Golden Eagle Catamaran Questions

[Jobro2]

On this cruise, we want to sign up for the early Golden Eagle Catamaran trip...from what I have read from previous posters, everone loved it and it sounds like something my DD & DS (11 & 13) would love!! My question is that we will need to bring towels, suntan lotion, camara, etc...I would assume there would not be a problem bringing a beach bag for these things? Is there a place for them?? Also, since there is swimming, do they provide any snorkeling equipment, or rafts, noodles, etc, or do we need to provide all of them? Thanks!!

 

[SC Minnie]

We had a blast on this excursion!

It is OK to bring a beach bag with towels, sunscreen, etc. There is a place 'inside' to store you belongs under a seat. I wouldn't take anything valuable. We didn't have any problems but you never know. You will not be able to take this on shore with you - see below.

They did provide snorkel equipment and life vests(they will not let you use your own). They also had noodles but no rafts. To get from the catamaran to shore you have to swim. DD7 at the time did just fine and she is not a very strong swimmer.

Bring a water camera- you will get it wet!

You can bring towels from the ship- they will hand them out as you leave the ship- just remember to return them.

 

[kendall]

the snorkel equipment provided was great! You will leave your shoes in a basket at the dock - no shoes on board - so don't worry about those, either. This included aquasocks when we went. We took one bag with towels from the ship, camera, suntan lotion and left the bag inside the catamaran.
Wonderful excursion - you will enjoy it!

 

[Jobro2]

Do they provide food, or should we plan on taking some from the ship? Also, drinks...we are big water drinkers..especially in the summer heat...should we bring our own or is there enough provided, along with other drinks? Thanks so much for all your replies!!

 

[SC Minnie]

They provide drinks and food. On the way to the beach they had rum punch, sodas, and water. On the way back to the ship they served sub sandwiches, more rum punch , and champagne . All this will crashing into waves! It was awesome!

They did have water on board too. We had bought some bottled water as we were leaving the ship but did not need it.

 

[MinnieCruiser]

SC Minnie,
Why won't they let you use your own snorkel equipment? We are going to be bringing our own because I prefer the snorkels that have the little gadget that prevents water from getting in - otherwise I always swallow water and choke! What are their snorkels like?
Thanks

 

[Towncrier]

I had forgotten about leaving shoes at the dock and not needing to bring your own water. Both are very good tips.

My 12yo DD and I had a blast on the Golden Eagle (with SC Minnie and about 30 other DISers). Out of 4 Disney Cruises, this is the only excursion that we have ever done. And it was well worth it.

 

[mouseclick1]

I have my heart set on doing this excursion when we cruise, which is only 497 days away! (Not like I'm counting or anything )

 

[Gretel]

We were on the same Golden Eagle Catamaran as SC Minnie and Towncrier. (Hi guys!) You will not be disapointed, in fact it was one of the highlights of our trip! Just remember to reapply suncreen after snorkeling especially on your feet (right Towncrier!)

 

[happylady]

We had a great time also. BUT, monitor the weather and the seas. We had some rough weather while sailing to St. Martin. (Our Captain even went west of Puerto Rico in search of calmer seas).

When we boarded the Golden Eagle, we were told that due to the rough seas we would be going to an alternative sight for snorkling, and due to the rough seas we would go by engine not sail. We were not given a choice to cancel. We made sure we had a great time, but the visibility was only 2-4 feet when snorkeling and a few people were sea sick on the ride there and back.

The afternoon excursion was given the choice to cancel or not. Like I said, we had a good time and enjoyed those rum punch drinks on our return trip (I don't think they serve alcohol prior to snorkeling).