Cruise vacation in Key west and Grande Caymon, need input . .?

Question

I am taking a cruise to Key West Florida, and the Caymon Islands (Grande Caymon), and I need to plan what we'll do while we're off the ship. I want to snorkel for sure and the boat offers guided excursions for that, but I'm not sure if we should go that route, or find activities ourself. How does this even work? do I call these places now to book and appointment, or do we "wing it " when we get there? I'm looking for advice from anyone who has been to either of these places. What was it like? Do I need a full agenda or are there beaches to lounge around on? What about the ports, are they far from all the action? Can we walk, or do we need transportation? What was your expirience? The cruise is in mid- Feb.

Answer 1

Once you make it to the Grand Cayman Islands, there are many different activities that you can enjoy. Take a look at the place I stayed at for more information on vacation activities: http://www.harbourheightscayman.com/caym...

Like you wanted, you can go snorkeling or coral reef diving, or relax at the world famous Seven Mile Beach. You will have plenty to do once you get to the Grand Cayman Islands.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I like to book my excursions through the cruiseline. They guarantee it and it will be with someone that is approved by the cruiseline. The excursion compant that generates bussiness through the endorsed cruiseline want to be on that "A" list so they will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and dont go back and complain. While docked at the port there will be many bussiness men out there trying to sell you in on their activities. Alot of them can be negotiated down in price.If you do your homework ahead of time you can plan uyour own excursion and there will always be plenty of available transportation.I wouldnt book yourself to much because you will wear yourself out. Take time to relax at the great beaches. There is alot of  beach close to ports and you can rent snorkel gear,chairs ect. on them as well. I have been to Grande Caymon many times and love it! Make sure you get some good snorkeling in.

Answer 3

The last cruise I was on in that region in winter, the seas were too rough for snorkeling, so you might want to wait until you are on the ship to book the excursions.  Some of our cruise mates had taken the snorkel rental package in advance and never got to use the equipment.  Hopefully you'll have a better weather experience.  I packed my own snorkel (doesn't take much space and I didn't want to take the chance that they don't really sterilize the mouth pieces between rentals).  

I'd also suggest that you take a look at some shore excursion review sites to see what others have said.  Here are a couple: Cruise Reviews.com , Port Reviews.com.

Then if you do want to book on your own, have a look at  ShoreTrips.com.  Compare your ship's excursion prices with ShoreTrips. Or visit the tourist bureau sites for Key West (http://www.fla-keys.com/keywest) and Grand Cayman (http://www.caymanislands.ky/) and see what local tours are offered on their sites.  Happy cruising!