JennSTX

Has anyone used this company? We are looking at doing a private tour with them,any help would be geatly appreciated. Thank in advance,Brian

I am a travel agent and have many options to choose from and incredible tour companies but this time, because of time, most everything I wanted was sold out. I took a chance on a new one outside of my comfort zone of approved vendors and I was so pleasantly surprised. Benito was our driver and it was just me and my middle school aged son. The weather was very rough on the east and south side of the island and much better on the west side.

Benito was amazing and took us on a tour past the military base, governor's house, then onto San Gervasio which I found fascinating but wish I did not pay for the private tour. It was $20 and our guide was so elderly and in such poor physical condition he sat more than he guided us around. Other tour guides were much better and we just got a dud I guess. The site itself was amazing but I do wish we would have had a guide to walk with us the whole way to the pyramid, as it was a bit scary all alone in the jungle on a path by ourselves so we came back.

From there we went on to the east side and visited El Mirador (so gorgeous), and briefly took a look at several beach clubs before going to the blow holes which were a highlight of our trip. The waves were so big so the pressure made the spray go 30 feet plus up in the air which was magnificent to see. From there we checked into Punta Sur - but the waves were too rough for snorkeling (which is what we really wanted to do) and we went to Sky reef. We ended up having such incredible visibility that day and with only 1 ship in port - there was hardly anyone in the water, tons and tons of all different species of fish and i could have done that for hours. We spent some great time in the water while Benito waited, drank a drink and ate some chips and then were taken back to the ship. Benito did take us into town for a quick stop to buy towels - and it was a $60.00 stop - the towels were quite expensive where he took us and the tiny wallet I bought was torn on the inside (which you could not see until you took out the fake credit card placeholders). However, i still have the towels, they folded up nicely and we ended up using them (and not ship towels) on our two next excursions and they caught a lot of water but dried overnight so I really like them.

All in all, it was very reasonable, we did what we wanted by ourselves with no one else and felt like the whole island belonged to us. I highly recommend Benito and this tour.

I was on Carnival Magic this past August and they announced that we would not be able to dock at Mahogany bay due to weather but would instead dock Coxen Hole. We did with no problems and our tour people knew of this change and were there to meet us!

We watched the RCC dock and their passengers get out - but our ship just watched. One of the crew said that had we docked an hour earlier (the RCC ship docked 45 min before us) the winds would have been more favorable.

I'm so bummed that we missed this port :(

Not sure about the pricing. We always take a couple of bottles on in our carry on bags. We wrap them in a foam sleeve and have never had any problem.

Thank you!!

Thank you for all the responses, this really helps and gives me ideas.

I didn't know about the 5 wine package - I will have to look that up.

Thank you, thank you!

Are the prices for bottles of wine the same if you buy online through Carnival to be delivered to your stateroom (Fun Shops) as they are if you wait and buy a bottle onboard?

If they are - then I'll wait.

If not, then I think I'd like to buy a bottle before hand. I know I can bring on one - but I'm a clutz and even if I double bag, bubble wrap it'll break or take up so much space I'll waste precious packing room.

Jennifer

Does anyone know if the wine prices are the same before the cruise (Fun Shops) for wine as they are in cruise?

I know on the cruise the selection is better but wondering if I should buy a bottle now if the price per bottle is much better.

I know one bottle is allowed to carry on if declared but I really don't feel like wasting the packing space for the allowed bottle and I worry about something happening and it breaking even if I pack it well

I still can't get over the $15 uncorking fee though - I mean I get it but wow LOL. :p

2 days and I can't wait. I wish I didn't have to work and could just sleep and be there I'm so excited. LOL :)

Which excursions do you recommend from the Magic? I have young kids 8, 6, & 4

The 6 & 8 are pretty easy and you'll find many excursions seems to have a 6 or 8 limit, it's the 4yo that is the wrench for the Feeding Rays, Dolphins or other more active encounter type excursion. But also keep in mind that if you choose Dolphinaris or All About Rays in Cozumel they have many things little ones can do too and swim areas so the older ones can have fun and you can supervise with the little one (provided another adult is next to them in the water with the animals).

Another good one for the little one is the submarine - that's got AC (so you aren't sweating to death), it's not too too expensive and it's easy physically. All 3 might be able to enjoy that.

The other places (either Jamaica or even the Belize route) your cheapest and best bet or the inclusive beach break-type excursions for your range of kids.

Oh or if you don't mind driving...I can't remember which (beach buggy or the other jeep tour) I had friends with little ones that did this one and they had a good time.

Hope this helps!

Holiday 3x

Loved Holiday.

 

Elation 6x.

She follows us around.

 

And Triumph 2x

Triumph is my current favorite.

Triumph is a fave even after the "poop cruise" (which I didn't go on - but went after and they did a fab overhaul.

Now looking forward to the Magic and I can't wait! :)

Thank for this post. I work from home and therefore am always expected to be at work and am trying to figure out about internet. Thanks for the response but bummer it's not the new upgraded internet.