Blazer25

I will be sure to update you all on our trip. We are leaving in a week...I can't wait!

I decided to travel to the Blue Hole. I am so excited. We hired our own personal tour guide so that we can leave whenever we want :)

Hello,

I was looking into taking the "Cayan Shore Snorkel" excursion offered through the ship. I was reading through the reviews and had a few questions. I was hoping someone may have taken this excursion and could answer some questions for me.

First...I saw (from the reviews) that the company offers underwater camera rental. Does anyone know what the cost is? I am debating if I want to take my own disposable one, or rent one. If I rent one, at least I can see how the photos turn out...so I can retake them if I don't like them. With a disposable camera, you don't know how the photos will turn out until they are developed.

Second...We have never been snorkeling before. How deep is the water that you are snorkeling in? Most snorkeling takes place where you float at the top of the water...but if the reef is 40ft down, are you still able to see it well? I can't hold my breath that long.

Any help would be great...especially regarding the camera. I'd like to rent one...but Don't want to pay a fortune to do so. :)

Thanks so much!

Hello Jen30. Thank you for your reply. I would like to know what tour company you used for your trip to the Blue Hole. :)

Thank you for your quick reply and advice. Would you consider Paradise Beach "overcrowded?" I would still love to hear from other people too! Bring on the comments :)

Hello, We are taking our first family cruise. Our stops are Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I am so excited to finally get to see the Caribbean, but nervous about our ports. I know if I book an excursion through the ship, we will be safe...but at the Montego Bay port, I want to go see the Blue Hole. My concern is our safety & time.

Being that the cruise doesn't have any excursions that include a Blue Hole tour, we have to find outside guides. I have found 2 that have very high reviews on trip advisor, but I am still concerned about our travels to and from the Blue Hole...The traffic (not making it back to the ship in time) The safety of traveling outside the tourist areas (random islanders, not the tour guide) and the safety of walking through the tropical terrain (spiders, snakes, gators) Please don't think I'm being judgmental against Jamaica, but I am a mother and can't help but to question rumors about violence & safety in the area.

Is the Blue Hole a place that is just out in the middle of nowhere, or is it a park where you pay to get in, with employees?

I also have heard that the road to get there is a bit dangerous too. I am traveling with my husband and 2 teens. I would love to hear your opinions, experiences and advice.

Also, If you can think of any excursions that you recommend (or don't recommend) in Grand Cayman & Cozumel I would love to hear that too. We are looking at Grand Cayman or Cozumel to just do a "beach day" at a resort with the best views and activities for my teens. Not wanting to spend more than $200 for all of us for this excursion. We were considering Paradise Beach...but would love to hear others that you recommend.

Lastly, if you have any advice or warnings about any dangers or things "not to do" please let me know. You can call me a paranoid person...but that's okay. I am not use to being this far away from home. We have never even traveled by plane..so this will be a first for us also.

I'm open to any advice, suggestions and opinions you can give on any of these topics! Thank you!