It’s Turtle Time

Written by Turtle • Published January 2, 2025 • Updated March 20, 2026

Some adventures feel more special before you even board the ship.
This was one of those adventures – a group of friends celebrating milestones, Caribbean water waiting ahead, and a week of adventure aboard the Carnival Liberty!

Cruise Overview: Carnival Liberty’s Caribbean Itinerary

• Departure Port: New Orleans
  
• Cruise Itinerary: New Orleans ➜ Montego Bay, Jamaica ➜ Grand Cayman
  ➜ Cozumel ➜ New Orleans
  
• Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
  
• Cruise Ship: Carnival Liberty
  
• Date of Travel: May 2024
  
• Duration: 7 Days

Another cruise for the books. This trip was all about good friends, a birthday celebration, and a personal milestone—celebrating progress toward our master’s degrees. Travel always feels a little more meaningful when it marks a moment in life, and sharing the experience with a group of close friends made this Caribbean cruise even better.

Adventure at Sea: Sailing the Caribbean on Carnival Liberty

Dining Options

For this sailing, our group consisted of about eight people. If you are traveling with a group this size, one thing I learned quickly is that coordination starts before anyone even boards the ship. If your group wants to dine together in the main dining room or book a specialty restaurant like the Steakhouse, someone will need to call ahead with everyone’s booking numbers to make sure the reservations are linked.

When booking your cruise, each stateroom selects a dining time for the main dining room. If your group plans to eat there regularly, it helps to communicate early and agree on a time that works for everyone. Of course, the dining room is just one option. Carnival ships offer plenty of casual dining spots included with your fare, so you can always grab something at the buffet or one of the other onboard restaurants if your group’s schedules don’t line up perfectly.

For this trip, we sailed aboard the Carnival Liberty, a ship with a guest capacity of around 2,974 passengers. One thing Carnival does well is making sure there are plenty of dining choices available throughout the day.

Some of the included dining options onboard the Carnival Liberty include:

• Guy’s Burger Joint, serving up some delicious burgers
• BlueIguana Cantina, perfect for tacos and burritos
• The Main Dining Room, offering seated brunch on sea days and dinner each evening
• The Deli, where you can grab hot sandwiches and fries
• Lido Marketplace, the main buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Mongolian Wok, where you build your own stir-fry bowl
• Pizza Pirate, which stays open late and absolutely hits the spot after midnight

With so many options included in your cruise fare, it’s easy to combine options throughout the trip—try a little bit of everything or stick with the favorites you discover along the way.

The main dining room is a nice option if you’re looking for a relaxed brunch on sea days or a more traditional dinner setting in the evening. On previous Carnival cruises I’ve really enjoyed the dining room experience, but on this sailing the service unfortunately wasn’t quite up to par compared to my last trip aboard the Carnival Glory. After giving it a couple of tries, I ended up sticking with some of the other dining options around the ship instead. The food itself was still good, but the service made me decide to explore other spots onboard for most of the cruise.

In addition to the included dining venues, the Carnival Liberty also offers several specialty restaurants and paid options.

The Coffee Bar is worth visiting if you enjoy specialty coffee. They serve a variety of drinks, along with milkshakes and bakery items. I recommend stopping by at least once and deciding for yourself if it’s worth returning to during your cruise.

There’s also the Seafood Shack, another paid dining option onboard. I didn’t try it on this sailing, but one of my friends did and said he enjoyed the food there.

Finally, there’s the Steakhouse, which costs around $50 per person. While I enjoyed the ambiance, the food hasn’t quite lived up to the price for me. This was my second time trying it, and while the lobster bisque was good, the steak itself still didn’t impress me. I’ll give the Steakhouse another go, for I do enjoy the atmosphere.

Turtle Tip:
If you are interested in trying the Steakhouse, I recommend reserving your time before departing for your cruise. It is possible for the steakhouse to fill up, especially around popular dining times.

Entertainment and Activities Onboard

Beyond the food, one of the great things about cruising is that there’s almost always something happening onboard. Whether you want to play bingo, join a trivia game, attend a comedy show, listen to live music, or watch a movie on the Lido deck under the stars, the Carnival Liberty keeps the schedule full.

Some of my favorite things to do on the ship included:

• Bingo & Trivia: Test your luck and knowledge while connecting with fellow passengers. It’s a fun way to pass the afternoon and maybe win something.
  
