Virgin Gorda excursion on Spirit, need to choose

[Ladycrusoe]

Hi !

 

I went on NCL site and you can choose between 2 excursion for Virgin Gorda : TOV 711 Virgin Gorda Highlights $59

TOV 723 Virgin Gorda Baths and Snorkel $49

 

I have read comment's on the first one (Highlights) that some experienced disapointement on the 11-27 spirit cruise.

 

Doe's anyone have info about the other one ? (catamaran sailing thru VG).

 

Thank You !

[MOMofONE]

I spoke to a member of our group who did the Virgin Gorda Snorkel (we were comparing notes as I did the Highlights which I will post review of today).

When we were at the Baths you could see the catamaran anchored less than 200 yds from the beach entry. My friend reported they got there very early, maybe before 9 Am which gave them about 2, maybe 2.5 hours time as the trip took 45 mins and their intended reboarding time was noon.

She was able to swim ashore, explore the boulder maze, walk up to the top for the view and back down to the beach on the other side of the boulders, plus had about an hour in the water snorkeling. But she noted the CURRENT & UNDERTOW IS VERY STRONG and so a number of people were not able or not brave enough to attempt the swim ashore and back. When I inquired about this tour, I was told it was at least 300 yd swim but she confirmed it was alot less than that.

2 Members of NCL Dive In program, from this excursion, were ashore in their NCl logo snorkel vests for assistance I assume.

The Baths are awesome and IMHO a must see destination for anyone visiting Vrgin Gorda, any way you plan to get there and explore.

[greenie]

We're booked for the Baths excursion. I didn't know you had to swim ashore ... how do you get a camera there to take pictures then?? And a towel, watershoes, bottle of water? :confused: I will be VERY disappointed if I can't take pics!

[kenlin67]

Regarding the 2 excursions offered through the Spirit. If yoy read the descriptions they are almost exactly the same. The Virgin Gorda Baths and Snorkel says that the catamaran transfers you to Spanish Town where a safari bus awaits you to transport you to the Baths. It does not appear that the catamaran anchors off shore. I really can't figure out the difference in the excursions other than 1 says a 40 minute ride to Virgin Gorda and the other says 30. Any help would be appreciated.

[MOMofONE]

If you're on Virgin Gorda HIGHLIGHTS you will arrive by land, IF you are booked for the SNORKEL, only way ashore is swimming and I guess a waterproof camera is the answer.

Note: when we initially booked this online there was a mix up - we found this out once on the Spirit because the form the Dive In excursions require ask if there are any medical conditions. I had listed previous ear problems my DD had so recieved a call at my cabin from Shore Excursion desk following up on that. It was ONLY then that it was mentioned, BTW, that the website inadvertently listed Highlights tour description under Snorkel tour description and so we, and others it turned out, were booked for the wrong one (this is when I was told it was a 300 yd swim).

A trip to the Shore Excursion desk switched me to the correct tour - you may want to do same based on your interest in the boulders and pics.

Snorkeling by the way is probably just as good from shore since, as I said, the catamaran was anchored not far from where we were snorkeling. We saw lots of fish, decent coral and a sting ray.

The mixed up descriptions ALSO APPLY TO THE PRINTED BROCHURE so looks like NCL will be dealing with alot of tour switching until they correct the brocure and the website.

When I was rebooking out Virgin Gorda tour I mentioned I was not happy that it was only dumb luck that I found out I was on the wrong tour due to their description error and inquired if they were following up with all passengers who booked EITHER Baths tour - they said they intended to but a couple in our group got the word from me and never heard from the shore excursion desk while onboard. Also many of us booked online 1-3 months in advance so I wonder when exactly they figured out the mix up.

Hope you get yours strightened out - Enjoy!

[greenie]

MOMofONE, thanks so much--I'm very glad to get this info. I am going to look into it for sure--we've never even snorkeled before so don't know if we'll like it. So I don't want that to be such a big part of the excursion (just in case!). I'd prefer taking the path down, as difficult as I have read that to be.

[Dolphins]

Current or not, I still prefer swimming ashore at the Baths from the catamaran than the ferry/bus tour and hiking down that tricky, winding path to the beach (and back).

[MOMofONE]

greenie - You're quite welcome and I encourage you to snorkel in calmer waters as often as you can (perhaps in the ports prior), even if just 10-15 minutes at a time. This will allow you to get the hang of it, learning how to float & breathe relaxed, and judge your swimming strength before hitting the stronger current and undertow at baths.

IMHO, Snorkeling is an easy & enjoyable watersport for people of varying age & ability given a little time to practice and a not to be missed experience of family vacationing. :)

[Zeno]

A couple of comments (strictly my opinion). I have been to the Baths twice.

Both times I walked down the path. I have arthritis in both knees and my hip.

But I do work out nearly every day so I am not completely unfit.

