ebissell526

Hello, I saw your post and wanted to respond to you regarding snorkeling in Bonaire.  Please, please, please, book your excursion through Woodwind Bonaire.  It was and always will be the best snorkeling I've ever done, and I've snorkeled around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef.  Dee and Ulf will meet every single one of your needs and you can correspond with them in advance to let them know what type of equipment you would like.  On board, they carry multiple types of flotation devices (for novices to more experienced snorkelers) including noodles, paddle boards, full flotation vests, and even weighted vests; multiple types of masks, including those with prescription lenses and also masks that allow you to place over your own glasses; multiple types of flippers, etc.  Dee will take the best care of you.  Her hospitality is unmatched in the Caribbean! She offers about a dozen different beverages and your lunch is so delicious I wish I could have taken it back on the ship. BUT the fish, the turtles, the coral, and her knowledge of every single thing floating in that gorgeous water is what will make this trip unforgettable.  (http://www.woodwindbonaire.com)
If you have any other questions, let me know!
Thank you!

I would never expect a good Maryland crab cake outside of Maryland or at least the east coast.  I wouldn't say budget cuts because many places make bad Maryland crab cakes.  I probably will never order the lobster roll at Hooked either. I just think certain regional foods are better had in that region. 
Personally, I hate the lobster.  Its too rubbery.  Do I expect them to keep fresh lobsters so I can have a good lobster tail?  Of course not!  I don't believe that is due to budget cuts. I just think there has to be a practical side of the business when serving thousands of people.  Its not the same as your local high end restaurant but I think it is more like decent convention or wedding style food.
I find that there is always something I like on the menu.  If I don't like my choice, I can ask my waiter for something else, which isn't something that can happen at a land restaurant.

I love Xcaret and if you've never been would recommend going. I've been there about half a dozen times.  There is so much to do and see....it's a little like a Caribbean Disney-park (with no rides, obviously).  You can relax on the beach, go tubing in the caves, see music and arts demonstrations, walk through the Day of the Dead displays....just very very cool and educational and fun and relaxing.  That being said, i see the tour is eight hours, but if it is taking two hours to get there and two hours to get back, leaving you only four hours in the park, then I would skip it and put it on your list for another trip of it's own.  No tour is worth wasting four hours of vacation time in travel.  (Boo....sorry).  Let me know if I am misunderstood.
 

Yes, thank you!  I decided after the first "Don't do it!" to go with a day pass to a resort hotel instead.  Thanks for the push in the right direction!