I just returned from a 7 day western Caribbean cruise on RCCL's Voyager of the Seas, that stopped in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I would be happy to answer questions about the ship or the ports. I did a lot of snorkeling.

Hi Dennis: Where did you find the best snorkeling? Overall, how do rate the "cruise" experience vs. staying on an island at a resort or hotel? what destination did you like the best, overall? Just curious.

Hi Dennis,<BR><BR>We are snorkelers and are considering Grand Cayman vs. Curacao for the end of March. Which has the better snorkeling in your opinion?

Dona, <BR>Sorry, I have not been to Curacao so I cannot compare it to Grand Cayman.

Mary, <BR>I have not stayed on any of the island so I cannot compare it to staying on a ship. I like cruising because your 4 or 5 star hotel goes with you, you see a variety of places and in most cases it is less to much less expensive than staying on an island. You can cruise for a week for as little as $500, sometimes less, including all meals and entertainment.<BR><BR>I liked Grand Cayman and Cozmel for the snorkeling, and Ocho Rios for Dunns River Falls.

As to snorkeling:<BR><BR>The place that you do not want to miss is Sting Ray Sand Bar on Grand Cayman. Lots and lots of sting rays 3 to 5 feet across swim among you - the water is about 3-5 feet deep, and you can usually stand on the bottom. You feed them squid that are provided. If there are professionals there, they will hold the stings rays and show you how to do so. Ask them. Many people considered this the highlight of the cruise. You may have to step into water over your head. You do not need fins or snorkels here, although many people used their snorkels to view the sting rays under water. Water slippers are advisable. Cruise's have several tours which include Sting Ray Sand Bar. We went on a private smaller tour. This stopped at 2 snorkel sites in addition to Sting Ray Sand Bar (note, it is often called Sting Ray City which is at another location and is a dive site). You also get a decent view of the rays from the boat, even if you don't go in the water.<BR> <BR>There's good snorkeling on Grand Cayman that's a short walk from the cruise pier - no need to book one with the ship. At the end of the pier, turn right and walk to Eden Rock (less than 1/4 mile) - they rent gear there if you need it and rent lockers. The beach there is non existent, but there are places to get into the water. There are 2 other snorkel site that are accessed from this same entrance point.<BR><BR>Forget snorkeling at Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I recommend using a private tour operator, Peat Taylor Tours. It was great ($25 including Dunns River Falls).<BR><BR>On Cozumel, go to Chankanaab Park. Just get a taxi from the cruise pier for $8 each way. The entrance fee is $10. The is a "National Park" which includes an interesting archeological area, a botanical area, a nice beach and snorkeling (OK but nothing to go there for specifically), and a dolphin park. This is the place the cruise ships bring people for a dolphin "experience". The dolphin swim looked bery interesting. You are with the dolphins abour 45 minutes and get pulled by 2 dolphins by holding onto their dorsel fins, and get 2 dolphins<BR>pushing your feet (some people were out of the water down to their calves). This cost $120 and could be booked at the Park. <BR><BR>The better place to snorkel, I have been told, is at to Dzul Ha reef. If you take a taxi, just ask for Dzul Ha (zool ha) and they will take you right there. At Dzul Ha reef there are two beach clubs. There is a hotel on the left side of the road across from the beach clubs. The northern beach club is Club del Sol, named after the hotel. The southern beach club is Dzul Ha, named after the reef. Dzul Ha is also south and closer to the cruise ship pier than Chankanaab Park.

Dennis, my sister and I are going on a 5 night cruise in April with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. We definetly want to snorkel at the Sting Ray Sand Bar and are wondering what would be the easiet and most economical way to do that. Did you book it on the ship or do it on your own, I know it can be cheaper to go on your own....Do you remember what it cost you? I have spent a week in Cozumel before and definetly agree with you on Chankanaab park, my sister cannot wait to see the statue of Christ on the bottom...it is truly beautiful there. We will go on our own in Cozumel as I am familiar with the island. I did do the dolphin swim when I was in Cozumel last and it was awesome...very costly but cool...Any advice you could give me on Grand Cayman would be greatly appreciated. We are only there from 7am until 2pm. Thanks, an underwater lover, Keri

Keri:<BR><BR>You'd be smart to check out Cayman's tourism website and contact several reputable private charters to do 1/2 day snorkeling. Many tours dont run on the day the ships are in port because its just way too crowded. But I am sure you can find them. You may also consult a book I saw used from B&N about Scuba in Cayman which also listed snorkel tours. But we paid $30 USD and went on a 3 stop trip which included transport to and from hotel. It was worth triple that. <BR>The cruise ship I am sure charges at least $100. And then your stuck with many more people. <BR>Have a great tip<BR>JK

