Avoid these Caribbean cruise tourist traps!

[@coldfeet1337]

as a follow up, could you make a video of your top recommendations on what to do in each caribbean port? same format as this video. thank you!

[@jcspotter7322]

Parodeejay has a playlist of different ports and what to do at each port in both the caribbean and alaska

[@denisek7009]

I went to Cozumel last year and went on purpose to Senior Frogs. I was wearing a denim shirt with heavy embroidery with their logo. We got free shots for our anniversary and ballon crowns, and I went on stage with staff and other guests to dance! Actually, we wish we had eaten there, because they were less expensive than Hard Rock, where we ended up. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back there - such a great experience!! Sometimes “tourist traps” can be fun experiences!! 👍🏼

[@williamwatson689]

Doug, you forgot to include the shops, such as maybe Diamonds International, in some of the cruise line owned ports, that must provide some kind of financial compensation for steering cruisers via the cruise port talks held on board. Let us hear more to this.

[@roiijamez33]

Ditto!

[@kennywalker4091]

(That's Matt, Doug has Cruise Radio with the Daily Cruise News.) Diamonds International is a chain with high end jewelry at lower duty free prices. All items have a lifetime guarantee that they will fix or replace items purchased there. I have friends that seek them out at every port. I don't wear jewelry or watches so I have no use for it.

[@jcraigshelton]

100%

[@AnonyMous-nl7ig]

Some 'traps" have financial arrangements with lines and wont be criticized.

[@bronzefox9035]

I often wonder how people can have a bad time at any port. There is such rich culture and history in these places. It is so neat talking to the locals. We have been to many ports. The common phrase we hear is, "No one ever really talks to us. They treat us like we are invisible. They come to our island dont care about the people. No one even says hello.". When I looked around at all the tourist, I could see exactly what they were talking about.

[@blargblarg5657]

Being Mexican I can say the ports in Mexico I've been to don't look, smell, or taste like the Mexico I know. To pour salt in the wound they're also ten times as expensive.

[@sarao8074]

The people in the port areas are too aggressive and annoying. Why would I want to talk to somebody who keeps shouting at me about the prices of products I accidentally glanced at.

[@RAnnD78]

No regrets about an entire afternoon at Maho Beach--drinking beer, eating tacos, hanging out while we waited for the 747 arrival. Our family are aviation geeks so I'd probably do it again. A "tourist trap" is defined as a place where you are misled about what's there and pay an extravagant price. Maho Beach is neither.

[@mr.balloffur]

I can wait to go there in December

[@dutchcrunch91]

100% agree. We loved spending maybe an hour at the bar nearby and jogging over to take a picture underneath a plane as it was landing.

[@fordrock]

LOVE this beach and the plane spotting. Actually got ENGAGED with a Jet Blue 767 flying overhead right at the moment! Going back in October 2024 for our 4th wedding anniversary!

[@MikeyAtTheBar]

I loved Maho Beach. If you're an aviation geek (like me) it's a great time. The drinks at Sunset Bar were shockingly cheap. Others who don't get as excited as I do just watching planes, might get a little bored after the first few arrivals. The bar does post all scheduled flights, so you know when something good is coming. It was an easy shared van ride from the port.

[@carlosescobar2170]

As a fellow aviation geek thanks for this insight. I could watch planes all day while in port and good to know Sunset Beach is decent.

[@Bill-A-DFW]

I agree and I work for a major airline as a mechanic...

[@markcrowell2727]

100% agree - SXM always has us going to watch the planes and having drinks/food.

[@johnvamvo5438]

i’ve been 3 times now i can’t get enough of. it’s a lot of fun . CHEAP BEER AS WELL!

[@nmraidernation.6092]

Maho was fun as hell!!! We didn't go out of our way to get there, it was part of a booked tour, spent about 1 hour there and to see the planes coming in so close was actually cool!! Great vlog btw! Dude, there is lots to eat and drink there!!! Did Dunns River Falls, literally from the ocean to the very top, got baptized Jamaican style, I actually enjoyed it and remember this excursion!

[@jasonstringfield2453]

For Maho Beach, recommend checking a flight tracker app to see when the big planes are coming through. St Maarten is French and Dutch so they have direct flights from Paris and Amsterdam multiple times per week. The Sunset Bar and Grille has the flight schedule each day and what type of aircraft it is so you can get a picture with a 747 right on top of you and then leave. We stayed at the Sheraton Maho Beach and watched people stand on the beach as planes took off and they got absolutely sandblasted with jet exhaust!

[@jeffthomas7383]

I agree with Costa Maya being the definition of Tourist Traps. I remember asking a vendor where the exit was and he said "through here" and shuttled us into the shop. Of course it wasn't the way to the exit, but still pretty funny.

