shore excursions - leaving your stuff

[musigal]

OK, on our last cruise (which was our first), we didn't do any shore excursions. However, we are going to this time and I have a question. We're going to go snorkeling in St. Thomas (we're doing the Castaway Barefool Sail & Snorkel around Buck Island, booked through the ship). Any comments or reviews on this excursion are welcomed, positive or negative!

Anyway, here's my question - I read in the FAQs that you shouldn't leave your stuff unattended - but we're going to be snorkeling from a catamaran and I know I'll be wearing clothes over my suit, probably a hat and sunglasses, and have sunscreen with me! (No real valuables.) Can I leave those on the catamaran while I snorkel? Hubby will have our $$ and room key cards in his pocket in a waterproof pouch.

Anyone have any horror stories about the crew stealing your hat, clothes, sunscreen, etc.?

[Andrealovescruising]

Kerri, no one will bother your things on your excursion. We have never had a problem with the 4 of us on any excursion. It sounds like you've got the $ situation handled. As long as you put your items in a zippered or draw-string pouch, you will be fine.

[penny3333]

The snorkeling around Buck Island is great, you may even see some turtles. The catamaran is a wonderful part of the excursion. You will have absolutely no problems leaving your personal items on board. The cruise lines screen all vendors, if there are complaints, the vendors will not be making money for long. Have a wonderful cruise!

[spoheat]

You will mostly likely be required to have photo idea with your ship's pass--so you will have at least one valuable with you no matter where you go on shore. We got a plastic case my husband could wear around his neck but he left it on the catamaran, everyone's camaras, towels, shoes, flotsum of all kinds gets left on board and I haven't seen anyone bother it.

[cruiseocd]

i went on this excursion in may of 06. i actually won it in one of the excursion talks. we had a great time. we had no problem leaving our stuff. the snorkeling was great and we got to see two turtles. the two people running the ship were young. i think they were brother and sister. the guy goes in with ya and spreads some food around to attract the fish. they had music and rum punch on the way back. from what i remember the catamaran ride out there was great. beautiful scenery, cool air & blue water. ahhhhhhh wish i was there now! you will enjoy it!