Join our diving excursion from George Town, Bahamas GGT to the big-animal action and pristine walls and reefs of the Southern Bahamas! We have booked the Explorer Ventures Liveaboard for an all inclusive INCLUDING alcohol and sodas ...... Bahama's New Year's Eve Island Dream...Bahamas Dec 27 or 26th if you add an extra day to ensure you don't miss the boat to Jan 3, 2009. Scheduling 5 dives daily, including night dives, the vessel boards in George Town each Saturday and offers 5 ½ days of diving each week on this top ten rated liveaboards in the world! DUE TO HOLIDAY TIMEFRAME ... We recommend you add an extra day prior to the start of the trip on the 26th to avoid missing the boat! Plus we'll start the party early and do some landtours of the area! We'll be staying at Marshal's a small, simple hotel the night before. Spaces are limited...see below for details and to get a room there if you wish to arrive early or if vacation time is tight you can plan to arrive the 27th.
Package Overview:Located just east and south of Florida and comprised of more than 700 islands covering 1,000 square miles of ocean, the Bahamas are an enigma - many have visited, but few appreciate their vastness, nor have a clear idea of the topographical variety of dive sites and the wide range of marine life that such a huge area can offer. From blue holes to walls, caves and shipwrecks, from shallow elkhorn coral forests to pelagics both large and small, the Bahamas offer something for everyone, both beginner and experienced diver alike. Great Exuma is a beautiful, untouched Out Island. The tiny capital, George Town, is located next to picturesque Elizabeth Harbour and features many restaurant and bar choices, from French cuisine to local dishes, within walking distance of the dock. The local straw market, where one can view Bahamian women and their traditional straw craftwork, is located just minutes from the dock, as is the “fish fry” where one can sample local cuisine at budget prices. If it is relaxation that one is seeking, this island is well worth staying on for a few days. The beachfront hotels are tranquil and lovely. Nightlife is limited and outside George Town one can find total relaxation.
The 7 day all inclusive liveaboard IS the way to SEE THE BAHAMAS!!! For $1295* d/o (private sink/vanity but shared showers and heads) or for $1495* d/o (private in suite sink/vanity, shower, head, bath) plus airfare (see us for possible charter airfares from FLL or other destinations) you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites reachable only by a liveaboard! And if you book and pay in full before June 1, 2008 you'll get an add'l $25 cash Early Bird Booking Discount as well as your $25 SD.com premier or charter membership rebate that you can apply for after the trip! NOTE: If arriving a day early to avoid flight mishaps and to start the party early, we booked THE ONLY reservations you can get in town for one day... Dec 26th at Marshal's Guest House. It will be an add'l $54 per night per person d/o and the rooms are limited. See below for sign up sheet and availability.
*$1495 d/o upper berths with in suite private shower, sink/vanity, & toilet. $1295 d/o lower berths with in suite sink/vanity. Use of 2 showers/heads for 5 cabins or 10 people. (There is also another shower on the dive deck.)Lower Berths: 10 total with 1 requested 0 paid for and 10 available. All lower cabins are standard 2 bed d/o configuration
Upper Berths with (1) Queen Bed Only for 2 people per cabin: 4 total with 2 requested 2 paid for and 2 available
Upper Berths with Twin Beds Only for 2 people per cabin: 4 total with 5 requested 4 paid for and 0 available (unless someone agrees to change rooms)
Who's Going...only 18 spots:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - TX - PAID TRIP IN FULL: (pd $1495) UPPER Deck - Queen Bed Room CONFIRMED(Nitrox pd $150) Dec 26th-Jan3 (arriving Friday 26th Staying at marshals) - no instruction -alum 80 tank -no rental gear - waiver/survey rec'd (pd Marshalls $54)
2. Ed aka Knighthawk (OK) - UPPER Deck CONFIRMED - (TRIP PAID IN FULL) (Nitrox PD $150), (Marshalls PD), Arr 12/26 Dpt ?, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
