Yes, you can go on your own.  However, you will need to be back onboard on time, or the ship will leave without you.  If you take an excursion thru Carnival and it gets back late, the ship will wait.  

 Hey, steelermoose!  We're all doing well, hope you are also.  Hadn't thought about sand fleas...I'm guessing  they are in Costa Maya too?  Good to know, I'd hate to waste the money on something like that.   We're looking forward to meeting you and yours on Friday as well.  Only 55 more days! ...

 I don't do anytime dining because it's kinda neat to see the same table mates each night and catch up on what you've done since the previous day.  I had horrible tablemates when I went to a seated lunch a couple times. I've not heard anything about mean security guards, but think $35 is a lot for a chair too.  My ...

 I've not seen any positive reports about the blowdryers on the ships.  However, I have thick shoulder length hair, and had no problems with the one on the Glory last year.  With the wind and casual atmosphere, will getting every hair in place be that important?  

 I get all messages from this board in duplicate, so I don't think it's people hitting the "post" button twice.  I've wondered if I was the oe that it was happening to.  Guess not. 

We've chatted before..... plan on my dughters, their dad and me to be there.  We're staying at the Comfort Inn next to Ron Johns the night before.  Are we still planning on meeting on one of the decks the first evening wearing mardi gras beads? We're only 83 days out.  Can't wait!

 I just went to double digits!!!!!

 Since you have three ports, and three people, maybe each person can choose an excursion? 

 I e-mailed a couple times with Brian David Bruns (author of Crusie Confidential) and asked him the same question.  His response was that money was the best choice. 

 The schedule is available to you before you book.  Perhaps next time you take a "new" vacation, you should look at the details before you pay.  On the other hand, you could stay on the island as long as you'd like.  The ship is leaving regardless.