[@lhern8008]

😂

[@paid4c4]

Matt, I agree with all of your evaluations. The best thing I can say about Costa Maya is I get the ship to myself or at least less of a crowd. I think the only passengers who visit Costa Maya are first time cruisers, surely nobody goes for a second time. Bill

[@slimpickens01]

It would be cool if cruise lines did a western Coco Cay or Paradise Island private island. It can be done either in Honduras or Belize

[@SueBohlinDallas]

I really enjoy Krazy Lobster in Mahahual and have enjoyed multiple visits. It's worth it to navigate the labyrinth to get out of the port.

[@PdawgNizzle]

We did Dunn's River Falls last year and yes there were a lot of people. The guide was rushing us up the falls. The worst part of the Falls was trying to get back to the parking lot through the artisan market.

[@EntropyGuardian]

The maze back to the bus where you are being harangued left and right is something else

[@veronichelle]

YES. the number of sexist and racist comments we received on the way back to the bus put such a damper on the day

[@williamoday573]

Gotta say I disagree with throwing the Southernmost Point onto a "tourist trap" list. First, it is absolutely free - so it doesn't really fit into the definition of a tourist trap. Second, yes, I believe that capturing that memory in a photo can be important. Sure, I can find a rock anywhere and give it a smooch, but that won't make it the Blarney Stone, and not every bell that is or has been rung is the Liberty Bell. Sometimes an "almost" substitute just doesn't cut it, and when the real deal is free, and will probably take only a 15 minute wait, I'd say it's worth it. Plus there is a frozen cocktail stand about 100 yards away to help ward off that Key West heat!

[@sonicimperium]

Glad I was able to enjoy the Keys and Key West long before the cruise ships were allowed.

[@jeffthomas7383]

Yeah it is obligatory to get the pic at least once

[@tongueking]

It's a trap because it's not the southern most point. The area to the right of it (Whitehead Spit) is slightly farther south. I think it's a Naval base.

[@ModernMyths]

I did it and found it enjoyable. The only problem I have is getting to it from the ship. There's walking, taxi, or take a tour that drives all over the island (which you can get on and off all day there). Still I loved it, I really wish Royal would put up what cruise ship actually stops at Key West. I want to go back and take a look at all the other museums they have there.

[@williamoday573]

Actually there is a free bus service, the Duval Loop, with a stop less than a block from the dock, and another less than a block from the Southernmost Point. If you make it back to Key West you might want to check it out. You could ride in air conditioned comfort, round trip, for free. It has, I believe, 18 stops in Old Town Key West.@@ModernMyths

[@MegaFuzzy10]

So glad I went to Dunns River Falls back in the 80s when it wasn't so crowded!

[@sl4193]

Thank you Matt, appreciate the points you made. Forewarned is definitely forearmed.

[@lauribalderrama8102]

So glad you mentioned Costa Maya. We were there as a alternate stop during hurricane season in 2006 and it was a horrible experience. The port was not built up with the shopping maze you mentioned yet but as we walked along the pier exiting the ship area, it was literally lined with men holding rifles along the entire pier. Pretty scary sight and one we have never forgotten. Even back then the salespeople were very pushy and quite rude. Will never go back there.

[@james-rd4dq]

Just stay on the ship, nobody forces you to get off.

[@CydeWeys]

We really enjoyed our stop at Costa Maya, but that's only because we booked our own trip to go see some Mayan ruins at Chacchoben which was amazing. The cruise port itself was like a maze or escape the room challenge we had to do to get to and from our vans to do the excursion.

[@lauribalderrama8102]

@james-rd4dq Well you don't really know if its going to be a good or bad experience until you check it out.

[@Judythe1]

$465 to go to a hotel property for a single day? Absurd.

[@VoiceEnFuego]

Yeah it has a water park and stuff

[@tduck828]

If people pay it, they'll charge it.

[@jcspotter7322]

​@@VoiceEnFuegoyou can get into a better waterpark in florida for $100

[@VoiceEnFuego]

@jcspotter7322 no argument I just know that's a big part of the draw

[@zoyakrasnozhon66]

no, $465 is for swimming with dolphins, and the day pass is around 200

[@alejandrodpose]

Thank you for this! My wife and I are going on our first cruise next month on Allure of the Seas and your tips have given us great confidence. I saw that Atlantis excursion you mentioned at 2:45 and freaked out at the price, but then we found some more sensible options that matched our interests a bit better.

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

Costa Maya port😕. It is so stressful walking through. You are constantly chased by the merchants. If I said “No Thank You” once I said it 100 times. The pool water looked scary. If you want all the cheap souvenirs, you will find them there. My suggestion, take an excursion away from the port area. I cruise a lot and have learned never do anything close to the actual port. Get out and explore the less commercial areas.

