Best Intenerary to Maximize dive opportunities.

[Rudebob]

I am a recently certified and now addicted scuba diver. Approximately 25 dives including the eastern Caribbean (Caribbean Princess) and the gulf of Mexico. I am considering taking a 7 day Caribbean cruise next spring with my son (and dive buddy) with the primary purpose of getting in as much diving as possible. I realize that a cruise is not going to be as good as going on a live-aboard or even spending the same amount of time at a dive destination such as Bonaire. However, I also enjoy cruising, the entertainment options and not having to worry about the other details such as meals, etc. Also, when considering the off-season rates the cruise is pretty affordable.

 

Does anybody know of or recommend a specific itinerary that would allow for the most dive opportunities. I would prefer a ship the stops in 4 ports rather than just 3. The quality of specific dive destinations is important but options that should be considered would also include: number of available independent dive operations to choose from, potential shore dive opportunities, and time spent in port each day. The home port is also a consideration (such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami) as I can possibly get another days worth of diving in by arriving an extra day early.

 

I saw Costa has a cruise that goes out of Port Everglades to Key West, Grand Caymen, Cozumel and Roatan. Arriving a day early, a trip like this could provide up to 5 different quality dive locations (although I have heard Key West is the least desired part of the Keys).

 

If you could pick one cruise to get in as much diving as possible what would it be. Any other thoughts or considerations would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

'Bob

[scubaran]

I am a recently certified and now addicted scuba diver. Approximately 25 dives including the eastern Caribbean (Caribbean Princess) and the gulf of Mexico. I am considering taking a 7 day Caribbean cruise next spring with my son (and dive buddy) with the primary purpose of getting in as much diving as possible. I realize that a cruise is not going to be as good as going on a live-aboard or even spending the same amount of time at a dive destination such as Bonaire. However, I also enjoy cruising, the entertainment options and not having to worry about the other details such as meals, etc. Also, when considering the off-season rates the cruise is pretty affordable.

 

Does anybody know of or recommend a specific itinerary that would allow for the most dive opportunities. I would prefer a ship the stops in 4 ports rather than just 3. The quality of specific dive destinations is important but options that should be considered would also include: number of available independent dive operations to choose from, potential shore dive opportunities, and time spent in port each day. The home port is also a consideration (such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami) as I can possibly get another days worth of diving in by arriving an extra day early.

 

I saw Costa has a cruise that goes out of Port Everglades to Key West, Grand Caymen, Cozumel and Roatan. Arriving a day early, a trip like this could provide up to 5 different quality dive locations (although I have heard Key West is the least desired part of the Keys).

 

If you could pick one cruise to get in as much diving as possible what would it be. Any other thoughts or considerations would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

'Bob

 

A southern caribbean itinerary would be best (usually leaving out of Puerto Rico) but from Florida, an Eastern might be better costwise. They typically stop in St. Thomas, Bahamas, Grand Turk, BVIs, St. Martin, Dominica, St. Kitts, Grenada, etc. All good diving. BTW, if you do something to Key West I recommend Southpoint Divers. Good dive shop with a great boat right down off Duvall close to the ship docks.

 

Randall

 

Randall

[cruisingtodive]

On the Western side, you could take the Carnival Legend out of Tampa with 4 ports of call for diving: Grand Cayman (shore diving), Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan. Roatan is a new port for Legend, replacing Costa Maya, Mexico. 4 great dive opportunites. I have dove GC, Cozumel, but did Cenote diving there not boat or shore diving, and looking forward to diving in all 4 ports in Jan. There are many great dive operators in GC, research the port, they are all discussed, just pick one. Cozumel we use Carnival's shore excursion because we have to go to the mainland for Cenote diving. There are many operators discusses on Cozumel's port of call thread also. Good luck, and Let's Go Diving!

[wnctarheel]

Both of the previous post are correct but I tend to lean toward the western ports. Grand Cayman, Roatan , Belize and then Cozumel. I do love diving the southern out of San Juan but if you go down a day or two ahead of time then the diving off the coast of Fla. is nicier.

[cmdchiefthom]

I'm aboard the NCL Pearl on 4 April, a Friday afternoon, for nine nights, diving in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and Tortola. I've done this itinerary before, and am doing it again for some of the superior diving it offers. Barbados gives me the Stavronikita, a fantastic wreck, St. Lucia gives me corals that you see little of anymore in the Caribbean. Antigua, diving out of Nelson's Dockyard, is truly a unique experience, with the rock formations along the cliffs on that side of the island. And if you've ever seen the movie "The Deep", the wreck of the Rhone out of Tortola, is the must do dive there.

 

The Pearl also stops in the DR at Samana, not the greatest port in the Caribbean, but a nice place to enjoy Cayo Laventado, or Bacardi Island for a simple beach day.

