24 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

I'm breaking this out from the other thread...can you please give us some insight as to how you think you'll travel in 2010 and how SingleDivers.com needs to structure its trips so that we'll have what you want AND we'll be able to fill out trips so we can be around to continue offering trips!


Historically:

Historically we have offered 1-2 trips a month every month averaging 18-20 trips a year most of our last 5 years. These trips range in prices under $1000 to over $3000 including domestic US, Caribbean and South Pacific We have also averaged 3-4 dive shows a year.


Presently:

For 2009 we scaled back to 11 trips (possibly 12 if we do the St Lawrence Seaway) and we are doing a record 7 consumer/trade dive shows this year.


Next Year...2010:

2010 is the big question mark...we need to decide NOW what to do. The same as 2009? Half of 2009? JUST a few big trips meaning large in size like our Single's Weeks? Only a few high end trips like the Red Sea or other exotic locations? Then WAIT to see what good deals might come up and add those trips to the calendar? Or post great deals and book our members to do their own travel with a few friends or as *unescorted* informal sd.com trips? Or finally, plan specialty trips like "parents with kids" trips or "couples trips"?


Going Forward...:

And while on the subject we should ask what you want to see going forward? Is there a certain mix of trips that is better? All inexpensive? Some high end exotic locations and some low end great bargains? Are some destinations places we should offer every year such as Cozumel or Bonaire? Or does the economy play more into where we can afford to dive vs where we really want to dive?


Thank you for your thoughts, input and insight. This helps us to ensure that SingleDivers.com will meet your needs and expectations as well as ensure that we'll be around to continue to offer great dive trips! -ww

[uwfan]

I imagine there isn't much I can say that isn't obvious time wise, when I have vacation time, I would like to try to dive. Price wise, however, trips in the 1000-2000 range not including airfare, would interest me. Trips closer to 1000 (or less??) would interest me a great deal.

[georoc01]

Assuming Truk is in 2011, I would probably do lower cost options in 2010.

For me, Cozumel will always be a lower cost option and about the only place from here I can get a direct flight to the Caribbean.

[WreckWench]

So is everyone saying do low cost options for 2010? (And yes it is NOW official we are doing Truk in 2011).

Should SD only offer say 6-8 group trips and then only offer specials and individual bookings?

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

I'll take 4 weeks worth of trips with you in 2010, as long as they're between March & the end of September. I like saving a buck just like everybody else, but I am willing to pay for a great dive destination I haven't been to, like the Red Sea, Fiji, the GBR, Micronesia, etc. Since airfare is going up again, 3-4 day trips do not interest me as much as 7+ day trips.

[Rumblebee]

I'm really hoping there will be a Red Sea trip in the April/May timeframe (in the latter half of either month) as has been discussed.

Other than that, I may look to do another Nekton liveaboard later in the summer Singles Week in the Bahamas? and then any other trips would be of the budget/low cost variety.

[Jerrymxz]

Did anyone at BTS see the new sister sailing dive yachts in the Philippines and Thailand? I talked to them for a few minutes and they look absolutely fantastic. I ran off today and left the brochure on the end table by my recliner. So I didn't bring the particulars with me tonight but when I get home after midnight I’ll post them.

[WreckWench]

Did anyone at BTS see the new sister sailing dive yachts in the Philippines and Thailand? I talked to them for a few minutes and they look absolutely fantastic. I ran off today and left the brochure on the end table by my recliner. So I didn't bring the particulars with me tonight but when I get home after midnight I’ll post them.

Definately interested in Thailand...post or send me the info! Thank you! kamala

[WreckWench]

I'm really hoping there will be a Red Sea trip in the April/May timeframe (in the latter half of either month) as has been discussed.

Other than that, I may look to do another Nekton liveaboard later in the summer Singles Week in the Bahamas? and then any other trips would be of the budget/low cost variety.

Matt it may be your lucky day...I am working on a trip for end of May early June for Red Sea and Egypt. (May 28(3) to Jun 8) These are GREAT dates according to the locals and the airfare is still in the shoulder season. This is when we went before and it was perfect all the way around.

As for a Single's Weeks we have not set them up for 2010 but we'll be working on them soon! Bahamas is an option!

