| Nancy,
I took this same itinerary on Carnival on the Holiday two years
ago. For a first cruise it will be wondeful...All cruises are great;
some are just greater than others. Carnival is for the younger
set; more partying and such. There is plenty to do and enought
to keep you very busy.
Cozumel is a very poor Mexican town. Not much in the way of shopping
but the diving and snokling is very good. There is also side trips
to the Mexican ruins. Be careful here as one is REALLY in ruins;
the other is much more intact.
Jamaica was also relatively nice. Shopping was so-so, not a St.
Thomas. The tour guides tend to take you to the places that kick
back. There are many shacks along the way which will tempt you
to come to see their wares....Careful there also. They will try
to get you at the entrance to the regular store. If you acknowledge
them they will be waiting for you at the exit. Even though there
are shacks all around the one they may take you to could be block
away. You are supposed to deal in Jamaican dollars. Most will gladly
take U.S. ( even discount for it.) Drugs are rappant here, you
will be solicited openly, even in McDonalds. Advice, don't get
caught. We left three young women behind for buying from undercover
police. Duns River Falls, in Ocho Rios is nice tourist attraction.
You walk up a water fall, obviously man-made. Slippery and fun...hold
hands and follow the guide.
The diving and snorkling in the Grand Caymans was excellent...Clear
water for ship wrecks and coral reefs. Many friendly fish. Shopping
is very nice here for very nice objects. No bartering though.
They will indignantly tell you that "This is not Jamaica!"
One more thing on Jamaica. If you are on tour the local craft prices
get much better as you near the end of the tour. Canes and carvings
comes down drastically as you near the ship.
I also have heard that the Celebration is a very nice ship. I know
you will enjoy it. I cruise every year....in fact only 32 days
to go for my next cruise. Relax and have a ball!!!
Joe
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