 

This cruise is 9 nights, but does leave on Friday evening, and returns on Sunday morning. The extra two days really give you a feeling you had a vacation, and the ports are less crowded than many of the other ports on normal east and west 7 day trips.;)

[w&k]

If I had to do 7 days, it would be RCCL Legend/Splendour out of Tampa (I'm RCCL Diamond).

 

If you can go a bit longer, we have done the 11 day Empress of the Seas out of San Juan the last two years, and we are booked on an 11 day Celebrity Galaxy this spring (Feb 25). Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Tortola...etc. The only problem with those deep Southern ones on RCCL/X is having to go through the pain of San Juan first.

 

To get down south from Florida, Holland America runs deep southern routes of 10 & 14 days out of Tampa.

 

Will check back later - we're heading for the Bahamas this weekend.

 

Wendy

[tammymacb]

Look at the Carnival Valor's Western itenerary. Leaves ( Miami ? ) and ports are Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize. All awesome dives!

 

The ship is new and huge. That would be my first choice in combining a dive/cruise trip.

[Middleager]

I was on Carnival Miracle last year out of Tampa. It's now replaced by the Legend. We arrived Tampa 2 days earlier and went north to Crystal River for snorkeling with manatees, then diving/snorkeling at Rainbow River.

 

In the 4 ports of G Cayman, Belize, Costa Maya (now replaced with Roatan), and Cozumel, I had wonder dives.

 

This year went to San Juan to sail with Carnival Destiny. We went to south Puerto Rico to dive/snorkel at La Parquera, then stayed at Rincon to go diving/snorkeling at Desecheo island.

 

We then dove/snorkeled at all 5 ports of the Destiny: USVI St. Thomas (Coki Beach), Dominica (Souferier and Champagne), Barbados (Stav wreck, and turtle snorkeling), St. Lucia (Superman's flight by the Petit Piton), Antigua (Pillars of Hercules out of Nelson's Dockyard). They were all very good dives.

[jimw]

Do'em both, maximum diving is probably west where one can dive in 4 ports and maybe in Key Largo, FL before/after a trip out of Ft Liquordale or Miami. Or the less dived east and southern.

 

We just got back from the Triumph out of Miami and dove St Thomas and Grand Turk, snorkeled the private island and drank free rum in San Juan. The shore dive at Coki Beach on St Thomas was surprisingly good and only cost $10. for a tank and weights. I'd do it again anytime. Grand Turk requires a boat and cost $80. for a 2 tank trip--excellent viz and very nice wall starting at 35 or 45 ft. Not great snorkeling at Half Moon Cay, great beach and 83 degree water temp, but better than your local quarry......

 

We have done the west cruise several times and many dive vacations at all the stops. Cozumel is always great viz and drift diving, Belize is always some distance to diving, Roatan used to be much better--although still not bad, Grand Cayman has good shore diving in a number of locations, for example just to the right off the dock-again rent a tank for a few bucks, etc.

 

We usually schedule all our diving ourselves--the only place I recommend against that is Belize as the boat anchors about 4 miles offshore and the ship trip picks up and drops off at the boat. The ships run a nice snorkel trip to see stingrays and Nurse sharks near Cay Caulker--at an ok price. Not much more than if you arranged your own.

 

You may want to take the ship trips at almost all locations until you are familiar with the local possibilities. I think Grand Cayman is a place anyone can save some bucks by doing the shore thing on your own--of course, you may want to dive or snorkel Stingray City-that requires a boat trip....

 

Have Fun

[Rudebob]

Thanks for the input. I am leaning towards the Western Caribbean. I have cruised both the east and west and think I prefer the ports and dive conditions more on the Yucatan side. I am familiar with G.C., Cozumel, having been there three times and Roatan, Belize, and Costa Maya, each once. I would feel comfortable making my own shore/boat trip arrangements in at least G.C., Coz and Roatan.

 

The southern Carribean would not work in that I need to limit the length of the cruise to no more than a week and I don’t want the added cost or hassle going out of San Juan.

 

The Valor itinerary looks pretty good and pricing is great if I stay away from the peak holiday periods. I have cruised the Valor before and usually try to seek out different ships for variety (as if any Carnival ship is different from the other ships?) However, since my intention is more focused on diving maybe this is the best option.

 

'bob

[Penguinlo]

Can anyone recommend a good dive operation in Barbados? We are on the Serenade in January and would like a good operation for some novice divers. Thanks for your help.

[Pilot70D]

If you really want to maximize your diving then consider going with a live aboard instead of a conventional cruise line. The Nekton Pilot home ported in Ft. Lauderdale is but one example. There are three or four other excellent live aboards sailing the Caribbean.

