Expert: Linda - 3/1/2009

Question
Hi.  Me and my boyfriend are first time cruisers and are trying to plan a budget for our cruise.  Do you know how much alcoholic beverages are in general?  We like a good party and I'm sure we will be keeping the bartenders busy.  

Also, are you familiar with the Dolphin Swim and Ride Shore Excursion in Cozumel?  It is one of the more pricier excursions and I wonder if you actually get the personal encounter with the dolphins like it says you do.  With that in mind, do you recommend booking the shore excursions online before the cruise or waiting to book them while on the cruise.
Thanks for your help!

Answer
Sara, you're smart planning ahead for your cruise.  there is always a drink special, large glass, drink of the day for $4.75.  Other drinks you'll pay from $3.50 for a beer to $5.00 for a mixed drink.

Depending on what you drink, consider brining some booze with you.  Of course, it'll need to be smuggled as you're not allowed to bring on board.

The dolphin Swim and Ride shore we've watched and yes, you got to swim and interact with the dolphins.  Not for a long period of time, but I think it's worth the money...you'll not get the opportunity stateside unless you go to the Keys or Orlando, so go for it.

It depends on what we're doing whether we book on line, on the ship or on our own.  If yu're going to Grand Caymen, we suggest going with Captain Marvin (can google on line) and use hi for your trip to swim with the stingrays....NOT to be missed if you're going there.  Smaller boats, less people, much more personalized tours.

I'm not sure where you're going, but if Key West is a port, then go on your own.  Take Molly the trolley, board right at the dock, it'll take you around the island, then decide what you want to see.  Walk down duval street and you'l see the little golfcarts you can rent.  Use that transportation or a scooter to travel around the island.  It's not that big you'll get lost.

If you're adventursome and open to meeting people, you may meet someone on board that is looking for another couple to do something with.  also lots of people at the docks offering private tours etc.  Only place I would NOT do this is in Jamaica....Stay with the ship sponsored tours in Jamaica; it's not safe to be on your own with the economy the way it is over there.  Any other place, we've met up with someone also wanting to do our own thing and 4 of us would get a van and tell the driver to "show us your island".  It's a bit less expensive than the ship and we always give the guide a generous tip.

Ask more questions if I haven't answered something for you.  Also suggest you go to CRUISECRITIC.COM.  Join the community (free), then go to message boards, then choose your cruise line, then you can search thru answers, post your questions, or go to the area labeled port and shore excursions.  You'll get lots of responses there as well.

Linda