Carolina5o

We were there mid March and it was about 25-30 minutes both ways.

Just wanted to take time to report back on this excursion. It turned out to be one of the best catamaran tours we have ever taken. Once you book it will confirm your meeting spot at Sugar Bay resort just passed Red Hook. We grabbed an open air taxi with other cruise passengers and it took about 20 minutes to get there. The excursion leaves from the beach area at Sugar Bay so if you get dropped off at the resort entrance they will shuttle you down to the pool/beach area. You will meet the staff at a white gazebo right on the beach.

The catamaran wasn't large but, there were only 20 or so people on board. The crew of Captain Andrew and Damon were great. They were very friendly and provided impeccable service. The first stop was for snorkeling at Lavonga which was very beautiful with many coral heads and plenty of fish, even large tarpon.

The next stop was at absolutely beautiful Maho Beach at St. John for more snorkeling and swimming with turtles. Andrew will even boat you into the beach if you desire. Then it was on to Honeymoon Beach for more beach time. This was my favorite stop as it had to be one of the most gorgeous beaches I've ever been to. The sail back crossed from the Caribbean to the Atlantic where we passed magnificent rock formations. Andrew provided tons of great information and history about the surrounding islands during the entire tour. He already knew we were on a time crunch as I contacted the company to inquire about times and made sure we were back to Sugar Bay by 4:00. He also made sure we were first off the boat.

(MSWEEZIE, I can't find the times on the page now either. If I remember correctly I emailed the company and asked about the tour for the day we were in port and the times were provided then.)

After returning to Sugar Bay we encountered a staff member that was more than helpful in calling us a taxi. We were concerned about the traffic issues that many have talked about but, it only took about 20 minutes to get back to the pier where we were dropped off right next to the gate. Taxi fair was $10 each way a piece. We even had time to go into a couple of shops for souvenirs before getting back on the ship.

(Sunny2, if you haven't book another excursion I would definitely consider this one. Aside from being a little apprehensive about the time this was an amazing day for us.)

We will be in port on 3/20/17 on the Carnival Fascination. I'm trying to decide between a DIY to St John or a Catamaran excursion. All through Carnival are too short for us. I found an option through Island Marketing Ltd. that is 7 hours. My only concern is being able to get back to the ship. The excursion ends at 4 and we leave at 5. The website says to allow 30 minutes for travel. Has anyone booked an excursion through this company or have any knowledge about them? All feedback welcome.

www.stthomascruiseexcursions.com/CatamaranSailing.htm

I just found the .com sight. The one that I have been looking at is on the .net site and appears to have some good trip advisor reviews. They, .net, have a phone number listed as well so I'm going to give them a call tomorrow.

With a little more research I found a couple of tours that go to Colombia Reef and El Cielo and both are around 4.5 hours. One is through Cozumel Cruise Excursions and the other is through Carnival titled VIP Luxury Catamaran. I'm not sure who runs the Carnival selection but the name of the boat is Albatross. Has anyone had any experience with either company and/or the specific excursion?

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked it up and decided that we will book the excursion. It's just me and my wife so the adult only element will work great for us. If the service is closed to as advertised it should make for a very pleasant experience. I'll report back and let you know how it was. Once again, Thanks!

We are porting in Ocho Rios the first week of March. We are looking to have just a beach day. I've looked at the beach break excursions and haven't been impressed. The beach near the cruise port actually looks better in the photos I've seen. We just a need sand and water and maybe access to a chair and umbrella. The beach at RIU looks very nice but not sure if they or any other resorts within short taxi ride allow day guests. All ideas and comments appreciated.

My wife and I have decided to book at least one catamaran excursion for every trip we take. We really enjoy being on the water. I'll snorkel if it is part of the tour but not necessary. Spending the whole time on the water or either stopping at a beach is fine. I would like to find one that lasts at least 5 hours and has a nice beach if a part of the package. The only one I've found so far takes you to Playa Mia. Any suggestions or comments from experience? Sailing March 6 on Carnival Breeze. Thanks!

I really appreciate all the input. My cruise is less than 3 weeks away and my choices are dwindling. Though, I've read no reviews that were bad for any. I will check out Eden Rock and Cayman Turtle and confirm a booking tomorrow, Monday. I'll follow up with a review upon returning. Thanks again.

Yeah. It will be from the beach. I'm just not sure how receptive the shop will be for her to hang out at their beach area. It is only going to be about 2.5 hours then we plan on hitting the beach afterwards. I've been wanting to dive for a while and think this is a good opportunity to try it.

I am contemplating on taking a beginning scuba diving course while at Grand Cayman. I have researched and found two dive shops that come highly recommended. They are Divers Down and Lobster Pot. I think either would be fine. What I would like though is to pick one where my wife , who is not going to dive, could have nearby access to the beach and shopping during the excursion. I have never been to GC and don't know the layout of the island in relation to the cruise tender pier. I do know both shops are on Church St. Any experiences or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Yeah, that is my thinking exactly. It will be fairly late getting back to the room each night. At least it was on our first cruise.

Thanks for all the input! It looks like we are below the dining room. With us spending most of our time out of the room it shouldn't be too bad though. Regardless, at least I'll know that I won't have to get up and go to work for 8 days!

My wife and I are getting ready for just our second cruise, 8 day on Carnival Breeze. On our first cruise in 2013, Caribbean Princess, we were on deck 9 and this time we have been booked on deck 2. We were very satisfied on the higher deck. Does anyone have opinions or preferences to share about your cabin location?

Thanks!!