Finally decided Carnival Cruise Family Vacation - Need HELP to decide ship

[millbud23]

Excursions? We are leaving from Galveston - 7 days - ports of call are Montego Bay Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. The ship excursions cost a fortune per person!!! I have been looking up some stuff from different websites and have found companies that charge less and work around the cruise arrival and departure times (because I know people are scared of getting left behind). What should I do? Should we book with the ship? Outside the ship? Just hang on the beach and not book a thing? HELP!! The cruise was $2,000 for My husband, me, and our 11 year old - not bad I thought, but we just can't spend a fortune (please no more than $500) what do you all think? 1st time cruise, nervous! Any tips would help:)

[Elle Z]

Let me start by saying that all of the taxis, tour guides and buses have to pay for a license to come into the terminal to pick you up. Because they pay their dues they charge you for reimbersement. if you walk right outside of most terminals you can get a taxi or tour for a fraction but keep in mind the cruise co's pay kickbacks to make sure you are in vehicles with drivers they approve.Grand Cayman: Take a taxi to seven mile beach. All you pay is to pass through the hotel to get onto the beach. It is a private beach and I haven't found a way around the admission cost but it's gorgeous. Jetskis are about 60 bucks for half an hour. Bring water shoes, snorkel and goggles with you! Renting them is a ripoff!Montego Bay: Dunn's River Fall's. You can get a taxi here without going thru the cruise line but keep in mind the cruise line insures all excursions are still in business and safe. And don't worry about being left behind. If you can't find a cab back from the fall's any one of the tour buses that are working w/the cruise lines will bring you back for a tip!Cosumel: Just hop off the ship, grab a cab and go tour the city. Have the cabbie drop you where ever you'd like.

[Ronald]

Pick up a copy of Peter Greenberg's Travel Detective book in the library. He has one on cruising. The tips will save you a ton of money.