NCL's Western Caribbean Shore Excursions
Written: Jul 06 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great ports of call for snorkeling and water sports.
Cons: Shore excursions tend to be pricey.
The Bottom Line: The Western Caribbean is ideal for more active people, looking to swim. snorkel or scuba dive.
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| Suzi's Full Review: Norwegian Wind |
The Norwegian Wind no longer plows the waters in the Caribbean. However, beginning in November, 2001, the Norwegian Sea will alternate three and four night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Mexico; through August of this year, the Norway will alternate seven night cruises from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean; and starting November, 2001, NCL's newest ship, the Norwegian Sun, will begin it's seven night Western Caribbean itinerary out of Miami on Saturdays.
All three ships (soon to be only two) head to ports in the Western Caribbean. The Norwegian Sea's mid-week itinerary includes a stop in Cozumel, besides Key West. The Norway and the Norwegian Sun both call on Grand Cayman and Cozumel, however the Norway stops in Costa Maya and at NCL's private island in the Bahamas, whereas the Norwegian Sun is scheduled to call on Belize City and Roatan.
The ports of call in the Western Caribbean are an ideal destination for those interested in snorkeling, scuba diving and in nice beaches. Passengers aboard ships bound for the Western Caribbean tend to be younger and more active, compared to those frequenting the Eastern Caribbean. You'll generally find lots of families with young kids in the summer and during holidays. The Western Caribbean itinerary continues to be the most popular of destinations among cruise lines competing for you business, and you'll have many to choose from in the winter and spring. However, more and more ships are heading to Alaska, Hawaii and the Orient over the summer. With the Norway's departure this year, no NCL ships are currently scheduled to be in the Western Caribben next Summer, 2002; but that of course is not set in stone.
For the first-time cruiser, taking a shore excursion is a good way to make use of your time in port. However, be aware that shore excursions offered by NCL are pricey, highly structured and often disappointing to more active people. The "Dive-In" snorkeling program is great for beginners or for families with kids who can swim, however more experienced snorkelers will find that these tours tend to not allow enough time in the water and many find snorkeling in a group of 50 to be too restrictive.
Land tours to the ruins and of the island tend to be more popular with older, less active adults. They usually include bus or ferry transportation, and often, to the dismay of many passengers, require lots of walking; a surprise for those older people not expecting to hike 4 miles on a hot and humid afternoon! Island tours tend to be a waste of time and money, in my opinion, unless you are not able walk comfortably around town. In most cases, island tours are short and the least expensive. However, on the ones I have been on, I've always come away disappointed.
You always have the option to tour the island on your own; to research the best snorkeling spot; or to book your scuba diving via the internet. If you are interested in visiting the ruins in Mexico, your best bet is to book a shore excursion on the ship. These tours tend to be long, require transportation, and take all day.
NCL's cancellation policy allows you to cancel without penalty by returning the tickets to the shore excursion/dive-in desk 24 hours prior to tour departure time. No refunds are granted after 24 hours prior to tour. This applies to the "Dive-In" program and all shore excursions.
The following list is from our recent trip in June 2001 to the Western Caribbean, namely Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Even if you are not looking to book a shore excursion, you'll have a good idea of what there is to do, and you can plan accordingly. All NCL ships in the Western Caribbean contract with the same tour operators and offer the same shore excursions. Where possible, I'll also include "do-it-yourself" suggestions.
Cozumel, Mexico
"Dive-In" Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Dzul-Ha Snorkel 3 hours $39
You'll be taken to the south end of the island (about 30 minutes from the pier) for 45 minutes of snorkeling. There is no beach here, but a covered gazebo and a bar. This tour tends to have large groups, and more experienced snorkelers usually come away disappointed.
Columbia Reef Snorkel 4 hours $48
You'll take a boat out to a popular reef for scuba diving, and snorkel in 15-45 feet of water in open ocean. Actual time in the water is under an hour. This tour isn't recommended for those who have never snorkeled before. I have been to Columbia Reef many times to scuba dive, but I'm not sure it's the best place to snorkel, as the reef is fairly deep, and the fish are usually on the reef. There are strong currents flowing up and down the reefs in Cozumel, and on a good day, the snorkeling here is effortless, as you glide with the current, while the boat follows you. Beginners may experience panic in strong current, so I wouldn't recommend this tour for young kids, weak swimmers, or to those who have never snorkeled.
Discover Scuba 3 hours $87
If you've always wanted to try scuba diving, here is your chance. You'll get instruction and be taken to a shallow reef to make one dive. It's a bit more than what you'd expect to pay at a resort in Mexico, but most people who try it don't go away disappointed.
Do-It-Yourself Snorkeling
There are several places in Cozumel where the snorkeling is excellent. Chankanaab State Marine Park has botanical gardens, a beautiful beach and the best snorkeling on the island. It will run you about $10 for a cab and another $10 to get in. Many people come here to spend the day. You'll find two restaurants, shops and facilities here, places where you can rent dive equipment and palapas on the beach. The only problem with coming here is that most cruise ships (with the exception of NCL) have hourly tours here, and the place is a zoo first thing in the morning. The best snorkeling is to be found here in the morning, but if I were you, I'd come in the afternoon when the crowds thin out.
