Expert: Barbon - 3/5/2002

Question
Hello Barbon, I'm taking my daughters 13 and 17 on a four night Carnival Holiday cruise in June with a nine hour day-time port call in Cozumel.  What MUST we see in such a short time?  We leave from New Orleans and will be there overnight, so suggestions for N.O. will also be appreciated.  None of us have ever cruised before.  Thanks for your expertise.

Answer
Hi,
  First, I cannot tell you too much about the Carnival Cruiseline.  I have never sailed with Carnival and that is why I did not list myself as a Carnival expert.  However, I can tell you about cruising and Cozumel which we have visited several times on cruiseships.  
 You have not stated which seating you have selected for dinner.  We much prefer the late seating so you do not have to rush back from port and quickly get dressed for dinner.  Even on at sea days it is nice and relaxing late in the day by the pool and if you have early dinner seating it seems you are even rushed on these days.  
 Another tip for first time cruisers is to take an over the counter medication such as Dramamine about 1 hr. before you sail.  This will prevent sea sickness and will help you adjust to sailing.  On the new larger ships, motion sickness is really not as common as it was years ago.
  Again, we have never sailed from New Orleans so I cannot help you there.  Perhaps one of the experts in the Carnival catagory can give you more information.
  As for what to do in Cozumel, there are several options.  You can of course do the little main shopping street, however, I would not purchase too much in Cozumel, it is not known for its shopping.  You could go over to the Intercontinental Presidente Hotel which is near the port and spend some time at their beach and pool for a small fee.  They allow day guests to use their facilities.  If you dive or snorkel Cozumel has some great places to do this, however, I would do one of the above as an ship excursion.  You could also go over to Cancun for a few hours if the ship offers this.  You could go to the ruins in Tulum or go to Xcaret.  Xcaret is an ecological park with a beach area and an underground river you can float down.  Any of the above would be nice to do.  If you are travelling alone with your daughters I would not wonder too far alone in Cozumel.  It would be fine to take a cab to the hotel or shopping area but I would suggest any of the other outings to do as an excursion.  
  If the ship offers any spa treatments that you would be interested in, book they as soon as you board, they tend to book up quickly and the good times get taken right away.
  I hope this helps a little and I am sorry that I do not have more knowledge of the Carnival line and New Orleans.
  If I can help you with any other questions or if you are going to any other ports, just e-mail me direct and I will try to answer them.
Barbara
Barbon2@aol.com