Djdarleen

Thanks Life’s A Beach! I did check Captain Marvins website, they only do private charters outside the Stingrays. Too pricey. So, the reef isn’t too far from shore? My 77 year old mother and her 85 year old husband will be with me...

they are both strong swimmers.

Carnival canceled the tour we had scheduled for a reef snorkel and starfish garden. I don’t care to do the stingrays, just a good snorkel on the reef. Carnival moved us to a reef and wreck snorkel featuring the USS Kitiwake; but reviewers say the wreck is 80 feet down, too deep for most to free dive. The other problem I have with it is the original tour was at 8 am, the new one starts at 11:30, right in the heat of the day, and by that time everyone and their dog will be in the water! Please help with either local tour operators or an alternative shore excursion company. Our cruise is next weekend, time is of the essence! Thanks for your help. 

My mom really wants to tour the home known as Cinnamon Hill that once belonged to Johnny and June Carter Cash. Is Rose Hall actually the same place going by a different name? Or something else altogether? Thanks for your help!

Thanks so much ABQrobin!!! I really appreciate your input. I had just about decided to do a power snuba in Jamaica, since I’ve wanted to do that for sometime and it isn’t offered on GC. I really don’t care about the stingrays and prefer to do a snorkel without them actually. Looking at your video reinforces that notion: I want to do a snorkel away from the crowds. I’m Considering Sunset House, but a catamaran trip would be more to my liking. I’ll look into the GC snorkel situation now. Perhaps a private cruise if I could find a reasonably priced tour... Any suggestions or recommendations very much appreciated. 

So I’m cruising to the titled ports (+ Cozumel) and will only get the opportunity to snorkel one, most likely. I am looking for the most fish and coral, most hassle free experience. I’m cruising with my sister and some friends and they’re wanting to zipline more than anything, so we’re considering doing that in Jamaica. My first priority, however, is booking a great snorkel at one of these ports (I’ve snorkeled Cozumel previously). Hoping y’all will have suggestions for me, including where to snorkel and what outfits to book with. Thanks in advance cruisers!!

We get the feeling they might have been afraid that their cars wouldn't have lasted through the areas mentioned.

My thought as well! The brakes weren’t so great either. I believe the other restriction was the road out to Kaanapali... good to hear there’s a locally owned place in Kihei that is reliable.

If going to Haleakala for sunrise they now require an advance reservation to reduce the overcrowding at the summit. It’ll also be about 30° cooler & often breezy at the summit so bundle up & I had to arrive at least 30 minutes before official sunrise. Once high clouds reduced the view but the other time it was clear & amazing...like a sunrise from space.

Good to know. We drove up ourselves the last time and it was a bit harrowing… I think if I do it I’ll go through a tour company. Maybe that will make it easier to get a reservation…

One more thing to note: Hawaii insurance requirements are very different from some other states. I had to get my insurance company on the phone to talk to the rental agent. Definitely bring your proof of insurance. Not sure if anyone else can offer any more helpful advice about how to make the process a little bit easier…:confused:

Aloha is a local company, so their rules may differ from the nationwide chains. Always wise to check your contract though.

Yes, Aloha is local, which is why I went with them. I figure keep more money on the island rather than going to a national chain…

Yeah, it was a great thought. however, The company is not great. The little girl that checked us out had such a terrible attitude it was anything but aloha. And the car was a dog with fleas! It had so many dents on there that the rental agreement diagram of the car literally had just marks all over it. It was crazy. It looked like it had been parked on a driving range it had so many dents on that car. We got a convertible thinking oh that would be so special… Not so much. Definitely do not go through aloha!

We are unaware of any restrictions in driving a rental car up Haleakala. Perhaps you are thinking of the drive around the "back side", which continues on from Hana. That road can be a bit challenging, and if your rental car breaks down you may find your cellular phone isn't working either and help is hard to find.

 

As to the drive to Lahaina, it sounds like you took highway 340 which, as you learned, is not the safest way to go. Next time try highway 30 for a pleasant and beautiful drive to Lahaina.

Actually the Aloha rental agreement stated several areas that were restricted: yes the back side of Hana, as well as Haleakala and at least one more site.

Astroflyer: I have thought of renting a car. Stayed on Maui for a week 5 years ago. Planning on a helicopter tour this time, and possibly Haleakala at sunrise. I’ve been thinking about snuba there in Maui as well...

Beachiekeen: what would be your recommendation for Kauai rather than snorkeling? Open to suggestions.

All: also looking for the best Island for pineapple tour... I know there’s one on Maui- any others?

So... that's what I want to do. Anyone know if Norwegian offers anything like this? Or any other excursion/tour company for that matter... I would prefer smaller groups for the snorkels. Thanks for your help fellow cruisers, much appreciated!!

Be careful. Most of the rental car companies do not allow their cars to be taken up to Haleakala. Read your agreement carefully.

I've done Haleakala and part of the road to Hana and I have to say this is a very ambitious schedule, especially with a two year old. Whoever drives is going to be tired- there are tons of switchbacks on the Haleakala drive and it can be nerve wracking on both that drive as well as road to Hana, which also has many hairpin curves and is extremely narrow. Throw in the drive to Lahaina... dude. For me that one was the craziest, because you're driving on the edge of a cliff. I'm a very confident driver, but it was a bit harrowing at times. Not saying it can't be done or rain on your parade, just trying to let you in on what my experience has been.

