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Progreso (Merida), Mexico

This port was nothing to look at. They have some shops right when you get off the ship. We were just going to get back on the ship, but decided to take the free shuttle to town. We were just going to walk around, but when we got there where they drop you off at, there was a open air tour bus, so we decide to do that. It was $9 per person. It took us around the island and showed us some landmarks and where the people live. It was very informative and about 45 minutes long, and the tour guide was great. Definitely recommend this. Right where you get on the shuttle there is a market there and the people were kind of pushy. But we didn’t feel unsafe. They were very friendly.

Galveston, Texas

It’s not the prettiest port. But, you can see many dolphins there in the bay. No excursions. We stayed at Harbor House and Marina right there by the port. It’s within walking distance. Would highly recommend this hotel. They have onsite parking for $12 a day while you cruise. We also ate at Fisherman’s Wharf, right by the hotel, which had great food and service.

Carnival Dream

Definitely try and get faster to the fun.

Cozumel, Mexico

Love this port. This was our 2nd time here within 3 months. Loved the shopping area right there by the port. It feels safe. The outside of the port, well that can be a little overwhelming with everyone trying to get you to buy their stuff. But both times we went to Cozumel we took a cab over to Paradise Beach. The cab ride was $15 each way. Paradise Beach is a great place. It’s relaxing, and the food is wonderful. The service this time wasn’t as good as the last time. But, we still enjoyed ourselves. It’s $3 to get in which includes your chair and an umbrella if you want one. You just have to order $10 worth of food or drink. They do now offer inclusive deals, not sure how much it was, because we weren’t interested in that.

Miami, Florida

Beautiful port. Very busy. Great views from the ship.

Key West, Florida

It was ok. We only walked threw town. Nothing great, in my opinion.

Grand Turk Island

Loved this port. Even though there was 2 ships docked here it never seamed to crowded. The beach was clean as well as the rest of the area. We just stayed right by where the boat was docked. We went in the ocean and the shops right by there. We enjoyed Margaritaville the most. The pool and chairs were free and the food was good. The shops were great. And the bathroom was always clean.

Oranjestad, Aruba

As soon as you got off the ship, people were bombarding you to go with them. My kids felt uncomfortable, and they are 9 and 14 years old. We ended up taking a bus to Eagle Beach. It was $5 a person and you had to pay the same on the way back to the beach. The beach was gorgeous. We stayed there for 2 hours. Now the lady that owned the yellow place that sold drinks and owned the bathrooms. Was a crazy lady. Yes they charge $1 to use the restroom and thats fine, but my son is 9 and I wanted to use the restroom with him to help him change out of his wet clothes and she wouldn’t allow me to go in with him. So he had to go in by himself and almost locked him self in there. So I would advise people to not go here. We headed back to where the shops are by the port and my daughter got her hair braided there. The lady’s that did it was super nice. The shops were ok.

Willemstad, Curacao

We just walked around. The floating bridge was cool. No excursions. Good shops.

Carnival Sunshine

The ship was ok. Nothing wonderful. The buffet food is not good. It is an older ship. I would like to try a newer ship or maybe a different cruise line.