Diving and Cruising on Adventure of the Sea

[buzzro]

We will be cruising on AOS in May. (Aruba, Curacao, St. Marteen, St. Thomas). Each stop will be at least 9 hrs. I was wondering. If we dive at each stop will we have time to take our gear back, clean up, and still be able to do a little sight seeing and shopping? Is it better to use the ships dive excursions or take a chance with booking on our own. I have already decided to go to Porta Marie in Curacao on our own but I am not sure about the rest. It appears that going through the cruise line is only about $10 more than booking on our own. Need help and advice from those who have experience with this.

Thanks in advance, Jeff and Sandy :confused:

[bruce-r]

We will be cruising on AOS in May. (Aruba, Curacao, St. Marteen, St. Thomas). Each stop will be at least 9 hrs. I was wondering. If we dive at each stop will we have time to take our gear back, clean up, and still be able to do a little sight seeing and shopping?

Yes, but not a lot of time. You will probably be limited to shopping near the ship as most cruise piers have shopping right there where the ship docks. I don't think you'd have enough time to really sight see.

 

Is it better to use the ships dive excursions or take a chance with booking on our own.

This thread will give you some things to consider whether to go with the ship's dive excursion or not. Personally, my preference is to make my own arrangements. It really isn't about the money for me, even though money is a consideration. I don't like diving from a large boat with big groups of divers. I also prefer more advanced dive sites than those you are likely to visit with the ship's dive excursion. If you are a newbie, once a year cruise diver, then the ship's excursion is probably OK and certainly more convenient. As for the ship leaving without you, that really isn't an issue as almost all dive trips take place in the morning and end around 1:00 pm.

 

Need help and advice from those who have experience with this.

Thanks in advance, Jeff and Sandy

My advice is to skip diving in St. Maarten and do your sight seeing and/or shopping there. IMO, the diving there is unimpressive and as all the dive sites are out in the open ocean, the boat ride can be unpleasant if you are prone to "mal de mare".

 

As for dive shops, in St. Thomas I'd definitely go with http://www.admiraltydive.com again and I'd do their 3 tank dive trip. They pick up at Havensight where most of the ships dock. Small boat, excellent service, no crowds. Here is my St. Thomas Underwater Photo Gallery if you are interested in seeing any photos.

 

Here is a sample:

 

Aruba, http://www.divearuba.com is a decent small boat operator. I'd personally avoid Redsail and you wouldn't be able to book directly with them anyway as I believe they are the contract dive op for Royal Caribbean. They'd tell you that you'd have to go thru the ship. I also did the afternoon dive with http://www.pelican-aruba.com/ because we were in port until 11:00 PM and I want to dive the Antilla, which is supposed to be one of the signature dives on Aruba. I was unimpressed, but poor visibility might have tainted my experience. Lots of people make a big deal about her, but my opinion is less positive.

 

I'm unfamiliar with Porta Marie in Curacao, so you have me on that one. Is that a shore dive? I've gone with http://www.caribseasports.com/ and had a good time and http://the-dive-bus.com/ has gotten good reviews here.