• Live Music & Concerts: From upbeat pop performances on Lido Deck to Caribbean-themed music, there’s always something playing somewhere on the ship. My favorite spot for music is on Promenade, where I can listen to the live performances and enjoy a overlooking the stage. Quick tip: check the daily schedule for smaller lounge shows—they’re often less crowded and just as fun!
  
• Comedy Shows & Performances: Comedians perform nightly, and there are options for family-friendly or adult audiences. These are humorous, just do a check on whether the comedy show you’ll be attending will be family-friendly if you plan on bringing your kids!
  
• Movies Under the Stars: Grab a lounge chair, or soak in a hot tub on the Lido deck and watch a movie while winding down the night. New releases and classics may be playing on your cruise, and almost every night has a movie playing.
  
• Pools, Hot Tubs & Water Slides: I enjoyed taking a swim in the pool, or relaxing in the hot tubs. A great way to spend the morning or evening looking out at the sunrise or sunset.
  
• Mini Golf, Basketball, & Sports Activities: The ship offers ways to stay active from mini golf to basketball, ping-pong, or shuffleboard. Great for families or active travelers looking for a little competition.
  
• Dance Classes & Workshops: Ever wanted to try salsa, line dancing, or even a mixology class? Carnival Liberty has activities for every interest, and joining one is a fun way to meet other passengers. My next cruise, I plan on joining a class for the experience.
  
• Relaxation Spaces: Not every adventure has to be high-energy. If your perfect sea day involves a quiet spot, you can lounge on the deck chairs, curl up with a good book, or watch the live camera feed of the ship from your stateroom. It is amazing to wake up and view the gorgeous sunrise aboard a cruise ship!

From my experience, it’s almost impossible to be bored on Carnival Liberty. Even if you prefer a slow day in your cabin, there’s always something happening nearby. And for anyone who loves a bit of structured adventure, checking the daily schedule is key.

Turtle Tip: Don’t feel pressured to do everything. Pick a few experiences that interest you and leave time to wander the decks. Some of the best memories happen when you stumble upon something unexpected!

Before You Go Ashore: Cruise Port Tips for a Smooth Day of Adventure

Port days add another layer of adventure to cruising. Stepping off the ship into a new destination is one of the most exciting parts of cruising, but a little preparation can make the difference between a relaxed day exploring and a stressful scramble back to the ship!

From my cruises, I’ve learned a handful of simple habits that make port days smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.

What to Bring Off the Ship

Before heading ashore, I recommend grabbing breakfast on the ship, unless you have plans to grab breakfast ashore. Dining options are more limited while the ship is docked, and places like the casino and onboard shops will also be closed while in port.

A backpack is a very useful item you can bring with you for a day in port. It keeps your hands free while exploring and gives you a place to carry essentials or any souvenirs you might pick up along the way.

A few items I always make sure to bring:

• Ship card – required to leave and reboard the ship
• Photo ID or passport – often required at security checkpoints if you leave the port
• Backpack – will make carrying everything easier
• Comfortable walking shoes – especially if your plans involve hiking or exploring ruins
• Reef-safe sunscreen – many Caribbean destinations require it to protect marine life
• Water bottle – staying hydrated is key in the tropical heat

Having these basics makes it much easier to relax and enjoy your day exploring the port.

Watch Ship Time Carefully!

One of the most important lessons I can convey is this: the ship will leave without you!

Cruise ships operate on ship time, which may not always match the local time at the port. If the ship says departure is at 4:00 PM, that means 4:00 PM ship time, not necessarily the local time in the destination. They will make announcements and reminders to set your timing device to ship time.

On my first cruise (which you can read about here – Caribbean Cruise Adventure: Discovering Costa Maya and Cozumel), I actually watched some passengers miss their ship. From the deck, we could hear them shouting things like “What should we do now?” and “This isn’t fair!” as the ship pulled away from the dock.

Unfortunately, if you miss departure, the ship cannot wait for you. In that situation, it becomes your responsibility to arrange transportation to the next port or back home.

A few tips that help prevent this situation:

• Check the arrival and departure times listed in the daily cruise schedule
• Set your watch or phone to ship time
• Plan to return to the port at least 30–60 minutes early
• If the port requires water shuttles (tenders), confirm when the last shuttle returns to the ship (They will announce this before arriving to port, and they will have a schedule)

Usually, the ship will sound its horn as departure time approaches, but if you’re far from the port you may not hear it.

