12 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

SD OVERFLOW TRIP TO SABA/ST KITTS/ST MAARTEEN/ESTACIA:

What's an "Overflow" trip? Its a chance to join other SDer's who missed the boat or at least missed the chance to be on the boat during the regularily scheduled group trip. It may or may not be led by an SD Leader but you'll have a great time and still get a chance to dive with other great SD divers! We gaurantee every spot booked!

Hey gang if you missed the group Saba St Kitts 4 island tour or if you are just finding out about this great deal now then you are in luck! For a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can get a Single Guaranteed Room on this trip for the price of a double occupancy! This is a savings of about $900! But these rooms are VERY LIMITED so hurry! So don't delay...details are below and you'll have a great trip! Airfare has dropped so getting there just got easier!

OVERFLOW TRIP 4 Islands and 5 days of diving with optional shore excursions! YES Shore excurions from a liveaboard!

This trip departs from St Maarten (sxm) and ends at St Kitts (skb)

Our Feb 10-17 trip is full and we still have people who want to go so we are going again! Check out the rave reviews for Saba, St Kitts, Statia and St Maarten you'll see why we are going again and again! We'll sail into the sunset doing a very unique liveaboard that combines the best of diving, land based touring and the WORLD'S BEST FOOD from our very own private chef "Tony"!!!

The prices will be $1595 (plus approx $120 for all extra fees) for all staterooms and SingleDivers.com will have a very special booking deal for this trip! NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY get a single room for the double occupancy rate! (NOTE: This year's price has not raised from the pricing we had 2 years ago!)

Since the Feb 10-17 trip has sold out we are booking space on the Explorer Ventures Liveaboard for anyone wanting an all inclusive INCLUDING alcohol and sodas multi-island tour February 17-24, 2007 of all different types of diving...reefs, wall, pinnacles, wrecks and we'll have land based sight seeing tours at no extra charge OR you can stay and dive dive dive! Up to 5 dives a day for 8 days and 7 nights of which we can dive 5.5 days or up to 27-28 dives!

For $1595* d/o plus air (bulk rates available) you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites! And if you book and pay in full you can qualify for a limited number of "single berths for the price of a double" as well as your $25 SD.com premier or above membership discount rebate!

Check below for some awesome video footage of the trip to Saba:

(Note that this is optimized for dsl or cable so will be slow on dial up. And we have full permission to use the clip.)

http://www.singlediv...om/kim/saba.mpg

Who's Going:

1. Bruce aka ScubaShafer - MD - (pd) Nitrox pd waiver/survey
2. Jeff aka DiveBuddy - CO - (pd) Nitrox pdwaiver/survey
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. as space remains available...

Trip Instructor: Bruce aka ScubaShafer

Sorry...no more spots available.

Check's In the Mail:

1.
2.
3.


Here is the full information on the trip:

The Northeast Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean. Departing each Saturday on her 8 day/7 night diving expeditions, Caribbean Explorer II boards alternately in either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. This trip starts at St.Maarten and ends at St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving, including 2 to 2 1/2 days within the Saba Marine Park, a day within the St. Eustatius Marine Park, and 2 to 2 1/2 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives; the schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, providing ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums.
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The Cribbean Explorer IIs combination of diving and optional island access has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. Caribbean Explorer II features private ensuite bathrooms in each of the nine air-conditioned double staterooms, as well as nitrox, a larger dive deck, and more on-board space. A crew of seven, including 4 dive instructors, caters to the needs of our 18 guests each week. Each stateroom has a private lavatory, toilet and shower; most have queen beds with a twin bed option, as well. Five dives are scheduled every day, in addition to optional island tours. All diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck which covers the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations and the like are available for all to use. Nitrox is available for $150 for the week; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. A large semi-enclosed salon serves as the main gathering place for meals, slide shows and movies; aft of the salon, the sundeck provides a large area and lounge chairs to relax and soak up the rays. E-6 processing is available, as is additional training via SD.com, scuba courses via SD.com and dive gear and computer rental.

Airfare:

Travel to the area is easy, with St. Maarten (SXM) served by direct flights on American Airlines, USAir, Delta and Continental from New York, Newark, Miami, Atlanta and San Juan. St. Kitts (SKB) is easily reached via either American, American Eagle (from San Juan) or USAir. You will fly into St. Maarten (SXM) and out of St. Kitts (SKB) for the Feb 17-24 trip.

