NCL Star Western Caribbean Question

[tripletsmommy]

Hi, I am traveling with my family, and wanted to find a port that we can take our girls to swim with the dolphins. Any one know of where I can get info on that besides paying outrageous prices on the ship? We are leaving out of New Orleans and going to the Western Caribbean. Thank you in advance!

[rjm11]

I haven't done it, but I hear a lot of people talking about swimming with the dolphins at Chankanaab in Cozumel. They have lots of packages for differing age ranges, and you can book them independently of the ship. We are thinking of going there for the beach/snorkeling, and to LOOK at the dolphins. Check out the "ports of call" area of the message boards here... lots of great info for each of the ports you are visiting. We did that itinerary last spring with our kids, and loved it so much we booked it again for next year!

[VideoTech]

Hi, I am traveling with my family, and wanted to find a port that we can take our girls to swim with the dolphins. Any one know of where I can get info on that besides paying outrageous prices on the ship? We are leaving out of New Orleans and going to the Western Caribbean. Thank you in advance!

 

We took our adult kids and granddaughter (9 year old at the time), to Dolphinarius in Cozumel.

 

Although it was somewhat expensive, it was well worth it. They have several large pools, and many dolphins, so there are "dolphin swims" going on at both ends of the large pools all through the day. Groups in the water are kept small (8 to 10) people, with a very knowledgeable trainer. You'll have ample opportunity to interact with your dolphin, learn a lot about dolphins, and finally get to ride the dolphin for a short, high speed swim.

 

Of course the whole thing is recorded & photographed, and you have an opportunity to buy the DVD later if you wish.

 

I have to say that, in spite of my reservations about keeping these marvelous, intelligent creatures in captivity, I felt that the Dolphinarius group was very serious about treating them well, and emphasizing the educational aspects of their program.

 

A couple of suggestions if you elect to do this excursion: First, you can book it yourself over their website, probably for less than through NCL. You'd have to arrange your own transport to the site, which is several miles from the docks.

 

Second, the site is often very crowded, and there seems to be minimal instructions about what to do when you first arrive. You check in with the staff, and then usually have to wait a while before your group is called. You're not allowed to take anything down to the dolphin pools, so I'd strongly recommend renting a locker. They will take US$ for this, and you can go ahead and do this after you first arrive, although they won't tell you about it until the group orientation speech when your group is called. You will be issued a life vest and you will have to wear it in the water during your dolphin swim.

 

At the end of your dolphin swim, you can shower off and retrieve your locker items. You'll exit through the usual gift shop & DVD/Photo purchase area. There is also a small cafe on site that serves food and drinks.

 

Your kids will love this excursion, so do check it out.

[rvsullivan]

I don't think they will allow 5 and 7 year olds into the pool with the dolphins. Unless you have someone to escort each child, 4 adults, I don't think it can be done. We did it twice and we were in about 15-20 deep water and you spend 45 minutes bobbing around taking turns with the dolphins. Last time we had a child about 10 in our group and his parents really had to struggle to keep him going.

[WildcatRock]

Hi, I am traveling with my family, and wanted to find a port that we can take our girls to swim with the dolphins. Any one know of where I can get info on that besides paying outrageous prices on the ship? We are leaving out of New Orleans and going to the Western Caribbean. Thank you in advance!

 

What sailing are you on in November on the Star?