Spidermonkeymum

I've seen a few times people mention that Costa Maya is a long walk through the pier/ shopping to taxis. How does this compare to Cozumel?

We traveled to Cozumel last year, and I remember having to meander a bit to get out to the taxis but it wasn't bad. Now we are planning a trip with family that will stop in Costa Maya. Some in our group have trouble walking a long way in the heat. Just wondering what to expect. Is it very far to the taxi stand outside the port in Costa Maya?

We are taking my daughter on her second Cruise in Dec, she will be 18 mos. Her first Cruise she was 8 mos old and she napped in the ports while babywearing. The carriers were hot for both of us, but so worth it to have her nap. Have you tried a carrier for your child?

I'm hoping this will still work for her this time- Now that she's a little older it's harder to get her to settle down with things going on, at home she will only nap in her crib. But if we've worn her out plenty first then put her in a carrier or wrap she nods off pretty quickly.

Your Carnival ship will dock at Mahogany Bay in Roatan.

There's a beach within the secured ship's complex so you won't need to take an excursion. :)

Great to know, thanks!

I didn't realize it was your first cruise either, you are certainly in for a treat! It's very difficult to be bored with all the events they have on the ship during the day,

This^ I can't wait to experience cruising, and I figure if we don't do as much in the ports because of your little one, we will get around to it eventually. I'm sure we won't have a lack of things to do, no matter what!

Thank you so much for the wealth of information, very helpful! We hope to check out the brewery and the markets you mentioned. We also travel to Tampa area later this year for a couple of events, so hopefully we can check out everything you mentioned at some point or another. I can't thank you enough for the info, and for the friendly chat. Because of your tips we have found a much better deal on parking too.

Thank you so much for your help!! This is wonderful information!

To answer your question, our reason for avoiding taxis is a safety concern. We won't be bringing a car seat. While I know the locals might simply hold their child, and the chance of an accident may be small, it's still not a risk we are willing to take at this point. We feel we can still have a great vacation. Right now our daughter will be fascinated by anything, maybe if we cruise more as she gets older we will re-evaluate what we plan to do in ports.

Thank you for the walking tour link also, we may do that! I feel we are 'middle of the road 'adventurous, we have traveled quite a bit and like experiencing the people/culture. But it's a whole new ball game with a baby so we are taking it easy this time. She is great with us walking quite a bit, either her in the stroller or in a carrier on us. If we don't do some of your recommended activities this time, I will definitely store them away for possible future cruises!

And yes we are huge foodies- any tips you have for Tampa would be great! Our favorites are asian foods, vietnamese korean, thai, japanese, and any craft breweries.

Also another quick question for Tampa- we are driving there since we only live about 6 hrs away. Can you recommend a good place to park our car for the week? Again because of the car seat issue we were hoping for a lot either walking distance to port, or with a shuttle to port. Or public transportation like buses? We know we may end up just parking at the port but if there's a better option..

Thanks so much!

I will be taking my first cruise later this month (hubby loves cruising!), and we are taking my 10 month old with us. Many of the excursions are either out of our budget or don't allow babies. We are looking for beaches or other baby-friendly things to do within walking distance of these ports, any tips?

-Carnival Miracle-

Cozumel (I believe docking at puerta maya, how do I find out for sure?)

found an older thread that recommended La Palapita- any idea if this is still open?

Belize City (we might stay on the ship for this one unless anyone has good suggestions)

Mahogany Bay, Roatan

Grand Cayman

It is very important to us to find something to do within walking distance, we don't want to take a taxi. Even if that means not experiencing as much. Thanks for any help you can offer!