TIP: Buy a multi-city ticket vs. 2 one ways...its several hundred dollars cheaper!

We can get bulk round trip air fares for you on either USAir or American.

Airfares as of 1-13-07:

Fares are running as low as $600-700 and as high as $800. Fingrabber can help you get a rate. PM her at fingrabber or email her at fingrabber@singledivers.com or myself for more help.

SAMPLE ITINERARY For Our Trip:

This trip will begin in St Maarten and end in St. Kitts. Days aboard Caribbean Explorer II generally involve breakfast from 7 to 8 am (cold breakfasts are available for late risers), followed by two morning dives, lunch at 12:30 pm, two afternoon dives, dinner at 6:30 pm, and a night dive. Island tours will be arranged at each island visited for those interested; further island access is available daily upon request.
Please note that these itineraries are examples only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.

St. Maarten Departures:
We'll be meeting the Caribbean Explorer II in St. Maarten- SXM

Saturday: St. Maarten
1500: Guests board the Caribbean Explorer II
1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
2000: Captain's Briefing, documents, etc.
2200: Depart for Saba (2 1/2 hours; departure may be delayed for late arrivals)

Sunday - Tuesday: Saba , 5 dives daily; optional island tour on Monday. Nights spent at mooring; Tuesday night crossing to Statia (2 hours).

Wednesday: Statia, 5 dives daily; optional island tour. Night crossing to St. Kitts (2 1/2 hours).

Thursday: St. Kitts, 5 dives. Night at mooring.

Friday: St. Kitts, 2 dives and lunch; return to Port Zante. Afternoon island tour and dinner ashore, with night spent aboard vessel at dock.

Saturday: St. Kitts,
0700-0830: Continental breakfast
0900: Depart the Caribbean Explorer II. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, feel free to leave your luggage on the Caribbean Explorer (or on the dock alongside) until you depart.
If meeting the Caribbean Explorer II at St. Kitts, simply take any waiting taxi from the airport to Port Zante in downtown Basseterre.

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Day of arrival is February 17th in St Maarten (SXM).

We don't leave St. Maarten until Late Sunday or very early Monday so if you have any flight delays you can join us in progress. We do recommend trip insurance which covers you if your trip is interrupted or cancelled. Please check the policy details for coverage paramenters. We use several carriers. One is CSA and the other is DiveAssure. Click on the name and it will take you there directly.

Day of departure is Feb 24 out of St Kitts (SKB).

Off by 9am on the 24th but if you have a late afternoon flight out you can leave gear/bags on board until time to go to the airport.

Water temps in February:

Water temp about 78-80.

Air Temps in February:

Air temp mid to high 80's.

Visibility in February:

Viz about 80 - 100 ft.

* Double Occupancy Price includes:

7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
3 meals daily, plus between-dive
snacks
5 dives daily (weather and itinerary
permitting)
Use of tanks, weights and belts
All air fills (excluding nitrox)
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages including sodas
Port and Immigration Fees


Price Does Not Include:

Airfare (we have bulk air or you can do your own!)
Airport transfers (averages $10-$15 each way)
Friday evening dinner on the 24th
Rental, instruction and retail charges
Crew gratuities (usually 10% of trip for a liveaboard)
Trip Cancellation Insurance (we have great pricing on trip insurance see below)
Nitrox Upgrade of $150 per week
Fuel surcharge of $65
Departure taxes (up to US$25)
Marine park diving fees, Caribbean
Explorer II ($3/dive at Saba, $15 pp at
Statia) - These depend on how many dives we do there!

Single Supplement:

The Single Room Rate is $2,342.50 vs. $1595.00 for the double occupancy. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!!! THIS TRIP ONLY!!! GET A SINGLE ROOM FOR THE PRICE OF A DOUBLE!!

How to Book a Spot on this Trip:

1. Post in this thread that you plan to join us and your check or payment is in the mail or on it's way. Tell us you want the SINGLE ROOM FOR THE PRICE OF A DOUBLE & WE'LL VERIFY IT FOR YOU! We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt in full asap as we'll only hold your spot for 4 days.)
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release which you'll find under "Stuff you need to know for ALL SingleDivers.com trips & activities!" or click here to link to it. (Send a PM or an email to fingrabber@singledivers.com for the password.)
3. Send your payment in full using one of the convenient payment options listed. See below for our credit card authorization form.
4. If we need to know what time you are arriving, if you need rental gear, if driving or flying or how much lead you need, you MUST include this with your initial reservation.