3. Scott aka Cmdr. Clownfish TX - UPPER Deck CONFIRMED - (PAID IN FULL), Standard Single Bed, Nitrox PD, Marshalls PD, Arr 12/26th Dpt 1/3, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
4. Tammie aka SeaSeaker (AB) - (Dep $400 + $600) UPPER Deck CONFIRMED - Standard 2 Bed Room, Marshalls, Arr 12/26 Dpt 1/5 - Survey/Waiver Rec'd
5. Heidi aka uwfan: D/O, (Dep $400 + $600), UPPER Deck CONFIRMED, Nitrox PD, Marshalls PD, Arr 12/26, Dpt 1/3, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
6. George aka Octoeight: D/O, Dep $600, Lower deck, nitrox, plan to arrive on 12/26, Need 2 nights at Marshal's (1/3/09), Survey/Waiver/EVA Rec'd
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Waiting On Documents (Waiver & Survey) to FINALIZE & CONFIRM Booking:
1. Bill aka OTWDiver (SC) - (Dep $400) UPPER Deck - Queen Bed Room CONFIRMED, Nitrox, Marshalls, Arr 12/26 Dpt ? - NEED DOCS
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3. nodogs2cats: D/O, Pd $1000, UPPER Deck- NO LONGER AVAILABLE, Nitrox, Marshalls, Arr 12/26, Survey Rec'd, Need Waiver
Check's (Payment) & Documents "In the Mail":
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(IF FULL!!! Please consider another SD Trip!)
Trip Instructor: Bill aka OTWDiver
Trip Videographer: TBD
Waitlist (Only Applies If Trip Full)
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Those arriving on Friday Dec 26th & Wanting to share a room at Marshal's Guest House ($54 pp 7d/o 1 king*):
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench d/o - PAID $54 (will do d/o or share the king to ensure enough beds for everyone)
2. Tammie aka SeaSeaker d/o -
3. Bill aka OTWDiver - PAID $54 (will do d/o or share the king to ensure enough beds for everyone)
4. ED aka Knighthawk - PAID $54
5. Heidi aka uwfan - PAID $54
6. George aka Octoeight Requesting
7. Scott aka Cmdr. Clownfish - PAID $54
*Note: We have a total of 15 spots with 1 s/o and the rest d/o or 16 spots with all d/o and myself and someone share the king sized bed!
Those staying over Saturday Jan 3rd & Wanting to share a room at Marshal's Guest House ($54 pp 7d/o 1 king):
1. George aka Octoeight
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Very Interested but Can't Quite Commit:
1. Barb aka DiverBabs (FL) - LD/Marshalls
2. Jenn aka Jenn
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Get your TRIP DOCUMENTS here: Trip Documents
Full Details:
Price Includes:
• SD "Meet & Greet Get To Know Everyone Parties"
• 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
• 3 meals daily, plus between-meal dive snacks
• 5 dives daily (weather and itinerary permitting)
• All alcoholic (wine, beer and hard alcohol) and non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, etc)
• SD.com T-Shirt commemorating the trip!
• Use of tanks (80cf), weights, and belts (Limited number of shorter 63cf tanks also available)
• Diving Gifts and Giveaways from various SD Vendor Partners (when avail)
• Port and Immigration Fees
Price Does Not Include:
• Airfare (we can do it for you for $25, help you with air or you can do your own. This does not apply if we are offering a group charter booking.)
• Airport Transfers
• Friday evening dinner
• Rental, instruction and retail charges
• Crew/staff gratuities (usually 10-20% of your non air pkg cost)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (we have great pricing on trip insurance see the end of this post)
• Nitrox Upgrade of $150 per week - payable before departure
• Upgrade to Single Room $972 for Upper Deck and $842 for Lower Deck
• Departure taxes (approximately US$15) - payable at airport
• Bahamas Port Fee (US$75) – payable on board
• $100 Fuel surcharge - payable on board (Notice fuel surcharge may be changed 30 days prior to departure.)
Optional Services:
• Nitrox $150 - payable by last payment date of trip
• Single Room Upgrade $972 for Upper Deck and $842 for Lower Deck payable before departure
• SD.com air booking service (we pass the savings onto you for a $25 service fee or you can book your own air. This does not apply to group charter if available for this trip.)
Note: To request air assistance or bulk air send either trips@singledivers.com or kamala@singledivers.com and we'll request it from our brokers. Please allow approx 1-2 business days for this reply back.
Airfare:
Daily direct flights to George Town - GGT in the Bahamas are available through Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Charlotte with American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and U.S. Airways. Flights on BahamasAir, Continental and Delta are also available from Miami. In addition, charter flights to Nassau are available from Canada with connecting service with Bahamasair to Georgetown.
Schedule:
Arrival:
Meeting the Caribbean Explorer I in George Town is simple. Though transfers are not included in the package, you may be met at the airport by a local driver; if due to arrival logistics you are not, just catch a cab for the short ride to the Exuma Services Marina in George Town, where the vessel will be located. The fare is $25 per person, plus a small additional charge for anything over 2 bags per person. If you experience travel difficulties and are delayed, please contact the vessel directly and notify them. (See contact numbers at end of this post.)
Days aboard Caribbean Explorer I generally involve breakfast from 7 am 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 shore excursions will be arranged when possible for those interested.
Please note also that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain’s discretion. In particular, it is not always possible to reach San Salvador in certain weather conditions.
Saturday:
1500 Guests board the Caribbean Explorer I at the Exuma Services Marina, George Town
1830 Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
2000 Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc.
2100 Shore leave or simply relax aboard.
Sunday: George Town to Long Island
0500 Depart George Town for 2 ½ hour transit to Long Island; breakfast on arrival.
0900 Begin diving schedule; 4 dives, possibly 5 depending on tide conditions and logistics.
Monday: Long Island to Conception
0600 Depart Long Island early morning for 1 ½ hour transit to Conception Island; breakfast on arrival.
0830 Begin diving schedule; 5 dives
Tuesday: Conception to San Salvador
0400 Depart early morning for 3 ½ hour transit to San Salvador; breakfast on arrival. 5 dives offered.
Wednesday: San Salvador
5 dives offered. Optional 2-hour island tour.
Thursday: San Salvador to Conception Island to Long Island
2 dives at San Salvador, followed by transit at lunchtime to Conception Island. 3 dives offered at Conception. Evening crossing to Long Island after dinner and night dive.
Friday:
Dawn dive and morning dive, with departure for the trip back to George Town scheduled for lunchtime. Afternoon at leisure; dinner ashore, with night spent aboard vessel at dock.
Saturday:
0700/0830 Continental breakfast
0900 Depart the Caribbean Explorer I. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, feel free to leave your luggage on the dock alongside the vessel until you depart; we will watch over it. Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 9 am departure time.
Departure:
The Caribbean Explorer I arrives in port midday Friday, depending on the tides. Passengers spend Friday night out on their own and have Saturday breakfast on board; there will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on Saturday. If you have a flight on Saturday afternoon, you are welcome to leave your luggage on board the vessel until time to go to the airport. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, of US$15 upon leaving.
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 what style of room you want if there is a choice for example on this trip if you want upper or lower cabins; single or double occupancy, if you need rental gear, are diving nitrox or want any instruction on the trip. Also tell us if arriving a day early or if taking your chances and arriving the day of departure. Then tell us if you are departing on Saturday or staying later. We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt asap as we'll only hold your spot for 7 days.) Once we receive your deposit we'll move you to the "Who's Going List."
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey and send it to TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release and send it via fax to 214-350-2558 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 trips@singledivers.com for the password.) PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR SURVEYS TO KAMALA.
3. Send your deposit for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted in the thread/topic. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly work with you. See the forms link for our credit card authorization form. Ask for the password via trips@singledivers.com
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 post or shortly thereafter.
5. As you make progress payments we will post them in the Thread and update this first post to show we've rec'd your payment. As we receive your waivers, surveys and flight details we'll post them in the thread and then update this main post.
6. Please check the first post for trip highlights and the thread/topic for ongoing trip updates.
Discounts:
$25 rebate for SD premier or charter membership to be applied for after the trip
$25 EARLY BIRD Discount if paid in full by Jun 1st
$25 Add'l Active Member of Armed Services Discount Please be prepared to prove you are active duty.
Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.
Payment Information:
If paying via credit card (Visa or MC) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete including the 3% service charge 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 the 3% fee along with 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 and what you are paying for in the memo section of the check and/or enclosed with the check to be credited properly for this trip
Payment Terms & Schedule:
ASAP: $400 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip.
Progress Payments:
Immediately to Hold Spot: $400 Deposit
Aug 20, 2008: $600
Oct 20, 2008: $295/$495 plus any extras ie. Nitrox, Instruction, S/O Upgrade, etc
Note: Trip must be paid in full at least 60 days prior to departure.
EV Cancellation policy is as follows:
All cancellations must be made in writing and received by
90 or more days before departure 15%
89 to 60 days before departure 25%
59 to 30 days before departure 50% of package
29 days or less before departure Non-refundable
PLEASE obtain trip insurance ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. If you have to cancel this will be the only way to get your money back as long as you cancel for covered reasons. If your flight is delayed this will pay for add'l costs to get to the boat or your trip if you can't. If you lose your luggage this will pay for rentals or replacements. You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc. It is very economical and you can get a free quote or purchase via the links below.
Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!
or
Click here for another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Link Click Here
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HOW TO BE REACHED ON THE BOAT WHILE TRAVELING:
You can be reached aboard the Caribbean Explorer I from North America via satellite phone at +(TBA). 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.)
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OTHER INFORMATION:
Boat Amenities:
The M/V Caribbean Explorer I completely renovated in 2003, comfortably accommodates 18 passengers in 9 double staterooms, four of which have private bathroom facilities and queen-sized beds. The air-conditioned main salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library, light table and lounge area. A large sundeck with lounge chairs and barbeque is located aft of the upstairs entertainment area, which includes further seating, a bar area, and storage. The dive deck is equipped with a bathroom, individual gear lockers, camera table with low pressure air hose, recharging station, air and nitrox filling stations, tank racks, freshwater shower, and a separate fresh water rinse for both scuba and underwater camera equipment. Below decks are located 5 double cabins with private sink and vanity and two shared bathrooms and showers, as well as the E-6 photo lab. There is a large central stairway accessing the dive platform, where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to and from the water. The Caribbean Explorer I is also equipped with a satellite telephone for outgoing calls worldwide.
Temperatures and Conditions:
The weather in the southern Bahamas is remarkably consistent year-round. The temperatures range from the 70’s (F) or higher in the winter months to the low 90’s during the summer, with nearly constant sea breezes. Water temperatures range from a low of about 72 degrees F in winter to a high of about 82 degrees F in summer. There is normally little appreciable current at the sites we visit, and visibility is generally between 75 and 150 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 3 mm wetsuit in summer and a 5 mm wetsuit with hooded vest in fall, winter and spring.
Bahamas Money Matters:
Although your cruise includes all onboard meals and diving activity, you may choose to make onboard purchases from the boutique or for rentals etc. The boat accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, travelers checks and cash. The Bahamian Dollar (equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar) is the official currency; change is often given in US Dollars if requested, and both currencies are used interchangeably. Travelers’ checks and most major credit cards are accepted widely throughout the island.
Meals
Aboard the Caribbean Explorer I, evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, muffins, danish and fresh fruits. Lunches vary from soup and sandwiches, burgers, pasta, assorted salads, and quiche. Homemade baked breads, cookies and brownies are offered between dives. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.
What to Bring
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits (you may consider slacks, dress shorts or sundresses for dinner ashore). In the winter months, a sweater, long pants and windbreaker for the evenings can be a good idea. Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor or hat is recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD’s or DVD’s, feel free to bring them. All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, and wash cloths) are provided on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
FAQ's & ONGOING INFORMATION FROM THE THREAD:
This section is new and will capture the info you need from the thread as it evolves. PLEASE check the next post periodically to stay updated!
Edited by WreckWench, 13 September 2008 - 11:02 PM.