When in doubt, give yourself extra time to get back to the ship.

Ship Excursions vs Independent Adventures

Cruise lines offer a wide range of ship-sponsored excursions, but they often come at a higher price than booking your activities independently.

The advantage of booking through the cruise line is simple: the ship will wait if a cruise excursion runs late.

If you book a third-party excursion or plan your own adventure, you are responsible for making it back to the ship on time.

That doesn’t mean independent travel is a bad idea. In fact, it can sometimes be cheaper and more flexible. For example, if you’re able to get off the ship early enough, you might be able to drive to local attractions—like Mayan ruins or beaches—at a lower cost than the cruise excursion. I prefer to do independent adventures when I can, but I would much rather make it to the ship on time!

My advice is to compare:

• Price
• Travel distance from the port
• Time required for the activity

If the excursion takes you far from the port or runs close to departure time, the cruise-sponsored option might be the safer choice.

Safety Tips for Exploring Port Cities

Before heading out on your own, it’s always a good idea to check travel advisories and local safety recommendations, you can do that here: Travel State Gov

For checking the advisory:

• Click on the link
• Search the destination
• Click on the Link for your destination’s Travel Advisory

Cruise ports typically have designated tourist areas near the dock that are considered safe for visitors. If you plan to venture beyond those areas, take extra precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Always keep your ship card and identification with you so you can re-enter the port and board the ship when you return.

Turtle Tip for Scuba Divers

If you’re planning to scuba dive during a cruise stop, I highly recommend contacting dive shops in advance.

Cruise schedules can make it difficult for dive operators to coordinate trips that fit within the ship’s arrival and departure times. Reaching out ahead of time gives you a better chance of securing a dive during your port visit.

In some cases, you may even find private dive charters that can work around the cruise schedule. They may cost more, but they can be worth it for divers who don’t want to miss the opportunity.

On this particular cruise, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure a dive that fit within our port schedule. Had it been just me for this cruise, I’d have risked missing the ship to enjoy the underwater world.

A Quick Reminder About the Caribbean Sun

One final lesson we learned the hard way: don’t underestimate the Caribbean sun.

On our second sea day, my partner spent a little too long soaking up the sunshine and ended up with a sunburn that lasted nearly two weeks after the cruise. A good reminder that sunscreen isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity when you’re spending time on the water.

Bottom Line: Enjoy Your Time in Port

At the end of the day, cruise ports can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you make them. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, snorkeling crystal-clear water, or simply enjoying local food and culture, there’s usually time to fit in a couple of activities before heading back to the ship.

Montego Bay Cruise Port: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Our Day in Jamaica

Our first port of the cruise was Montego Bay, Jamaica, and it would become quite the highlight for our trip. From the lush green hills to the clear Caribbean water, the island immediately felt vibrant and welcoming.

Like many travelers, I was aware that Jamaica often appears on the U.S. travel advisory list under a “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to crime in certain areas. Because of that, we decided to book a ship-sponsored excursion so transportation and logistics would be handled for us. I’m glad I did, the drivers drive aggressively to say the least!

For this stop, we chose the Zipline and River Tubing Adventure with Chukka, a popular excursion that combines a little adrenaline with a relaxing float through the jungle.

Ziplining Through the Jamaican Jungle

Here’s a quick look of one of the zipline excursion in Montego Bay!

After leaving the cruise port, we boarded a bus for the drive to Zipline and River Tubing Adventure with Chukka. The ride itself was fun, with great views of the countryside and plenty of laughs along the way.

Once we arrived, the staff recommended leaving valuables on the bus or secured in a bag to avoid losing anything during our activities. From there, we were fitted with our zipline gear—helmets, harnesses, and gloves—and the guides walked us through a quick safety demonstration.

Their instructions were simple:

• Keep your legs tucked up when approaching the platforms
• Use your glove behind the pulley if you need to slow down
• And definitely don’t grab the cable in front of the pulley unless you want to risk losing a finger

The guides were hilarious the entire time, cracking jokes and keeping the group laughing while making sure everyone stayed safe.

Reaching the zipline platforms involved a moderate hike through the jungle, with steep steps and scenic viewpoints along the way. It’s the kind of hike where you’ll pause for a moment—partly to catch your breath, and partly because the views are worth stopping for!

