Going on a cruise. Should I book excursions before my trip or on the cruise bot?

Question

I am going to Key West and Cozumel. The main thing I want to do is the helmet diving. Should I book these excursions before I go, or while I am on the boat? Is there any benefit to either? I have never been on a cruise before. Also, am I going to need a passport to go to Cozumel?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I say yes to getting the excursions in advance. If you wait to book the excursions, the good excursions you may want may be sold out.

As for the passports, since Cozumel is part of Mexico, yes you're going to need a passport, since the new US rules require you to have a passport when you are flying out of the USA.

The bad news is that the US government has a huge backlog of passports to process; however, you can bring a government-issued identification and official State Department proof showing that you've applied for a passport (available on the TSA website)

Answer 2

You can do it before and it will save some time on the boat. Yes, I hear they do not allow any other form of identification. You will need 2 forms of picture ID, one being a passport.

Answer 3

I was a travel consultant for 15 years so I can advise you with a bit knowledge. Many of the more popular excursions may fill early and you may miss out. I would book in advance but only the one or two you really wouldn't want to miss. Booking to many ahead of time is not advisable because you may change your mind once aboard and then you're out the cost.

You did need a passport to return to the U.S. from Mexico but because of the back-log of applications,the President has requested a "lift" on the post 9/11 requirements. Please check with your agent or your local passport office to check.

bon voyage!

Answer 4

depends what it is. if it something big and popular, it will be packed and booked fast like dunns river falls in ocho rios jamaica. deffinitly like that book b4 the departure.

if it is small, like glass bottom boat ride u could waut, but 2 b on the safe side, book b4

and u r leaving the country. so ull need ur passport

Answer 5

PASSPORTS-

Depending on when you are leaving, you may not NEED a passport.  Currently the regulations state that land and water travel between US and Mexico/Carribbean don't require a passport, but you will need one in the case of an emergency in case you need to fly home.  Imagine if someone gets sick at home, you're not going to feel comfortable waiting for the ship to take you back on it's schedule.  Get that passport ASAP.

Answer 6

I'm going to take a different look at this than your other answers so far.  

I went to Cozumel in April on a cruise.  It's awesome there.  I like the advice from the person that said to wait since you might change your mind.  Here's my idea...

Don't change your mind on helmet diving.  The water and diving in Cozumel is excellent.  It's some of the prettiest water I have ever seen.  I'd book that excursion in a heartbeat so I wouldn't miss out.  You'll love it.  

About the passport, you can pay a little more and have it expressed to you if I'm not mistaken.  We applied for ours in January, and then we received them about 60 days later.  I'd get one just for the ease of using it.  

Have fun.  You'll enjoy every minute of it.  I'd also take some motion sickness medicine from Wal-Mart.  You might not need it, but it's nice to have if the waves give you a little uneasiness.

Answer 7

me n my family had the same problem with our excursions. so we asked our waitor about it and he said you should book an excursion AT the port. for instance, we didnt book anything...we got off the ship at grand caymen and payed half the price there...so it was cheaper and the group wasnt nearly as crowded as the other ones.

no, im pretty sure all you need if a birth certificate to go on a cruise.