Silvermoon Question

[Ants Girl]

I read a recent review on Silvermoon that both of the snorkeling spots are very crowded with other catamarans in the water. Has anyone else ever experienced over crowding in the water while on SilverMoon. I thought they timed the snorkeling times to be away from the crowds?

[Miss Vickie]

In our case, they did try to take us to the snorkeling spots when they were less crowded. However, you have to understand. Barbados has only one place to see the turtles, and only a few good snorkeling spots, and lots and lots of people that want to do these excursions. Can make for some continually crowded locations.

[Cruise Junky]

They can't really time it to be away from the crowds. The snorkelling site is over two ship wrecks, it's popular as is the turtle place. Silvermoon is by far the best water excursion we've ever done without a doubt. Even though the snorkelling site is crowded, you are so lucky to get back on your catarmaran with 12 people on board than the shore excursions with 75 on board.

[jtmalt]

I read a recent review on Silvermoon that both of the snorkeling spots are very crowded with other catamarans in the water. Has anyone else ever experienced over crowding in the water while on SilverMoon. I thought they timed the snorkeling times to be away from the crowds?

 

Ants Girl, I replied to you on another thread as well...the day that particular reviewer was in Barbados, there were a total of 5 ships there...Serenade of the Seas, Maasdam, Noordam, Nowegian Gem, and Emerald Princess. That's about a big a crowd as Barbados ever gets, cruise-ship wise. Pretty tough to avoid crowded snorkeling with that many people on the water.:eek:

[Miss Vickie]

Ants Girl, I replied to you on another thread as well...the day that particular reviewer was in Barbados, there were a total of 5 ships there...Serenade of the Seas, Maasdam, Noordam, Nowegian Gem, and Emerald Princess. That's about a big a crowd as Barbados ever gets, cruise-ship wise. Pretty tough to avoid crowded snorkeling with that many people on the water.:eek:

 

 

We were in port on Serenade that day - over 12,000 people, a complete zoo!

[Ants Girl]

Thanks for the replies. My cruise ship will be the only ship in Barbados so I am sure the snorkeling spots will be far less crowded.:D

[Lsimon]

We've been on this trip twice. Once it was pretty crowded and once it was not. But after the snorkeling we went to spot that was not at all crowded where they anchored for a couple hours for lunch and swimming. Very nice.

[llnjh4]

We've been on this trip twice. Once it was pretty crowded and once it was not. But after the snorkeling we went to spot that was not at all crowded where they anchored for a couple hours for lunch and swimming. Very nice.

Lsimon- It sounds like you have done a couple of snorkle excursions we are considering! The Catamatan Fan-ta-sea in St Kitts and the Silvermoon or Cool runnings in Barbados. Which did you prefer for snorkeling? We are also thinking about doing Trunk Bay in St Johns? Have you been?

[Lsimon]

Lsimon- It sounds like you have done a couple of snorkle excursions we are considering! The Catamatan Fan-ta-sea in St Kitts and the Silvermoon or Cool runnings in Barbados. Which did you prefer for snorkeling? We are also thinking about doing Trunk Bay in St Johns? Have you been?

 

We love Silver Moon and the Fan-ta-sea. On both of these the snorkeling has ranged from so-so to very good - depending on the conditions. But both of these are a lot of fun overall and have a lot more to offer than just the snorkeling. Both see a lot of pretty scenery and nice drinks. The Silver Moon has better food and tastier drinks, and anchoring for a while after lunch to hang out and swim at a beautiful spot off the western beach coast is lots of fun. The Fan-ta-sea goes to a wonderful beach on Nevis -but take some beach flip flops with you (it is barefoot on both boats) as the sand gets HOT! The Fan-Ta-Sea also starts some dance music on the return trip and the crew does a good job getting people partying a bit - lots of fun. They have two different boats they use, with different crews, depending on how many people sign up. Both boats and both crews are nice.

 

In St. Thomas Trunk Bay is fantastic - but snorkeling is usually just OK there. I would definitely go there at least once as it is so pretty there. But also consider a day sail on a smaller sail boat - search for day sail either on the St. Thomas forum or Google along with St. Thomas - there are a half dozen or more similar operators that take a max of 6 passengers plus a crew of 2 on lunch & snorkeling sails from St. Thomas to St. John snorkeling spots.

[llnjh4]

Lsimon- Thanks so much for the info!!