I changed my cruise

[gogetter]

Hello,

I originally booked the 3 day Fantasy for October. Sunday morning while looking at carnival.com, i came across the Fascination 4 nighter for a little less money...about $20 per person. So i changed it, plus i get to see 2 places i have never been.......Key West and Cozumel.....

So if anyone has stories or suggestions for either port....bring it on. :grin: :grin:

[Shari2]

Sounds like a good deal, gogetter. I haven't been to Key West, but would like to see it someday. I visited Cozumel in the '80s, so it was so long ago, I don't think I can be any help to you. We mostly walked around the town, and shopped and did some sight-seeing. We went to a disco(don't remember the name) and visited a nice hotel with a bar that was up high with a swinging bamboo walkway to get to it. I was too chicken to go up there! :grin: Sorry that I can't be of more help!

[DaCruzNut]

COZUMEL

One of my favorite stops, on Cozumel, is Chankanaab Park, just a short, ten-dollar (U.S.) taxi cab ride from the dock.

The park was completely rebuilt in 1996, and has something for everyone. Admission is $10.00 (U.S.), for adults, and children are admitted free.

The beach is less than spectacular, but more than adequate. There are palapas, on the beach, if you want shade. It’s appeal lies in the fact that the reef is just a few hundred feet offshore, and you can rent snorkeling equipment ($6.00 - U.S.) and scuba gear ($20.00 - U.S.) right on the beach. The snorkeling and diving is truly spectacular, with visibility 250 feet, on a “bad day,†and “Unlimited†on a “Good†one!

Within Chankanaab Park is an Archeological Park, which used to be on another part of the island, and was moved to its present site during the 1996 renovation. A winding, jungle-like, trail winds through the Archeological Park, past replicas of Maya, Inca, Olmec, etc; structures and carvings, and leads to a recreated Mayan village.

The park, also, contains a beautiful Botanical Garden, with hundreds of species of plants, and a large population of Iguanas.

But, the centerpiece of the park is Chankanaab Lagoon, a gigantic sinkhole which connect to the sea through a number of underground tunnels. A large assortment of tropical reef fish also make their way into the lagoon, through the tunnels, and can be viewed from the path, and lookout points, which circle the lagoon.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, but really nice souvenir, or gift, check out Roberto’s Black Coral jewelry, in Sam Miguel, on 5th Street South. Go to the top of the main square, the Plaza del Sol, and turn right. Roberto’s is about three blocks south of the square, on the northeast corner.

His work is, truly, extraordinary and his prices are ridiculously low. By the way, it IS legal to bring black coral into the U.S., if it’s considered “artwork,†and Roberto’s work fits the description.

The Mayan ruin at San Gervasio has not undergone the major restoration that the Mexican government had done at many of the other sites, such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Uxmal, etc; and is of interest only to those who are truly interested in Mayan history. It was an important site, historically, since it held the temple of the fertility goddess, Ixchel, but a relatively small one.

KEY WEST

in Key West, try the Old Town Trolley, or Conch Train. Both offer a tour of the island. The main difference is that the trolley lets you get off-and-on at various points.

Unfortunately, cruise ships have ruined the "quaintness" of the island. Duval Street used to be lined with shops that featured local art, glass sculptures, local foods, etc; Now, it's Ripley's Museum, Hard Rock Cafe, t-shirt shops, and the like. Some of the artists have moved to Washington Street, and others, but most have just left...

[gogetter]

Hello,

Awesome..thanks so much Jeff. :grin: