cmtom89

I've been to both and for coral, I'd say stick with Money Bar.  

Chank has a sandy beach but mostly fish over the sand in the water.  Very little coral compared to what we saw at Money Bar.  Both had great food, drinks and service but if you aren't interested in the sea life shows or nature trails then Money Bar gives you more of what you want and at a better price in my opinion.

I have done both the Amazing Secret River (Rio Secreto) and the Chaak Tun cenote, but none of the other many cenotes (caves with water) in the area.  If most cenotes are like Chaak Tun, they have some interest but the Amazing Secret River is truly amazing.  It is beautiful and doesn't really even compare to a smaller cenote like Chaak Tun in my humble opinion.  Spend the extra dollars on the Secret River.  You won't regret it.

Stressedmomof3 already gave you some great tips.

If shopping isn't you're thing, the 5th Ave shopping area of Playa del Carmen is right on the beach and right at the ferry landing.  You can sit on the beach and have a few drinks or there is a Senor Frog's literally right across the street from the ferry landing for a few drinks and people watching.

Sorry for the delay, have not logged in for awhile. Once you exit through the customs and get your money, you will go down some steps or take elevator. The carriage rides will be right outside of the cruise terminal on your left, you don't need to arrange in advance. The cost is about $25 per hour for one person and they will take you on a route and too the market or other places just let them know and remind them that you only want a certain about of time if you are on a budget.

Thank you!:)

How much do beaches typically charge for chairs/umbrellas?

$20-30 per day for 2 chairs and an umbrella in my experience in Aruba.

Can you tell me a bit more about your Carriage ride? Hubby really wants to do this and I'm having a hard time finding actual company names, what's included, how to contact, etc. Did you pre-arrange this?

Thanks for the info!

I usually lose my cell service soon after passing under the Sunshine Skyway bridge (about 2 hours after setting sail). I live in Tampa and have Verizon.

Travel2, When you are at the Columbia, you are are a short distance from Coppertail Brewery for another beer option. If you make it to Bern's, then stop by Ciro's Speakeasy and have a cocktail (just down the street from Bern's. Call for the day's password - it is set up like an old speakeasy.)

Ulele is on the Riverfront in Tampa and is a true favorite of mine and many others - likely need a reservation just due to its popularity (coincidentally owned by the same family as the Columbia). Don't know where you are staying but check out the Tampa Streetcar (all fares were just eliminated for the next 3 years). Good way to get between downtown/Riverfront to Ybor and Channelside/cruise port area. If you get off at the Convention Center stop, you can walk across the bridge (over the Hillsborough River) and stop at Jackson's Bistro or American Social for some great dining, outdoor seating and great views.

Yes, very possible and very enjoyable way to see several areas.

Just spent a week on Eagle Beach and yes, get dropped off in front of Chalet Suisse. Our resort provided chairs and umbrellas, but I think the price I overheard from the vendors next to us was $30 for the umbrella and 2 chairs for the day. There is a concession stand right there but I also so the bar/restaurant server from our resort go over to those chairs and take orders and deliver food. I assume you would just pay cash since you couldn't charge it to your room. Or a very easy walk a across the street to Paradise Beach Villas or La Cabana and patronize their restaurants and bars.

In February on the Rhapsody, hubby got specialty coffee and Latte-tudes with the Deluxe beverage package and we would also stop there and grab Gatorade for our late night and early morning needs to rehydrate after imbibing too much. ;p

Agree with gtaylor....many bars and restaurants have wifi. Just ask for the password (purchase lunch or a drink, of course). Still have "Oualichi" in my phone wifi list from my recent trip to St. Maarten. Oualichi is right on the boardwalk before you get to the Holland House.

No passport required. Ashland is so right...you'll probably not notice you've crossed the border.

I'd suggest Mullet Bay. I love snorkeling and don't think any of the shore snorkeling in St. Maarten is spectacular (consider a snorkeling trip with Captain Alan to Tintimare or Creole Rock!!) That said, Mullet Bay is a gorgeous beach with a couple of beach snack shacks with food, drinks, chair/umbrella rentals and some decent snorkeling on the left side. And the bay has the calmest water ever so it's a GREAT spot for beginner snorkeling.

It is a beautiful beach and a great place to spend the day relaxing. Agreed that the water can be pretty rough. I didn't feel safe getting in beyond my chest height in July. Have been there in November a few years ago and snorkeled out a ways, but didn't see much...but the sea life doesn't really keep a schedule of where they will be. :)

Used my Verizon phone in July when I was there for the week, but mostly on Wifi (not that difficult to find in the towns.) I'd download the maps and use offline, but roads are poorly marked and we found the maps to not be very effective. There are really only a few main roads and most of the things you'll be looking for are pretty easy to find with their own signage pointing you where to turn.

Took this tour back in July. One of the best excursions I've ever done anywhere. Jervis was our captain for the day and was extremely considerate of all needs (boat ride too bumpy, inexperienced swimmers/snorkelers, dietary restrictions for lunch, and just plain doing what the group wanted to do). Amazing snorkeling at Creole Rock and at Tintimare (turtles!!) and the final stop at Pinel Island was amazing. Jervis even gave us bread to feed the iguanas (dozens of them.) We felt safe, pampered and loved every minute of this excursion.

Seeing the planes land at Maho is fun, the Captain Alan's Three Island Snorkeling Adventure is truly AMAZING! You won't regret spending a day with them.