Upcoming Carnival cruise on the Valor. Need some questions answered if possible!?

Question

Hello! I'm going on a Western Caribbean cruise with Carnival Valor on May 25th. Our stops include: Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. I was wondering if some people could give me some input on great excursions?

I'm going with my boyfriend (i'm 19 and he's 20) and his 40 year old parents. We are considering the Pirate Encounter in Grand Cayman along with some shopping & Senor Frogs either before or after the excursion. In Cozumel we want to go to Playa Mia for more of a beach day. We're really torn on what to do in Belize and Roatan. We would love to go scuba diving, but none of us are certified...are there any "discover scuba" options at these ports? Snuba is another thing that interests us.

I would love to hear your honest opinion about any excursions! Please feel free to give advice on other excursions and "must sees!"

Also, this is a seven day cruise and if you could give me a traditional yet condensed packing list... it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Answer 1

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call", and "First Time Cruisers", and "Ask a Cruise Question", etc.  You could search there for "packing list" - there have been many great posts on this subject.  Or do a Yahoo or Google search for "cruise packing list" - I'll bet you'll get lots of leads.  

If you're planning on going to Senor Frog's, check on the drinking age - you may not be old enough.  

Re the "Discover Scuba" - there is definitely a course in Cozumel at Chankanaab Park.  You don't need to do it through the ship.  Just grab a cab and go.  [Check their website first - they've been completely rebuilt since Hurricane Wilma and may not still have it.]  I would guess they have one in Roatan, too, but I'm not sure.  In Cayman, you HAVE to go swimming with the stingrays.  This is also very easy to do on your own, e.g. with Captain Marvin or Nativeway or any of the other vendors you'll see mentioned at CruiseCritic.

Have a great cruise.

Answer 2

There is a website called cruisecritic.com  They have a message board that is filled with all the information that you are looking for!!  There is a roll call to meet people before you go on your trip, and pages and pages of information about excursions!!  Try that!!  Happy cruising!!

Answer 3

do NOT MISS ANY OF THE PRODUCTION SHOWS. Belize HAS SOME INTERESTING MAYA RUINS, its BEEN QUITE A WHILE BUT i FOUNND ROITAN RATHER BORING. CARNIVAL SHIPS ARE ORIENTED FOR PEOLE YOOR AGE  ENJOY

Answer 4

Do the cave tubing in the rainforest in Belize. It has been my favorite excursion in all of my 4 cruises. I did this cruise on the Inspiration, but went later on the Valor to do an Eastern Caribbean cruise. You are going to love it.