309 replies to this topic

[Latitude Adjustment]

Hey Kamala,

Had a question about refreshments. I was looking at the Nekton web site and noticed something about alcohol must be brought on and can't be bought on the boat. Is this mixers or beer or both?

Thanks,
SD

On any of their trips be it Belize or the Bahamas the bus taking you to the boat stops at a store so you can buy alcohol, beer or anything else special you want to drink. The boats serve only water and juice.

[WreckWench]

Hey Kamala,

Had a question about refreshments. I was looking at the Nekton web site and noticed something about alcohol must be brought on and can't be bought on the boat. Is this mixers or beer or both?
Also they had a listing for a hotel/casino with a affiliate discount with Nekton. Is this only for arrival and departure days or muliti day before/after the cruise?

Thanks,
SD

You are correct...the boat does not offer alcohol nor carbonated beverages:

Nekton does not offer bar service nor carbonated beverages but you are welcome to bring your own (a better value for you). In fact, we have a special cooler for guest to store beer, wine, and soft drinks - and there is no corking fee. On arrival day, our shuttle service makes a stop at a local liquor store en-route to the boat so you can stock up if you desire. Just keep in mind that your first alcohol drink of the day means you've had your last dive of the day.

They do offer the following beverages some of which will make nice mixers:

Nekton vessels are provisioned with a wide assortment of complimentary non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages which typically include healthy fruit juices such as orange, cranberry and apple, as well as ice tea, lemonade, Gatorade and fruit punch. Hot coffee, tea and herbal teas are also available. Over the years, we have carefully considered the feedback of our guests and have developed the following policy: We do not impose a corking fee for those who wish to bring along a favorite beverage, whether it be alcoholic or carbonated. We will make arrangements for you to purchase these beverages, whether it is in a local store or from a vendor that arrives at the boat, before your boarding the vessel on Saturday evening. Your beverages may be stored in your cabin – we have a guest ice cooler where you are able to keep your beverages chilled.

The casino is part of the hotel and if you stay there either before/after or during...you'll have access to all their amenities!

[zesach]

Hey Kamala - I'm about to write the check and mail it and wanted to confirm the total cost:

Trip Price: $1595
Premium member discount: - $25
Nitrox: $195
Total: $1765 <-- is that right?

This will be my first liveaboard experience - any advice on what to bring/expect? Thanks:)

Also - I'm contemplating flights, trying to decide between FF miles & paying cash - do you have fares for the flights below:

Sat Apr 21 - AA1202 - SEA-DFW 0600-1145; AA2193 - DFW-BZE 1305-1450
Sat Apr 28 - AA2194 - BZE-DFW 1525-1925; AA1779 - DFW-SEA 2055-2315

[WreckWench]

Hey Kamala - I'm about to write the check and mail it and wanted to confirm the total cost:

Trip Price: $1595
Premium member discount: - $25
Nitrox: $195
Total: $1765 <-- is that right?

The premier member discount is a rebate that you receive after you've taken the trip. We'll send you that form when we receive your payment and send you the waiver, survey etc.

So please make the check payable for $1790. And then don't forget to send in your rebate when the trip is over. (Please don't send it in in advance as we don't have a way to track it and for acctg purposes can not refund you the money until you've taken the trip.)

[WreckWench]

This will be my first liveaboard experience - any advice on what to bring/expect? Thanks:)

Also - I'm contemplating flights, trying to decide between FF miles & paying cash - do you have fares for the flights below:

Sat Apr 21 - AA1202 - SEA-DFW 0600-1145; AA2193 - DFW-BZE 1305-1450
Sat Apr 28 - AA2194 - BZE-DFW 1525-1925; AA1779 - DFW-SEA 2055-2315

As for what to bring...softsided luggage so it fits under your bed in the room. Less is more...several swimming trunks if you have them as one pair will get pretty funky after so much diving!

I'll let others chime in on other tips...they are better at that than I am.

I'll check the air for you but it won't be until tomorrow. Thanks! kamala

[rkymtwy]

Wow, I just found a great fare on the AA website. $130 less than it was earlier today. Soooo....my flight is booked. I'll be flying Denver to Dallas to Belize. I'm on the AA flight leaving Dallas at 1:05pm arriving Belize at 2:50pm. Hopefully I'm be meeting other folks getting on this flight in Dallas. Wonder if we would all end up in the same row again?

I can't believe the difference in the fare from just this afternoon. If anyone is looking now right now might be a great time.

Edited by rkymtwy, 09 January 2007 - 10:18 PM.

[DrScubaChick]

Hey everyone...

I just returned from this trip.... I love Nekton.... I did 20 dives in 6 days. I'm not sure I can make this schedule, but I'm going to look into it.

If anyone has any questions from someone who's been there (three times!) I'm happy to answer.


Liz

[BubbleBoy]

I've been wanting to try one of these liveaboards.

Looked all over the web but I can't find one that dives in NY Harbor.

So, Count me in. I'm mailing a check today.


Still trying to decide about the Nitrox. Got a few questions about the advantages, particularly if we can only count on EAN26%.

- What is the average diving depth, or typical daily profiles?
- Will Nitrox likely permit additional dives each day?
- Will there be an O2 tester on board?

[WreckWench]

I've been wanting to try one of these liveaboards.

Looked all over the web but I can't find one that dives in NY Harbor.

So, Count me in. I'm mailing a check today.


Still trying to decide about the Nitrox. Got a few questions about the advantages, particularly if we can only count on EAN26%.

- What is the average diving depth, or typical daily profiles?
- Will Nitrox likely permit additional dives each day?
- Will there be an O2 tester on board?

They guarantee 26% but they average 30%. That mix gives you huge flexibility to dive to 130 ft if you desire to go that deep while maximizing bottom time and staying at 1.4 safety margin.

I should have your specific question answered shortly! Good ones! -ww

[BubbleBoy]

They guarantee 26% but they average 30%. ....

OK, put me down for Nitrox also.


1/11/07 Update - Kamala, I put another check for the Nitrox in the mail to you today. Thanks for the Nitrox Q&A.

Edited by BubbleBoy, 11 January 2007 - 06:15 AM.

[WreckWench]

TRIP UPDATE:

Discount for Non-Divers:

Non-diver, non-snorkeler, the discount is $100.00.
Non-diver but a snorkeler, the discount is $50.00.


Nitrox:

Since nitrox is only available to the first 10 people who ask for it and pay for it upfront (we have gotten them to waive that requirement for us) the following has been set up to ensure you have nitrox if you want it:

1. There are 30 divers on the boat and we only represent half of them.
2. As of 1-19-07 no one has reserved and paid for nitrox so there are still 10 allocations open.
3. As I receive your deposits I will lock your nitrox in.
4. If you are worried you won't get nitrox and you want it, then you might decide to pay your deposit via credit card or paypal (don't forget the 3%) so I have your reservation sooner.

[ScubaShafer]

I'm in. Check is in the mail with nitrox.

[finGrabber]

I'm in. Check is in the mail with nitrox.

Excellent!!

I've added you to the list

[ScubaShafer]

I was booking my flights and noticed that the 27th is a Friday and Saturday is the 28th. Your published schedule dates on page 1 are a bit confusing (at least to me anyway).

[finGrabber]

I was booking my flights and noticed that the 27th is a Friday and Saturday is the 28th. Your published schedule dates on page 1 are a bit confusing (at least to me anyway).

sorry about that!!

from Nekton's website, the dates should be April 21 to April 28

I've changed our original post to reflect that info