Of course you are correct.  Although, I've never seen that sign on the boat, only getting on the boat from the island.  I understand completely about following rules.........and am unusually strict due to my profession, but even a Clinical Analyst needs a break.   42 trips...yep...sounds like a lot, but not really....started going in 1983 to Cancun, had a timeshare for years.....went every chance I got.   Loved the ruins at Tulum, Chitzen Itza, Coba, Palenque, Uxmal.   I'm middle age (42).  Now my son is addicted!  This is all he wants for birthday, Christmas, any holiday actually.   I will be traveling with my son and Chef Justin Williams , so I know this will be a blast.  I've met a lot of wonderful friends on these trips!!  So we average around 3 or 4 trips a year.  And yes......I still get excited everytime, because each time is a different adventure!!!!!! 

Nola_Cajun:

 What do you have booked in Cozumel ?   We're doing the Snorkel and Beach Party.

 Gabrielle

We are going to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel...it is a private all inclusive beach resort.  The reviews are AMAZING!  I can't wait to get there! 

Harold...for Uxmal are you booking through Carnival or Autoprogreso?  How long is the trip?

 We have not booked our excursions yet.  Should we book before we board the ship?  We are thinking of a Mayan Ruins  in Progresso and the submarine one in Cozumel.  I think I feel more comfortable booking thru carnival because if for some reason the tour runs over and i miss the ship they have to get me back otherwise I'm on my own, right?  Kathy

Good morning Kathy,  I think maybe you should try to book excursions in advance, because they may be filled up if you wait.  Also, I don't want to alarm you, but I was told by my booking agent with Carnival, that you might be on your own if you miss the ship.  I guess it would depend on the circumstances.  I would think that the tour guide that takes you to the ruins would surely make sure that you got back to the ship in time, but hey I don't know for sure how it all works.   Hope to see you there!!! Almost time!!! yeah !!

I guess I have to get my husband to stop dragging his feet about what he wants to do!  Maybe I'm just going to have to book them!  If I book thru Carnival, can I cancel when we get on board if he decides that's not what he wants to do?

I'm not going to worry about the hurricane, our cruise is three weeks away.....It will be fabulous no matter what!  Even if our itinery gets adjusted.

 You should book the submarine excursion as soon as you can.  It seems to be 1 of the more popular ones.    I checked to see what the price differences would be if I did my exursions on my own, through another company or through carnival.  There was hardly any difference.  Pluss, I feel more safe having booked through carnival.  If anything were to go wrong I know i'll get my money back.

.. hey I wouldnt mind being left in mexico.  I'd love to live off $10 a day

 Gabrielle

 I have no excursions booked either but... I wasn't planning on it since this is our first cruise (for everyone - hubby, myself and three kiddies).

 May I ask all of the experienced cruisers?  Since this is our first and we will be WOWED by absolutely everything, do you believe we'd be bored if we simply 'went to the beach' at Cozumel or Progresso?  Or perhaps we stayed on the ship one of the port days when things would be, possibly, quieter on the ship?

There is also the expense, sad to say, as since we're a family of 5 and the three young ones would count almost as much for anything as an adult, the cost would add up quickly.

We were hoping that with everything being so new, we'd be thrilled regardless.

I'd love to hear back from anyone who has not booked an excursion for a cruise as well as those who have and see how they fared.  What's your take?

 Thanks so much!

Noreen in Ontario, Canada

Yes, Kathy, you should go ahead and book the excursion that you want.  As far as a refund policy, I don't know.  I had to pay in advance through Carnival, but I didn't ask about the refund policy.  There might be a refund for something unavoidable, but if you just change your mind....I don't know. Does anyone else know about this?  Let us know please. 

I am not worried about the hurricane as far as our cruise goes, but it could sure mess up my racing trip to the Dickies 500 in Dallas this weekend if it causes rain from the gulf.  I hope not!!!  I am so excited about going to the races and the cruise.....I can not concentrate on working...Yeah!!!!

Noreen, you and your family will probably be absolutely WOWED!!! by anything and everything.  Even if you choose to just stay on the ship, there is so much to see and do!!!  I am not much of an expierenced cruiser...only my 2nd, but I am HOOKED and I'm sure I'll want many more. LOL

Hi Noreen,

This will be our 3rd cruise with our 3 children.  We have not participated in any of the shore excursions for the same reason($).  We usually find out what the best familly beach is and we took a taxi to the beach.  Just for warned that some of the taxi drivers can make you a bit nervous.  Some roads that you are on are only one lane roads.  We have enjoyed the beach every time.  We were relaxed and not rushed.  Then we would get back to town and do some shopping.  Can't wait to go!!  See you on board!

Rachel

 Noreen...

I'm not an "experienced" cruiser but also have 3 children and know the feeling of the price adding up quickly. I have been to Progreso and Cozumel twice, both times we did inexpensive things, and we were not disappointed.  Hanging out on a beach is wonderful, and one time we even went back to the ship about 4 hours early (in Cozumel) and you are right there was no one there, so that was nice, had everything basically to ourselves!  So don't worry about booking excursions and stuff, you will have fun just doing the small stuff, it's great!!!  We will again, on this cruise, hang out at the beach, shop, and whatever.... we like to just take it one step at a time, it's a vacation, no need to be busy!!!

Hope you have a great time and will probably run into you, "the family from Canada"!!!

I have no worries of booking things outside Carnival EXCEPT those things that involve a distance or transport by ferry.  If you just want to enjoy something local you can safely do that on your own without much worries.  It's when you get involved with great distances or having to depend on ferry schedules that you could put yourself in a bind.  If you do something outside carnival then book for first thing off the ship.  If if the ship is late the vendor will try to accomindate.  Taking a tour later in the day could put you in a bind if the vendor has mechnical problems.

I also agree that if it is something that you absolutely must do then book it in advance.  I loved it when Carnival started allowing online booking prior to the cruise.  I do believe though that once you buy the only way to cancel is something out of your control (like a medical issue) that prevents you from going.  If th eexcursion is canceled by Carnival then you get a full refund.

We are so excited and I REALLY can't wait.  Work has been a BEAR lately.  Can't wait to sit back with my foo foo drink in hand.

I booked the submarine trip for Cozumel!  We are going to do the 4hr Mayan Ruin trip in Progresso.  That way we have a little time to explore the ports.  Both are shorter excursions.  I really wanted to view the ocean underwater, but I'm not a swimmer and going down in a submarine will give me the security I need!!  Can't wait!  We have another big event tonite, It's opening night for my son's high school musical.  They are doing Broadway's Beauty and the Beast,  He plays Belle's dad Maurice.  Can't wait for that either!  ANTICIPATION!! it's killing me! See you all soon!