meff
February 5th, 2005, 09:05 PM
I have recently read some not so great comments on the Champagne Catamaran excursion from St. Thomas. I went on one of these a few years ago with Princess and it was great, but it sounds like the HAL one is kind of disappointing. We are going on the Zuiderdam in March with some friends who are first time cruisers and we thought they would enjoy this, but I don't want to spend that much money on a mediocre excursion. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks.
Meff
Heaven2
February 5th, 2005, 11:23 PM
You are right to question the Champagne Catarmaran tour. We took it two years ago from the Volendam. We have been on many tours like this one.
This was the absolute worst one. The tour was over booked. It was so crowded that people had to sit out on the front deck. The step up from the dock to the boat was very, very high with no steps to help. Would be very difficult for anyone short like me. I had to raise my leg almost to my shoulders, I kid you not. There must have been at least 16 people on board. The snacks turned out to be two trays from a grocery store deli counter. Standard cheese cubes, rolled meat, some dry rolls. The "head " did not work. We were instructed to take off our shoes when boarding. This was difficult for my husband since he needs to wear the rubber type water shoes for good balance.
Although it was said that they would take you to the beach in the dingy, they refused. It was swim to the shore or stay on board while the others snorkled. They could not help that it poured rain but it made for a long trip back to St. Thomas. We had to sit out on the open deck since there was no room in the cockpit area. Then on top of the very high price, a bucket was passed around for tips. I would not mind this practice if they had delivered what was promised. There was almost a general mutiny among the passengers on the way back to the ship. Not happy campers. We wrote this up and handed in our comments to the shore ex. department. I am surprised that they still continue to book it if you are still hearing problems concerning it.
We will be on the Zui in April and are not going to book this tour. Once shame on them, twice shame on us !