On my 2nd trip I also went throught the Baths (more challenging than just walking down the path). Only someone who is elderly or disabled or very unfit would have major difficulties with the path down. It is a little steep and uneven. But if you are wearing proper footware (NOT slippy smooth bottemed sandals) and taking your time it is quite doable for most people - even those with some problems (like bad knees). Going through the Baths is possible as long as (for 2 difficult sections) you can crouch down or crawl on your knees or scoot on your bottom. For the difficult sections (both short), I crouched and scooted (can't crawl on knees).

On my first trip I did a fair amount of snorkeling. The undertow IS strong for inexperienced snorkelers. On my 2nd trip snorkeling conditions were such that I limited my snorkeling to a small area protected by the outer boulders of the Baths - anyone could snorkel there. My husband (a very good snorkeler) was comfortable snorkeling on both occasions. On NEITHER occasion would I have been comfortable swimming to shore from a boat. My husband would have been fine. Frankly I would NOT recommend swimming to shore unless:

1. conditions were ideal and the ocean very calm

OR

2. one is a strong swimmer and experienced snorker.

[Burney555]

We did the Virgin Gorda Baths & Snorkel excursion through NCL on our spirit cruise 27/11 and we enjoyed it so much.

 

Like previously stated you swim ashore from a catamaran to the island of Virgin Gorda (You need to invest in an underwater camera, we opted for a disposable camera but buy them at home because they were around 5 times more expensive on the ship). The Dive In team take you on a little tour around the Baths and then we had a couple of hours to explore / snorkel ourselves.

 

This was one of our favorite excursion's but the only thing was that we wished we had seen more of the island of Tortolla, because if you do this excursion it takes up most of your time at this stop.

 

Overall, I would highly recommed this tour.:)

 

P.S. - Couple of things

 

1. You need to be a strong swimmer and sign a disclaimer regarding this.

 

2. You can take your normal camera's with you but they would be left on the catamaran.

[saltyclaire]

Hi,

 

I did the Virgin Gorda Baths & Snorkel tour on the Spirit / Nov. 27th and would gladly share my experience with you. If you have any more questions about, feel free to email them to me at c_lecompte@hotmail.com. I can send you pics of the Baths.

 

I loved it. Actually, I looooved it. :o

 

Do not rely on the NCL brochure for an exact description of the TOV711 (Higlights) and the TOV 723 (Snorkel). There was a slight mix-up in the brochure, so I would recommend speaking with a shore excursion specialist on board before taking a decision.

 

Essentially, here are the differences:

TOV711 (Highlights)

Please refer to MomOfOne's review, she has done the excursion. You do not need to go into the water unless you want to. I haven't done the tour, so cannot comment about the path down to the Baths. Once you are on the beach, there is a very good spot to snorkel even though you are not experienced at it. There are 2 small beaches at the Baths. The easiest place to snorkel would be on the beach to your right if you came from shore. There wasn't much of an undertow on that side, the water visibility was great. The best underwater pictures were taken there. You can also explore the boulders if you take this tour.

 

TOV723 (Snorkel) and As Burney555 mentionned, you need to fill out a disclaimer aboard the ship before taking the tour. Depending on the sea conditions, it can be choppy, but this is relative to your ease in water. The staff on the excursion provides you with an inflatable life vest if you feel more comfortable with it, and they are very helpful in assisting people back onto the catamaran. They would throw out buoys on a rope, you hang on to one and they basically pull you in. I'm a fish in the water, so did not experience any problems, but must admit that for the ;) occasional swimmer ;) the current can be a problem. If you take this tour, I would recommend jumping off the catamaran and swimming towards the beach on your LEFT. The water is quite calm on this side. I had a great time following whole banks of fishes. And when comparing notes with my fellow travelers who took the Highlights tour, I definitely had more time crawling in the Baths. It's a great place to explore if you are not intimidated by confined spaces and crawling on your stomach. I felt a huge sense of peace when I was there.

 

For all of the Cousteau's out there, I would recommend the Snorkel Tour.

[greenie]

Well, I'm sure glad this thread was started. But now I am in a total quandry and don't know what to do or how to do it. After checking my excursion receipt, I see I booked us on the snorkel Baths excursion. I'd really appreciate it if you Baths-experienced folk would weigh in with opinions and guidance on this and help me!

 

Here's the deal:

 

I am a perfectly fine and able swimmer, but I do not like the idea of dealing with a strong undertow that is undertow-y enough to put some people off. I'm a weenie when it comes to heights, spiders, raw seafood, peeping Toms (I know that's bizarre), and strong undertows. I also am just not happy not being able to bring my land camera with me to take pics of the Baths (the Baths being the main reason we chose this excursion). I have a nice digital camera and it's gonna get a workout on this cruise! I don't care about underwater shots, I want Baths shots, darn it!

 

I've never snorkled before and just want to try it in a very non-threatening place (at least the first time). Like a puddle or something.

 

OK, so I hear you saying, "Well, then Greenie, re-book the excursion and do the Highlights one." I'm certainly starting to lean that way, but I'm a little leery of that path. I don't have arthritis yet (well, OK, a little in my left thumb so it's starting I guess, argh), BUT, I do have a slightly weakened left ankle. I have twisted it badly twice--the 2nd time being 10 months ago and that was a bad one--crutches for 2 weeks, cane for a couple more. It is fine now except when I have to do a downhill thing for any length of time. Then it gets a little witchy.

