M&M Mousers

room shows dvd player, do you bring dvd or do they supply

are bath robes provided

We've been to Jamaica several times and have docked at all the ports. We've taken a ship sponsored tour (our first time) private tours, taxis, and have just walked around by ourselves. We are an older couple, started going to Jamaica when we were in our 40s.

You have to use common sense regardless where you are - we live in Las Vegas, and if I sit down in a casino I put my leg through my purse straps, or better yet I don't carry a purse around town. I grew up in Los Angeles, now that's a scary place.

Jamaica is an incredibly poor country in spite of tourism. Many of the people live in huts smaller than my living room without modern plumbing. But, they are a happy people. Jamaicans don't know how to talk without smiling. Be aware of the cultural differences. We have what we refer to as "personal space" and we don't stand too close or touch. Jamaicans, and most Caribbean Islanders we've met, don't have a sense of personal space. They will get too close to talk to you. They will put their hand on your arm. Some of them are persistant and even agressive salespeople - but 99% of the time a "no thank you" is enough. There are uniformed (in white) police everywhere if you need to call for help - but I wouldn't worry about it, particularly in the touristy areas and if you aren't alone.

Ganga/Marajuana is not legal in Jamaica. Unfortunately, the promoters of the Bob Marley sensation have tried to make it all about his smoking pot. Of course he smoked pot. Marley was a Rastafarian - it is part of their religion, as is only eating raw food and not drinking and many other dietary and lifestyle rules. If a Rasta is smoking and a policeman walks by the Rasta will put it behind his back as a sign of respect. The Rasta won't usually offer tourists weed. But there are people who do. Say "no thank you". If you get busted it's a very bad thing, jail, miss the ship, lots of money, etc. Don't chance it. The only time we've ever been offered weed was when we were on an excursion in Hawaii, USA.

Just like in any other port, don't wear your bling. Separate your money into different pockets so you aren't flashing a lot. Stay in public places. Travel with someone. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't be dumb like that girl that allowed herself to be lured away from her friends on the beach to a private house to get her hair braided. If you want to get your hair braided, you can have it done on the beach.

Ok, I'm rambling on, sorry. We love Jamaica. We've been able to help some orphanages there. We've met missionaries who serve there. And, we've met hundreds of happy, smiling Jamaicans that have made us feel safe and welcome.

Hi, I found an Alamo rent a car at Puerta Maya - I'm trying to find out anything about it.

I am well aware that I would have to rent it in playa del carmen.

Last time we went to Playa (cruise to Cozumel, take public ferry to Playa) it took almost an hour to get the car. The cars weren't parked at the rental agency office, so once they had everyone there they drove us out to the highway to an office where we spent a long time waiting in line and filling out papers. Then it's an hour to Tulum - longer to Coba. Then the drive back, and you have to fill out more paperwork to turn the car in then get driven back to the pier. We almost missed our ferry because of the slow agent in the rent a car office.

Make sure your car would be near the pier, that pre paying is an option, find out how long to check in and out. You have to be careful checking back in to make sure they sign no damage papers.

This year we're only in Cozumel for 8 hours - so we won't be renting any cars. Between the inconvenient ferry times back to Cozumel and our experience with long waits and lots and lots of traffic coming into Playa in the afternoon - we're not going to chance it.

If you google the turtle farm you can pre purchase your tickets and save a bunch of money.

My husband typically orders 5 lobsters on elegant night, so even though they may be smaller, he gets a lot. I order 2; that's plenty for me.

We did Mayfield Falls with Karandas tours. Was a very fun day, we had a fun group traveling together. We had to get out and help lift the van at one point on the rough mountain road - maybe they've fixed it in the past couple years - and we stopped for some "patties" to eat on the drive -yum. I'd recommend it if you've already seen Dunns and the Blue Hole. I'd also recommend Karandas.

You want to do this! It's a world famous attraction, very much fun. You can google and find out prices but I'm sure it's less than $20/per person. Allow 2 hours. You can climb with a guide or on your own. Fun either way. It's not far from the Ocho Rios dock, how are you getting to and from the horseback tour? If you booked it through the ship they'll take you back to the ship. If you booked it privately you can probably arrange for them to take you to the falls afterwards. I don't want to discourage your horseback riding, but you can do that most anywhere - you can only do Dunns and the Blue Hole and the Enchanted Gardens and Shaw Gardens and Fern Gully in Jamaica.

Happy Planning.