[@robcotter12]

I buy a drink or two at Senor Frogs and just watch people and laugh. I honestly have a good time because they people are always fun.

[@jcspotter7322]

I had a shot of tequila cost me $20 never planning to ever set foot in one again

[@robcotter12]

@@jcspotter7322 that I do not blame ya for. I go for the goofy mixed drink. Shots are WAY inflated there

[@SinisterMD]

The Mel Fisher museum in Key West is well worth it.

[@KXBroeke]

Royal Caribbean is working really hard to get Coco Cay to the top of this list.

[@brettparnell8254]

Glad you reassured my decision to do Orient Beach instead of Maho Beach on my next cruise. Agreed with Cosya Maya. Get out, grab a cab to Mahauhaul, and go for drinks, beaches, or scuba diving there.

[@jayroberts9103]

Orient Beach is also 'clothing optional',, be aware we'll all be Nekkid.

[@brettparnell8254]

@@jayroberts9103 Great to confirm. Even better as far as I am concerned.

[@johnnolan5579]

It always fascinates me how all the little tourist shops in the Caribbean sell virtually the same thing. No one seems interested in trying to create a unique vibe, and sell different product. As far as I'm concerned they're all tourist traps.

[@carlosescobar2170]

Another great video. Will def book Maya Chan if we ever go to Costa Maya. To be fair… sometime I feel like the Royal Promenade sales … watches, jewelry. Etc. … are also a tourist trap but at least you can avoid the promenade. 😂

[@sonicimperium]

Isn't the entire cruise experience pretty much a tourist trap? $30 extra per person per day to drink decent coffee and carbonated beverages?

[@Dangic23]

No. Because you are willingly booking and know what you are getting. The places listed in the video are just garbage.

[@rachelkim4457]

Or u could just not get extra drinks and have a much cheaper vacation than usual. Ur choices and preference doesnt = tpurist trap experience for everyone

[@sonicimperium]

@@rachelkim4457 You completely miss the point...

[@robindodd1969]

Maho beach and Atlantis were 2 of my favorite excursions ever. The Southern Most Point is iconic and it’s a beautiful walk over there. I’m not sure “tourist traps” are all that bad. The biggest trap you failed to mention in this video is at Senor Frogs when they pour a seemingly complimentary shot in your mouth only to circle back around with the bill🤣

[@bigguy1403]

I agree 100% with you. My problem is that my wife Loves Loves Loves these peddlers. She buys everything there selling. Total Junk. I have boxs in our garage full of all this Crap. Never gets used thank god but sits in boxs.

[@garouthetiktokinfluencerhu9731]

my wife does the same 🤣

[@bigguy1403]

@garouthetiktokinfluencerhu9731 lucky us bro lol

[@user-qr4uh2wj9l]

I am so glad you included Costa Maya. I slammed RC in my recent review of our last sailing (Allure OTS 10/8-15) for stopping at such a terrible tourist trap. Normally we just stay on the ship. I would much prefer more trips to Progresso. At least there you can take an excursion to Merida, a beautiful city full of rich culture and heritage. Thank you for this video.

[@GrayShadow13]

Agreed, Costa Maya is a waste of a stop.

[@ss_sailaway]

Absolutely love Merida.

[@pattiabb3259]

Agreed 100%, Costa Maya is a waste of time with greedy people trying to get your money. I was there 3 weeks ago for 1st time, never again. I mentioned this to Royal Carribean in their after cruise survey.

[@athlon9394]

I liked Costa Maya. We went on one of those pyramid tours. Thought it was great.

[@mayr989]

Agree costa maya is a waste of time and tourist trap.

[@chefpaul6348]

Have gone to Senior Frogs in Puerto Vallarta and the view was incredible. You are high on a mountain side overlooking the harbor and the food was great including the margaritas.

[@GerardPinzone]

Most excursions at the Dominican Republic are a little shady. I did the Monkey Island Adventure tour. It took almost two hours each way to get there. The roads were pretty narrow at some points. Thank goodness I rested for most of the trip. They neglected to mention (until we were all on the bus and were passed the barbed-wire fence separating the port from the rest of the country) that there's a 100% chance the monkeys will pee on you. They also drag you through a sales pitch about the products they sell after you interact with the monkeys. I still don't regret doing it, but I thought everyone else should know.

[@tduck828]

Oh no. That's good to know!

[@corrosive69]

we did Monkey Land in march and it was awesome!

[@crscott9908]

If you go to the DR again, check out Iguana Mama excursions. Good value and excellent reputation.

[@stevek7068]

An alternative to Dunns River Falls is Konoko falls. The 2 are nearby, but Konoko gets a very small fraction of the visitors. Climbing is at your own pace and works really well. The falls are shorter, but steeper.

