How do we know if the excursions are being booked up?  We were wanting to wait until we board the ship to decide.  Someone said they book up pretty quick.

Some excursions are marked as "limited", meaning that they only have a limited number of people who can sign up.

You won't know if a particular excursion is almost at capacity.  Once it's booked up, it will just disappear from the listing.  That's not to say that it won't reappear at a later date if they somehow contract out more touring resources.

Do you set up yours online or on the ship?

My first Carnival cruise on the Fascination, I did wait until after I boarded to buy my excursions.  One of the excursions sold out two people ahead of me in the line.

Since then, I always book them online.  It's very easy to do, and you can do your research before deciding.  Google is a wonderful thing.  :-)

I set mine up online and did not have a problem.  I am looking forward to both of them.

If all else fails...you can always book excursions yourself. That's what we do. We grew tired of spending $500 (or more) on a few hours of fun. We've found that if we book excursions ourselves we spend more time exploring the islands and beaches. NOW I will say, booking your own excursions isn't for everyone b/c in doing so you are responsible for yourselves. You are responsible for getting to the ship on time, etc. Typically if you are on a Carnival sponsored excursion and they are running late...the ship waits...if you aren't...well you know the rest. Always book outside excursions with reputible companies. I have several that I've used and have recommended to others with no complaints or problems.

 If you'd like some info, let me know!

Happy SAILING!

I'll be taking my 1st cruise in a couple weeks (YIPPEE!)

I'll be taking my 1st cruise in a couple weeks (YIPPEE!)

I'll be taking my 1st cruise in a couple weeks (yippee!).  The ports of call will be San Juan, St Thomas, and St. Maarten.  If you know of any reputable tour companies in those areas I would love to hear about them!

We were in those ports last April (07)...

St.Maarten we took a taxi to Orient Bay Beach (it's CLOTHING OPTIONAL so don't be alarmed to see totally nude folks prancing around) Here's a link: http://www.st-maarten-info.com/St-Maarten-Beaches/OrientBay.html

We LOVED it...simply b/c I could go topless and not worry about a client seeing me, lol. It's not for everyone, but we had a nice time. The vendors there can be annoying but if you say no once or twice...they kinda pass the message. Other than that, we had a lovely beach day there.

 St. Thomas we did a Catamaran tour (here is a link: http://www.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=STT&tcode=001244) and had an awesome time. It included lunch, FREE drinks, and snacks, and the snorkling was AWESOME. This company offers all KINDS of tours and we were more than happy with their service and prices. Here is the link to the other excursions (http://www.shoretrips.com/common/search3.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=STT)

San Juan we ventured out on our own and went shopping and eating, but here is a link to the excursions offered through shore trips (http://www.shoretrips.com/common/search3.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=SJU)

 Happy Sailing!

Thanks!  Oh, and I don't know what happen with my earlier posts...my computer had some kind of hiccup!!  Sorry about that!

What do you suggest for Conzumel & Progreso?  We don't do water sports or hiking.  Would like to see the scenery and maybe a glass bottom boat or something like that. Maybe even a little shopping.

  I wouldn't recommend doing anything that has to do with water in Progresso. The beaches are rockey and aren't all that appealing. If you're interested in History and ruins I'd definitely do that there. We did a Carnival sponsored tour there b/c we were re-routed to Progresso due to a storm. We didn't have time to plan anything. The good thing about that port though...is there's shopping within walking distance of the ship (it's not MUCH) and there is a shuttle that takes you into the "city"...you can't walk from the pier (or if you do, you'll lose a few pounds doing it). The "city" isn't a lot to look at either but there are several vendors and shops across the bridge.

It depends on the ship you're on... it'll determine how much time you have at the port of call. Which ship will you be on?