jaga04

I get your dilemma.  It makes sense that the aquarium is Coral Garden.  It's a patch reef area not too far from the barrier reef.  We've been a few times, though maybe we've been to slightly different parts, as sometimes it's seemed pretty minimal and other times, more lush.  We've seen stingrays, a moray eel, and many pretty smaller fish.  Another option is Cemetery Beach, but you have to get there by either taxi or public bus/van.  It's north of Seven Mile Beach.  There are also trips to the Kittiwake, which is a ship they purposely sank also north of Seven Mile Beach, but a bit off shore.  I thought it wasn't that great for snorkelers, as it's in about 60 feet of water so you don't see much.  I'm mentioning it because we also had a stop at Boggy Sand Reef (something like that) that was a really nice area to snorkel.  I know that I typically like to plan things out, but if you wait to see what the weather/winds are going to be, you may be able to tell what it will be like at Eden Rock when you'll be there.  That has the most extensive reef...

Sorry if this is too late--just saw this.  Interesting about "the aquarium."  The first time we went on a boat in GC, we stopped at a place that they called the aquarium.  It did have lots of fish and was a very nice stop.  After that, nobody we asked knew what area we meant.  So, maybe it's just an area that the captain thinks has lots of fish?  The barrier reef has some lovely areas where the reef is healthy and there are lots of fish.  There are also areas that appear to have had too many snorkelers--those are probably closer to Stingray City.  I'm assuming that on a private tour, you'll be taken to the better places.  Plus, I typically like the boat ride itself.  On the other hand, Eden Rock is probably my favorite spot to snorkel in GC.  However, it is subject to winds and there have been days when we thought it was too rough to go in.  On a good weather day, both choices would be great.  

Things should be pretty mellow while you're there during the day--unless perhaps if you hang out at Irish Kevin's bar.  

10-15 minutes seems about right.  Keep in mind that the bus does a loop and there will be more stops on the way back to the port, probably taking roughly 30 minutes if you stay on the whole way.  You'll get to see much of Old Town.

Some things that are kind of between Cuban Coffee Queen and the dock, that you might do in 1-2 hours:  

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum--artifacts from shipwrecks

Truman Little White House--history

KW Museum at Custom House--art and history of KW 

(More) drinks and music at Hogs Breath or Sloppy Joe's

Another thing to consider is that if you want to go into attractions, you will have to park the golf cart in a parking spot, like any other vehicle.  Parking isn't easy in Old Town.  

Or walk some or all of it?  Depends on your capacity for walking and maybe the heat/sun.

It's about 1+ miles from the ship to Southernmost Point. 

Then, roughly 1.5 miles to Ft Zach, if you go down Whitehead, turn left at Southard, and follow signs to the park.  There's a shorter way by turning left on Petronia, but more complicated--a phone map might direct you that way.   

Then, about 1+ miles back to the ship, if you walk through Truman Annex (past the Truman Little White House).  

1 hour ago, njhorseman said:

However, Florida enacted a law overturning the Key West voter initiative so some ships are still calling on Key West. As I'm writing this I'm looking at keywestharborwebcam.com and I can see Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas and another ship that I can't identify docked there.

It looks like Oceania's website is correct, as Sirena is not listed on Key West's cruise ship calendar for that time.  

Since the initiative was overturned, ships have mainly been docking in KW at the privately-owned dock near the Opal resort.  It's rare that a 2nd ship has docked.  The other ship that was there today at Mallory Square is Ritz Carlton's new yacht, Evrima, which is a smaller ship and fits in with the small capacity that was agreed to in the initiative.  I think that criteria is still being used for the city-owned docks.  The R ships may also fit that criteria, but I don't think any have been to KW recently or scheduled.

5 hours ago, NanceeTom said:

We purchased insurance from our TA for our Oceania cruise.  We tried to get air schedules from Oceania by paying the additional amount, but their schedules were fairly ridiculous with 2 or 3 stops or 45 minute layovers.  We cancelled their air and also plan to arrive 2 days early and used our own hotel and pay for our transfer to the ship port.  There has been a hint that since we purchased our own air our Ta's saying our medical piece of it is not valid for the 2 days prior to boarding the ship.  Any insurance we have ever purchased, normally gives 2 days before and 2 days after.  Thoughts?

