lunagirl

On 1/14/2023 at 11:39 AM, keywester33 said:

Don’t you have better snorkeling destinations on your cruise?  
 

Personally I would spend my time here seeing our historic district, sampling local, fresh seafood and taking in the unique ambiance of Old Town Key West, but it’s up to you.  Fort Zachary posts water visibility conditions at the park entrance.  If it says fair, or poor, don’t bother.

This is a super short cruise, only visiting Key West and Cozumel.  I look for every opportunity to get in the water and see what I can see 😎 Thanks for the tip about the water conditions being posted. I will look for that!

I definitely also plan on enjoying some great seafood and exploring, but with us docking at 7:30am, it will be a few hours before I am ready for lunch.

Thank you! I think that looks like a great option!

We will be visiting Key West in February and I am looking for recommendations on beaches - especially beaches where I can snorkel.  
 

Does anyone have recommendations or info about Higgs Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor? Chair/umbrella rental, access to food and drinks, and clear or calm water are top factors.

How is the seaweed this time of year?

Thank you!

We did Chankanaab with our 2 year old in October and he enjoyed it.  We were transported via mini-bus.  Both the pool and beach were fun for him and they have toddler sized life jackets.  There was food that he enjoyed and he also got a kick out of the sea lion.  If it is a busy port day, we have also done Nachi Cocum,which is a private all-inclusive that limits the number of people, but transportation to get there was a van taxi.

We ended up doing Jaime's Blue Reef and had the best time.  The water was clear and perfect for the kids.  The food and drinks (especially ceviche and tacos) were amazing and the service was top notch.  I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Thank you! It sounds like we will be fine and have a great time!

We will be in Cozumel on a busy port day with over 14,000 other cruise ship passengers. We are going to Chankanaab with three adults and three kiddos (one on one defense :)).

Has anyone been there on a busy day? How crazy does it get? I have one kid booked for the dolphin and manatee encounters and another who wants to snorkel in the lagoon. The third is under two and will probably end up in the pool area with Nana.

Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks for doing this review! We are considering this itinerary and your info was super helpful :)

Thanks for the review! We sail on the Fantasy in October :-)

Yes! I have done that itinerary twice and got off the ship after initial boarding both times after dropping off carry on luggage, etc in the room. There is a drug store right down the street to pick up wine/soda and snacks, as well as any forgotten items.

It is also great to explore Old San Juan. Enjoy some mofongo or mallorcas and kick your cruise off with an awesome day!

Has anyone done the dolphin encounter at Dolphin Discovery and purchased photos? I see that they offer the Memories package and also sell individual photos.

What is the pricing for the photos? Is it a better idea to do the Memories package?

 

If not, with kids that age I might try the overpriced water park (although not sure if with those hours it would be worth it at all) or stay in the port area where there is a pool, aviary plus other attractions.

Is the pool just in the public port area or is it part of a restaurant?

The Grand Suites on the Carnival Fantasy class ships have a capacity of 5. The Ocean View rooms also hold 5 people.

I have done the Southern itinerary out of San Juan twice (Fascination is currently sailing from there) and really enjoy the stops, but haven't done it on that class of ship, only the Liberty and Valor.

We are doing a Fall Break with the kids out of Mobile in a Grand Suite on the Fantasy, but it is a short, 5 day trip.

We haven't gotten to the point where we can put the kids in their own room yet because they are 10, 8, and almost 2, so I understand the challenge. Good luck!

Sooo, we are going to be visiting Costa Maya in October for the first time with 3 kids (Age 10, 9, and almost 2). We will be in port from 1pm-9pm. We considered Maya Chan, but I am not sure if it would be a good choice for such a limited amount of time.

I am a little concerned about the algae as well. One kid is super sensitive to smells. All three kids love the beach.

Any suggestions on what to do?

Thank you!

I hadn't even considered the restaurants not being open for dinner at 7 or 8.... Good to know!

We are visiting Costa Maya for the first time in October, and are trying to plan our day. We are docked from 1:00pm to 9:00pm on 10/17/18.

Does the algae tend to stop being an issue in the fall?

We are traveling with 3 kids (ages 10, 9, and almost 2) and are trying to decide what we should do because if the algae is still bad, I doubt we will plan a beach day at Maya Chan like we originally thought.

Any suggestions?

Maybe somewhere like Krazy Lobster for dinner?

We will be on the Fantasy the week before your cruise. There was just an announcement that they would be decorating for Halloween and doing a costume contest and trick or treating on the cruises before Halloween

Different states use different versions of a temporary paper ID. Some of them are not valid as an official ID. For example, Indiana does not print your ID number on the temporary paper version, it has a bunch of X's. If Carnival says you are fine, you probably are. I still hope you get your ID before your cruise for piece of mind.

I am on the May 3 sailing and haven't gotten word yet from Carnival about our itinerary.

I did ask John Heald and he said that we would port somewhere and it would not be an extra sea day, so at least we know something. :D

Thank you so much for doing the review and posting Fun Times and the first dinner menu. I leave on the Liberty on May 3 so it helps a lot!

Woot woot! Another May 3 cruiser! I am so excited!

I also have copies of all dinner menus (minus one night) that I can post, too!

 

 

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Wahoo! You rock! I can't wait to see the menu and Fun Times!

I am also totally on the lookout for Fun Times and any dinner menu info. We sale on May 3 and it is getting so close! :)

Yes, there is a shopping area at the port with jewelry, "trinket" souvenir shops, and even a pharmacy within the port gates. I second the recommendation to go with an excursion. We shopped a bit, had some drinks, and hopped on our excursion's boat right at the port. It was fantastic!