overcrowded snorkel boats??

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jan t.

Guest
I've been forewarned by some friends that the tours you book through the cruise ships can be very overcrowded, such as 150 passangers on a boat to the stingray city sandbar! That's not my idea of fun! Can anyone confirm this? Is it better to book independently after you get to your destination? Thanks for your help! Our cruise is Princess Grand, October 5-12, 2003, western caribbean.
 
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belgique

Guest
In my opinion, the cruise line sponsored tours are safer than booking a "local" once you get there. Cruise lines have spent a lot of time and money finding the best, safest and most efficient tours - they have a lot at stake!

I don't necessarily think ship's tours are necessary for land travel such as an island tour or rides to beaches, but anything involving other boats, parasailing, helicopter rides, etc., seem to me would be best and safest when endorsed by the cruise line.

I've never encountered any overcrowding or unsafe conditions on any excursions, boat trips or other adventures sponsored by the cruise line.
 
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golfmike

Guest
For an uncrowded trip to Stingray City, with apologies to the above poster, try

www.nativewaywatersports.com

cheaper, less people, friendlier, they will pick you up right at the cruise dock. you can book on line in advance. they will tailor the pick up to the arrival time of your ship.

A few weeks ago on a message board I was at, someone had posted a photo taken at Stingray city, and there were easily 75-100 people in the water.this was a tour booked on the ship. I wish I could find that photo to show you. Do yourself a favor and book your tour through www.captainmarvin.com or www.captainbryan.com or the above one at nativeways. We are going in Nov and we have booked nativeway, due to the fact that when we inquired about all three of the above, nativeways answered back within an hour, and sent gr8 pics, and was sincere about wanting our business.
 
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conniesue

Guest
I just took a cruise booked excuresion to stingray city, and truly didn't think itn was over crowded at all! It was awesome! We also found a snorkel excursion on our own, which waws intimate...just the four of us...both were great.
 
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taymiss2

Guest
I have been trying to book with nativeway. They were very prompt in responding but have ignored my question about their refund policy for bad weather or change in itenerary. Has anyone ever had confirmation about their policy?
 
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jan t.

Guest
I booked with Stingray City Charters and their refund policy is great. Total refund if any problems exist, such as, bad weather, ship changes itinerary etc. Their site is www.stingraycitycharters.com The captain himself called me on the phone! I was impressed with that. Good luck and enjoy!
 
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