All in all, an enjoyable Fantasy - Western Caribbean "Ports" Review by yokelridesagain

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Home > Member Reviews > yokelridesagain's Port Reviews of Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

yokelridesagain's Port Reviews of Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Disney Fantasy cruise in November 2012

Member Name:	yokelridesagain
Cruise Date:	November 2012
Embarkation:	Port Canaveral
Destination:	Western Caribbean
Member Review:	yokelridesagain's Disney Fantasy Review

	Grand Cayman Snorkeling Rating: Nice snorkeling, water about 8 feet I would guess? Again, waves off the reef were choppy and I would not be comfortable about putting an elementary aged child in this water unless he/she was a very strong swimmer. Stingray Swim Rating: Booked with an independent operator, they waited on the dock until all pre-registered guests were there before departing. Combined snorkeling/stingray expedition. From the description, I had envisioned this as calm, thigh deep water on a sandbar. The day we were there the water was quite choppy and waves from boats departing were often shoulder high. Still a lot of fun for my four year old, but definitely had to be held the whole time. Ample opportunities to interact with hungry stingrays.
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	Costa Maya Mayan Ruins Rating: Went to Chacchoben with an independent operator, departure point was within easy walking distance of port. We had a private van for our large party (14) at no extra cost. The ruins are very nice for children of all ages--saw some wildlife (spider monkeys, etc.) in additional to the archaeologic site. Most ruins can be climbed, at least part way. There is one portion of the tour where you climb a set of uneven stone steps up and down (about 3 flights of stairs worth), but this could be skipped for someone with mobility limitations. The tour guide was great and allowed us to move at our own pace, linger for photos, etc. At the time of our trip, there was quite a bit of construction on the road to the ruins, and several parties coming back (including the main ship excursion) got held up for 30 minutes or so. Tip would be to make sure your guide leaves before the Disney bus if you're on a private tour.
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	Cozumel Beach Break Rating: We got a cab to take all of us to Playa Palancar and wait for the rest of the day for 90 dollars. Officially, I believe they charge 2 dollars per person for chairs at this beach, but they made no attempt to do so. The waiter made a quick pass by when we first arrived and then we never saw him again! (We would have bought something, really.) There are some small rock formations in shallow water off the beach that present pretty good snorkeling opportunities, good for young children even. The beach also has peacocks. This is a lovely beach, clear water, and almost no one there looked like they were from a cruise ship. Great times.
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	Castaway Cay Port Rating: Not Rated CC was fine...it took a pounding from Hurricane Sandy and a lot of the vegetation was dead. The water was cool but once you got used to it it was OK for swimming. Did not snorkel here but the snorkeling area was said to be quite good. Nothing other than the beach was particularly memorable. The buffet lunch was terrible...most of the soda fountains weren't working properly either. There are cheaper drinks here than anywhere else on the ship (2 for 1 specials in the afternoon).
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