We've been to Jamaica several times. It does get a bad rap. Yes, Kingston has some crime problems, but so do L.A. and NYC. If you're on a cruise, you'll only be there during daylight hours. Marijuana is illegal - you won't find druggies hanging on the corners like you see in cities here. Police are all over the tourist areas. The island's economy is based on tourism and everyone wants us to have a good time and come back - and spend our money. Thousands of cruise ship passengers to there every week without incident. We've taken ship sponsored tours (same tours as privately available, but the ship takes a huge cut of the fees) private tours - Liberty, Karandas, etc., have rented cars, and walked all over Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. I feel safer walking in Jamaica then I would in Los Angeles. Stay in the tourist areas, don't flash money, don't wear flashy jewelry, don't leave your bag/camera unattended. In other words, behave as if you were in Las Vegas. Check out the US Customs posts about Jamaica - you'll see the majority of the problems have been in Kingston. Also consider - if anything ever happens to a tourist it is big news, blown way out of proportion by the media. Every ship has 1000+ passengers - dozens of ships every month - no bad news. Then one tourist has a bad experience of some sort and notifies AOL or some other media (sometimes for the $ they'll get) and suddenly an entire nation (Jamaica) and entire population is condemned. The Jamaicans are generally happy, generous, fun people - and they appreciate our business. If you're afraid of Jamaica, you might want to reconsider cruising as your vacation choice.

Check out these articles. The buses are vans, very reliable, friendly drivers.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147365-s303/Grand-Cayman:Caribbean:Public.Transportation.html

http://www.explorecayman.com/transport

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cayman-islands/729791#sthash.BGuXKNPu.dpbs

Happy Cruising!

Very beautiful and interesting place to visit.

Check it out online.

We buy an inexpensive $14 underwater camera every time we go. It's worth the extra few dollars to have the security and the pictures.

Hi - we've been on the Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel cruise several times. We've taken a "tour" out to Hell and the Turtle Farm and the Rum Cake factory - that was a waste of money. The sites are fun, but the tour was way overpriced. The Turtle Farm used to be a little place, really inexpensive, non professional. Now it's a really well developed attraction where you can see all sizes of turtles, pick them up, pet them, learn all about them. If you buy your tickets online ahead of time you can save money. The Rum Cake factory was/is a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't a gift shop with a couple windows showing a bakery. The samples were plentiful and fantastic, so it's worth a stop. Hell is interesting, also worth a stop.

All three stops are out on the end of the island. The yellow marked buses go to all three places. You can stop at Funeral Beach on the way back to the ship to experience pristine white sand and glass clear water. Check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147365-s303/Grand-Cayman:Caribbean:Public.Transportation.html

http://www.explorecayman.com/transport

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cayman-islands/729791#sthash.BGuXKNPu.dpbs

for articles regarding the bus system.

They are reliable, run regularly and are inexpensive. Happy Cruising

Hi - we've been on the Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel cruise several times. On Cayman we've taken a tour to the stingray city - it was amazing, took all day, long boat ride out, cool rays - but, if it's your first time to the Caribbean there's so much else to do besides pet fish. We've taken a "tour" out to Hell and the Turtle Farm and the Rum Cake factory - that was a waste of money. The sites are fun, but the tour was way overpriced. The Turtle Farm used to be a little place, really inexpensive, non professional. Now it's a really well developed attraction where you can see all sizes of turtles, pick them up, pet them, learn all about them. If you buy your tickets online ahead of time you can save money. The Rum Cake factory was/is a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't a gift shop with a couple windows showing a bakery. The samples were plentiful and fantastic, so it's worth a stop. Hell is interesting, also worth a stop. We've mailed postcards to ourselves from Hell twice, and have never received them. This time I think we'll hand carry them home. All three stops are out on the end of the island. We either rent scooters or take the municipal bus (van) system. The yellow marked buses go to all three places. You can stop at Funeral Beach on the way back to the ship to experience pristine white sand and glass clear water. Check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147365-s303/Grand-Cayman:Caribbean:Public.Transportation.html

http://www.explorecayman.com/transport

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cayman-islands/729791#sthash.BGuXKNPu.dpbs

for articles regarding the bus system.

To see Queen Elizabeth's Botanical Garden and Iguana Habitat would require a rent a car, a taxi, or determined scooter riding. It's a bit of a distance. Very worthwhile, the iguanas are awesome. They are on the opposite side of the island, so you'd probably have to wait till next visit to see them.

I agree with the above post about beach day in Cayman vs beach day in Jamaica - Jamaica is FABULOUS and there is so much more to see there. You can do Hell, Turtles, Rumcake and still have time for beach on Grand Cayman. Jamaica has Dunns River Falls, river tubing, river rafting, botanical gardens, rum factory tours, plantation tours, Mayfield Falls, shopping with rum tasting, jack-in-the-boxes, so much more to see and do than Cayman. You might consider "doing" in Jamaica and "beaching" in Cayman.

Hope this helps. We'll be doing this itinerary again in February. Woo Hoo!

We love Ensenada. We usually buy shrimp cocktails in the fish market, drink several beers at Hussongs, and eat tacos from a street vendor.

