Cruise summary and assesment

Posted on: 2015/10/24

On October 7th we joined the Dolphin watch Snorkel cruise to Lanai. It was quite breezy that day and upon boarding we were informed that because of the weather the cruise to Lanai had to be canceled and alternate snorkel locations would have to be used instead of the live coral reefs originally promised off the coast of Lanai, and further, the activities and relaxing time on Lanai would be out of the question. Although very disappointed we understood the situation and sympathized with the cruise captain. She was very nice and we felt sorry for her. We proceeded to her first chosen snorkel location off the coast of Maui, dropped anchor and began preparation for our first snorkel dip. The underwater scenery was somewhat less than spectacular but the experience was interesting. Not having snorkeled for several years it was an exhilarating experience to paddle in the ocean and explore the ocean floor. Subsequently, we pulled anchor and headed for another snorkel area off the shore of Maui and had our lunch, which was quite good and filling. When we arrived at the second site it was too windy to dive there and we were forced to find another alternative site. Again, interesting but even less spectacular than the first and really too windy to enjoy. Exhausted and chilled we finally headed back to Lahaina harbor for our cruise departure. Final assessment, the crew was very good and experienced, the captain was very good and well informed and handled the situation, much as it was, graciously and all in all we did enjoy ourselves on the cruise, but we didn’t even come close to what we were expecting for our investment.