We will be sailing on Navigator of the Seas - May 17, 2003 with our two children, daughter 8 and son 7. Does anybody have any suggestions for shore excursions in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel? Any help would be very much appreciated.
We did it 2 years ago with a 4yo daughter and 9yo son
Grand Cayman - Sting Ray City was a must taking a catamaran ride over. Our 4yr was too young so we left her on the ship for that part of the day. The 9yr loves to show the pictures of him petting sting rays. Go on the later excursion when the rays are not so hungry and brazen to scare the kids. You will have to get a stingray stuffed animal as a souvenier at the end of the day.
Ocho Rios - We all 4 climbed Dunes River FAlls. Definately pay for the video of you climbing the falls and you must have water shoes not sandels to do this. Bring a disposable waterproof camera.
Cozumel - Swim or just get in the tank with dolphins the kids love it and the pictures are absolutely priceless. There was other tropical animals including birds that will rest on your shoulder sand hands for more great pictures. If the kids are into chess this is the port to get a hand carved chess set in stone or wood.
If your daughter wants to get her hair braided by the locals on the trip, we were told do not forget the sunscreen on the scalp (one little girl was in great pain) and no beads above the shoulders(else you can not sleep)
Been to all 3, loved the Dolphin encounter in Ocho Rios, snorkelling in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, but I didn't have young kids with me. Perhaps just a beach day? The dolphins are definately an ecxperience, and I hear the stingrays are too, although my trip was cancelled due to bad weather, so I really can't say. Enjoy the Navigator of the Seas! She is beautiful, we were "parked" beside her in Jamaica last month!
Perhaps you'd like to read the article I wrote on this family section of CruiseMates.com called "Back to the Beach." It gives suggestions for family friendly beaches in the ports you are going to.
I agree that your four year old will probably be scared of the Sting Rays in the Caymans. My daughter climbed Dunns River Falls with us when she was 5 and 7 and really enjoyed it.
Feel free to ask any add'l questions.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor
Thank you all for your suggestions. We will climb Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, we were glad to hear that other children had done it. In Grand Cayman, it looks like we will go to Seven Mile Beach, both our children have expressed fears in regards to Sting Ray City, perhaps my husband and I can do that alone, first thing in the morning, leave the children in the kids club and then take them to Seven Mile Beach in the afternoon. In Cozumel we will definitely take your advice and do the Dolphin Encounter with them.
Wendy i think that your kids aren't too young to enjoy StingRay City. The stingrays are very docile, they will just flutter past you, swim around you, if they do touch you it feels like a gentle tickle. Its an experience that i will never forget. The stingrays will not attack you or anything like that (unless provoked) if that's a concern. The divemaster gives very detailed instructions as to what to do and not to do. He may even, catch one for you to pet and feed, jmho. Also make sure that you and your kids have water sandals to climb the falls, not flimsy flip-flops or anything like that. I like the water sandals better than the water shoes, they give more support, the Tevia type sandals.
Casta:
You may want to ask your kids how they feel about the sting rays swimming around them. There have been some parents on this message board who said that their kids wouldn't leave the little excursion boat once they saw all the sting rays...then again, some other kids have loved it. In any case, since the excursions cost a fair amount of money, you should discuss it with your kids first.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor
Just got back from the Western Caribbean with children
Hi! We just got back from the Western Caribbean. I agree with the other posters and wanted to add a beach suggestion. Playa Del Sol Beach on Cozumel was very nice. It is $14 taxi ride each way (you can share taxis for this price which we did on the return trip) and $8pp admission to the beach (our 2.5yo daughter was free) - this includes use of the facilities, chairs, and I think maybe even some other fun beach stuff (like maybe snorkels? we didn't make use so I'm not sure exactly what all was included). There is also an all-inclusive option including drinks which we didn't need so I'm not sure how much that would've been.
The beach was very nice and clean. The waters were beautiful and calm. A lot of shallow areas but deeper as you swim out. Additionally, there was a lot going on - they even have an activities director with organized activities and music (lightly playing in the background). There were very friendly waiters bringing you drinks and snacks (starting to sound like being on the ship :-) There were plenty of chairs when we were there and the waters were not packed. They even have a little playground off of the beach. We had a great time there and would recommend it for anyone - and those with children.
Re: Just got back from the Western Caribbean with children
Thanks Jodi for the suggestion. I'm going to save it so when others ask about what to do there in the future, I can add yours!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Ive never been been to Ocho Rios but I hear they have a fabulous waterfall that you can get a formal tour of and the kids can climb . I hear it is spectacular.
In Cayman you MUST absolutely not miss the opportunity to "swim with the Stingrays".
It's amazing. Intimidating at first but something your children will never forget. It's completely safe.
Western Caribbean with children
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