[@james-rd4dq]

In Cozumel I suggest you do the hotel day pass next to the pier (EL CIBA Hotel). its a short walk, and the pass is all inclusive, food and drinks and use of their amenities for about $40 per person.

[@hnt253]

Did you book this ahead or time? Just looked online and their website says it was $84 per adult. Just trying to get my best value and experience

[@james-rd4dq]

No we just walk over to the hotel from the pier. @@hnt253

[@james-rd4dq]

Also I guess the price must have went up in the last 2 years since i been there last@@hnt253

[@MercenaryTX]

Went to Chacchoban for Costa Maya excursion. Very good.

[@applestopears133]

What I think for costa maya and all shopping piers is get out first have your excursion or explore then on your way back u can look for a little souvenir

[@krose318]

Literally, Costa Maya is an entire tourist trap. I'm not happy it's a stop. There is nothing to do with my child. Not spending over $100 for a waterpark. Beach it is, like we don't get enough of that in FL

[@user-qr4uh2wj9l]

Totally agree. The more we complain and refuse to go ashore, maybe they will listen, especially if we stop spending our money there.

[@edw5208]

Costa maya is a bad stop. When there are several ships it REALLY SUCKS

[@dboc2000]

Its terrible and RC shouldn't stop there.

[@Stelletti]

Nothing to do? Bacalar lagoon, rafting, Mahahual, and mayan ruins? Has more to do than most stops and that isn't counting the beaches. Yes the port sucks.

[@krose318]

@@Stelletti I'm clearly not counting the beaches, completely unappealing. I have a 5 year old, so there's nothing to do with small children unless it's the beach.

[@artssygrl]

For me, it was the Mayan ruins tours; I've taken two. Both were pretty much a wasted day of mostly driving to and from the ruins with very little time while there and no time remaining once returned to port.

[@robertflynn3874]

Maho Beach and the water slides at Atlantis is worth doing once.

[@donaldcook4061]

Costa Maya is a subdivision near the village of Mahahual. Costa Maya was actually created for the cruise shop industry. If I did my research right, no one actually lives in Costa Maya. The port is 100% man made just so cruise ships could stop and bring money spending cruisers. Which is why it's such a tourist trap.

[@krose318]

Can you recommend anything to do with a 5 year old. She's too young to care for history and no beaches.

[@donaldcook4061]

@@krose318 they do have swim with the dolphins and a bird sanctuary of sorts there. For a fee of course.

[@Jeff-and-Joe]

Well, you didn't mention it, but at least you showed it at least 27 times. Diamonds International!

[@pippinrocks]

Would love to know these for other areas! Alaska, Mediterranean, Pacific ports

[@bretthines4257]

I would agree about Atlantis. We we’re going to go there for our Honeymoon. But the cost was outrageous for a week. We decided on 10 days in Madagascar and still came out cheaper with a much better experience. As for the airport in St Martin. I agree to an extent. If your not an aviation nut, you may find it underwhelming. However I went there when I was 8 and loved it! I’m looking forward to taking my little one on our cruise.

[@zesolodar]

honestly its not just atlantis, but the nassau as a whole. i would actually say pretty much the entire island is kind of a trap. we went recently for a family trip and we went due to my sisters kids and dads health it was just easy to get back to the states if we had to. absolutely insane how expensive it is. our last family trip before the pandemic was whistler BC (highly recomend) . we flew first class from the east coast, stayed at the four seasons in suites for ten days, plus all the activities it was about half the price as the bahamas was (only there for 4 days) also when we were in whistler it was crankworx which is a massive mountain biking event and its the last crankworx event of the year and since whistler is the mecca for MTB it gets busy which means its even more expensive. still with that going on it was still much cheaper

[@dustyvanbrocklin4731]

Uh I don’t want to be a stickler, but southern most point is for the contiguous United States. The actual southern most point is in Hawaii.

[@stevek7068]

I don't know if these qualify as "tourist traps" because they really are amazing places, but there are places so crowded with vendors being in your face that it really takes away the experience. 3 that I come to mind are Chitchen Itza Mexico, Tulum Mexico and the Walled city Cartegena Colombia.

[@bisho1p]

Labadee is the worst. Love the island and activities, but the level of harassment from people trying to drag you into their shops/stalls to get you to buy crap is INSANE. This is a private island owned by RC and they need to put a stop to it.

[@TommyH1975]

been to labadee 6x and never had anyone harass me or anything. wierd

[@christygoettel645]

If you go to the market area you can get pulled into the local market which is very aggressive. Just avoid the market and no one bothers you.

