Cruise ship pointers and advice

[Orangepeel]

Hey all, I am taking my wife in a 7 day carnival cruise to mahogany bay, Cozumel and Belize. We leave from New Orleans. I've never been on a cruise or out of the country. Is it possible to visit the places you are in and see the local culture? Recommendations and suggestions on doing so? I have no idea what to expect but I am very curious about seeing places and soaking it all in. I figured the more educated I can be on this the safer I'll be. Thank you.

 

[tblt44]

Safest bet book excursion thru the cruise ship.
Cozumel is very safe been there about 8 times most everytime in the summer. Traffic very bad in the heart of town while ships at ports, sometimes there can be 7 to 8 ships between there 2 port area then sometimes ships will tender people in when all the docks are full.
Have fun
Don't miss the boarding time they will leave you

 

[Patman]

Most, if not all cruises will stop once per day in a new city and they will give you a set amount of time to explore that area before you get back on the ship and head off again.

 

[Chris142]

 

[opus1]

1) Don't be late getting back to the ship
2) If you want to do any offshore activities, best to book them through the cruise line. It may be cheaper to book on your own, but if the cruise line is responsible for the excursion, it's on them if something happens and you get back late.

 

[oldcodger]

Have been on three cruises in that area. They are cattle boats and you are the cattle. I guess if you like crowds and over priced trinkets they are OK.

 

[k1xv]

cruise ships will wait for their own shore excursions late to return. They will not wait for passengers late because their passengers taking non affiliated excursions did not get back to the boat in time. You don't want to be like these folks

 

[vavavroom]

I got an itch for a cruise. Or is that from the cruise?

My tip would be to bring a UV flashlight. Use it everywhere, including on the tableware and the food.

 

[ripcord]

Hand sanitizer. I had a PM who played piano in a cruise ship lounge. He said he was so desperate for a day off at one point he told his boss he was going to go lick the elevator buttons. He got his day off.

 

[Reggaemon]

Get a cabin with a outside deck, I wouldn't cruise without one. Cozumel doesn't have a lot to do, some catamaran trips with a little snorkeling. Belize is interesting, the jungle to explore, caves and Mayan stuff. A 40 minute boat ride to Caye Cauker get you to a small island with many small interesting places to eat. The snorkeling at the nearby reef is some of the best to be found.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[PontiacHO]

Hord toilet paper. If there’s an outbreak onboard you’re going to need it….

 

[joekingcorvette]

I have been on a few cruises and went to the places mentioned. At first it takes a while to learn the layout of the ship and which is the front or back of the boat. It takes a while to find your room and it helps if you don't mind walking up and down stairs instead of waiting for an elevator all the time. My wife and I like to walk and it's fun just taking in the sights on the islands. Some people get hooked on cruises and I get bored of them after a while. Sometimes the pool area gets taken and there might not even be enough chairs for you to sit and lay out by the pool so get there early, throw a few personal items on the chars and claim them for the day. The most important thing is buy THE DRINK PACKAGE because if you pay separately it would cost a fortune since drinking and cruising kind of go hand in hand. Sign up for the early dining unless you are a night owl. Have fun!

 

[Owen Lucas]

Get into a fighting stance (widen shoulders, puff out your chest) and put your hat on sideways whenever going to get crab legs so no one messes with you.

Supposedly things get wild in the buffet line.

 

[Hall]

Have been on three cruises in that area. They are cattle boats and you are the cattle. I guess if you like crowds and over priced trinkets they are OK.

Yet you went back two more times....

 

[TCL]

Get in your seats at the pool around 4AM and stay there. By 5 AM all of the seats have " holding towels" and no one there for hours occupying them.
You'll see.

 

[nickaluch]

Went on one cruise never again way to many people on the boat it was always chaos

 

[burbguy82]

Hand sanitizer.

+100

 

[Orangepeel]

I have been on a few cruises and went to the places mentioned. At first it takes a while to learn the layout of the ship and which is the front or back of the boat. It takes a while to find your room and it helps if you don't mind walking up and down stairs instead of waiting for an elevator all the time. My wife and I like to walk and it's fun just taking in the sights on the islands. Some people get hooked on cruises and I get bored of them after a while. Sometimes the pool area gets taken and there might not even be enough chairs for you to sit and lay out by the pool so get there early, throw a few personal items on the chars and claim them for the day. The most important thing is buy THE DRINK PACKAGE because if you pay separately it would cost a fortune since drinking and cruising kind of go hand in hand. Sign up for the early dining unless you are a night owl. Have fun!

I don't drink alcohol so the drink package is probably not a good idea for me. I assume anyway.

 

[walterjay]

Went on an enjoyable cruise about fifteen years ago. Fast forward to this year, went on a cruise and the place was absolutley overcrowded. Food was bad was pared down. They have cut corners everywhere. Never going on another cruise again.
That being said use hand sanitizer and don't eat street food.

 

[Orangepeel]

Went on an enjoyable cruise about fifteen years ago. Fast forward to this year, went on a cruise and the place was absolutley overcrowded. Food was bad was pared down. They have cut corners everywhere. Never going on another cruise again.
That being said use hand sanitizer and don't eat street food.

Why no to Street food?