Turtle Tip: Bring water for this excursion. The hiking portion can be surprisingly physical, especially in the tropical heat.

For anyone comfortable with moderate activity, the zipline experience is absolutely worth it. Gliding through the jungle canopy with views of the Jamaican landscape below was an unforgettable way to experience Montego Bay.

River Tubing Through The Jungle

After finishing the zipline course and hiking back to the pavilion, we returned our gear and prepared for the second part of the adventure: river tubing!

Compared to the hike and ziplining, the tubing portion felt like a well-earned reward.

We climbed into our tubes and floated down a cool, gently flowing river surrounded by lush greenery. Every now and then we’d pass through small rapids that added some excitement to keep things interesting without taking away from the relaxing atmosphere.

At one point, the guides floated by handing out tropical rum punch, which was a delicious treat to relax with on the river.

Between the cool water, the jungle views, and the laid-back vibe, it was the perfect way to unwind after the zipline hike.

Near the end of the ride, there was a rope swing where anyone could jump into the river before returning back to the pavilion.

Lunch and Returning to Port

After the tubing experience, we made way back to the pavilion where lunch was waiting. The meal was authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, and after a morning of hiking and river tubing, it tasted hit the spot! Delicious herbs, fall-off-the-bone, hands down the best I’ve had!

Once everyone finished eating, we boarded the bus for the ride back to the cruise port in Montego Bay, still laughing and sharing stories from the adventure.

Is the Montego Bay Zipline and River Tubing Excursion Worth It?

For travelers visiting Montego Bay on a cruise, I would absolutely recommend this excursion—especially for anyone who enjoys a mix of adventure and relaxation.

The zipline course does require some moderate physical activity, including hiking up steep paths between platforms. But the reward consists of incredible views and a fun time.

Pair that with the peaceful river tubing afterward, and it feels like the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

Montego Bay left a strong impression on me, and it’s definitely a destination I’d happily return to on future cruise itineraries.

This excursion will take pretty much the entire time at port, so be prepared to do this and then head back to the ship if you choose to do this!

Grand Cayman Cruise Stop: Snorkeling Eden Rock and Exploring Georgetown

Our next port stop was Grand Cayman, and it was one of the most beautiful destinations of the cruise. The island is famous for its crystal-clear water and world-class diving, so naturally I had scuba diving on my mind before we even arrived.

Because Grand Cayman is a tender port, we boarded a water shuttle to reach the island. The ride in offered incredible views of the harbor and the colorful waterfront of George Town, the island’s capital.

If you’re cruising the Caribbean, I highly recommend adding Grand Cayman to your itinerary—especially if you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.

The Dive That Almost Happened

Originally, I planned on scuba diving in Grand Cayman, which is known as one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the dive schedules available that day didn’t leave enough buffer time to guarantee making it back to the ship before departure.

If I had been traveling solo, I probably would have taken the risk and gone for it anyway. But traveling with my partner—and a little encouragement from the group to play it safe—ultimately convinced me not to push my luck with the ship’s departure time.

It was probably the better decision, even if the diver in me still thinks about what might have been.

Snorkeling at Eden Rock

Since scuba diving wasn’t in the cards this time, my partner and I made our way over to Eden Rock Dive Center, a well-known spot for snorkeling and diving near the cruise port.

I had originally hoped to dive there, but the dive center required a buddy system for certified divers, and my partner wasn’t certified yet. This made snorkeling the next best alternative.

And it turned out to be a fantastic choice.

The snorkeling area around Eden Rock is known for its clear water, coral formations, and marine life. We were able to see plenty while exploring the area. One particularly friendly fish even swam alongside us for most of the time we were in the water, almost like we had a little underwater tour guide.

Floating above the rock formations and watching the fish move through the reef made it easy to see why Grand Cayman is such a popular destination for divers and snorkelers alike. I look forward to returning and scuba diving on the next stop here!

Cozumel Cruise Port: Renting a Car and Exploring the Island

Our final port of the cruise was Cozumel, Mexico, a destination famous for its turquoise water, Mayan history, and world-class diving.

Originally, I had hoped to squeeze in another scuba dive here, but sometimes cruise travel requires adjusting plans. By the time we arrived, a certain sunburned travel companion (who may or may not have underestimated the Caribbean sun earlier in the trip) wasn’t feeling up to a full day of exploring under the heat.