[@bisho1p]

@@TommyH1975 lol you’ve never tried to walk through any of the market areas then

[@JonathanEzor]

For aviation fans like me, the St. Maarten beach would absolutely be worth it, since the planes *are* the attraction.

[@chefpete91]

Matt, love the channel!! I listen to the podcast regularly on my work commute I must say, I gotta push back on Dunn’s River Falls being a trap because it’s absolutely stunning and not something people like me who are landlocked get to experience on a consistent basis. Yeah it was INSANELY busy, but I don’t remember the crowds when I think back on that trip. Just how beautiful the falls were. With that said, I definitely loved Blue Hole too. Making that jump was Top 10’ scariest things I’ve done in my life. Lol

[@CYCO1631]

Agreed... been there twice, and have a framed picture of Dunn's River hanging over my fireplace.

[@so4reelz]

I have to agree with you too. Dunn's River (although crowded), was probably one of our favorite excursions. My 7yo son loved it too. I also enjoyed Blue Hole. But if you don't like crowds, river tubing in Jamaica was actually quite fun and relaxing! Didn't feel rushed.

[@johnreynolds4213]

I've been to The Blue Hole on the recomndation of a local and it was amazing. We tubed down the river after the falls and it felt like our group were the only ones around.

[@izzyvet]

I love going to Maho Beach!! I always hang out at the Sunset Bar, I get there early on my own before all the excursions show up. Cheap drinks, decent food and have always had VERY good service there. I agree, the beach isn't much, but if you are a plane nut - like I am - then it is a very cool place to hang out.

[@MsBambi39]

That is so true about Coasta Maya we couldn't find our way out😂😂

[@user-qr4uh2wj9l]

We kept asking how to get to cab stands and they lied to us 3x 3 different people to keep us in the port. Never again.

[@billeger5565]

Agree with Matt on Maya Chan Beach being terrific…but if you’re using the MCB-contracted transport, not only do you have to suffer the gauntlet at the port, you also have to walk another quarter mile to the transport pick-up point. And the road to/from MCB is less than unimproved. It’s actually hazardous.

[@emmetlover206]

The Skyride in St. Martin. It takes you to an area where the only thing you can do is eat and shop. Plus the ride up is only about 2 minutes.

[@Kyle-ee8sl]

Ive heard about that one!!!

[@dennisblazey3315]

All of the port shopping - with Diamonds International leading the way. Think Tanzanite!!!!!!

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

No name bar is where alot of crew members go when they are getting ready to go back home from work. There are lots of old name tags on the walls from crew members. I saw it here on YT. Looks pretty cool. For me a place to avoid is the Straw Market in Nassau, Bahamas. It's crowded and the sellers are in your face trying to sell you things. It's annoying and frustrating.

[@PatrickWagz]

Same kind of aggressive selling in Labadee Haiti. It was the worst.

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

@@PatrickWagzIt's funny how Haiti is basically considered a 3rd world country and yet these ships go there. If I'm ever on a cruise that goes, that will be a ship day for me.

[@terryalleyne1202]

You went to these places at least one time to make these determinations...I think it's fair to allow people to experience these places for themselves...and decide what suits them! Not everybody drinks the same cup of tea! Besides after many visits you become a bit jaded...as opposed to persons doing something for the first time!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yup, I went there and regretted it

[@Wild1995]

Blue Lagoon Island is the biggest tourist trap in the Bahamas. Its has no beach to the ocean and is an old industrial canal with old beach toys floating around

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks Matt, however you could have mentioned expensive day at coco cay. I will never take a cruise that stops there again. It is literally a trap wanting to squeeze as much money as possible out of cruisers.

[@s.n.e.8941]

Oh, that's interesting. I never spent any money there and have a great day. I don't feel like people are trying to squeeze money out of me when I'm there. If you mean the amusement stuff, I just simply walk past that and go to the beach that I want to enjoy for the day.

[@moyeromaha]

I have been there many times and never spent a dime. They have free pools and beaches, they do have things that cost money, I wouldn't call it a trap.

[@julescates8149]

Coco Cay is definitely not the definition of a tourist trap, so much to do there and don't have to pay anything extra...not unless you want to

[@christygoettel645]

There are inflated prices there on certain things but LOTS to do for free.

[@cash082]

So much to do there for free. It's a great day typically. Never have had a problem with it actually. Same for Labadee. Labadee they can be a bit pushy in the market but yeah. Grab a chair and enjoy the beach and have some free food. No biggie for either private island.

[@davidhoffman8122]

We went on a snorkeling excursion that stopped at Maho beach for about 30 minutes. I do agree it is a "one and done" BUT we did it that one time.

[@One6pack]

I like Senor Frogs. It's a place to drink a few before you go back on the ship. And since it's close to the ship, I wont be a pier runner.

