We usually rent a jeep and travel the highway along the coastline to discover beaches and local food/shops. This time we decided to visit the Mayan Ruins in Tulum. WARNING: Most of your trip time is spent it transit to and from the Ruins. Also, you can not access most of the ruins, so many of your photo's will be at a distance. The best part about this tour was the beach and views of the water/reefs. We spent $400 for a family of 5 and if I could do it again, I would stick to renting a jeep or just walking around the shops/mall areas near the pier. Friends of ours did the Dolphins and had an amazing time. 


Cozumel

Carnival built a very nice port area with new shops that will cause even the frugal to want to spend money. Fat Tuesday’s is a great spot for drinks and music. The beaches are beautiful, but we did the Pirates, Monkeys and Birds tour. To me it was a total waste of money. Again you will have a good long drive to eat up a lot of your time. They describe it as a place where the monkeys & macaws are wild and come down out of the jungle. But in truth, this is a rescue habitat and a few animals are even caged and/or have a leash. John (the Cruise Director) made special mention of one excursion @ each port of call that he would be attending, but we never saw him on any of them. We thought because of his personality, the trip would be fun regardless, but he was a no show EVERY time. Save money here and just go to the beach. 


Roatan

BELZE was my least favorite port. We chose the Cave Tubing/Zipline Adventure with an outside company and again... a really long drive. But more importantly than that, it’s also a really long walk from the park entrance to the river where you will be tubing (about 45 minutes). If you don't have "water shoes", you will have to rent them for $3, which isn't bad... but I was HIGHLY suspect of their hygiene once the shoes were returned. The walk there is over a path of small to medium river stones and not very comfortable on your feet at all. It may sound like I’m complaining, but I assure you I'm not. Only trying to give everyone an accurate account for you to be prepared if you choose this tour. Bottom line for me... the walk is long, the river was cold (February and cloudy), there really wasn't much to see compared to other caves I've been in and the river was low, so I've got a got a few butt-bruises from where I crashed into a few large stones on the riverbed floor. It was not nearly as exciting as it was advertised to be. 


Belize City

COSTA MAYA was amazing and the best port of the entire cruise. Carnival delayed disembarkation at this port (30-40 minutes) because the NCL ship was having such a hard time docking. Ships were rocking, waves and water were splashing and winds were howling... but thank God they let us experience this place, because it is simply beautiful. We took the bus to the downtown area and found a great spot on the beach. DON’T LET THE TAXI PEOPLE FOOL YOU. They will tell you (just to get your business) that you have to pay for restrooms, chairs and beach access in certain areas on you are there... but nearly any restaurant will happily allow you to use their set-up if you plan to eat or drink at their facility. We did neither and still were welcomed and allowed to use everything, even the restrooms. We got a couples massage for 1 hour at a cost of $15 each. The massages near the pier were going for $1 per minute, which was cheaper than the ships Spa, but not nearly as good as the deal we got for the short $5 round trip bus ride. 


Costa Maya

Nicest Cruise Terminal I've ever visited. Easy parking & nice facility. Wish I could have stayed for the shuttle launch. 


Port Canaveral (Orlando)

We had an inside cabin on the 8th floor. Good space for two persons, but a tight squeeze for a family of 4. We have been on Carnival ships before with our family and this was the first time we felt overcrowded in a cabin. Decor was nice and modern and closet space was good.

Carnival built a very nice port area with new shops that will cause even the frugal to want to spend money.Carnival delayed disembarkation at this port (30-40 minutes) because the NCL ship was having such a hard time docking.

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