Barbados - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

hapinowagain · 08-01-2006, 05:59 PM

Suggestions for tour in Barbados?

The last time we were there, we did a tour of the island. Husband has to stay out of the sun, so beach is not an option.

Arubalisa · 08-02-2006, 12:29 AM

We sailed aboard the Silver Moon II for their 5 hour Lunch Cruise. The fairly new 45' catamaran is sister to the original 44' Silver Moon. SM II sails this lunch cruise with a maximum of 18 people aboard. Cost was $80 per adult and $50 per child and well worth the expense. The cat does hold up to 40 persons for private charters, so it is obvious that there is plenty of room for 18 people to comfortable sail, drink, eat and swim or snorkel.

Our family made up 11, out of a total of 18 people aboard. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Never did we feel crowded. There was shade for my 90+ year old Grandmother and anyone else who wanted it and plenty of spots for sunning and relaxing. Captain Nick, the owner, and his crew, the kind of young men which every parent would like their daughter to marry, treated spoiled us from the first moment we stepped on board and we could not have been more pleased with this excursion.

Our excursion this day was 10 am to 3 pm. We were met outside of the cruise terminal and transported via mini-bus the few minute ride to the marina. The boat is kept clean as a whistle. You must remove your shoes to even step aboard. We were a little concerned about my grandmother being able to walk on board, but the crew very very carefully and skillfully cajoled and assisted her. Once we were all aboard drink orders were taken and we began our 5 hours of bliss. First off we were told that there was a very strong swell out of the north and the waves were just too big to get in with the turtles. A snorkel above a couple of wrecks would be substituted instead. After a 45-minute sail, the first snorkel stop was to a reef. The crew passed out high quality and well kept, snorkel gear. At each stop one of the crewmembers snorkeled with the group and acted as guide.

Following this snorkel, everyone re-boarded, rinsed off with the fresh water hose and ate a delicious bountiful lunch of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fish, garlic bread and Caesar salad. All the while, we were offered unlimited soda, beer, wine, pina coladas, rum punch or strawberry daiquiris. Lunch was even followed by Rum Cake and coffee or tea.

Seeing some of the other passing catamaran excursions packed to the gills, we knew no matter how much others had paid for their excursions, we had the best value for our money and it was the absolute best decision to go with Silver Moon. Our entire family loved it so much, even though only half of us actually snorkel, we are doing it again this year while visiting Barbados! The best excursion we have found in the Caribbean.

Rosie · 08-02-2006, 12:18 PM

I just booked the Silver Moon II for our March cruise to Barbados! I've heard wonderful things from many people who have done this tour!

Katrina at Ocean Adventures is VERY prompt & professional with her info via email!!!

Sea Otter · 08-02-2006, 12:53 PM

Hi Rosie,

I have done the Silvermoon II. Good choice. You mentioned you husband has to stay our of the sun. There is plenty of shade on this catamaran. When I booked it I asked about shade and they recommended Silvermoon II over Silvermoon I for shade.

I highly recommend it and would do this again.

Rosie · 08-02-2006, 01:00 PM

Actually Sea Otter, it was the original poster that said that, not me, my DH LOVES the sun!!!!

sunlover · 08-02-2006, 09:20 PM

I just booked the Silvermoon II for April. Check the pics and info on the website, though, because I think Silvermoon (the smaller one) has an inside cabin that you can get in out of the sun and the Silvermoon II does not.

Rosie · 08-02-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunlover

I just booked the Silvermoon II for April. Check the pics and info on the website, though, because I think Silvermoon (the smaller one) has an inside cabin that you can get in out of the sun and the Silvermoon II does not.

Again, we're sun worshipers, so cabin or no cabin is not important to us!!!! We're all for the sail & snorkel!!!!

sunlover · 08-03-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosie

Again, we're sun worshipers, so cabin or no cabin is not important to us!!!! We're all for the sail & snorkel!!!!

Exactly!!!
We actually picked Silvermoon II because it looked like it had more open deck space.

Sailing (without doing the work), snorkeling, eating(without doing the fixing) and drinking (with someone else mixing) ----can't beat it!!!

Arubalisa · 08-03-2006, 12:05 AM

SM II had a huge trampoline on the front of the boat perfect for sunning. Also the back of the boat is open.

Rosie · 08-03-2006, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

SM II had a huge trampoline on the front of the boat perfect for sunning. Also the back of the boat is open.

We had a similiar sail in St. Maarten a few years ago, LOVED that trampoline out front while we were sailing!!!! VERRRRY coooool!!!!