Hi: check out captain marvins or kellys watersports for stingray tours. Book on your own - way less money then doing it through the ship. Also, I hear the ship gets boats that hold tons and tons of people whereas the private tours have a max of 20 people

I am considering going on the VOS in June. I have never been on a cruise before. I was wondering what it was like climing Dunns River Falls with 3k other people? Did you fell crowded on the cruise when dining, shows, rock climbing? Was it too crowded @ Sting Ray Sand Bar for you? Can you list some cons about the cruise and or excursions? Thank you!

can someone tell me if they ever booked the sand bar (swimming with the sting rays) tour from a ship (in particualr the Summit/Celebrity)..which one? and who ran it and was it worth it...Is it better to book independently?

I would definitely book independently of the cruise ship - many of the tour operators that take people to Stingray sandbar have websites. Do not miss it - so much fun!Here is a list of contacts:<BR>Capt. Marvins - email to: [email protected] or phone at 345-945-6975<BR>Bayside Water Sports - email t:<BR>[email protected]<BR>Also, Red Sail Sports has a beautiful catamaran that goes out to Stingray sandbar. You could do the morning trip and be back in time I think. They have a big website. I think it is redsailsports.com<BR>It often gets crowded out at the sandbar depending on how many cruise ships are in port. But it's worth going to anyway. Email me if you need more information.

We're going to be on a Carnival cruise to St. George and Cozumel. Would like to try to avoid the ship's shore excursions and go it alone. We've been to Cozumel a few times, but not Grand Cayman. Where did you snorkel in Grand Cayman? Do you have any opinion about Stingray City? Could you tell me about current cab fares and park fees. Thanks for your help.

Sorry for my impatience Dennis. I realized upon further reading that you have already answered all my questions. Thanks again.

Hi Dennis: This is the exact cruise that we are looking at taking for our honeymoon in Sept 03. All the reviews of the ship that I have read are great. Did you enjoy your time on the ship? How were the rooms? I am a first time cruiser and want to be sure we'll be comfortable while on the ship. Also, I was wondering if you would recommend the Western Caribbean as opposed to the Southern Caribbean? (if you have been to both...) How was the food? What type of demographic on the boat? Age, kids?, honeymooners?, etc. I appreciate your feedback! Thanks.

Hi Dennis,<BR>We will be going on our first cruise and have a question for you. The cruise we are taking goes to Cozumel and we want to do the swim with dolphins excursion. So my questions are about that. If we book it through the cruiseline I understand that it does cost more, but they provide the transportation. I don't want to get ripped off, but I don't want the ship to leave without me either. I understand that if you book your excursion through the cruiseline then they have to wait for you to get back if there should be some kind of transprotation problem. I also understand that there are plenty of cabs right across the street from where the ship docks that will take us to Chakanaub (sp). My concern is returning from the park. Are cabs also readily available at the park. I also heard that if you don't book the swim with dolphins through the cruiseline that chances are likely that by the time you get to the park it will be all booked up for the day. Is this true? I will be in port from 8 - 4. Will there be enough time to do the swim with the dolphins thing and get some shopping in too. Please let me know if all my assumptions are true or if I'm way off base.<BR><BR>Thanks

To do a snorkel trip to Stingray city from a cruise ship, just get off the ship. There are several tour operators waiting to book you and furnish transportation. And yes, they are reliable.

Dennis, We are taking the RCCL's Brilliance of Seas - I have been reading up. Your recommendation about Cozumel - going to Chankanaab sounds good. I have a young child who has never snorkled so it might be a good introductory place for her. The other place you mentioned Dzul? How far is it from where the Crusie ships are? Is it for more advanced snorkers?<BR>Peat Taylor's in Ocho Rios - What does there tour consist of? Is it small groups of people? What do you get for $25.00? In regards to the various operators who do Stingray City. Which one did you go with? Which has the nicest boat, smallest group of people?<BR>Child-friendly? Looking forward to our cruise on the Brilliance in April. Thanks

Umm...folks, this thread is over a year old. Don't think &quot;Dennis&quot; is around anymore...however, on my last cruise, I got great info from www.cruisecritic.com. They have message boards, search feature, all arranged by either cruiseline or port or subject matter. Great site. Have fun!