Alternatives to shore excursions - Eastern Caribbean cruise -Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Freeport, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay would be the cruise lines private island (carnival I believe, right??). I'm sure they have things to do excursion wise, but since it's just an island you would be able to just lay out at the beach and enjoy the water.

In Freeport we did a fishing excursion, it was pretty fun. We sailed through Carnival for our cruise (it also left out of Baltimore). Around the area we left for the fishing excursion there was a bunch of shopping you could do (I think you could just take a bus there). For cruises I always suggest checking the forums through the cruise line. If the cruise is through Carnival, they have a wonderful forum section. We've cruised Carnival on all of our cruises except the first on (NCL and I wouldn't go back). Carnival's forums have been really helpful. People offer a lot of info regarding the ports, excursions, gives you an idea what ports are like and if you need to book an excursion or can just walk to something. If you don't have any luck through the cruise lines forums (which it would be hard not to) you can also check out cruisecritic. I tend to stay on Carnival's forums though.

Thank you! I will check these out. It is Carnival.

I was specifically wondering if there are any nice beaches, restaurants, and shopping near the ports in these places, withing walking distance. More research to do!

Freeport had like a flee market type thing right near where u get off ship... Beach is with in walking distance, I've only been to Freeport and Nassau

Freeport had more little sidewalk shops but seemed like a very poor country and I wouldn't go much further then the beach! I'm more then sure the other places will have things to do right where you get off ship too!... It's so exciting to be in a new place you'll have a wonderful time! Whenever I travel I always read up on tripadvisor and Google search to get ideas And information and find it VERY helpful!

Grand Turk should have you at the pier that is literally right on the beach - like, you walk off, the cruise terminal for ID checks is attached, and then you can walk to the left or the right for beach. It was one of the best stops for that when I went with Princess in February; we didn't have to plan anything ahead of time and just wandered and found a place to relax and swim.

Grand Turk, not worth going into town. Walk right off the ship, buy a beer and bring your towel, water is great. Save all your money for a cabana on Half Moon Cay, or better yet a Villa on half moon cay with a hot tub. Worth every penny! Love your name! I have all the comics.

Thank you!! I was looking at those cabanas! Wish I could afford the villa! OMG it would be fantastic! We did get a balcony room on the cruise at least.

I have only 3 red sonja comics lol.