[@terryalleyne1202]

It's also a franchise that some people have experienced in the US and love it!

[@nab6068]

I found maho beach to be fantastic. Plenty of flights came in and it was a thrill to stand in line with the runway. My wife did love her visor from jet blast but she did get to drink for free at the bar. 😊

[@TB4Jesus247]

First time to Cozumel (August 2022), Senor Frogs was terrible. It was extremely loud and uninvited physical groping by the waitresses. It was not a place someone like my self can handle. We got up and left, and opted for Margaritaville, which was much quieter and laid back. Those were the only two options we saw.

[@InitialDave210]

Going to any US restaurant at a port stop will be an anticipated disappointment. We walked 2-4 blocks out of Cozumel port stop to see a row of tourist-friendly restaurants at nearly half the cost of the port city restaurants. This also applied to gift shops and almost everyone spoke English, too. This was a better experience.

[@TB4Jesus247]

@@InitialDave210 that was the worst port experience for us. It seemed every two feet, there was someone trying to drag you into their shop. There was no opportunity to breathe in peace.

[@BrianAlt]

Maho Beach is worth going ONCE for about an hour, maybe less. Costa Maya cruiseport is incredibly terrible.

[@steventwiddy3402]

I’m so glad to finally hear you say something on the cruise is ridiculously expensive, I was thinking I was just a cheap ass !

[@markcrowell2727]

Your spot on with most of this. 100% disagree about watching the planes at SXM. There are several bars around the airport...with decent food and drinks. Again, it may not be your thing, but SXM has MANY people who swear by going there every time they go there. Maya Chan beach is a gem at Costa Maya - 100% agree.

[@rosalynnecole23]

Atlantis - good to walk thru and see 😂🤣😂🤣

[@elainedonnelly]

Awwww we love Maho Beach… we pick itineraries based on a stop in St Maarten, and we head there for the day, our fav cruise excursion by far 😊

[@fordrock]

Absolutely most unique beaches in the world! And got engaged there with a jet overhead! Going back for anniversary.. lol

[@WastingTime8340]

Maho beach is a favorite destination of mine bc I’m an aviation geek. Definitely a niche thing though.

[@helciobmello]

I am going to sail to Nassau and Puerto Costa Maya in January. Thanks for letting me know about those pitfalls.

[@stevenfoster9402]

11:06 the guy looks like he heard the narrator 😂

[@heliman29]

Mannnnn Matt... you TOTALLY nailed it on this list... haaaa!!! I have done all of these over the decades and you're 100% correct!

[@lesm3870]

Was about to type “go where the crew goes” but you called it at 5:30 👏🏽

[@Be.My.Driver]

My first time out of the country will be the stop at Costa Maya off the Mariner in March 2025. My first cruise. And really, my first adult vacation. I was planning on just walking around the port and doing the tourist stuff because i dont know how anything works. I thought, walk off the ship, see what's there, shop a bit, walk back on the ship. Keep it easy. After reading all these comments, im not so sure!

[@MarcelGravel-so2go]

My wife and I went to senor Frogs in Nassau and it was absolutely fantastic, we had a blast!

[@MrMighty0z]

Comparing the prices of Atlantis to Coco Key . . . Which is the overpriced rip off, honestly?

[@KXBroeke]

On my SymphonyOTS cruise next summer, Atlantis Aquaventure is $40 more for adults and $60 LESS for kids than Thrill Island. Meaning Atlantis is $80 CHEAPER than Thrill Island for me and the kids. On top of that, Atlantis has more to offer. But Atlantis is the trap? lol

[@christygoettel645]

We went on Mariner recently and brought our own snorkel gear. We paid for one floating mat and had a blast snorkeling and then hanging out in the pool. Free lunch, free chairs, free entertainment in the pool. There are definitely expensive options there but if you utilize the free options you can have a wonderful day with little cost.

[@MrMighty0z]

@@christygoettel645 I’m not saying you can’t avoid spending money at Coco. But when a cabana for the afternoon is more than a cruise price, it’s fair to point out. Look, he quoted a price in the mid $400 range to go to Atlantis that included a dolphin encounter. The dolphin encounter is getting near $300 alone. Add transfer, admission, and I think other considerations, compared to a $2000 an afternoon cabana I think it’s unfair to call out Atlantis without admitting that Coco is at least as bad if not worse.

[@MrMighty0z]

@@KXBroeke exactly! As much as I love RCCL, Coco is a MUCH WORSE ‘tourist trap’ than average. Fwiw, I am willing to admit Coco can be done on the cheap. But if you have kids, you know you’re dropping at least $300 between the water park and sun dries.

