awendland

Miami, Florida

We got on the ship at Miami after arriving the day before and staying on South Beach at a hotel - so did our own thing and loved it. When we got off after the cruise we went back to the hotel how agreed to hold our bags for 6 hours and let us use the facilities while we waited for an evening flight. I'm sure it wasn't protocol but we timed a few folks, winked with them and it all worked out.

George Town, Grand Cayman

We did sub for $100 and it was really worth it! Everyone goes to stingray petting and what not... we just wanted to be away from the big crowds. It was our big splurge and we got our money's worth. Got back in time for some local shopping that was not too easy to do in Jamaica.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

We did the tubing and booked before the trip via AA who hooked us up to the cruise to begin with for $50. IT WAS FANTASTIC, the tooting was fun, the beach we ended up on was private and nice. Food and drink was available but for more $ and not that much more. The ride from the ship to the river was 80 minutes not the 35 advertised but it was ok. We stopped to pick up others at resorts and that is what added to the travel time. On the way back it was much faster. The tubing guide was just awesome.

Cozumel, Mexico

We did the paddle boarding and snorkeling for $60 and that was just fantastic. The resort we went (Club Cozumel Caribe) to was big, clean, had a pool, had all the amenities and both the guests and the staff were just great to be with. We stayed all day and had a blast. Food was extra but still super. Like with any stop, eat a big breakfast, snack on the excursions and treat yourself to one drink then get back on the ship for the free food and depending on your choice the drink package you paid for....

Carnival Vista

You get a free 2 liter bottle of water at dinner if you ask for it - so you don't have to pay the $4 if you use the ones that are in your room. Pay the extra cover for use of the specialty restaurants - the food is MUCH better and you don't have to eat with humanity.... do this at least once! Since everyone does this - do grab a chair by the pool early... everyone puts a towel on a few in the AM even if they don't use them till hours later. Suck that people do this and force you to do it too but that is often the only way to get a chair by the pool. We did hang out several times and got one as nice people left from time to time AND took their stuff with them - we just felt too guilty 'playing' that game. The movies at night on the Lido deck by the pool were great too, both the kids movies and the adult movies.