also are thinking about it. Maybe in Oct. We have been to the Mexican ports so many times, might be nice to stay onboard and enjoy the peace and quiet.

I don't think I could miss any port, even though I've been to some quite a few times. I love exploring, meeting locals, stopping at local shops, etc. I agree, it's nice to have the ship to yourselves, but I just can't do it. I have come back early and stayed on board, but have never blown off a port entirely. Even when I've been under the weather. I got a really bad cold on one cruise, and stayed in my cabin at night, but still went out during the day.

I guess it's because I miss the ocean so much. I just have to get sand in my shoes, bathing suit, hair, towel, etc.

quote:

I just have to get sand in my shoes, bathing suit, hair, towel, etc

I know what you mean. After all, it's always Sandy in MY bathing suit.

I will refrain from comment.

Y'all will probably hate me, but I went for a beach walk earlier today. I don't go as often as I should even though I can walk to the beach. I may have to get a golf cart soon as I get pooped out from walking so far and then walking back home.

Like Penny, I like exploring and meeting locals in the ports. It's neat when you re-visit and they remember you.

Dwayne

So, it was 80 degrees in the Boston area today, humidity around 50%, and, for some reason I will never understand, I decided to go for a run. (OK, a jog.) Wow, was it brutal. I am not exaggerating when I say that I felt like I was about to pass out. I actually had to stop and sit down. It takes me a while to get used to hot weather. And for us at this time of year, 80 is hot. This reinforced my thoughts of staying in the AC on the ship. Then again, if the pools are closed...

I'm loving the feedback on this thread!

We had mid-90's the previous two days...quite warm for May, even in Alabama. It was wonderful today with temps in the low 80's and a nice breeze and low humidity.

Some advice for your stay in Mobile in July...don't jog. Don't even walk fast. It is usually hot and humid.