Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter? Is it worth it?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

We are on the 3 night cruise, and initially I wasn't planning on any excursions in Nassau. this is our first cruise, and we thought we might just explore the ship more and have the kids enjoy the kids clubs. Maybe just get off the ship and walk to the shopping area. I have thought that perhaps it might be fun to do this excursion.

Is it worth the price?
Will it be fun for DS(9) and DD(5)?
How much time do you actually get interacting with the Dolphins?
How much time do you get one on one with the dolphin?
How many people are in the group when you go?
How long does it take? The Disney website says 4-7 hours, why such a variance in time?

 

[valeriekc]

Our experience with the Dolphins was on a different cruise line but we did not do the encounter we did the Dolphin swim and that you can not book through the cruise line.
We did watch the people doing the encounter however and it seemed just OK. In our opinion it is too much money for what it offers. You stand on a platform waist high or so and the dolphin swims by and you get to pat it, feed some fish etc.. not really very interactive.
Now if you want info on the swim...awesome! We spent an hour in the water (with lifejackets on) interacting with 2 dolphins. There were about 10 people in our group (our family was 4) and we had the best time.
As for the time requirements, it takes about 45 minutes on a boat to get to the Blue Lagoon Island and (obviously) 45 minutes return. All the people that did the encounter waited around till we were all done and we all took the same boat back.
After looking around Atlantis & Nassau we thought we had done the best thing (in the dolphin swim) that the island had to offer!
If you have any questions feel free,
Good Luck

By the way I have (2) daughters 6&10 and they weren't the least bit scared and they absolutely loved the last part which was the foot push where the dolphins push you through the water very fast!

 

[carallard]

We did this 2 yrs ago with DD6. My hubby just watched as we didn't see the need to pay for the 3 of us. It was a great experience, do be adviced that they do sell you extra stuff which increases the price. That said, I wouldn't trade the video of she and I playing with the dolphin or the picture of one kissing her for all the tea in China.

 

[Dreamer04]

My DD who was 5 at the time and myself went on this excursion. We loved it. There is a movie beforehand, explaining where to touch the dolphins and where not to. My daughter is shy, but she really came out of her shell for that dolphin. The dolphin doesn't jost swim by. She/he stays there with the trainer and interacts with each customer. You pet, hug, feel their teeth, get splashed by them and yes get kissed by them. It was an awesome experience for us both. My one regret is that we didn't buy the video or pictures. Luckily, we are going again in January and we already know that this is for us! This time I'm getting the video and picture.

Have Fun!

 

[S. C.]

www.dolphinswim.com