Discounts:

$25 discount for SD premier or charter membership
FREE SINGLE ROOM $908 for the price of a double!!! - LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal.


Progress Payments:

Immediately to Hold Spot: $1595 payment due in full plus $150 for nitrox if diving it.

Payment Information:

Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.

If paying via credit card (Visa, MC, Diners) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete and fax to 214-350-2558. Click here for the form.

If paying via paypal go to www.PayPal.com and send payment to kamala@singledivers.com Be sure to include your address, contact number, screen name and trip name in the details section.

If paying via check or money order, please send payment to:

Kamala Shadduck
SingleDivers.com
3957 Gaspar Ste#200
Dallas, TX 75220
214-350-7003
kamala@singledivers.com

We must have your name, address, screen name and trip name in the memo section of the check to be credited properly for this trip

Payment Terms & Schedule:

If not taking advantage of our 'Early Bird' Full booking and payment specials then payments are due as follows:

ASAP: Payment in full of $1595

Cancellation Terms:

90 or more days before departure 15%
89 to 60 days before departure 25%
59 to 30 days before departure 35% of package
29 days or less before departure Non-refundable

PLEASE obtain trip insurance ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc. It is very economical and averages about $77 for this trip.

Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!

or

Click here for another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!

Example quote for me:

Your custom quote is: $76.48
Your custom quote with Supplier and Pre-Existing coverage is: $120.87
(includes Supplier default insurances so you are covered if your airline carrier goes broke or the ship sinks, or goes broke etc. AS WELL as a pre-existing medical clause. This adds Supplier Default coverage and a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver , for an additional $44.39).

Review Your Coverages Insurance Coverage Maximum Limit Per Person: Maximum Limit Per Policy
Trip Cancellation $1,695.00 (I did not include airfare...I will when I do it for real!)
Trip Interruption $2,542.50
Travel Delay $1,000.00
Baggage Delay $200.00
Baggage and Personal Effects $1,000.00
Air Flight Accident $100,000.00
Damage to Your Rental Car
(Call for availability) N/A $25,000.00
Medical or Dental Expense $50,000.00
Emergency Assistance
(Emergency Medical Transportation) $250,000.00

This plan also includes:

Emergency Assistance Services
CSA's comprehensive Emergency Assistance Services are included with each policy. The services include pre-travel advice, medical and legal referral, emergency cash transfer, lost ticket and passport assistance, and emergency prescription refill assistance.

How to be reached on the boat while traveling:

You can be reached aboard the Caribbean Explorer II from North America via satellite phone at +1.787.990.6089. Outgoing calls may also be made. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming and outgoing calls. (Not sure what the charge is.)

[WreckWench]

WOW! This is exciting! SD is offering its first OVERFLOW trip!

What's an "Overflow" trip? Its a chance to join other SDer's who missed the boat or at least missed the chance to be on the boat during the regularily scheduled group trip. It may or may not be led by an SD Leader but you'll have a great time and still get a chance to dive with other great SD divers! We gaurantee every spot booked!

So join us for a great trip with a great DEAL!!! For a LIMITED TIME ONLY...get a SINGLE ROOM for the PRICE OF A DOUBLE!!!

Don't delay...this one may fill quickly too! And the extra special deal will NOT last long! -ww

[WreckWench]

Great news...Jeff aka Dive Buddy has just booked this trip! Anyone else want to join in???

[matts1w]

I worked this trip last summer with a different livaboard company. Simply stated- Saba is FREAKING AMAZING!!!! The deep pinacles such as Shark Shoals and Outer Limits are some of the coolest dives I have ever done. The character and lifestyle of the island are not be be missed. If you are thinking about doing this trip- go- you will love it.

Edited by matts1w, 15 January 2007 - 05:30 AM.

[ScubaShafer]

Hey Jeff (aka Dive Buddy) - This trip will be pretty cool if we are the ONLY ones going - we'll have the WHOLE BOAT AND OCEAN to ourselves!

I'm surprised that more SDivers haven't jumped on this trip!

[divebuddy]

Hey Jeff (aka Dive Buddy) - This trip will be pretty cool if we are the ONLY ones going - we'll have the WHOLE BOAT AND OCEAN to ourselves!

I'm surprised that more SDivers haven't jumped on this trip!

Hi Bruce
I am also surprised that more folks havne't signed up. Its been cold in Colorado and jumping in the warm, Caribbean water will be great..
Looking forward to it.
jeff

[ScubaShafer]

HEY EVERYONE!

I just got off the phone with the Caribbean Explorer II, and there are only FOUR PEOPLE booked on this trip so far!!!!!

It takes a minimum of four divers to do the trip. SO, THE TRIP IS STILL ON!!!!!

AND - Everyone will have their own private room!

How is THAT?!?!?!

Private Room. Private Ocean. The only thing missing is WW!

Edited by ScubaShafer, 23 January 2007 - 02:26 PM.

[WreckWench]

Payment Update:

1. Jeff aka DiveBuddy got your check for nitrox and balance of trip!


Anyone else want to join in? I'm still working on trying to change my ticket so I can join you all! WOW!! This will be like diving your own private yacht!

[ScubaShafer]

Hey Jeff (aka Dive Buddy) - This trip will be pretty cool if we are the ONLY ones going - we'll have the WHOLE BOAT AND OCEAN to ourselves!

I'm surprised that more SDivers haven't jumped on this trip!

Hi Bruce
I am also surprised that more folks havne't signed up. Its been cold in Colorado and jumping in the warm, Caribbean water will be great..
Looking forward to it.
jeff

Jeff - FYI - I'm a PADI Instructor, so if you need any additional certifications, just let WreckWrench know so I can bring the goodies. I see that you're a Master Diver w/SSI, and since you've paid for Nitrox, I'm assuming that you're Enriched Air certified. You probably don't need any additional certs, but I thought I'd offer just in case.

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you go to the Explorer Ventures website http://www.caribexpl....com/index.html and download their Application Form and Liability Release Form and get them to EV ASAP. AND if you haven't sent in the SD forms, that needs to get done as well.

See you soon on our private yacht!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by ScubaShafer, 27 January 2007 - 02:00 PM.

[WreckWench]

Thanks Bruce...I'm still working on joining you all! Got the boat part cleared...got the air almost cleared just need to know if I need to attend to a personal matter or not. If I can get that cleared then I'm there!!!

p.s. Bruce is a great instructor so do let us know if you'd like any certs!

[WreckWench]

Document Update:

1. Bruce aka scubashafer got your waiver and survey!
2. Jeff aka divebuddy got your waiver and survey!


Note: You must fill out the EV waiver and send that to the boat! Thank you, Kamala

[divebuddy]

Hey Jeff (aka Dive Buddy) - This trip will be pretty cool if we are the ONLY ones going - we'll have the WHOLE BOAT AND OCEAN to ourselves!

I'm surprised that more SDivers haven't jumped on this trip!

Hi Bruce
I am also surprised that more folks havne't signed up. Its been cold in Colorado and jumping in the warm, Caribbean water will be great..
Looking forward to it.
jeff

Jeff - FYI - I'm a PADI Instructor, so if you need any additional certifications, just let WreckWrench know so I can bring the goodies. I see that you're a Master Diver w/SSI, and since you've paid for Nitrox, I'm assuming that you're Enriched Air certified. You probably don't need any additional certs, but I thought I'd offer just in case.

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you go to the Explorer Ventures website http://www.caribexpl....com/index.html and download their Application Form and Liability Release Form and get them to EV ASAP. AND if you haven't sent in the SD forms, that needs to get done as well.

See you soon on our private yacht!!!!!!!!!!

Bruce - thanks for the offer about additional certifications. However I am ok at this time.
I will be arriving at 10:20 p.m. from San Juan . Do you know if the cexII will pick us up at the airport?
jeff

[WreckWench]

Bruce - thanks for the offer about additional certifications. However I am ok at this time.
I will be arriving at 10:20 p.m. from San Juan . Do you know if the cexII will pick us up at the airport?
jeff

Hey Jeff aka DiveBuddy when you get to the airport simply request a cab and ask to be taken to the Explorer Ventures CEXII boat. They know where it is docked!