Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    From Cozumel, take the day trip to Tulum (Aztec ruins). At Ochis
    Rios, be sure to go up Dunn's River Falls - take you camera.
    

    Hi,
    
    I am new to this notesfile, and have found it very helpful and
    informative for a cruise that my finace' and I are planning for
    our honeymoon in June this year.  We just book a cruise on the
    Song of America for 7 days.  We too are stopping at the following
    islands:
      Cozumel and Playa Del carmen, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and
      Labadee.
    We can not wait!!!  I think that we are both more excited about
    the honeymoon than the wedding (not really), but we are looking
    forward to the cruise.  Neither of us has ever been on a cruise,
    so we really dont know what to expect or plan.  For instance how
    we should dress, how much money we should bring, what tours should
    we go on, etc...  If anyone has gone on this cruise and has any
    information or comments I would love to hear from you!  Thanks!
    
    Cheryl

    While at Playa del Carmen, I believe you can also go to Xel Ha. This
    would be a good choice if you're not into Mayan ruins. Xel Ha
    (pronounced shell-HA) is a lagoon you can snorkel in, and it's like
    snorkeling in a 3-acre aquarium.  The colors of both the lagoon and the
    fish are truly breathtaking.  Schools of tiny fish -- the kind you'd
    find in aquariums -- swim right by your face. It's a great place to
    take a weatherproof camera.  The water is exceptionally clear, too... 
    I think you get about 70 to 80 feet of visibility.  (At Cozumel Island,
    the underwater visibility can sometimes approach 200 feet!  It's one of
    the best places in the world to scuba dive.)  
    

    sounds great....I am sure that my finace' will love it there!!!
    The only problem is that I HATE fish!!!  I am sure that I will 
    give it a shot...if it is that beautiful how can anyone resist??
    Did you take a cruise down there, or did you just stay at the 
    island?  I would love to hear more about the cruise and islands.
    
    Cheryl

    Cheryl,
    
    I have cruised this itinerary, but on a different ship.  I have sailed
    with Royal Caribbean before also.  The dress is not really that
    important....They say that Monday and Friday evenings will be formal. 
    Most men wear a dark suit; about 20% wear tuxedos.  Tuesday is listed
    as semi-formal....Coat & Tie.  the rest are casual, which is sport
    shirt and slacks.  Many women wear nice dresses but only a few wear
    actual formals. Usually those with tuxedo'd husbands.  You will never
    feel out of place as there are always people dressed up or down.  You
    will be surprised at how many quickly change clothes to get more
    comfortable.
    
    Cozumel is nice for snorkeling...But I would recommend the ruins.  You
    will depart the ship early to get to Playa del Carmen.  You will meet
    the ship upon your return to Cozumel...cozumel is a small town which is
    quite poor... Expect children to try to sell you chicklets (gum) in the
    streets.  The shopping is so-so but bargaining can be fun.  the town
    suffered from a Palm tree disease so the water front is not as nice as
    it was.  The island is limestone so the water is very clear. 
    snorkeling is very nice if you have the time.
    
    Grand Cayman is also very nice....and expensive.  Try pricing a Big
    Mac in town.   Shopping is very nice for some very nice nautical items.
    They pride themselves on their economy which is better than the U.S. 
    If you try to barter too much they will let you know in no uncertain
    terms that this is not Jamaica.  Snorkeling is also great here.  Take a
    tour to "Hell"  and see the Turtle Farm which is why they were named
    Cayman Islands.  For a nice airconditionsed ride to the ocean floor
    without getting wet or eye to eye with a fish...try the submarine.  
    
    Ocho Rios, Jamaica was also interesting....the only drawback is the
    constant attempts to sell you something.  Once you make eye contact you
    have had it.  they will attempt to talk you into coming to their shop. 
    You could be in for quite a walk... Be careful.  You must exchange your
    money at the pier. You can reexchange it upon your return...Some people
    prefer $ and will quote different prices depending on payment....Drugs
    are rampant...do not get caught buying any.  We left 3 people to face
    charges.  You will be confronted at the beach, at the MacDonalds, and
    everywhere...no telling who are cops.  On any tour the driver will stop
    at unauthorized places because of his kickbacks.  Prices drop as you
    head back to the ship and departure time is near.  Dun's river Falls is
    a man-made falls which you climb with a guide from the ocean to the
    top.  It is fun and refreshing; but definately man-made.  There is a
    botanical garden and such tour which is nice also.  Blooms and spices
    abound...Do not take someones picture unless you plan on paying them
    for posing.  Many earn a living this way.  If it is unique and
    interesting it was probably made that way to entice you.
    
    Labadee was great for the laid back beach and picnic lunch.  You
    exchange your dollars for Labadee dubloons.  They will buy you drinks
    and souveniers at the stands.  You can walk around the island or rest
    in a hammock or just get some sun in the lounge chairs.  Stay all day
    or catch the shuttle back to the ship.  
    
    Do not let the dress scare you off....Most everything is covered except
    drinks and tips and shopping and gambling.  You can spend a little or a
    lot.  Pace yourself...There are plenty of activities which are
    provided.  relax and enjoy it.  You have picked a nice cruise line and
    should really enjoy it.  You will love the service and attention. 
    Cruises are no worry vacations / honeymoons.
    
    
    Joe   

    Joe,
    
    Well I want to thank you for all the information.   You pretty much
    covered everything!  It sounds like you had a good time.  I can
    not wait!!!  With people like you to tell me all these hints, we
    should be all set!  Thanks again.
    
    Cheryl