W. Caribbean Excursions - Frustrated and Confused! Help!

[blessedintexas]

We are a party of 6 - 2 senior citizens, 2 adults, and 2 boys (11 & 12) traveling on the Conquest 1/18. We've read a number of posts on booking outside of the cruise for Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

Jamica - cannot reach Peat Taylor and a-zjamaica is expensive. Question now is whether it is even worth the hassle of getting to Ochos Rios for the falls since we arrive in Montego Bay. Any opinions on just doing Paradise Beach, Margaritaville, and/or Rocklands Wildlife Station?

Grand Cayman - Not a boat person so I don't know the difference in the catamaran used by Capt. Bryan and the large, pretty, power boats used by NativeWay (who I also have had no luck reaching). Have read great things about both of them but noticed Bryan charges more for less time! Real frustration came when I called the 800 number for Bob Soto. They told me I couldn't book with them because they are Carnival's provider!

Help! We are wondering if we should just forget trying to do it on our own and suck up and pay the Carnival prices - which, by the way, are a mystery because Carnival won't provide them!!

Post Edited (01-16-04 11:13)

I'm always pushing people to do their research ahead of time and go on independent excursions, except in Jamaica! I've been there many times and it's worth to pay the crusie line fees for the excursions because it helps eliminate being hassled by local residents. Dunns River Falls is between Mo Bay and Ocho R. so I would think it would be offered from either port.
Sorry, but I haven't heard of the company that you mention concering Grand Cayman.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor