I really just want to comment on two things. The first is safety in a reef environment (snorkeling). The second is reef conservation.

The Celebrity Solstice shore excursion team promotes snorkeling gear. I'm not sure who makes this equipment, but it is sold under a licensing agreement allowing for the "National Geographic" label to be attached (as if NG has any specialized experience in snorkeling gear... you won't find any divers using it).

The time is, there is NO instruction to go along with the snorkeling gear sales. It's a "Buy our gear, and have fun" mentality. People die when snorkeling (there seems to be an epidemic of it this year in Hawaii). Why, the salespeople will even sell this equipment to - stay with me here - people who can't swim! Read more