back to the islands

Has anybody done snorkeling at either Pago Pago, American Samoa or Apia, Samoa? Our cruise doesn't offer anything at either port. Snorkeling excursions or places we can taxi, bus, or drive to? I saw Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Pago Pago, but $225 per person seemed steep. Any help on these 2 ports would be appreciated! 

4 hours ago, Petoonya said:

 

So curious! What ship and cruise line are you going on? Bet you are excited. Good wishes.

Island Princess! I am beyond excited and I am more of a go stay in one place kind of girl. St. John and Kauai are my 2 favorite places so far ... a lot due to great snorkeling and just being laid back. I tend to get sea sick. My husband gets bored in one place and doesn't want to fly to the South Pacific. It's on my bucket list so we are cruising. I get to have 2 birthdays on the ship, too! I am just hoping for smooth sailing! We have a cruise on Pacific Princess between now and then and I'm excited, but not as much as the South Pacific Cruise! Thanks for the good wishes!

Thank you! I will do that!

On 8/26/2019 at 11:38 PM, Petoonya said:

You're just like us- there's never enough time to snorkel but especially in FP.

So, Petoonya since you have done several cruises to Tahiti, have you stopped in Apia and Pago Pago? If so, did you find any snorkeling there?

Thank you both! I love to snorkel (not necessarily a really strong swimmer), but prefer shallower snorkeling because I don't dive down and I'm not sure about snorkeling with sharks.... Decisions, decisions! I do like seeing the rays, though! The coral gardens entice me the most!

I would like to know this, also. What did you end up doing?

28 minutes ago, OntarioCruiser38 said:

 

We were going to just rent a car and drive to the major sites on the eastern side of the island and through the centre of the island.   Instead I found an excursion operator that was going to hit almost all the same sites plus give us time at the beach and at To Sua ocean trench for a swim.   It should be a great day. 

Who is the tour operator, please? I'd really love a snorkeling adventure!

I'm also interested in this port. Thanks!

We are also visiting Bora Bora for 2 days. Snorkeling is my favorite thing to do ALWAYS! I was thinking of doing Pure Snorkeling and Patrick's Tour. Do they both go to the Coral Garden? Are they pretty similar or different enough to enjoy them both? Thanks so much!

St. John has great snorkeling right off the beach at many spots! I have spent several weeks on St. John over the years. It is a snorkelers paradise!

1 hour ago, clo said:

You must be one heckuva a heavy sleeper!

I actually woke up and he made me keep my eyes closed, blindfolded me and sent me to the bathroom. I knew something was up, but had no idea what. I love a great surprise!

That's awesome!

Our only other Princess cruise was on the Coral and we loved it! I will miss a full promenade deck for walking everyday. We have a lot of sea days.

Thank you so much, Colo Cruiser! From what I could find it seemed good. 

Yes! 209

Anyone stayed in one of these?  I looked on the cabin thread and didn't see any reviews for these with a balcony. We actually got an upgrade from a forward balcony cabin on Dolphin deck and I hope it's good! If you have stayed in one of these, please let me know! I'm thinking it's a good upgrade and am feeling excited!

For my 50th birthday my husband surprised me with our first cruise- to HA. The cruise was after my bday, but the presentation was wonderful. I woke up and he had tiki torches around the bed, tiki lights, a basket with cruise info and a layout of the ship, and a couple of Hawaiian things he'd gotten at a party store. It was the BEST surprise! Do something like that a few days before the cruise and I bet she will love it!

I had plantar fasciitis so bad 10 years ago and it lasted a couple of years. I went to PT and ordered a pair of chaco eco tread flips. They are the bomb! They look like regular flip-flops but have a contoured arched footbed. These would be for around the pool and beach days. I actually pretty much lived in mine till my feet improved. They are about $50 online, but last for years with everyday wear. I had to give up my Teva's and have tried Abeo. Vionic has dressier cuter flip flops and sandals, but those Chacos saved my feet! I was sleeping in a boot, wearing orthotics and only New Balance tennis shoes for quite a while. I highly recommend them to anyone with PF.

A similar excursion is offered on our princess cruise in December. I'd love to know, as well. Is there snorkeling off of Anse Mitan? Anyone?

Thank you all! That is what I needed!

Okay, let me rephrase this, what do most cruisers tip on shore excursions, whether through the ship or a 3rd party excursion? Do most of you tip or not?? I haven't cruised in many years and really need some guidance. Thank you!

What is the appropriate tip for an excursion guide/boat captain?

My budget is as low as I can get it! Definitely below $1000 and would prefer less than that. I will check these out! Thank you!

I currently have an Olympus TG 1 for underwater photos because I love to snorkel. I also have my cellphone. The zoom on both of these is not very good! I am not real technically inclined and have never used a DSLR. I do love taking pictures, but am certainly a novice. It takes a lot of photos to get the really good ones. I would love recommendations for a good point and shoot capable of zooming in on wildlife for great photos. Hubby says just make memories, but I really do enjoy trying to be a photographer. any recommendations?? Thank you in advance!

Thank you, Slabeaume and Coral Reef! I will take my snorkel gear ashore in Aruba. We only have a short stop there. 7-12:30 and I won't be first off the ship at that time, but hopefully enough time for a short snorkel and toes in the sand on Christmas Eve! I want to see whales in PV so I will try to combine that with Marietas Islands and see whales and snorkel!