[@brandonhowell1789]

Boy do I wish you made this video about a month ago, we were on Adventure at the beginning of October and we didn't have an excursion for Costa Maya planned prior to about 3-4 days before sailing. We like drinking and decided to do some chocolate and tequila tasting thing in the port, and were we sorry...the only good part was that the initial building we were in had AC cranked up...we got one chocolate egg, then tried 3-1oz drinks a guy made using a cheap tequila in a dark room, then we were out the door. No information about how the two were tied together, no historical info, no different kinds of tequila, nothing paired...it was a very strange experience and I am super surprised that it was a Royal Caribbean endorsed excursion. This was our last port on the sailing, and yeah the entire area felt sketchy. We were good with getting back to the boat quickly, and it was kind of a bummer to end ports that way on an otherwise awesome trip. Any future sailings we will avoid an itinerary with Costa Maya on it.

[@scottlenyo8579]

I agree, pretty much with most of your list, but I would like to point out in Costa Maya, one can get a beachside massage in the cruise port for less than half of what one would pay on the cruise ship. I went to Dunn’s Falls as well And I agree it’s OK. It wasn’t as bad as some would say, however it’s really far from the cruise port so it’s like an hour and a half hour- 45 minute bus ride to get there and when you leave the Falls you have to go through a flea market of Locals selling handicrafts who are super aggressive. The Falls were nice. It wasn’t as crowded as all that, but it was a long bus ride there and the super aggressive vendors outside the falls, kind of diminished it in my mind.

[@jimward7881]

Half price???? I have been there twice a tourist trap BUT an hour long massage on the beach was $20. Plus a $5 cab ride each way. And a $10 tip. That’s equals $40. That is one QUARTER of a massage on the ship just saying

[@thomasplewes8470]

Most aggressive vendors in the world. We felt physically threatened at Dunn's Falls.

[@SAGAFSC]

Dunn's River Falls is about 5 minutes drive away from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port. It sounds like you went there from Falmouth Cruise Port with is in another parish.

[@scottlenyo8579]

You are half right, I just looked it up and we went to Montego Bay as our cruise port to get to the Falls. That being said the vendors outside the Falls that you have to walk through are what really made the trip unpleasant. Our tour guide warned us about them and the whole bus walked through together. I pity anyone who went there self exploring and went through the vendors unaware

[@james-rd4dq]

Agree if you pay for cruise ship massages your a fool. @@jimward7881

[@jamesgardner578]

I’ve never been on a cruise so this will help me a lot!!!

[@cindybridges3046]

LOL you are so on point with these. I have to say though that I love Key West and do enjoy the souther most point.

[@plugchapman]

if you do Duns River make sure you go up behind some one with a nice rear end bc you gonna be looking at it for over an hour

[@oldguy9078]

Not trying to be an A hole here but we have been on many cruises to most all caribbean islands. To be honest if you have seen one caribbean island you have seen them all. Not saying don't get off the ship we still get off for excursions if it is somewhere we have never been before. And for safety only get your excruisions with you cruise line. If something happens on an excursion booked with your cruise line they will wait for you, if you book on your own once on shore and you are late getting back they will leave you !

[@RBickersjr]

I must respectfully disagree with one thing on one port. I personally liked the very inexpensive bird "aviary" thing that you can go thru at Costa Maya. I really like the swinging bridges and walking over the entire Port area. I also liked the views from above the shops and got some of the better pictures of the ship from that area not to mention pics of people interacting with dolphins directly below me. But you're absolutely right about it being a maze though.😂

[@scottholloway2401]

We enjoyed the Aviary as well. We got suckered in on the Chocolate and Tequila tasting (which honestly wasn't that bad), but I'd definitely recommend the Aviary.

[@RBickersjr]

@@scottholloway2401 We only decided to do the aviary. Happy with all the views.🥰

[@TattooedGQ]

Spot on with Costa Maya.....took me forever to figure out how to get out of there to wander aimlessly through a random part of Mexico in search of authentic food. But mannnn I love Dunn's river falls. Sure its crowded and touristy, but its fun as hell.

[@neutrinolinux]

Here's an idea in St. Maarten: go to Johnny's ATVs early about 9 AM (it's about a 5 minute walk from the cruise pier), get an ATV. Go to Maho, see the beach for 10 minutes, say been there done that, and head north. See the whole rest of the island. Takes about 3 hours or so. See the murals along the way. Stop and look at the view. Eat at the smaller local restaurants. No uncomfortable tour bus, no "everybody back to the bus now", no preset tourist trap stops, just explore and have fun. Be sure to take a decent cell phone or GPS receiver with you... not a whole lot of road signs to guide you along the way.

[@iluvutube4886]

The real problem is that enough people keep paying these ridiculous prices for ANYTHING! The same reason as to why cruise prices are what they are now. Some people I swear the prices couldn't be high enough and they still want to pay more!