We walked through the fish market, saw a LOT of fish, but didn't see any shrimp cocktails.

Hi fellow Vegan - we've taken the winery tour from the bus station in town. Same tour. Same guides. Only one road goes out there, so same views. Less money. You get on the little bus at the boat, it will take you to a tour hub in town, you buy your tickets there then go on the tour. You don't have to worry about missing the boat, they have radios and cellular and will make sure you get back on time.

P.S. LOVED THE BABY GOT BACK VIDEO

LA Cetta has a tasting room about a mile north of Ensenada on Hwy 1. We've been to the winery and got hooked on their unbelievably delicious fresh olive oil. Until you've tried it you don't know what you're missing. We go to Ensenada every year now and go out to the tasting room and buy 6 gallons of the olive oil. Muy delicioso! Last year it was $32/gallon.

If you go to the winery you'll be able to taste it on pieces of fresh baked bread. Make sure you do. You can get wine anywhere, but fresh olive oil? here in the states? Take advantage of it while you're there.

When we went on the self guided walking tour of Basseterre, St. Kitts, we stopped at Ziggy's Bar and Snackett on Central Street. Each of the four of us had a different dish - the daily Cook Up being our favorite. I would highly recommend Ziggy's for excellent local food.

We went to Costa Maya 2 weeks ago and toured with Ivan of The Native Choice. I am happy to recommend him 150%.:D We have been to Talum, Coba, Muyil, and Lamanai. Ivan's tour of Dzibanche and Chacchoben was the most informative, expansive, beautiful and educational of all the tours we've ever taken, anywhere. I had read all of the posts here on cruise critic before I began communicating with Ivan via email. I was surprised when he responded within 24 hours - using perfect English. Now that our family spent a day with him, I am no longer surprised, I am amazed. Ivan was the last person born at the ruins. If you read the website, you will see that before the government appropriated all of the coutry's land from all of its citizens, Ivan's family owned the ruins where he grew up; his father discovered them. A lot of what he talked to us about were things he learned from his Mayan family members, not stuff he learned out of books. He is college educated, multi-lingual, a paramedic, as well as a licensed tour guide. :) He was obviously well known and respected by every other tour leader we met along the way. I was concerned about what would happen if his van broke down, thinking it would be a rickety job like we've been on in the past. :o First, the vans are new, airconditioned, and obviously well maintained. Second, he has cellular contact with his partner and others during the tour, which would allow for a quick rescue if necessary. We felt 100% confident with him. Costa Maya is only accessible from the sea and one road. Security is everywhere, for our protection. The problems in Mexico, with the drug cartels and such, are not in the Costa Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel area, but even so, the Mexican government takes tourist's safety very seriously in that part of the country. We felt safer there than we did in New Orleans. The ruins are magnificent. Ivan had a dry erase board and markers that he used to explain the significance of the buildings, their direction, the Mayan religious belief system, customs and so much more. We came home excited about pursuing more information about their history. We've started reading online and looking for books in our library. Our family is planning on going back and contracting with Ivan for a week - at least. :D We want to volunteer to help with excavating or exploring or something. You can see that Ivan provided us with more than a tour, he fired our enthusiasm and imaginations. Here is a link to his site:

http://thenativechoice.com/

They offer a myriad of tours. He gave us a group discount (our tour group consisted of six) and picked us up right outside the gate of the shopping compound built for cruisers. I'm sure he'll be as accomodating to your group as he was to ours. Ivan offered to take us to local restaurants where we could sample safe indigenous foods, but because of my diabetes we took ship food with us in backpacks. Ivan provided complimentary bottled water and juice.

I am planning on writing an extensive article about our tour sometime this week. You might find it posted under Costa Maya. I haven't figured out how to upload pictures yet, but when I do, I'll be putting some on the post.

I hope this has helped you (and other readers) feel confident about your visit to beautiful Costa Maya.:D

When I called Carnival they said we could bring a "reasonable" amount of wine and soda on board with us. For us that's one bottle of wine per day. On our last cruise we had 10 people in our party, that was a LOT of wine.

Hubby and I brought our standard 7 bottles, everyone else brought 2-3 per couple. We had no problem bringing it on. We use the wine tubes you can get at World Market or Pier One or other such stores to carry our wine and glasses. We uncork our own in out stateroom and carry full glasses to dinner to avoid the $10/bottle corking charge. We've done this on several ships and have never had a problem. Of course, we pack our wine in our luggage among our clothes, snorkel gear, and etc, so it just goes with everything else, we've never tried to carry on a case of just wine. Also, since you can take your own luggage on board now, that might make it even easier. We've never tried to take hard liquor onboard, and I don't drink soda, so we haven't done that either. My son took a 12 pack of Coke last cruise. Happy Cruising Everyone!