FYI-Allura Catamaran to Stingray Cty-Carnival

[joetul]

We took the Allura Catamaran ship's tour from Carnival Conquest in Grand Cayman week of April 5. I think there are a couple of items folks would like to know.

 

The boat is very nice. Its not a "yacht" but very clean and well maintained. Good crew. Typical marine toilet (#2 discouraged).

Allura motors out to Stingray City and sails back to Grand Cayman.

 

You are required to remove your shoes the entire time you are aboard. No water shoes, no flip flops etc. You will be barefooted from before you board until after the boat is docked. The decks are very clean with typical sailboat textured non skid.

 

Guests are provided an inflatable live vest and mask. I recommend taking your own snorkel. (Available from Shore Excursions desk on Conquest)

 

When the boat arrives at Stingray City, anchored, and the ladder is lowered, it was not lowered onto the sand bar. It is lowered into deeper water and guests must swim about 75 ft to the sandbar. The water is over a persons head for that distance.

This caused some distress for a couple of guests who beleived that the ladder would allow them to step off of the boat onto the sandbar. Those who didnt swim remained on the boat.

 

Once on the sandbar, the experience is fantastic and the crew is very helpful. A photographer for the boat takes great photos available for purchase on the return trip. The photo quality is great, and really caps off the experience.

 

If one doest swim I would be careful in recommending. If you swim, this tour is great.