 

A live aboard is a boat designed specifically for divers. They usually accomodate 40-60 divers and have great food coupled with reasonably comfortable rooms. There's no spa, casino or piano bar but the dive experience is nothing short of supurb. Live aboards typically offer five dives per day - two in the morning, two in the afternoon and a night dive to cap things off.

 

Live aboards offer a much more relaxed (and a much better IMHO) dive experience. There is a personal dive gear storage area for each diver making it easy to get ready for each dive. furthermore ship's personnel on many live aboards will attech tanks to BCD's and have all that ready to go. No long trek from the cruise ship to the pick-up point while lugging your gear. Also no fear of missing the ship if the afternoon dive runs a little long.

 

The bottom line is that live aboards are devoted to diving and do provide a safe and truly excellent dive vacation.

 

I hope this info proves useful. Have a great day and enjoy that next dive.

[scubaran]

Can anyone recommend a good dive operation in Barbados? We are on the Serenade in January and would like a good operation for some novice divers. Thanks for your help.

 

Hi,

 

I used West Side Scuba Centre. They were great and had free pick up and drop off from the cruise terminal. The only time diving in the Caribbean where a shop wanted to not only know the last time you dived but how many dives everyone had and separated the group into novices and advanced. A sign of a good dive shop:D . You can contact them at their website at:

 

http://westsidescuba.com/

 

Randall

[Hilary]

I would have to agree that if you really want to maximize your diving, try a liveaboard vacation. We've done 3 weeks on the Nekton Pilot, which has at most 32 divers on board. The cabins are all private and ensuite with large windows and either have 2 twin or a queen sized bed in them. They are large by liveaboard standards (110 square feet) and you have basically unlimited hot water for showers. The dive deck opens from 8:00-11:45, the boat moves during lunch, then the dive deck re-opens from 1:00-5:45, closes for dinner, then there's night diving starting at about 7:30. You set your gear up once on the dive deck and the only thing you have to do is take your first stage off for fills. Nitrox is available and there are hot showers right above the dive deck to rinse off when you return from a dive.

 

The Nekton boats (Rorqual and Pilot) have about 6000 square feet of space for passengers, including an approximately 2000 square foot sun deck with a hot tub and covered area in addition to the open sunning area. There's also a big screen TV in the salon for watching movies or using to edit or view your photographs using their computer.

 

The food has always been good to excellent, though if you're looking for gourmet, forget it, you won't find it. Drinking is on a BYOB basis, but your first drink signifies your last dive for the day. The crew is great and always available for a dive, whether it be as a guide or instructor if you want to further your certification.

 

The sites you'll dive are often only accessable by liveaboard, thus resulting in more pristine coral and larger populations of critters and fish. We've done the Belize, NW Bahamas, and Cay Sal itineraries, and are considering another trip or two for 2009 (we're doing Bonaire next year).

 

Since getting certified and taking a conventional cruise (Celebrity), we've decided that for us cruising and diving aren't a good match, so we're going to be sticking to liveaboard trips from now on for diving. I recommend Nekton highly.

[Penguinlo]

I appreciate the information. We are novice divers and I always make sure to tell the DM. We don't want them taking us somewhere we would be over our head so to speak.

[Loves_Dogs]

Can anyone recommend a good dive operation in Barbados? We are on the Serenade in January and would like a good operation for some novice divers. Thanks for your help.

 

We used The Dive Shop LTD in Barbados last year, they were great. I highly recommend them. Here is their website:

 

http://www.divebds.com/

[bruce-r]

......A live aboard is a boat designed specifically for divers. They usually accommodate 40-60 divers and have great food coupled with reasonably comfortable rooms.

 

The bottom line is that live aboards are devoted to diving and do provide a safe and truly excellent dive vacation.

 

I would have to agree that if you really want to maximize your diving, try a liveaboard vacation.

 

I agree with both Pilot and Hilary, with the exception to what Pilot wrote about how many divers you'd find on a liveaboard. For dedicated liveaboards, I believe that Nekton has the highest capacity boats at 32 divers. All the mono-hull warmwater liveaboards take considerably fewer divers.

 

A trip on a liveaboard is all about the diving, the eating, and talking about the diving with quite a bit of photography thrown in. Often there is a photo competition. If you really want to maximize your diving, you are very unlikely to miss all the rest of the distractions offered on a traditional cruise and you definitely will appreciate the ease at which you will be able to do lots of good quality diving.

[Rudebob]

I guess I should clarify my intentions here. As I stated, I realize that for just diving that I could arrange a better dive trip, whether it be on a liveaboard or even booking an all inclusive type dive trip to a specific local. However, because of cost of these trips and the fact that I enjoy cruising for other reasons, I am trying to put together a trip that allows me to do both. The only difference on this occasion is that I will not have my wife with me so I want to take advantage of as much diving in each port as opposed to other types of site seeing or recreation I usually have to compromise on.