 

Oh hell, I'll just do the path and go 50 iph (inches per hour)--I want to see the baths. I'll just be careful, really careful.

 

So if I do that, is there going to be a problem switching excursions? Will I have to pay a penalty? Will they definitely do that for me if I wait until we get onboard?

[BarbCT605]

Oh hell, I'll just do the path and go 50 iph (inches per hour)--I want to see the baths. I'll just be careful, really careful.

 

So if I do that, is there going to be a problem switching excursions? Will I have to pay a penalty? Will they definitely do that for me if I wait until we get onboard?

Hi Greenie,

 

Glad to see you've answered your own question ;)

 

From what you stated about snorkeling & your heebie-jeebies about the other stuff (yeah, we all got 'em), definitely take the path. (Apparently there's an easy path and a rougher path -- you know which to take!).

 

RE: changing excursion.

 

I'd change it before the trip so it's one less thing to worry about. But, if you have a suite with a concierge (again?), you can have the concierge change it on board.

 

Either way, have fun!:D

[Zeno]

Well, I'm sure glad this thread was started. But now I am in a total quandry and don't know what to do or how to do it. After checking my excursion receipt, I see I booked us on the snorkel Baths excursion. I'd really appreciate it if you Baths-experienced folk would weigh in with opinions and guidance on this and help me!

 

Here's the deal:

 

I am a perfectly fine and able swimmer, but I do not like the idea of dealing with a strong undertow that is undertow-y enough to put some people off. I'm a weenie when it comes to heights, spiders, raw seafood, peeping Toms (I know that's bizarre), and strong undertows. I also am just not happy not being able to bring my land camera with me to take pics of the Baths (the Baths being the main reason we chose this excursion). I have a nice digital camera and it's gonna get a workout on this cruise! I don't care about underwater shots, I want Baths shots, darn it!

 

I've never snorkled before and just want to try it in a very non-threatening place (at least the first time). Like a puddle or something.

 

OK, so I hear you saying, "Well, then Greenie, re-book the excursion and do the Highlights one." I'm certainly starting to lean that way, but I'm a little leery of that path. I don't have arthritis yet (well, OK, a little in my left thumb so it's starting I guess, argh), BUT, I do have a slightly weakened left ankle. I have twisted it badly twice--the 2nd time being 10 months ago and that was a bad one--crutches for 2 weeks, cane for a couple more. It is fine now except when I have to do a downhill thing for any length of time. Then it gets a little witchy.

 

Oh hell, I'll just do the path and go 50 iph (inches per hour)--I want to see the baths. I'll just be careful, really careful.

 

So if I do that, is there going to be a problem switching excursions? Will I have to pay a penalty? Will they definitely do that for me if I wait until we get onboard?

 

Greenie don't worry:

I have done that path with 2 bad knees and a bad hip - just wear the right shoes and go slowly - it REALLY is not that bad. I am VERY short and there was one longish step down where my husband gave me his arm to lean on. The shortest path is down from the "Top of the Baths" to the bottom of the Baths where the beach bar and entrance to the Baths is located. It is the one I took down and the one most people take. The 'easier' path is across the parking lot. It is longer and a bit confusing (lots of little side paths) but not as steep. It comes out at Devil's Bay NOT the bottom of the Baths. I took it back up after I went through the Baths to Devil's Bay. The Baths are worth seeing - don't miss them!

[greenie]

Hi Greenie,

 

Glad to see you've answered your own question ;)

 

From what you stated about snorkeling & your heebie-jeebies about the other stuff (yeah, we all got 'em), definitely take the path. (Apparently there's an easy path and a rougher path -- you know which to take!).

 

RE: changing excursion.

 

I'd change it before the trip so it's one less thing to worry about. But, if you have a suite with a concierge (again?), you can have the concierge change it on board.

 

Either way, have fun!:D

 

Hi BarbCT :)

 

I know, I did kind of answer my own question. This place can be way therapeutic as a sounding board even when no one answers! I wll take the path and I'll take the easier (or less difficult, at least) one.

 

Yes, we'll have a Concierge again--you know how THAT goes, the spoiled-for-anything-else-now thing. No Owners Suite this time though! We're in an AC and I am very excited! Maybe I can get get a 10022 club going. :D

 

Anyway, thanks for your input, I guess I will rely on the Concierge. I hate to say this, but I don't trust that it would get done properly if I call NCL ... plus I don't have the hours to wait while I'm put on hold! :(

[Ladycrusoe]

Thank you everyone for answering ! You really helped me, i am so glad i found CC !

 

I will probably go for the ground excursion... I am a fish;).. but my friend swims like a rock:eek:. so... i prefer to keep my Bestfriend as a Bestfriend !!!

 

Thanks again.. i am really looking forward to my cruise on the Spirit !