As you know, I sailed on the Carnival Glory 5/19/07 doing the 7 night Western Caribbean Run. This is the same ship and itinerary we have the 10/6/07 Gothic Cruise. This is the report on the ports of call.
I will post a link to my blog and pictures shortly.
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You can haggle down damn near any price you see. If you want to know how.. let me know.
Cozumel. Recommended shore excursion: The Tulum Ruins. If you just want to shop here.. then you will need to take a suicidal cab ride to the FORUM SHOPS. Its 6.00 a car load each way. Our cabin driver drove so fast, I demanded he let me out once were were in walking distance of the forum. You have to hunt for bargains. However, I found great silver rings at 10.00 each. The silver here is PURER then what you normaly find in the states. That also means they tarnish faster.. of course.. I bought some. (i've seen the tulum ruins 6 times.. so opted for shopping here).
Belize: TRAVEL WARNING!! If you are not on a guided shore excursion, do not leave the secured/gated port. There are some inexpensive shops here and restaurants inside the locked port, which is totaly safe. however, when we got to the gates to go out onto the island, the outside gates were blocked by cabin drivers, and behind them.. armed militant gaurds. Jon and I said screw that. I recommend the Belize Cave Tubing and Zip Line excursion. If the travel warnings change, I will of course let everyone know. But for now.. do not go walking around Belize itself, by yourself. Stay in the port area, or take a shore excursion.
Costa Maya: Okay.. I got 300.00 of bone resin demonic statues here for 60.00 bucks. You have to haggle.. and be firm in your haggling. There is a huge pool at the center of the complex with a swim up bar. However it was over crowded. This port is only about 3 years old, and still new and being developed. It is set amongst jungle. You will see armed military gaurds here.. but they arent for people. They are for the animals that find there way into the secured port area where you get off at. We did get to see a show here of a mayan human sacrafice re-enactment. Ill be posting the pics soon. Peronsaly, Id recommend the all inclusive beach break here. Costa Maya was a wonderful port, and very rich in Mayan heritage and art. The water is clear as a bell in blues and greens.
Nassau: you really have to snoop here for shopping. and the "natives" are very pushy. Girls.. try to let your guy hold on to any valuables or put your purse in your backpack. Dont pay more then 8.00 for a souvenior beach towel, or 5.00 bucks for a t-shirt. Dont get your hair braided.. it feels like they are pulling your scalp off. (but if you do, make sure they are licensed hair braiders). Nassau is a great place to visit. if your just going to wing it.. take a water taxi to the Atlantis hotel and Casino. It is beyond impressive with a marine park as well, and beaches to day for. You can also get a day pass for Beaches (an all inclusive resort). if you want one, let me know.
If you have a specific question about a port of call.. please drop it here.
