Packing - if you are going to "dress" for dinner, take things that are interchangeable - like khaki pants/shorts that the kids can wear more than one time. If you are sun lovers and water lovers, don't pack as many clothes because more than likely you will spend most of your sea days in a swimsuit. Don't over pack - something I'm still working on after 7 cruises! It's just hard when you have kids though.
Don't be afraid to book excursions on your own instead of with Carnival. Just keep in mind about the time restraints, time changes and be sure you are back at the ship in a timely manner. We have never taken Carnival excursions and have always made it back on time. Cost is less and you normally get more personal attention I believe.
Costa Maya is one of our favorite places - take a bus or taxi to Mahahual (downtown) and go to the beach. There are several places that you can go to that will reserve lounge chairs and umbrellas for you free of charge as long as your purchase drinks or some food from them. It is absolutely beautiful. The place where we went arranged massages on the beach for us, snorkeling, etc. and it was a stress free day. The water or gorgeous and the sand never gets hot.
Cozumel - Depending on what you want to do, I would suggest a driver for the day. We have used the same one several times and he is wonderful. He is a true gentleman and has taken us all over the island - any where we wanted to go and told us all about the island, it's people, etc.
Belize - we loved the cave tubing. I would definitely suggest an excursion here unless you just want to tender in and look around right at the port.
Roatan - we did a private tour here to - it was interesting and we enjoyed it as well.
I'm not supposed to mention specific tour guides, etc. here but if you are interested in the ones we have used, let me know and I'll get you my email address.
Have fun and don't try to do it all - you just can't and if you try, you'll still need a vacation when this one is over!
Carnival Magic Tips & "Secrets"???
in Carnival Cruise Lines
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I'd also be interested in this info.