 

The larger liveaboards are expensive. During the off season I can do a western Carribean cruise (including the added cost of diving) for half of what a week on a Nekton cruise will cost. I know there are cheaper options such as Blackbeard’s but at the cost of privacy and limited room on a dinky (by comparison) 65' sailboat does not appeal to me. I want it to be a vacation for other reasons as well.

 

Thanks for input. There are at least two or three itineraries that certainly would provide for several good dive opportunities that I will continue to explore.

 

‘bob

[Penguinlo]

We'll check them out also!

[Sailfish]

We are doing a scuba cruise aboard the Emerald Princess in November 2008 - calling on Bonaire and other southern Caribbean ports. We picked this itinerary for the diving - if you want more information, please visit our group forum.

 

Thanks.

[DiveMaster]

Hi Bob:

 

Don't know the age of your son but assume you are looking for a spring break cruise. That said, this is a dream itinerary, just wrong the dates for kiddos:

 

7 days departing November 25, 2007 on

Holland America's Westerdam (Nice ship*)

Our Inside $599 (*Nice price*)

 

 

DAY DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART

Sun Nov 25 Fort Lauderdale, FL 5:00pm

Mon Nov 26 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas 8:00am 4:00pm *Snorkel (reef balls)or possible diving*

Tue Nov 27 Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands 10:00am 6:00pm *2 Dives and Snorkeling*

Wed Nov 28 At Sea

Thu Nov 29 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 8:00am 4:00pm *Diving or Seeing the Rays*

Fri Nov 30 Cozumel, Mexico 9:00am 8:00pm *Diving - I'd do 3 deep dives w/charter)

Sat Dec 1 At Sea

Sun Dec 2 Fort Lauderdale, FL 8:00am

 

Of course I'd take my own gear, a dive computer, and drag my 12 year old diver along.:D

 

 

I am a recently certified and now addicted scuba diver. Approximately 25 dives including the eastern Caribbean (Caribbean Princess) and the gulf of Mexico. I am considering taking a 7 day Caribbean cruise next spring with my son (and dive buddy) with the primary purpose of getting in as much diving as possible. I realize that a cruise is not going to be as good as going on a live-aboard or even spending the same amount of time at a dive destination such as Bonaire. However, I also enjoy cruising, the entertainment options and not having to worry about the other details such as meals, etc. Also, when considering the off-season rates the cruise is pretty affordable.

 

Does anybody know of or recommend a specific itinerary that would allow for the most dive opportunities. I would prefer a ship the stops in 4 ports rather than just 3. The quality of specific dive destinations is important but options that should be considered would also include: number of available independent dive operations to choose from, potential shore dive opportunities, and time spent in port each day. The home port is also a consideration (such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami) as I can possibly get another days worth of diving in by arriving an extra day early.

 

I saw Costa has a cruise that goes out of Port Everglades to Key West, Grand Caymen, Cozumel and Roatan. Arriving a day early, a trip like this could provide up to 5 different quality dive locations (although I have heard Key West is the least desired part of the Keys).

 

If you could pick one cruise to get in as much diving as possible what would it be. Any other thoughts or considerations would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

'Bob

[w&k]

On Barbados, we have been with John & Mary at Dive Barbados three times, and thoroughly enjoy the diving there. http://www.divebarbados.net

 

I would love to do the Nekton someday - they were built just down the road from me here in North Florida. However... the budget doesn't go that far as I haven't won the lotto yet. Maybe someday!

 

For now, I guess we'll have to keep getting fed and pampered on-board cruise ships, and only get in two dives on a new island every day. It's a rough way to go diving, but someone has to do it ;)

 

Now counting days until the Galaxy at the end of Feb...

 

Wendy

[Penguinlo]

I appreciate your informations.

[chitowngoose]

Roatan used to be much better--although still not bad,....

 

We usually schedule all our diving ourselves--the only place I recommend against that is Belize as the boat anchors about 4 miles offshore and the ship trip picks up and drops off at the boat.

 

You may want to take the ship trips at almost all locations until you are familiar with the local possibilities.

 

 

Have Fun

 

With whom and where did you dive in Roatan?

Will be there next Feb and last time I looked, the ship hadn't listed dive excursions yet.

Any recommendations?

[bensontc]

We cruised the Western Caribbean last year on the Grand Princess. We went diving at every port and it ranged from good to incredible. The ports included Marajual, Mexico. This was just so-so. We went in early April and it was overcast and stormy so visibility could have been better. From there to Roatan, Honduras. Beautiful place and the diving was really great. The next two stops were incredible, Belize and Cozumel. Only problem was that SCUBA was about all we did in each port. Had a chance to walk around Cozumel after diving but that was about it. No problem. That was my priortiy. In my opinion this is a great dive cruise itinerary.