[@dangerzone24]

Really disagree w Maho Beach. The sand was powdery soft, the planespotting was fun, and the bar was nice and offered free Wifi. (food was ok, and a little pricey but still ok)

[@mdcastle]

Was in Key West, although we drove over the overseas highway, was able to get a pictures of that silly monument. There's so many qualifiers to "Southernmost Point" 1) There's a bunch of uninhabited islands to the west and slightly south of Key West 2) The southernmost point on Key West the public can reach is the beach in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It's a nice beach shaded with palm trees and isn't a bad place to relax for a few hours while the rest of your cruise is getting drunk in noisy overpriced bars. 3) The southernmost point on Key West period is in a non-public area of south of the park that's owned by the Navy as sort of an annex to the Naval AIr Station. 4) The building that's right next to that silly monument extends farther south that it. I think thie idea is that this is the southernmost point (that we could legally erect a concrete monument on).

[@OaklandTravel]

There's actually a line to get a photo at the southern most point in Key West. It gets so bad, it blocks traffic.

[@pagaporvista569]

Did Dunns RIver Falls, it was very crowded. Probably would not do it again on a cruise day but glad I did it once in my life. We did not go through the ship, hired outside tour. Best part was the trip to a great jerk restaurant afterwards. We're going back in a few weeks where the group we are going with wants to go to Dunn River Falls, I may skip out. Thanks for the heads up on Blue Hole. We did a tubing excursion last time, that was fun.

[@crashedherparty]

thank you thank you thank you, you've saved me hundreds of dollars because there are several excursions listed here that i WAS going to purchase and have now chosen not to. thank you!!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad I could help!

[@Niallisababe1]

I love how you kept saying to get out of there as fast as you can 😂 The cost of the Atlantis stuff is outrageous. You can get a cabana rental on the ship for less and most ships have the slides for the pool and stuff. Only thing I would do is swim with the dolphins

[@truthalways8071]

Oh my God I’m so happy somebody mentioned this customer is exactly as you described. It is a disgusting maze and there are no lifeguards on the beach in Dominican Republic. It’s horrible.

[@maryhanrahan6967]

Crazy Lobster in Costa Maya is great.

[@cpl366]

40 Cannons is also a great beach stop.

[@jeffreyantell7117]

Agree about the port of Playa Maya - a complete waste of time BUT the nearby Rio Secreto cave system is phenomenal and I only wish the tour (most of which you are partially immersed) was longer. This is a not to be missed natural attraction.

[@ChrisOliverTriValleyRealtor]

Totally agree about Costa Maya... My least favorite stop in Caribbean. As a former airline employee, I enjoyed Maho beach once..You are correct, the beach itself is nothing close to specactular. Got some cool pics but don't need to go back...

[@mattarmson8324]

Noted for costa maya, we did Dunns river falls while not on a cruise and it was fairly quiet and excellent

[@gianniatthedisco]

Honestly, for key west, we took pictures at the mile 0 with zero lines. It was great and literally down the road from ernest Hemingways house.

[@SilverHonda0767]

I agree with the other comment; can’t call the Southernmost Point (buoy) a “tourist trap” It’s one of the free things you can do in Key West. Key West itself has become overpriced in recent years no parking and overpriced food but people still flock to it. However, don’t visit the Southernmost Point at night since a woman got raped there a couple of weeks ago and two men a couple of years ago used a discarded Christmas tree and placed it at the buoy and set it on fire. People also urinate on it at nighttime too. Have fun at the buoy and take tons of pictures during the day but it’s free.

[@mikecruz9867]

New shops at the multi-million dollar expansion at Nassau - The prices are RIDICULOUS - a baseball type hat was selling for $45.00 - cheap arts and crafts were in the hundreds - the only busy kiosks were the ones selling drinks - VERY few people carrying bags with merchandise - Keep walking past this place and go along Woodes Rodgers Walk and Bay Street to get more humane deals.

[@robinsanfilippo8866]

omg just came back from Costa Maya! So true. We were circling the area trying to escape to return to the ship. not doing that again!

[@rosalynnecole23]

Senor Frogs - been there done that 😂🤣😂

[@VoiceEnFuego]

Good for my pressed penny collection

[@josephj9828]

Ha, I loved going to Hell! It's an obvious tourist trap, but it was a nice little stop on our trip. And same with Dunn's River Falls. I recall it being moderately crowded when I went on a June cruise, but it wasn't a mad house like you suggest.

[@MsRENO1977]

I agree with Costa Maya… talk about predatory vendor overload….

[@bisho1p]

Costa Maya has NOTHING on the level of harassing people to buy stuff compared to Labadee. The people selling stuff in Labadee are like next level harassing.