How does Carnival's St. Lucia Land and Sea Combo compare to private operators' tours?

[lolavix]

I've cross posted this same question in Carnival's boards, so I apologize if this is a duplicate. I wasn't sure where to post it.

 

I have been doing a ton of research on the ports prior to booking a Southern Caribbean tour. I booked the cruise today (:D) and when I paid the deposit, I had a pop up come up which is offering a 20% discount on various shore excursions if we book them within 2 days. (That was a surprise!) I have 2 adults and 3 kids, so the savings could add up.

 

I am wondering if anyone has done the Carnival sponsored St. Lucia Land and Sea combination tour as well as one with a private operator (e.g. Herod's, Spencer's, Cosol). If so, is there anything we would miss if we went with Carnival's? I am leaning toward one that does both a land and a sea portion (like Carnival's), so that eliminates some of the tour operators right now, since some of them do sea round trip or land round trip.

 

Thanks for any advice or input.

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[reedprincess]

I've cross posted this same question in Carnival's boards, so I apologize if this is a duplicate. I wasn't sure where to post it.

 

I have been doing a ton of research on the ports prior to booking a Southern Caribbean tour. I booked the cruise today (:D) and when I paid the deposit, I had a pop up come up which is offering a 20% discount on various shore excursions if we book them within 2 days. (That was a surprise!) I have 2 adults and 3 kids, so the savings could add up.

 

I am wondering if anyone has done the Carnival sponsored St. Lucia Land and Sea combination tour as well as one with a private operator (e.g. Herod's, Spencer's, Cosol). If so, is there anything we would miss if we went with Carnival's? I am leaning toward one that does both a land and a sea portion (like Carnival's), so that eliminates some of the tour operators right now, since some of them do sea round trip or land round trip.

 

Thanks for any advice or input.

__________________

 

You'll see mainly the same things, although it does seem to skip the volcano, which many of the independent Operators include. Also, the price is great in comparison to the few operators left who offer a true land/sea combo. Many of independent Operators have moved to either all land based with just a short water portion to/from beach, or all water portion with land part just in Soufriere to volcano and waterfalls..

You'll see pretty all the same sites along the way with the Carnival tour, except the volcano. If it works for you, I'd go for it. Especially with the additional savings which does add up for a family of 5!

Good luck with your research and enjoy your sailing.