carolapplebee

Just returned from a recent cruise, to the Western Caribbean, and had an amazing time. Our entire family is hooked on cruising. We just took a cruise on the Royal Caribbean, and had an spectacular time. We are already searching for another cruise, but looking at a Carnival Cruise this time. 

Our favorite stop had to be Cozumel Mexico. We never seen more shades of blue anywhere in the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel Island def stole my heart, and want to do another cruise that stops there. I guess it would be a Western Caribbean Cruise.

I think the main reason we loved Cozumel so much, was because of the tour we did in Cozumel. The Cozumel tour we took was probably the best excursion we have ever done on a cruise. We did our research on travel pages, such as TripAdvisor and now that were members on cruise crazies, well be on here searching for recommendations as well. But my recommendation for Cozumel, has to be the Custom private Cozumel jeep tour by Cozumel Cruise Excursions NET (CozumelCruiseExcursions.NET) We took a jeep tour in Cozumel before, but it was a caravan tour through the cruise line, which we will never do again. We were a little skeptical booking away from the cruise line, but it was the best decision we ever made. Not only do they provide you with your own private jeep and guide, they throw in cooler of beer and water. The pick you up right from the cruise pier too. We had a really fun and informative guide, named Carlos. He was so down to earth, and full of information about the island. 

If you go to Cozumel, you have to snorkel or dive. The private Cozumel excursion, included a private snorkel tour at a nice beach club. We did expect much since we were only snorkeling from the shore, but were we wrong. It was a really great location, and we got to see lots of sea life. Our kids loved snorkeling, and since it was a private tour, we got to snorkel a long time. Carlos, recommended that we get a move on if we wanted to do the rest of the things on our list. You get to create your own tour, but they do have a recommended itinerary, which was exactly what we wanted to do anyone. They really do take you to the best places in Cozumel. Its no wonder they were rated as the best Cozumel tour to get the most out of your day in Cozumel. Our next stop was Punta Sur Ecological Park (hope I spelled that right). Theres a lighthouse here, and unfortunately, there is no elevator , but the climb is worth it. The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can see along the East Coast of Cozumel, which they call the other side of Cozumel. It was really amazing because Carlos said the east coast was protected, so there arent any houses or resorts, and NO electricity. It was like stepping back in time. Our next stop was the lagoon, where we got to see crocodiles. One of our favorite things about the tour, was the other side of Cozumel. We drove along, and Carlos bulled over on the road and there was just jungle. But little did we know that there was a small path, that took us to the ocean. It wasnt a beach, but beautiful rock formation, and there were blowholes here. Words can not describe the beautiful sights. We would have never known that was there, because its hidden by the jungle. We were the only ones here too. We continued to travel along ocean side, and take in the sights. We stopped at a few more places before having lunch at a nice Beach Restaurant right on the beach. Our last activity in Cozumel was the tequila tour, which turned out to be really nice. We figured it would be a sales pitch, but it was recommended, so we checked it out and we had lots of fun. They give you free shots, and even had some non-alcoholic drinks for the kids. We even had time for some shopping afterwards, and Carlos got us to great deals on Cozumel souvenirs and t-shirts. 

I promised Carlos and John I would share our experience because they are family run business, and rely on their guests to promote their tours. But we had such an amazing time, and saved so much money, its the least I can do for them. 

Our second favorite stop on the Western Caribbean has to be Belize. Maybe not as nice as Cozumel, but it is still paradise. We decided to go diving here, which turned out to be lots of fun. I cant remember the dive company, but when I do Ill make sure to put them here because they were really great. It was our kids first time diving, and they were so excited because they have been waiting for years to go. Our dive instructor Mike, was such a great guy. We was very patient with us, as my daughter was having trouble. He helped her calm down and she gained the confidence to move forward with the dive. 

We are pretty much an all American family who really enjoy taking a nice cruise. We try to take at least 2-3 cruises a year, and always looking for bargains. So if you know of any, hit me up! 

Keep on cruising cruisers! Much love!

Carol Applebee