Thread: Cruise Noob Needs Help PLEASE

So, a bunch of my friends (11 total) are going on the Carnival Mexican Riviera cruise in June. We have no clue what to do OFF the boat. We just planned on drinking and eating A LOT. But as soon as we port, we're clueless. We have ideas, but nobody is certain. ATV, zip line, snorkeling, parasailing, etc... We're young (23ish), so "extreme" is a "big" theme for the ideas. And being young means funds are "extremely" limited. A few of my friends are persistent on sticking to excursions provided by the cruise line itself, but those prices are "extremely" high. My thought is that "non-cruise line" excursions are dangerous IF you don't know where to go and who to ask. So I'm asking for some advice/info on how to handle this excursion issue. Should we just nip it in the wallet and do the Carnival approved excursions? Or are there some gems out there that many people do/use and aren't scandals? We'd really like to do 2 of those things that I mentioned earlier, but 3 would be ideal. The budget for most of us seem to be $300. And that's not a lot nowadays. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give this kid some elderly wisdom and advice on the best things to do out there. And the best way to choose them.

Thank You SOOOO Much

If this is your first cruise take the ship supplied shore excursions. It will save you a lot of frustration about not knowing what you are doing and give you a great deal of peace of mind.

Later, when you have a few cruises under your belt, then is the time to get adventurous.

Alternately hook up with experienced people on your roll call or similar itinerary roll calls. They may have done the legwork and might have some good ides.

Hi Yomahoe,

There are some definite options out there - but yes you do need to be careful about what you get yourself into (and this will take some time). Although each port of call is different, I would suggest the following.

1) Have a look through various roll calls and see who has done what tours in the past - you may even be able to contact them to see what they thought and if they can recommend the company
2) Take a look at tripadvisor - its not cruise specific but it may give you some ideas of where to start looking and you can read the reviews
3) Check to make sure which of the ports are tender ports or not - in these ports those guests who booked tours on the ship will always get priority and those who did not - well to be honest its a bit of a luck of the draw what time you get off. Also in these ports you have to be back at the ship at least one hour prior to the official departure time.

4) Take into consideration there may be a time difference with Mexico and its possible the ship is not on the same time (called ships time). Make sure when doing your research and contacting companies that you are both on the same wave lenght re: times.

5) If you see something and are really keen to do it and have done your research you should. BUT and this is really important make sure you have a fully comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for all activities and will cover you in case you miss the ship!

Please don't be nervous! But do be smart!

Wow, thanks for ALL the information. I definitely have some work to put in, but luckily I think I'm in the right place do that work. Thanks again

Roll Calls!

I never even thought of that! thanks for helping me too!

deff check out the roll calls also try Googling the ports and see what come up

Has anyone had experiences with TONS of hidden fees?

Not hidden, but ones that might not be known to a person just signing up as a first timer. Tips, drinks, shore excursions, pictures, fuel surcharges.......

Welcome to the world of cruising!

Donn['t forget to check out the forums under CRUISE PLACES here on CruiseLine Fans. There are lots of port-specific threads there, some about individual excursions, both the ship sponsored ones and thos provided by 'indy' operators.