Want to forget the first cruise.

[Quiltin"Mom]

Unfortunately that is a problem on Royal Caribbean also.

 

It wouldn't have been a big deal, but we were already shorted out of so much of our time at port. Now you want me to wait in line for 45 minutes or more for a photo that I am not going to purchase anyway? Nope.

 

I know how to say no and just keep walking.

 

Can anyone recommend a mid-priced hotel in Ft Lauderdale for the night before? Something with a view of the port would be lovely, but also have something to do with in walking distance prior to getting on the ship.

[MommaBear55]

Key West has nice beaches?

If they do, I sure didn't find any in my research!

 

The one right across fro the airport is great for swimming, although no real services. The other one we liked is down by the southern most point. There is a hote" there that has a nice restaurant on the Beach. There are loungers in front of the restaurant.

 

Are these beaches St John or Aruba quality? No! But if you are in Key West and yo want to get to a quiet relaxing spot, these should do the trick.

[Cuizer2]

Cuizer2,

 

I have just fallen in love with Cozumel. That is EXACTLY the kinds of experiences we are looking for!!!

 

I think you are correct about the sting rays as well. We did that on our cruise and I remember being a little aprehensive. I bet my 8 year old would not enjoy it at all.

 

Hmmmmm..........have to re-think this, but I do want to skip Key West.

 

THANKS!!!

 

A little more about Cozumel. I'll be there again on the Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston. I'm looking forward to swimming with the manatees again.

 

Chankanaab Park offers more than just swimming with something. There is a restaurant. I haven't eaten there yet. However, I was able to get something that the fish like and was able to feed the fish in the saltwater lake ...

 

 

 

You don't have to take a ship excursion to get there. It is close by. This picture was taken from Chankanaab Park ...

 

 

The following photo was taken in 2009 ...

 

 

Continued ...

Edited January 18, 2016 by Cuizer2

[Cuizer2]

... continued

 

Chankanaab Park has a play area ...

 

 

 

And a rest area ...

 

 

It has a nice beach ...

 

 

And a saltwater lagoon ...

 

 

 

continued ...

[Cuizer2]

... continued lagoon

 

 

There is a swimming pool ...

 

 

 

 

and there are lockers and showers ...

 

 

 

continued ...

[Cuizer2]

... continued

 

The dolphin swim give you time to interact with the dolphin ...

 

 

 

 

This is the platform everyone is standing on (except the dolphins) ...

 

 

And time to swim with the dolphins ...

 

 

 

continued ...

Edited January 18, 2016 by Cuizer2

[Cuizer2]

... continued

 

Swimming with the seal ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

continued ...

[Cuizer2]

... continued

 

This is what I am looking forward to doing ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Quiltin"Mom]

Those are wonderful photos. That is what we want to experience. Are you saying that you can go to that place and do all of the swimming and activities with out booking an excursion through the ship? Is there a way to save money and get our own transportation and purchase tickets to get to do all of the swimming with critters? One of your comments said "You don't have to take a ship excursion to get there. It is close by. This picture was taken from Chankanaab Park ..."

 

We have just started to mention to our kids that we are looking at going on vacation. It has been 4 years since we have gone on a vacation so they were excited with just that. We are thinking about telling them we are going to Florida and not mention the cruise part to them until we get to Florida and see all the cruise ships. I really don't know if we will be able to keep it a secret though. :)

 

The first thing my daughter asked was "will there be animals in Florida"

 

THANK YOU so much for sharing your photos. I have changed our plans and am looking at different cruise options now.

[Mrs Clooney]

Wow, thanks for the sharing your photos..

That looks like the place to go..

Royal C are good..

The children are bound to enjoy this and you might get some rest..

Have fun

[Cuizer2]

Those are wonderful photos. That is what we want to experience. Are you saying that you can go to that place and do all of the swimming and activities with out booking an excursion through the ship? Is there a way to save money and get our own transportation and purchase tickets to get to do all of the swimming with critters? One of your comments said "You don't have to take a ship excursion to get there. It is close by. This picture was taken from Chankanaab Park ..."

 

We have just started to mention to our kids that we are looking at going on vacation. It has been 4 years since we have gone on a vacation so they were excited with just that. We are thinking about telling them we are going to Florida and not mention the cruise part to them until we get to Florida and see all the cruise ships. I really don't know if we will be able to keep it a secret though. :)

 

The first thing my daughter asked was "will there be animals in Florida"

 

THANK YOU so much for sharing your photos. I have changed our plans and am looking at different cruise options now.

 

Oh, the wonders of the WWW (world wide web). Here are some links that might be of interest to you ...

 

Well this is interesting. Cruise Critic is blocking the first sight I found. No matter, just Google "Chankanaab Park"

 

http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/chankanaab.cfm

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/shore-excursions/excursion/2661/

 

http://www.visitmexico.com/en/chankanaab-park-in-cozumel-quintana-roo-mexico

 

http://travel.usnews.com/Cozumel_Mexico/Things_To_Do/Chankanaab_National_Park_12562/

 

http://www.cozumel-tours.com/chankanaab-park.htm

 

http://cozumelinsider.com/chankanaab

 

http://www.cozumel-tours.com/chankanaab-park.htm?gclid=CKXHoKrcs8oCFVJhfgodApsP9w

Edited January 18, 2016 by Cuizer2

[Cuizer2]

A little more about Cozumel. I'll be there again on the Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston. I'm looking forward to swimming with the manatees again.

 

You don't have to take a ship excursion to get there. It is close by. This picture was taken from Chankanaab Park ...

 

 

The following photo was taken in 2009 ...

 

 

Continued ...

 

Those are wonderful photos. That is what we want to experience. Are you saying that you can go to that place and do all of the swimming and activities with out booking an excursion through the ship? Is there a way to save money and get our own transportation and purchase tickets to get to do all of the swimming with critters? One of your comments said "You don't have to take a ship excursion to get there. It is close by. This picture was taken from Chankanaab Park ..."

 

We have just started to mention to our kids that we are looking at going on vacation. It has been 4 years since we have gone on a vacation so they were excited with just that. We are thinking about telling them we are going to Florida and not mention the cruise part to them until we get to Florida and see all the cruise ships. I really don't know if we will be able to keep it a secret though. :)

 

The first thing my daughter asked was "will there be animals in Florida"

 

THANK YOU so much for sharing your photos. I have changed our plans and am looking at different cruise options now.

 

Look at the taxi prices sign (those are 2009 prices). Count eight down from the top. Chankanaab is easily reachable by taxi. Then you pay admission (if you didn't purchase it in advance). You might be able to buy the encounters on line, see the links above.

 

The best way to keep a secret is to have a second fake plan and let that slip every once in awhile. Like you could say you are going to Cocoa Beach (which is just south of Cape Canaveral) to see the chocolate fish.

[Cuizer2]

It wouldn't have been a big deal, but we were already shorted out of so much of our time at port. Now you want me to wait in line for 45 minutes or more for a photo that I am not going to purchase anyway? Nope.

 

I know how to say no and just keep walking.

 

Can anyone recommend a mid-priced hotel in Ft Lauderdale for the night before? Something with a view of the port would be lovely, but also have something to do with in walking distance prior to getting on the ship.

 

The hotels with a view of Port Everglades are expensive ...

 

The next two pictures were taken from the deck of the cruise ship ...

 

 

 

And the next three were taken from the Hyatt (of the Royal Caribbean Allure) ...