Land Tours Available in Cozumel
Mayan Ruins of Tulum All Day $72
The ruins in Tulum are a monument to Mayan culture, located on a bluff, over looking the sea. It's located on the mainland, so you'll be taking a one hour ferry boat ride across the channel, ocasionally through very rough waters (take sea-sick pills along). The bus ride to the ruins is about 90 minutes one way. Yes, it's worth checking out, but I would combine it with the trip to Xel Ha (see next).
Tulum & Xel Ha All Day $90
Same as above, only with a stop in Xel Ha (pronounced "shell-ha"), a botaical garden and cenote. Great place to swim, snorkel and hike.
Tropical Safari Jeep Tour Half Day $72
Four guests to a jeep drive around the island. We did something similar on mopeds and had a blast. You'll stop by some ruins, have lunch on a beach, and go off road.
Do-It-Yourself
The ship will discourage you, but renting mopeds are relatively safe. The island is only 9 miles long, and you can explore it on your own easily enough for about $50.
Mayan Horseback Riding Half Day $76
I don't recommend you do this tour. The horses are in poor condition, and most people who go don't find it's worth the money.
Ocean View Explorer 3 hours $42
A one hour tour aboard a semi-submarine. We saw it while scuba diving, and it looked like fun. People we spoke to (with kids)saw us diving, and said they had a blast.
Playa Sol Beach Break All Day $18
A small, tacky all-inclusive resort that's letting NCL passengers spend the day here. Not a bad price, considering it's an open bar. But there are much nicer places to hang out. Keep in mind that Cozumel isn't known for it's beaches.
Do-It-Yourself
The nicest hotel and beach on the island is the Presidente. You can hang out at the beach and snorkel here to your hearts content without crowds. You'll have to take a cab, and get through security by having the cab driver tell the guard you are arranging diving there with Scuba Du (we do this all the time, but we really do arrange diving). You won't have any problems. But don't tell anyone you are from the ship (locals, especially hotel workers, for some reason, have a love/hate relationship with cruise passengers).
Island Tour and Folklore Show Half Day $62
Lots of older people take this tour, but everyone who does seems to really enjoy it.
Passion Island Beach Escape All Day $68
Dolphin Encounter Two Hours $105
15 minutes with the dolphins. However, you can spend the day at Chankanaab. Not worth the big bucks, in my opinion. You can do Chankanaab (see above) on your own for $10pp.
Catamaran & Beach Party Half Day $46
All-you-can-drink beach party and boat ride.
Atlantis Submarine Half Day $82
Cruise to 70 feet along a reef. A bit pricey, and you get a similar experience with the Ocean View Explorer for $42.
Grand Cayman
"Dive-In" Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Stingray Encounter 3 Hours $45
Everyone should visit Stingray City once. This snorkel tour is in three feet of water, and there is more standing and watching than snorkeling happening here. Great for kids and adults alike. Prices for this tour off the ship are the same, so save the hassle, and book this tour EARLY, as it sells out all the time.
Scuba Cayman Half Day $82
For certified scuba divers. Great diving, if you get lucky enough to have a small group. Otherwise, arrange diving on your own, or better yet, dive from shore. From tender, turn right and walk up frontage road to Eden Rock, to rent equipment and tanks.
Do-It-Yourself Snorkeling
There are several places on Grand Cayman where the snorkeling is wonderful and free of charge. From the tender, if you turn right and walk up the road to the first dive shop, you will find some of the best snorkeling on the island here. Lots of people know about this spot, so it tends to get busy. However, it's easy to get to and from the tender stop. Another great spot is Cemetary Reef. You can make arrangements to have a cab pick you up when you finish. Although it's too far to walk, it's not far from town, and it's by a very nice beach.
Land Tours Available in Grand Cayman
Discover Cayman 3 Hours $30 - Bus tour around the island.
Atlantis Submarine 2 hours $78
About 50 people on this sub, that goes to a depth of 100 feet. Kids really love this tour.
Seaworld Explorer 90 minutes $37
A glass-bottom boat, also great for kids.
Pirate Encounter 2 hours $34
Not a bad price for a party boat. Everyone I met on this tour came away drunk as a skunk.
Seven Mile Beach Break All Day $14
I spoke to a couple who said the hotel where this beach is located was a dive. You have to take a cab on your own here.
Seaborne Flight Adventure 90 minutes $79
A 25 minute flight around the island and seven mile beach. I met a couple on their honeymoon who did this and said it was worth every penny.
Research Vessel Deep Dive 1 hour $365
For two passengers. it goes to a depthof 800 feet! This is the famous sub featured on National Geographic. I'd love to do this, but it's too expensive, and I have never met anyone who has gone out on this shore excursion. Let me know if you do!!
Shopping
The shopping on both islands is pretty good, but don't spend all your money on Grand Cayman, as it tends to be more pricey. You'll find better prices on jewelry in Cozumel. However, make sure you pick up some Tortuga Rum in Grand Cayman.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
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Suzi
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Location: California
Reviews written: 190
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About Me:
Suzi is an aspiring travel writer who enjoys scuba diving and volleyball.
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