New to DCL, snorkel questions

[lucigo]

If we have our own snorkel equipment can we snorkel at Castaway or do we still need to book the snorkeling to gain access to the lagoon area?

In St Thomas I'm thinking about the Doubloon to Turtle Cove. How hard is it to get on and off the ship to snorkel? How crowded is the ship? Would the catamaran be a better option?

Thanks

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

If we have our own snorkel equipment can we snorkel at Castaway or do we still need to book the snorkeling to gain access to the lagoon area?

In St Thomas I'm thinking about the Doubloon to Turtle Cove. How hard is it to get on and off the ship to snorkel? How crowded is the ship? Would the catamaran be a better option?

Thanks

No no need to book anything just put on one of the free life jackets and go.

I have done the Doubloon to Turtle Cove and Honeymoon bay and yes its for good experienced snorkelers only, you have to put on your snorkel gear on ship and jump in, with it on, or go down one slipper set of steps and then put your gear on in the water.

A Catamaran sometimes runs that might be easier to get on and off of, but we did not dock at any pier at Turtle cove there wasn't one and if you waited to go down the steps, like me you were laying catch up with the group, ours also had a thunder storm open up above us at that exact time.

We were quite crowded in.

 

[FLpixie]

No no need to book anything just put on one of the free life jackets and go.

We just did this - took our own gear but had to wear one of the yellow snorkeling vests (didn't even have to inflate it). You cannot be in the snorkeling area without the yellow vest (free to use) but do not have to be signed up for the DCL CC snorkel excursion.

 

[ciniminis]

Is there any quick snorkeling lesson offered on the ship or in Castaway Cay?

 

[RKKUNK]

As the last poster stated, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. You do have to use one of their life vests, though.

We did the Doubloon to Turtle Cove and there were quite a few people on the boat. The only way into the water was to either jump in off the side or use a ladder into the water. The only way out of the water back on to the ship was to climb the ladder. When we went, my husband and son saw one turtle waaay down at the bottom and I didn't see anything but a few fish. We didn't really feel it was worth it.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Is there any quick snorkeling lesson offered on the ship or in Castaway Cay?

No not that I am aware of.

 

[lucigo]

Sounds like the catamaran might be the better one. It goes to Shipwreck Cove. Anyone done this?

 

[lucigo]

This is our first disney cruise, when you book an excursion do you not pay for it online?

 

[KristiMc]

This is our first disney cruise, when you book an excursion do you not pay for it online?

No - you will be charged for the excursion when you are on the ship. It will be added to your stateroom charges.

 

[lucigo]

Ok thanks! I booked today and we sail in 21 days so I'm trying to do all the research I can!

 

[KristiMc]

Ok thanks! I booked today and we sail in 21 days so I'm trying to do all the research I can!

Have a great cruise! Book another one before you get off the ship and you will get a 10% discount and onboard credit depending on the length of cruise.

 

[lucigo]

Thanks We booked a military rate, I think we got a pretty good deal. I was worried about cat 9D but any cabin on any cruise is better than Virginia! Haha

 

[lucigo]

I just wanted to update and say we had a wonderful cruise and snorkeling at Castaway Cay was magical. Here is a short video clip of a school of fish giving us a warm Mickey welcome