How To Plan Your Caribbean Vacation

A cruise to the Caribbean sounds lovely...but you don't enjoy sticky sand or water activities.  Will you be bored when we're in port?  Maybe you have children and think the expense would be more than your budget allows?  Desire detailed information on what exactly an "all Christian cruise" means?  Well, we're here to help you plan your Caribbean vacation!

MTQ is excited to be a part of The Singing at Sea Cruise February 15-20, 2016.  We would love to be your host as we sing with over 25 performing artists, listen to solid preaching from the Word of God and laugh from the lighthearted performance of Christian Comedians.  Add to that gourmet food and the turquoise waters of Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and you have a great vacation with an inspirational twist!   

The deal doesn't end there, in 2016, kids 15 and younger sail free (when rooming with two adults - port charges and gratuities do apply - see brochure).  During our cruise, the casinos and bars will be closed, making this the ultimate cruise experience for those wishing for a quiet week on the water.  When you choose MTQ as your host, we will spoil you with a special gift, private concert and evening meals together in the dining room.  We depart from Tampa, Florida on Carnivals ms Paradise - we hope you will consider coming with us!

If you're wondering what kind of activities are available in each port of call, keep reading!  We have broken down possible excursions and sites into two categories - 1) Water and Beach Activities.  2) Historical Sites and Land Tours.  With these tools, you can plan the activities that appeal most to you!

Water and Beach Activities...

Grand Cayman is considered the "beach day" of the trip.  The island's famed Seven Mile Beach has been rated as the number one beach in the world by U.S. News and World Report; dig your toes into fluffy white sand and rest while the crystal waters lap onto shore.   On the other hand, if you feel that Seven Mile Beach is too crowded during cruise season, you may want to hire a taxi and go to West Bay Public Beach.  Restrooms, changing facilities and dining at Alfresco Restaurant are all available.

Swim with Stingrays Stingray City and Sandbar is one of the Cayman's most popular attractions!  From one of Carnival's excursions, you are taken by boat to the sandbar to swim with the friendly stingrays in crystal clear waters.  You can walk in waist high water, snorkel or simply watch from the boat; these sea creatures are waiting to welcome you to their abode!

If you like beach days in both ports, you may want to consider Paradise Beach in Cozumel.  There is no admission charge to the beach itself, but you can rent beach chairs for approximately $2 and purchase a "Fun Pass" that will give you access to over 14 water accessories such as:  snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, waterslides, water trampolines and more - this would be a great place to take your children and/or grandchildren!

This is a beautiful sandy beach with access to restrooms, showers and places to change clothing.  There is a restaurant nearby along with places to get a massage.  Located 9 miles south of San Miguel (Downtown) and 5 miles south of the International Cruise Ship Pier.

Dolphin Swim & Snorkel Like the idea of swinging with the stingrays in Grand Cayman?  Then why not swim with the dolphins in Cozumel?  On the "Dolphin Swim & Snorkel at Chankanaab Park" excursion from Carnival, you can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Want to be on the water but not in it?  Then maybe a Glass Bottom Boat Tour is right for you!  On one of these tours, you can see many varieties of fish without being in the water snorkeling.  Enjoy the ride and the view from above!

  

Historical Sites and Land Tours...

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, also in Grand Cayman, is a great place to learn about the island's history.  The Visitor Center is built to resemble Colonial Caribbean Architecture and you will feel like you're walking back in time as you stroll through the brick courtyard, surrounded by the vegetation of the island and its native flowers.  Keep an eye out for the blue iguanas too!

Discover Mexico Park! In Cozumel, you can take the "Cozumel Highlights and Shopping" excursion where you will visit a Mayan chocolate factory, a Mayan house, Discover Mexico Park, stroll through gardens and get a view of downtown on your way to the market where you can purchase your own Mexican souvenir.

Pedro St. James If touring a restored historic home by guided tour appeals to you, check out Pedro St. James National Historic Site in Grand Cayman.  The home was originally built in 1780 and has been restored to reflect the island life and history of the period.  A presentation will begin the tour, then a guide will take you through the home and explain the Cayman history from its discovery by Columbus up to modern times.

Spectacular Views Punta Celerain Lighthouse sits at the southernmost tip of Cozumel and offers a stunning view of the shoreline from the top.  Once you arrive at the lighthouse, additional activities are available on sight, such as: a few shops, museum, beach and the ECO Park.  The lighthouse contains 134 steps.  Bring your camera along!  The views are spectacular!

Explore Ancient Ruins

Enjoy a piece of Mexico's history by taking a tour to one of the many ancient Mayan ruin sites on Cozumel!  On the island, you can visit San Gervasio, Castillo Real and El Cedral.  Learn the history and culture behind the Mayan civilization and how the Mayan people lived their everyday lives.

For additional information, please visit the MTQ Cruise Page.   

We hope that you will join us for a Caribbean vacation this winter!