[WreckWench]

A suggestion on how to survive next year....


One of our members asked me if we could post trips for 2010 with a final cutoff date and if we make the minimum number we go as a group but if we don't we book anyone signed up as individuals so as to prevent me from eating spots? I guess other operators like myself are doing that in order to survive....

What do you all think?

[Lady Liz]

A suggestion on how to survive next year....


One of our members asked me if we could post trips for 2010 with a final cutoff date and if we make the minimum number we go as a group but if we don't we book anyone signed up as individuals so as to prevent me from eating spots? I guess other operators like myself are doing that in order to survive....

What do you all think?

I think it is a good idea. It will still give people dive buddy's and for you it will be easier until we are out of the recession...hopefuly soon!
I would like Coco's islands, the Red sea, Maldives ...I will have the time since I retire from the hospital may the 1st ...in a month!!!
Liz

[Jerrymxz]

Did anyone at BTS see the new sister sailing dive yachts in the Philippines and Thailand? I talked to them for a few minutes and they look absolutely fantastic. I ran off today and left the brochure on the end table by my recliner. So I didn't bring the particulars with me tonight but when I get home after midnight I’ll post them.

Definately interested in Thailand...post or send me the info! Thank you! kamala

These looked amazing, www.worldwidediveandsail.com only 16 divers on the boat and the creature comforts are.....lavish. They had some half price trips for May and June this year at BTS. Let me know what you think.

Tooling around in a brand new hand made, Teak sail boat with a bunch of SD dive babes!!! where do i sign!!!

[secretsea18]

Did anyone at BTS see the new sister sailing dive yachts in the Philippines and Thailand? I talked to them for a few minutes and they look absolutely fantastic. I ran off today and left the brochure on the end table by my recliner. So I didn't bring the particulars with me tonight but when I get home after midnight I’ll post them.

Definately interested in Thailand...post or send me the info! Thank you! kamala

These looked amazing, www.worldwidediveandsail.com only 16 divers on the boat and the creature comforts are.....lavish. They had some half price trips for May and June this year at BTS. Let me know what you think.

Tooling around in a brand new hand made, Teak sail boat with a bunch of SD dive babes!!! where do i sign!!!

I know Frank (owner) and Mark from Worldwide Dive and Sail. I have been on the MY Siren to the Andaman Islands in April 2008. Great guys and even better the Siren is a great boat. Ask away..... (yes, beer and soft drinks are free, free Nitrox and good quality dive gear for free, and yes, computer stations in each of the staterooms!)

Edited by secretsea18, 02 April 2009 - 04:47 AM.

[lynnlchan]

A suggestion on how to survive next year....


One of our members asked me if we could post trips for 2010 with a final cutoff date and if we make the minimum number we go as a group but if we don't we book anyone signed up as individuals so as to prevent me from eating spots? I guess other operators like myself are doing that in order to survive....

What do you all think?

The down side of that is that it's no longer an official SD trip? Would there be pricing changes and would we know that up front?

These are tough times for everyone and I wouldn't expect SD to take a bath on a trip. My main concern would be that I still get to go. I'd far prefer the option you presented to cancelling or to not having trips at all. (My 2psi)

[georoc01]

A suggestion on how to survive next year....


One of our members asked me if we could post trips for 2010 with a final cutoff date and if we make the minimum number we go as a group but if we don't we book anyone signed up as individuals so as to prevent me from eating spots? I guess other operators like myself are doing that in order to survive....

What do you all think?

The down side of that is that it's no longer an official SD trip? Would there be pricing changes and would we know that up front?

These are tough times for everyone and I wouldn't expect SD to take a bath on a trip. My main concern would be that I still get to go. I'd far prefer the option you presented to cancelling or to not having trips at all. (My 2psi)

When this happens with my LDS, what happens is that I get a call. I was given a couple of options. I could still go on the trip, but it would no longer by a guided trip. Or I could get my money refunded or applied to another trip.

I would think the challenge is what is that threshold and how far out from the date would the trip be locked in? That has been one of the strenghs of SingleDivers.com was that if you paid for a trip you knew barring a cancellation from the operator, the trip would be a go.