So instead of packing the day with activities, we chose something simpler: renting a vehicle and driving around the island of Cozumel.

Sometimes the slower adventures turn out to be just what we need!

Renting a Car and Driving Around Cozumel

After spending a little extra time relaxing on the ship that morning, we made our way off the boat and made way to a nearby vehicle rental company inside the cruise port.

Driving around Cozumel was a fun way to see the island at our own pace. The main coastal road loops around most of the island, offering beautiful ocean views, beaches, and some small roadside stops along the way.

We decided to stop for fresh coconut drinks along the roadside, right on the beach. Sitting there with a drink, ocean breeze, and the sound of waves nearby added a sense of serenity.

Sometimes travel isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next—it’s about enjoying where you are.

Stopping by the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

During our drive, we made our way toward the entrance of the Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio, the most well-known Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel.

These ruins were once an important ceremonial site dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, and they’re a popular stop for cruise travelers interested in the island’s history.

Unfortunately, the sunburn situation hadn’t improved much by that point in the day, and the walk through the ruins would have meant spending more time in the heat than was comfortable. So we decided to save that adventure for another visit.

Why Cozumel is Worth Exploring

Even though we didn’t pack the day with activities, Cozumel still left a great impression.

Between the scenic coastal drive, the roadside coconut drinks, and the relaxed atmosphere of the island, it was an enjoyable way to wrap up the final port of the cruise.

Next time we return—and I’m sure we will—the plan is:

• explore the San Gervasio ruins
• spend some time in the water
• and hopefully get a Cozumel scuba dive in as well.

Cozumel is the kind of place where a slower day still feels like a great day in the Caribbean.

Final Thoughts on This Caribbean Cruise

Looking back on this cruise aboard the Carnival Liberty, it was one of those trips where every stop had something memorable to offer. From ziplining through the hills of Montego Bay to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water of Grand Cayman and taking a relaxed drive around Cozumel, each port brought its own kind of adventure.

Cruising also reminded me that not every plan works out exactly the way you imagine—and that’s part of the fun. A planned scuba dive turned into snorkeling, a hot Caribbean sun turned someone into a temporary lobster, and a full day in Cozumel turned into a slow scenic drive around the island. Yet somehow, those unexpected moments are often the ones that make the best memories.

For anyone considering a similar itinerary, here are my honest takeaways from each part of the trip.

The Ship: Life Aboard the Carnival Liberty

The ship itself had no shortage of things to do. Between the food options, live entertainment, trivia games, comedy shows, and evenings spent watching movies on the Lido Deck, there was always something happening somewhere on board.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes activity and energy on vacation, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy. And if you prefer to slow things down, there are just as many quiet places to relax and watch the ocean roll by.

Montego Bay: Adventure in Jamaica

Montego Bay brought a great adventure on the cruise. The zipline and river tubing excursion ended up being one of the most exciting activities of the entire trip.

The hike through the jungle, the views from the zipline platforms, and the relaxing float down the river made it an amazing experience. Pair that with some authentic Jamaican food afterward, and it’s easy to see why this stop left such a strong impression.

Grand Cayman: Crystal Clear Water and Island Charm

Grand Cayman quickly showed why it’s such a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Even though scuba diving didn’t work out this time, snorkeling near Eden Rock still gave us a great glimpse of the island’s underwater beauty.

Add in a walk through George Town, some good food, and a couple of dive shop souvenirs, it turned into quite the enjoyable day on the island.

Next time, though, I fully intend to get a dive in.

Cozumel: A Slow Day on the Island

Cozumel ended up being the most relaxed stop of the cruise. Instead of packing the day with activities, we rented a vehicle and took a scenic drive around the island.

Stopping for coconut drinks and enjoying the coastal views made for a laid-back Caribbean afternoon. Even though we didn’t check out the Mayan ruins this time, it gave us a good reason to come back.

And honestly, sometimes a slower day on vacation is exactly what you need.

Would I Take This Cruise Again?

Absolutely!

This Western Caribbean itinerary offered a great mix of adventure, beautiful water, and relaxed island exploration. Each port had something unique to offer, and the unexpected moments winded up becoming some of the most memorable parts of the trip.

If you’re considering a cruise with stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, this route is definitely one worth experiencing.

And who knows—next time around, maybe I’ll finally get that dive in.

Until then… it’s always turtle time