Thread: Questions about snorkeling in general

I am new to cruising and everything that goes along with it! Snorkeling looks like it would be SO much fun and I think you would probably see some amazing things. I know nothing about it though- is this something that anyone can do? There's no certification required or anything like that is there? How much does it usually cost and how long do you go for? What kind of equipment do you have to use? THANKS in advance for any info!!

Jen

With snorkeling you don't have to know how before you go. Scuba diving is a different case. With snorkeling you can bring your own gear and just do some on your own or depending on the cruiseline and destinations would be the pricing and what they have to offer. They do instruct you though how to use the gear and take you to a location to see things.

Do you have a cruise set up yet?

Originally Posted by Mystery Gal

With snorkeling you don't have to know how before you go. Scuba diving is a different case. With snorkeling you can bring your own gear and just do some on your own or depending on the cruiseline and destinations would be the pricing and what they have to offer. They do instruct you though how to use the gear and take you to a location to see things.

Do you have a cruise set up yet?

Not yet- I'm going this afternoon to talk to my agent and go over some things. I found out last night that my best friend from High School and her husband may want to come with us (we've remained close friends over the years) so I'm really excited about that!! But I'm trying to make a list of things I want to do, etc. before I go talk with the agent tonight so I look at the right cruises.

What ports? What lines? What dates? Are those your thoughts?

Originally Posted by Mystery Gal

What ports? What lines? What dates? Are those your thoughts?

Yes yes and yes! haha! Well, I think we have it narrowed down to 2 trips. A 5 night cruise to Ochos Rios and Grand Cayman on either Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas or the same trip going on Celebrity Century. Decisions decisions!!!!!!!

Jen

Originally Posted by jen90

Yes yes and yes! haha! Well, I think we have it narrowed down to 2 trips. A 5 night cruise to Ochos Rios and Grand Cayman on either Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas or the same trip going on Celebrity Century. Decisions decisions!!!!!!!

Jen

I have been on the Century and I have been on the Navigator OTS! I would recommend the Navigator because it has more onboard activities and is a little less "formal" than Century. Celebrity is a little more white glove treatment (not as much as in the past, but still a bit more formal) We have sailed on Celebrity 23 times and Royal Caribbean 10. We are not young, but really have enjoyed our RCI cruises.

Century is a smaller, older ship that has undergone a refurbishment. Navigator is newer and bigger. What category were you considering on each ship?

Being a diver with over 150 dives and certified as a rescue diver, I have alot of experience with the equipment you need for snorkeling. Trust me when I say you can buy cheap equipment to snorkel with, except for the mask. If your mask fits improperly, it will leak and you'll have a miserable time. So, I highly recommend going to a scuba store and having them fit you with the right mask - you'll pay a bit more, but it'll be well worth it in the long run.

You can buy cheap fins and a cheap snorkel, but just don't get a cheap mask.

And snorkeling is something everyone can do! It's easy, fun, inexpensive, and you get to see how amazing our underwater world is.

As for where to go, there are some wonderful spots in Grand Cayman, especially if you want to go snorkeling with the sting rays!

Pete

Originally Posted by Char

I have been on the Century and I have been on the Navigator OTS! I would recommend the Navigator because it has more onboard activities and is a little less "formal" than Century. Celebrity is a little more white glove treatment (not as much as in the past, but still a bit more formal) We have sailed on Celebrity 23 times and Royal Caribbean 10. We are not young, but really have enjoyed our RCI cruises.

Century is a smaller, older ship that has undergone a refurbishment. Navigator is newer and bigger. What category were you considering on each ship?

Thank you!! That's what I was kind of wondering. The Celebrity cruise just happened to have an amazing price on it. I was told that it is usually a bit higher than RCI so we didn't even price it while there (I had pretty much already made my mind up that I wanted to go RCI anyways). I just got an email from the agent that said she went ahead and priced the Celebrity cruise and it came in at about $300 cheaper than the RCI! So we thought it might be worth a look-see. Both area balcony cabins... not sure on the exact catagory on the Celebrity, but the RCI catagory was a D1- which is a "Superior Ocean view with Balcony".

Jen

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

Trust me when I say you can buy cheap equipment to snorkel with, except for the mask. If your mask fits improperly, it will leak and you'll have a miserable time. So, I highly recommend going to a scuba store and having them fit you with the right mask - you'll pay a bit more, but it'll be well worth it in the long run.

Pete

YOU ROCK at all of this informaton- thanks!! I would have never known that. I will definitely do that. I DO want my own equipment now- I can be a little bit of a germ-a-phobe so the thought of renting it kind of grosses me out ;-)

Jen

I loved the Navigator. It is a great ship. We had an atrium room that was a lot of fun to watch the promenade.

I plan to get me some snorkeling gear this year before my cruise. I will do what Pete suggest and get a good mask. I have used the equipment a roomie brought once and then another time we brought my daughters kids stuff. I can understand that a good mask would make a difference.

I can say I enjoyed using it and was amazed at what all was under my feet where I was swimming.