Hi-<BR>My husband and I are new to cruising, but we just signed on for Carnival Sensation to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The ship is at Grand Cayman from 7-2 and we're thinking we'd like to book a catamaran to Sting Ray sandbar, but not through the cruise line since it seems as if they're only bigger boats/more people on the tour.<BR><BR>Not being familiar with cruising, how long can it take to disembark-in other words when would be a good time to book a tour? And when do you have to be back on board by?<BR><BR>We'd love to fit in a 2-3 hr tour and then investigate the island, but certainly don't want to run short of time to get back.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!

Hi Toni,<BR><BR>We just came back last week and went to Grnad Cayman on the Voyager, I think the tenders started at 8:30-9am. Once on the tender it took no more than 15 minutes to get to shore. There was quite a line on the way back though. It is probably different (timewise)on a Carnival Cruise. Also there were a ton of people right when we got off the boat advertising tours to Stingray City. We went to 7 mile beach but some others from our group just jumped on one of those tours and had a blast. I think there is a company/guy named Captain Marvin's that does boats over to StingRay City and the tours are only 2.5 to 3 hours long. They are supposed to be much more individualized and alot less crowded.

We were in the Caymans last week and took a Trimaran (3 hulled sail) to Stingray City. We went with Capt Bryan and his business consists of one sail and one power boat. Capt Marvin is another choice. He has, we were told, only power boats.(both have web sites) Capt Bryan's boat and van's are old but the staff was great and Stingray City is wonderful. There were only 5 of us on the tour and that was nice. You'll need to make your reservations for early morning. We had ours at 8:30am

We went with Capt Marvin to Stingray City and had an excellent trip. Strongly recommend it. Capt. Marvin had several boats - we had a private group of 35 or so and he accomodated us all on the boat. <BR><BR>His website is: www.captainmarvins.com

Toni,<BR>I booked the Sting Ray City excursion through the ship. I felt the ship kept up on which excursion groups kept up their insurance, training, etc. I'm sure there are other independents out there who are just as competent, I just didn't know which ones. It went smoothly and was lots of fun. The ship ran out of the throwaway under water cameras, so be sure to take some along if you'll need them. The bus let us off close to the pier. There are lots of neat little stores there, so I had the opportunity and the time to shop around a bit.<BR>Plan on PLENTY of time to tender back to the ship, particularly on the really big ships with really lots of fellow passengers. There will be lines!! Do not lose your ship's ID card!!!<BR>Have fun.<BR>Linda

Just returned from the Sensation cruise. Book your tour EARLY, to ensure you have enough time. You'll need to be back on the ship by 1:30 -- we got in the tender line at 1:00 and stood in line for 40 minutes. We were on the last tender back.

While we are talking about Stingray City - I also have a question. We have heard much about this experience and would love to try it. But, I am wondering about what degree of difficulty the snorkeling is in this area. I am not a very strong swimmer nor an extremely accomplished/experienced snorkeler. Are there strong currents there? Does one need to dive in order to see the Stingrays? Would appreciate your input. Thanks.

Arielle: The area we were taken to see the stingrays was about 3 ft. deep with very soft sand on the bottom.I don't remember any current at all.Using the snorkeling equipment was rather difficult (at least for me in that shallow of water). We were able to feed them, pet them, even hold them while the pro photographer from the ship took pics. <BR><BR> You might want to put on the life vest to make you feel safer, but being a strong swimmer is not necessary. No diving needed as stated--because they are so near the surface! Just don't step on the barbed end of their tail.<BR><BR>To me it was a little overwhelming to see the waters turn black as we neared the site. The rays were following the boat! They don't fear humans and are perfectly safe. They might scare really young children though due to their size.<BR><BR>It is a great experience, not to be missed. Hope you enjoy your visit!!