We did almost exactly what you did for a cruise a few years ago.  Our TA was able to extend the policy to begin earlier.  The additional cost was very reasonable.  

Both have worked for me successfully and I don't really think that I have a preference.  I can no longer wear contacts, so the decision has been made for me.  Some things to consider:

With contacts, you have your exact prescription prescribed by your doctor.  With prescription masks, you choose lenses based upon your prescription.

With contacts, you have the choice of all masks.  Not all have the option of prescription lenses.  My  prescription mask is a Cressi, and I really like it--can't recall the model name.  

Both cost some money.  Either you will pay for contact lenses or pay a bit more for the prescription lenses for the mask.  

Regardless, I highly recommend getting your own mask if you plan to continue to snorkel.  The "Rent or bring your own snorkel equipment thread," which you may have seen, has some useful related info.  

6 hours ago, ew101 said:

The Southernmost Beach Cafe.  On a beach, you can pretend you are in the Bahamas.  Just past the painted round marker.  

Just to clarify for anyone reading this for future plans--the OP already visited:

Ships dock near the northern end of Duval Street and the Southernmost Beach Cafe is at the southern end, so it's roughly a 1-1/4 mile walk.

Have a great time!  I thought the Mel Fisher Museum was pretty interesting.   

It's hard to answer without knowing what types of things you like to do.

The most unusual thing to do, and good in the hot summer, is to go on a snorkeling tour to the reef.

Other common places to visit:

Hemingway House

Truman Little White House

Butterfly Conservatory

Walk/shop/eat/drink shop on/near Duval Street

As has been said, going on a tour around the island will give you a good overview.  

Dante's restaurant has a pool, if you want to walk around to see the town and then cool off.  

It's a 20-30 minute walk from the pier to Ft. Zachary if you walk through Truman Annex.  Up to you if that's comfortable for you in about 80 degree weather, some of which will be in full sun.   If you walk, keep going straight after you walk off the dock, and go right at Front Street (or ask someone how to walk to the Truman White House).  Keep walking past the White House, until you can't go straight any more (that's Southard, but probably no sign), and turn right.  Then, after a short block, you should turn left at the roundabout, but there will be signs for the park.  

It's a beautiful park, where you can stay on the beach or at picnic tables under pine trees.  The sand is  more ground coral than fine sand, and it's a bit rocky, so water shoes are helpful.  

Back to the original question, one of the best things about a Caribbean cruise if you live in Naples, FL is that it's such an easy vacation.  After a roughly 2-hour drive, you're on a beautiful floating resort with most of your needs being met.  Compared to the other cruise lines you've been on, O has smaller ships, a more relaxed atmosphere, and better food.  Afternoon tea is not to be missed.  No extra charges to eat in specialty restaurants.  Eat whenever you want--no assigned seatings.  Tables for 2 or you may share if you prefer.  O may go to some islands that you haven't visited, which may not matter to your husband.  

5 hours ago, omeinv said:

Go to a full service dive shop in your area, with your vision prescription.  They'll be able to show you your options.  At the shop where I teach, we have the lenses in stock, but many shops will have to order them in for you 

 

Prescription masks that I've seen have been very basic, such as putting prescription -X.00 in one eye and -Y.00 in the other.  A small subset of masks in a dive shop will be made to accommodate the lenses.  Years ago, in a dive/snorkeling location, I heard about an optometrist who would put your actual prescription into your mask, but it was pretty expensive.  I bought my most recent prescription mask online from Leisurepro.  It's a Cressi mask--can't remember the model name.  I agree that it's better to go to a dive shop to check out your options when you haven't previously had such a mask.  

Got it--thanks!   Not sure why I thought AstraZeneca involved one dose.

I get no mixing for a combo that hasn't been approved, such as Moderna and Pfizer.  But since AstraZeneca is approved by WHO in and of itself, it doesn't seem that taking Pfizer after would take away any immunity.  I get that perhaps they want a simple rule.

