Royal Caribbean Cruise excursion suggestions?

Question

Myself and 13 y/o daughter are going on our 1st ever cruise in early Feb-hub is staying HOME!

We are going on RC to western caribbean. Itinerary is: Labadee Haiti, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel Mexico. The only definite things we have planned is NOTHING in Labadee, we will just enjoy the beach, and we will definitely do Dunn's Falls in Ocho Rios. What other excursions do you recommend for the other ports and do we HAVE to buy these excursions ahead of time or can we decide once we board? Do excursions "sell out"? I am not at all interested in going it on our own, will only book excursions thru the ship. Don't want to save money at the expense of not making it back in time and having the ship leave without us! and would rather stay with a group.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Grand Cayman is a lot of shopping, beaches, and also a lil town called "h**l". Alot of people get a kick out of sending postcards back home from here. The town has some type of lava/granite formation that covers the ground(which is black)  hence the name h**l. Its interesting to see. If you can afford to I suggest swimming w/ the dolphins in Cozumel or Jamaica. Its an exprience you wont forget! We loved it and would pay to do it again.  You can purchase once you board but I would suggest doing it as soon as you settle in b/c alot of excursions do sell out.  You can purchase from your tv in your stateroom or at the excursion desk. Or you can purchase right of RCCL website before your cruise!

Have fun!!

Answer 2

I have been on 2 R.C. cruises.  Check out the "cruise critic" website.  You'll hear my thoughts echoed.  I know you're hesitant here, but many times you can schedule excursions on your own and save a lot of money.  For ex.  on our Alaskan cruise we wanted to go kayaking.  Not only did we save a little money, it was only SIX of us and not 50 other people, a veritable private tour.  We also booked a little boat for a whale watch vs. the giant "packed like sardines" whale watch.  Anyway, my point is to do a small amount of research, save a little or a lot of money, and create a unique experience.  If you contact the companies on your own, you will see that the good ones really do knock themselves out to get you back in plenty of time.  You can do this in any cruise locale.  Do try it!

Answer 3

I just cruised to Cozumel a couple weeks ago.  Chankanaaba National Park is a great Beach location with lost of attractions (beach, restaurant, dolphin discovery, snorkeling, scuba, etc.). It's only a short taxi ride from cruise terminal of you can go on RCCL excursion.  Remember to take sun screen.  

Watch out for people offering you free beach and drinks if you just come for a short tour of their resort - They are time share salesmen and your time in port is too short for that.