Atlantis Submarine vs. Ocean View Explorer??

[indymom1]

O.K. I know that I am way too early but we are not cruising until July 2006 My son who will be almost 10 at the time we sail has only requested one thing that is a must do for him this cruise and it is the submarine excursion in Cozumel. When I went onto DCL.com there are two listed that sound pretty similar. Can anyone give me any feedback into why the big difference in price. Atlantis is $75 per adult and Ocean View is $39 per adult also there are difference in prices for the children as well. I have read both descriptions and the only thing that looks different if that the Atlantis one states U.S. Coast Guard certified submarine. Is that the difference?? Also if anyone can give any thoughts if you have done either one of these that would be great. We are also travelling with my other DS who will be 4 so we thought this would be a good fit for us to do as a whole family. Thanks in advance to all who can understand my need to pick the best one for my sons. The last time we cruised in 2001 my older son was too young to do the submarine that is why it is on his don't miss list this time.

Kathy

 

[budwmn]

We've done both types of excursions: semi-submarine in Key West and Atlantis sub in Cozumel. While the sea life was better in Key West (coral more colorful), the sub in Cozumel was more exciting.

The semi-sub is like a boat with an underwater viewing area. You could go up on deck to get fresh air or hang out and look out the windows below. Because you stay at sea-level, you can't get up close to the sea floor.

The Atlantis sub feels like a real adventure. We took photos of the depth monitor when we hit 120 feet below. The dive was a lot of fun. They also gave us certificates to prove that we made it into the -100 ft. club. My DS age 8 really enjoyed the excursion. We saw sharks, stingrays, grouper, lobster, and more. The coral and plant life didn't look as robust as Key West's though.

Good luck making your choice.

 

[indymom1]

Thanks Jenny,
I knew that there had to be a difference but couldn't figure out what it was. My older son would sure have been disappointed if we just got in a boat he wants to go in the submarine. Looks like I need the Atlantis excursion

 

[smchan]

This Atlantis sub is very cool. My crew and I rode the one at St Thomas earlier this month. I think it was the highlight of the trip for my 2 boys, 4 and 6.

A few pictures inside and outside the sub are available at my photo page: http://www.pbase.com/srmchan/disney_cruise_line&page=all

Sam

 

[TheWog]

I agree. DS6 and I did the Atlantis Submarine in St. Thomas also and thought it was a great highlight of our trip. We went down about 80 feet under the sea and saw all sorts of marine life. It was a great time and not to be missed for the kids. He talked about it for months afterward. We also got dive certificates that are framed now. This would be the one to choose.