This info on the website doesn't make sense to me.  AstraZeneca is acceptable, but AstraZeneca + Pfizer isn't.  Am I missing something?   

I personally couldn't imagine going snorkeling if I couldn't swim.  The first time I was on a snorkeling trip and saw that there were non-swimmers wanting to snorkel, I thought they were crazy.  However, since that time, I've seen it happen so often, and work out so successfully, that my thoughts have mellowed.  

A few things to consider: 

-the person's comfort in the ocean/water--some people can't swim but can float, some are terrified to put their head in the water, etc.

-the conditions of the water, which you may not know ahead of time

-the willingness/ability of the crew to teach the person what to do and watch them (they're supposed to be working as lifeguards regardless)

As others have said, it can be quite lovely to go on a boat ride even if one doesn't snorkel.  Also, the very first time my husband went snorkeling, I planned to say on the boat.  I could swim, but TBH was afraid of the fish.  After everyone was in the water, the crew gave me a mask and suggested that I hang onto the ladder and look into the water.  Water was very calm that day, so easy to do.  I thought it was amazing and it led to years of snorkeling. 

I agree that Bonaire is likely to be the best snorkeling.  Finally planning to go there in April, for a week, mainly to snorkel.  

The rule about no sandals has been around for a long time, but not enforced literally.  I agree that it's best to be interpreted as no beach-type sandals/casual flipflops.  

On 6/24/2021 at 12:26 PM, ricka47 said:

We both have antibodies as of last week. The 6-month statement is not true as we are at about 15 months. Due to past allergic reactions, her doctor strongly advises against it.

 

This is a special anniversary cruise and we obtained a good price, perks, and some OBC for catching COVID on the last cruise. So, we're holding off on cancelling until it's clear that we have no other option.

Keep in mind that just because she has antibodies now, doesn't mean that she will in October.  You may not really know for sure one way or the other ahead of time, even if O were to allow it.  

Of course that's not enough time to explore pretty much anywhere, but if I were you, I would start with a ride on either the Conch Train or Old Town Trolley.  There are many threads that describe the differences between them, but I would go on a tour that takes you around the whole island, not just around the Old Town area.  That will give you a good overview of the island, architecture, and history.  

Beyond that, it depends on your interests.  For me, the only must do would be a snorkeling trip to the reef.  For history buffs, the Truman White House.  Literary buffs, Hemingway's House.  Beach lovers, Ft. Zachary Taylor Park.  Shopping buffs, the Coach outlet (really joking, but that was my niece's main interest).  There are art galleries and t-shirt shops, etc., on Duval Street.  

I agree with all of Blue Water's suggestions.  I think that the Baths is a really special place, so highly recommend going there.  A few additional thoughts:

Private tours can cost reasonable amounts if you share them with other cruisers on the roll call for your cruise.  We did that in Tortola several years ago (can't recall the company we went with--it was a dive company, but I'm sure they would have done whatever type of trip we wanted).  

I'm also someone who tends to do one thing per day,  but if you want to go to another place in addition to VG, you might take a taxi to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola.  It's a pretty beach, there are several bars/restaurants, and you get to see beautiful Tortola on the way there.  

On 10/13/2020 at 4:38 PM, msears101 said:

To address Sweden model vs the rest of the world.  NY state has some of the tightest restrictions in the world AND the highest number of deaths per population (183 deaths per 100,000 in  NY).  Do lock downs work? The evidence, forget about Sweden (58 deaths per 100,000 in Sweden) look at NY state which is more than 3 times worse than sweden..  NY still has lots of lockdowns in place.

...

Think for yourself and always ask, "let me see the data."

NY is actually a great example of how lockdowns/restrictions DO work.  If one looks at the graphs of the new cases and deaths per day, it's very clear.  Sure, the NYC area was caught off guard at the beginning and probably due to population density, not knowing how to deal with the virus or how contagious it is, overwhelmed hospitals, etc., they had huge numbers of new cases and deaths early on.  Those numbers have gone down and pretty much stayed there since the middle of April, increasing a bit as restrictions are loosened.  The overall numbers don't tell the whole story at all.