Hi Hersh!
Golden Eagle: Our sea was quite calm that day. On our first cruise the kids were 8 and 10, and both loved the catamaran ride. It is a large catamaran, with room to sit on the front netting and get wet from the splashing waves - this was a big hit. Kids enjoyed watching the crew handle the boat, too. Snorkel equipment was in excellent condition, and we snorkled right off the catamaran. Kids also swam from the catamaran to the beach at the island we sailed to (there is a small boat available to take you to the beach as well). I understand that if the seas are rough, the catamaran ride may be wetter and wilder than what we experienced. Nice crew, great excursion. Both my kids would love to do this excursion again, but we are going to go to Anguilla instead. Will your kids be afraid of the catamaran? My 10 year old wasn't, my 8 year old quickly became enthralled with riding up front. There are also ample places to ride off the netting, both up front and inside the catamaran. I imagine as long as the seas are relatively smooth, your kids will be fine unless they are simply afraid of boats.
Coral World/Coki Beach: we did this on our own, no problem, and definitely less expensive than Disney, and less rushed. Plenty of taxis available when you get off the beach to take you. We packed our lunch from the previous evening's buffet and took our cooler and day bags with swim suits and towels. We went to Coral World first because there are lockers available there. Coral World's website is
[url]http://www.coralworldvi.com/[/URL] there was a discount coupon on their website - it is still there in the "events" area. I see it expired in 2002, but just email their marketing office and I'm sure there will be a new coupon for 2003. We stored our gear in lockers at Coral World, and then enjoyed the exhibits - your kids will probably like this if they like fish. At Coral World there is also the opportunity to SNUBA - check their website - we didn't snuba, but other DISers who have enjoyed the experience. I also see Coral World has added many activities/excursions - they may be worthwhile checking out. After lunch we went to the locker rooms in Coral World and changed into our swimsuits for the afternoon - Coki Beach is literally steps away from the front gate of Coral World. We spent the afternoon at the beach (crowded, small beach), and then returned to Coral World to shower, change and head back to the ship. Taxis were in abundance at Coral World and Coki - the taxi that takes you there will want to pick you up too - but don't fret if you decide to stay later as there were many taxis available. Many people rave about Coki - unfortunately the day we were there the water was murky from a storm, and the snorkeling was not good. The beach was crowded during the afternoon, but we found room, no problem. The locker rooms and showers at Coral World were very convenient for the day! This trip we are considering going to St. Johns.
Happy planning!
Hi April 5th cruisiers ! We are getting very excited ! We have had a mild winter so far in VA, but we are sure looking forward to some warmer weather. Any recommendations on Eastern Excursions with a five and eight year old? 
