Booked a family cruise on Royal Caribbean from Galveston going to Roatan, Cozumel and Costa Maya. Is it best to book excursions through the ship or does anyone have recs with local vendors at each of these ports? Already received great ideas for Cozumel. Would love to hear more about Roatan.

A lot of times I will send my clients shore excursions that aren't through the cruise line however, there is a benefit to booking through the cruise line line. If the ship can't dock in the excursions are canceled, the cruise line refunds your money. Usually if you book with an outside company, they don't (but if you have outside insurance it possibly would be refundable).

If you miss the ship because your excursion is late, if you book through an outside company, it is your responsibility to figure out how to get to the ship at the next port. There is a caveat that one of the companies I use has a guarantee to ship. But sometimes you can save money booking outside.

In Roatan, we did Maya Key and I think it was the best snorkeling I've ever done in my life.

In Cozumel, we did Paradise Beach Club and it was fantastic. Great service, good food. The kids really enjoyed the inflatable stuff in the bay, and I did too. Make reservations directly with the club. While everyone else is lining up like cattle, you walk right past them and jump in a taxi. Maybe 15 minute drive. It really was great. The pool looked crowded, but manageable if that is what you wanted to do. There were kids, but not so many that it was loud and kid themed. It also wasn't too expensive and you control when you leave in a taxi to go back.

Thank you both for the insight.

Check out Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya. They will refund you if the ship doesn't dock. They do provide transportation, but you have to find your way out of the maze of a port first.

For Cozumel, we never book through the cruise line. There are just so many better options. If wanting to do a beach again, we really enjoyed Nachi Cocom for a quieter vibe. We did do Paradise Beach for the first time in a decade earlier this year and enjoyed it. Just a lot more there if you have kids with you. We have booked a private boat before and that was nice. Got to go and do what we wanted.

As for Roatan, it is the best option for snorkeling. So, find a way to snorkel while there if that's on your list of things to do on the trip.

I always book through the ship just for the peace of mind.