Posted 01 October 2008 - 01:53 PM
I love the new improved Spree but calling it a Hotel is a bit of a stretch, it's more like a hunting lodge and watch that first step into the pool. 
AMEN! I can still remember that 1st step off - and I did the trip 5 years ago!!! 
First off Ray I'm guessing you have not been on the newly remodeled Spree. It has a full head and shower on the deck and instead of 32 pax now only takes 24 passengers. The entire boat was remodeled and you would not believe the difference it makes.
Hey it is still not luxury cabins but its not luxury pricing either and the price per dive which includes hotel/loding and food is very economical.
Now the first step is STILL a big one...but so it is off the EV boats and many other boats. Heck the jump off the NC boats is the same...Big Boats = Big Drops.
As for hotels in the Keys...most of the mom and pop ones that were affordable have been torn down to build condos and the rest are starting to cost a small fortune unless you want to cram lots of people in a room. Sure there are still exceptions but not as many any more.
The world is a changing... 
How soon we forget, I guess that's why I never got the SD tee shirt
I was on the Spree with you in Key West in July.
You are right about there are no inexpensive hotels or meals in the Keys anymore. If you add those up plus the dayboat charges and the gas running up and down route 1 this is not an expensive trip.
This picture is from a Spree drift dive
I, Latitude Adjustment (insert log in name), do hereby swear, (politely), that I shall not hold SingleDivers, (SD), nor any SD poster, (real or imagined), liable, nor shall I seek legal restitution, (real or imagined), for any perceived, (real or imagined), offenses I may incur, (or Incurrrrrrrrrr on talk like a pirate day), that may or may not be posted on this or any SCUBA related board, (real or imagined), by anyone, (real or imagined), anywhere, (real or imagined). Further, I void any right to privacy, (real or imagined), as it may, or may not relate to any posting, (real or imagined), about me, to me, for me, because of me, all about me, my dog, my cat, my bird, my monkey, my family, (real or imagined), my friends, (real or imagined), or my world, (real or imagined).
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
_________________________________________(log in name signature)
Signed and Dated
