Carnival Dream Dec 23 2010 - Any tips for ship or excursions?

[goingtosnorkel]

First time on this ship (Dream) any suggestions? We are in a Cove Balcony on Vista Deck (9th level) what does Cove mean?

Any excursions to be sure to do? Going to Nassau,Belize, Costa Maya and Roatan. We like snorkeling the best (done zip lining already):D

[k2excursion]

The cove balconies are all on Deck 2 (Main). If you're on deck 9, that means you have a regular balcony. But if you do have the cove on deck 2, you will love it. It's within the hull of the ship. It's close to the waterline, so the doors are watertight to keep out seaspray. But they can be locked by the staff if the waves get too high, preventing you from going outside. The balcony is partially enclosed, allowing for more privacy. Lifeboats are above them, giving you more privacy.

 

I'm not a big fan of Nassau or Belize. But your cruise also goes to Cozumel. Chankanaab Park has some decent snorkeling, and it's a nice park overall. $10 cab ride each way, around $20pp to get in. We went there to swim with dolphins, and we enjoyed the whole park.

 

Roatan has some amazing snorkeling, maybe the best anywhere! We did a tour through Victor Bodden (much cheaper than a Carnival tour, and it was just our family in the car with the guide for the whole day). Among many other things, he took us to the beach on the west end of the island, and it had the best off-the-beach snorkeling I've ever seen. The glass bottom boat that we took to the reef was the best snorkeling ever!

 

What makes Belize tricky is the long tender ride to and from the ship. If you don't have a Carnival excursion booked, you have to wait for those that do to be tendered in before you can go. That cuts into your time, if you sign up for something with Coral Breeze or anyone else.

 

Costa Maya doesn't have the best snorkeling, but it's a nice, relaxing place to spend a few hours. A cab ride into town is cheap, or you can hang out right at the pier, which is built up real nice.