We had a great time at the top of Haleakala, totally worth it- actually planning on returning to the peak for sunrise when I cruise POA in Oct... but I'll be paying someone to drive me up this time!

we only got so far on the road to Hana- made it to the Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden, then headed back after our visit there. The place is gorgeous, with a view of Puohokamoa Falls and all kinds of amazing plants and flowers.

Maui Ocean Center is also really cool. There are areas where you can touch starfish and other marine life, so super cool for the kids.

Hope you all have an awesome time!!

If you do stay at the pier Pancho's Backyard is really good. We have also eaten at Los Torros in town and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Many places have equipment on site. I prefer my own snorkel, as I am a germaphobe. As for the full faced snorkel, I looked into them and the one thing that caused me to stay away from them was that the description says they are not suitable for free diving. Another I have looked at is the moflo 2 by bobs snorkel in Maui. They deliver more air and supposed to be easier to clear. I will be buying one of these, but only recommend if you're a serious snorkel enthusiast, as they are about $50. Have fun!! If you are undecided on where to snorkel I highly recommend upachaya pontoon boat snorkel. You can find my full review on it here in the Roatan forum.

I didn't see anything like that, but possible. Is your party member in a wheelchair? You might go to the Carnival website and email them your question, that is what I would do. It is not a super strenuous deal, not a huge hill, but there is all of the terminal to cross, plus a parking lot, then a flight of stairs to get up there. they may be able to get you a golf cart or something... be prepared for it to take a bit to get back to you, but they will.

Pre-pay, makes it so much easier. We did this on both of the last 2 cruises we took. Last cruise we decided to tip our waiter and his assistant as well as our cabin steward a bit extra. Left an envelope for the steward and just handed the tips directly to the waitstaff. I think it makes it so much easier... we didn't have the option the first time we cruised and it was a nightmare trying to figure out how much to tip. Do be aware that Carnival adds gratuity to everything, from the drinks to the spa services. I mention because they always have a space for you to add gratuity and my mom did this several times not realizing there was already an automatic tip. Even on the yoga class we did, which is really weird because I have never heard of anyone tipping their yogi. Have fun!!!

Djdarleen How did everything turn out? We are looking at Upachaya in Sept 2017 for our snorkel in Roatan. Thanks.

Uhswim: AMAZING!!! we had a terrific time. It was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. I posted a full review here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=53094750&posted=1#post53094750

The one thing I would say: be careful with the times. The time listed at the end of the confirmation e-mail is not the time to be at the taxi stand! You're supposed to get off the boat asap and get to the stand, which is outside the cruise terminal. Other than that missed communication (totally my fault) absolutely everything was wonderful!! You will NOT be disappointed! The best part about was: we were the only people around! No other snorkel/dive boats in sight, just our little group of the 3 of us. So quiet and peaceful...

Have an email conversation with several of the local tour guys. Bet ya dollars to donuts they will catet to your every whim. Bodden and Rory come to mind.

 

Or Free Radical is a good option. The food is yummy, the staff spot on and the snorkling was pretty good.

 

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Guest, you were SO right! I tried to get on a tour with free radical, but they were already booked for a group on a Royal Caribbean ship and said they can't mix groups from different ships (different docks, and arrival times). They recommended Upachaya, who has stellar reviews on trip advisor. I contacted the owner, Barb, and asked if she could provide a lobster lunch for us, rather than the regular lunch of rice and beans. No problem! For an additional $15 pp she's doing the lobster for us, and promised to have Dr Pepper for my sister and iced tea for my mom and me. at a total price of $95, it's a bargain! So looking forward to this, as Upachaya is an eco resort known for their botanical gardens. We will do the pontoon snorkel, they also have a kayak snorkel. YAY! third time's the charm for booking our snorkel on Roatan!

Thanks a bunch, Guest. I'll be looking into free radical today.

Well, Mom said she doesn't think she wants to dive, so the search for a great boat snorkel continues...

Thanks GradUT! I appreciate the recommendation. We are actually now considering doing Shore Excursioneer's Roatan discover beginner scuba & Mayan Princess resort. If we don't go that route I will definitely check out free radical.

Hey ALR1023. Yeah, so disappointed. I am now thinking we might do the "Roatan Discover Beginning SCUBA & Mayan Princess Resort Beach Break". All 3 of us have always wanted to scuba... just $15 more than the other excursion, but no lunch included. The other one I was seriously considering was the "Roatan Ultimate Nature Combo: Mangrove Cruise, Horseback Riding, Beach and Snorkel"- this looks super cool, but the only thing is that the snorkel is only 30 minutes... was wondering if they might switch it up and do less time on the mangrove cruise and more on the snorkel. But it will be a moot point if we choose the scuba. Yes, we are stopping in Belize as well. We'll be doing the Belize City by Carriage excursion through Carnival there; last time we did the Lamanai Mayan Ruins and River Boat Safari, enjoyed it very much. When are y'all cruising?

Thank you guest2000, you are so very helpful. Can you recommend any tour operator?

Hi all. I am cruising to Roatan in April, looking for a great boat snorkel. I had requested shore excursioneer's 3 reef snorkel with lobster dinner, but they came back and said the operator has sold that date out. Extremely disappointed, as this was the excursion I, my mom and my sister were all most looking forward to. SO... any suggestions? We want to snorkel the reef from a boat, would prefer lunch to be included. Really looking for a great experience with the best viewing of the reef and most time in the water. None of us drink, so open bar is not necessary, but snacks and water would be nice... Most importantly, looking for a SMALL snorkel group in an uncrowded area. It seems that time is of the essence, in that we've already missed out on one tour. Thanks for your help!!!