Chris

I would like to get some feedback from experienced cruisers out there about these two islands. We're sailing on the Summit in March and would like to know which Island would be better for snorkeling and swimming. Since our ship docks in St. Thomas, is it easy to get to St. John if that is a better place? Can we avoid a shore excursion and do this on our own? Would need info regarding ferry service/schedules etc...as well as cost for a taxi. We're looking for a fun relaxing day at a beautiful less crowded beach. Thanks!

Vic

Two thirds of St. John is a US National Park so most of he island remains pristine. The best place for casual snorkeling on the island is Trunk Bay. There is an underwater trail with descriptions. There's plenty of sealife and coral. You get a bonus, Trunk Bay is one the of prettiest beaches in the world.<BR><BR>We often enjoy independent touring off the ship, but in this case you're better off just using the ship's excursion to St. John. Everything is planned, so you won't be bothered.<BR><BR>

Andy

St.JOhn , on your own, is NOT advisable from the cruise ship as you have to take a FERRY and then transportation to the snokeling area-- TO depend on a Ferry to get you back to the Cruise ship before it leaves is very "iffy"...Go with the cruise excursion....<BR><BR>Also -since 9-11, you end up getting off the ship a little later than normal due to checking of photos ID's-- so it's better to do the excursions in the afternoon................<BR><BR>You can also take an excursion from St.THomas on a sailboat over to the ROCK RESORT in St.John and do great snorkeling from there also--the cruise ship has those excustions also.<BR><BR>Have fun!

cindi

The best place to snorkel is St. John, excellent underwater park with markers at Trunk Bay, Have been to both islands several times, St. John is the better for underwater.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Chris,<BR><BR>Yes, St John is wonderful but as Vic and Andy stated do the ship's excursion. I know a few passengers that have missed their ship by doing the trip on their own.<BR><BR>Paul

Peter

Paul, Paul - the proverbial cruise line spokesman. If you want to pay half again as much for the ship's excursion as you can arranging them on your own, follow Paul's advice. If you do a search on this forum or CruiseCritic for St. John snorkeling, you'll find plenty of people who got to Trunk Bay on their own for a fraction of the price. NONE of them missed the ship! As I've said before, the number of people who have missed their ship because of a privately arranged excursion is about those who have won the lottery. It happens, but I wouldn't let it influence my vacation.<BR><BR>My opinion on the original question - Coki Beach in St. Thomas - mostly uncrowded, very beautiful and plenty of fish and other underwater sights. We went scuba diving (resort course - no certification required) there last October and had a blast. $70 per person including transportation from the pier.

Paul Therault

<BR>Famous last words.<BR><BR>Paul

Chris

Thanks to all who posted their reply. We booked most of our excursions on the web. Celebrity makes it very easy to do this in case anyone wants to know. It seems that you all preferred St. John over St. Thomas. Looks like that is where were going. We've decided not to book a shore excursion in advance, but rather to wait until we get on board. We haven't yet made up our minds if we are doing a shore excursion with the ship, or talk to others and do this on our own. I think its a way and see thing once were there. Thanks to everyone for your input and experiences.<BR>Chris