Stingray City vs. Dunn River Falls...good beaches, food?

[lefty]

Taking Carnival Triumph on a western itinerary next Saturday!!!

Don't want to do a lot of excursions - mostly just want to relax on the beach. The two that seem to be the most popular we're trying to decide between is stingray city and Dunn river falls. We only want to do one, just can't decide which!!! Any thoughts?

Also, if anybody knows of some great beaches to go see at Cozumel, Ocho Rios, or Cayman Island - I'd love to hear about it.

Also looking for a good restaurant one night on one of the islands.

Would LOVE suggestions!!!!!!

[Donna]

My vote would be the Sting Rays in Grand Cayman, one of the best excursions. While the falls are also fun, just doesn't quite compare to snorkeling with the rays.

[Rev22:17]

lefty,

Don't want to do a lot of excursions - mostly just want to relax on the beach. The two that seem to be the most popular we're trying to decide between is stingray city and Dunn river falls. We only want to do one, just can't decide which!!! Any thoughts?

Several thoughts.

>> 1. Jamaica is not a good place to go ashore, or to a beach, on your own due to (1) overzealous taxi drivers and (2) crime.

>> 2. On Jamaica, the shore excursion that visits Prospect Plantation and Dunn's River Falls is wonderful. The plantation, which occupies a whole mountain, grows a fascinating variety of crops in various climatological zones. Be sure to bring "Surfwalkers" to wear during the climb of Dunn's River Falls -- a fantastic and very refreshing experience!

>> 3. On Grand Cayman, Stingray City invariably draws raves from everybody who goes there.

>> 4. Grand Cayman's "Seven Mile Beach" (which really is "only" 5 1/2 miles ling) is one of the best beaches in the world. It's well developed, with beach clubs that provide lockers, umbrellas, chairs, showers, and rest rooms for a fee, and there are also lots of hotels where you can get lunch and beverages right on the beach.

>> 5. Be sure to allow some time for shopping in George Town, Grand Cayman. The duty free shopping district, located right across the street from the tender pier, offers products of much better quality than what's typical of other islands. While in the shopping district, be sure to stop by the rumcake stand for some free samples (the coconut rumcake is my personal favorite).

Also looking for a good restaurant one night on one of the islands.

Good luck. Most "Western Caribbean" itineraries leave their ports of call before the dinner hour.

Hope this helps. Have a great cruise!

Norm.

[Will]

Great advice Norm,and please do not try to feed the Macaws there the rum cake someone has taught them some interesting words .

[LisaK]

i agree with Donna, if you only want to do one excursion then the excursion to do would be Sting Ray City & Sandbar in Grand Cayman. Interacting with the rays is an awesome experience.
If you just want to veg out on the beach in Jamaica you need to get a day pass at one of the hotels or all-inclusives.

[Sheffie]

Stingray City ranks in the top 5 things I have done in my life. Holding a stingray is unbelievable. Watchin them swim/fly all around you is amazing. Dunn River Falls is just climbing a waterfall.