648 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

2-3-05 Note:THIS TRIP IS FULL! Sorry...but we have lots of other great trips!

Hey gang...here goes...we have booked the Explorer Ventures Liveaboard for an all inclusive INCLUDING alcohol and sodas multi-island tour April 16-23, 2005 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 $1695* d/o plus air (see bulk rates below) you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites! And if you book adn pay in full before Nov 1, 2004 you'll get free Nitrox for the week worth $150 if certified OR if you want to get certified you'll dive it free for the week! (We'll have a reduced rate for the nitrox certification on the trip!) Or if you prefer you can get $50 cash Early Bird Booking as well as your $50 SD.com premier or charter membership discount!

Click here 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...eos/sd/saba.mpg

Who's Going:

1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - Dallas, TX (pd)- Nitrox pd Arrive: 4-16 - Depart: Sunday 4-24(room w/FG/SRay) - Extra Diving: yes
2. Kim aka Fingrabber - Dallas, TX (pd) Nitrox -Arrive: 4-16 - Depart: Sunday 4-24 (room w/FG/SRay) - Extra Diving: yes
3. Alison aka AliKat - Mililana, HI (pd) Nitrox pd Deep Cert pd-Arrive: 4-15 (room w/CC) - Depart: 4-23 - Extra Diving: no
4. Chuck aka China Cat - Layayette, CO (pd) Nitrox pd -Arrive: 4-15 (room w/AK) - Depart: 4-23 - Extra Diving: no
5. Dan aka Capt Saaz - Islip, NY (pd) Nitrox -Arrive: 4-14 - Depart: Monday 4-25 - Extra diving: yes
6. Nancy aka H20 Bug - CA (pd) Nitrox pd-Arriving Sat 4-16 and Departing Sat 4-23
7. Sonny aka Sonny Beaches - Port O Connor, TX (pd) Nitrox pd -Arriving Sat 4-16 and Departing Sat 4-23
8. Brant aka ScubaBrant - St. Louis, MO (pd) -Nitrox & Class -Arriving Fri 4-15 Departing Sat 4-23
9. Scott aka GentDiver - CA (pd)-Nitrox & Class pd -Arriving Sat 4-16 and Departing Sat 4-23
10. Doris aka Ariesno1 - Reston, VA (pd) - Nitrox pd 3wy StKitts pd -Arriving Sat 4-16 and Departing Sat 4-23
11. Mary - 2Dive4 - Sparks, NV (pd) - Nitrox pd
12. MrHowdy - Loveland, CO (pd) - Nitrox
13. Allen - Dive N - Garland, TX (dep & 1stpymt) Nitrox - Arrive: 4-16 - Depart: Sunday 4-24 - Extra Diving: yes
14. Mandi - Landlocked - Albany, IN (pd)-Nitrox & Class pd Night&Deep pd-Arriving Sat 4-16 and Departing Sat 4-23
15. Tony aka Tony Riggio - CA (pd)
16. Phyllis aka Stingray1 - Houston, TX (pd) Nitrox pd -Arrive: Friday 4-15 (has room) - Depart: Sunday 4-24(room w/FG/SRay) - Extra diving: yes
17. Bill aka Grayfins - OKC, OK (pd) - Nitrox pd-Arrive: 4-16 - Depart: Sunday 4-24 - Extra Diving: ?
18. Rainer aka TallDiver - Stutegard, Germany (pd)

Sorry...no more spots available.

Certifications:

Nitrox:
1. Scott aka DiverGent
2. Brant aka ScubaBrant
3. Mandi aka landlocked - (pd)
4.

Specialties:

1. Mandi aka Landlocked - Boat & Night & Deep - (pd)
2. Alison aka Alikat - Deep
3. Dan aka Capt Saaz - Night & Photography


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. Our 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.

The Cribbean Explorer II’s combination of diving and optional island access has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering 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. If some guests are interested in touring the islands, the other guests’ won’t have their diving schedule disrupted; with some notice, we can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf.

Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Link Click Here

________________________________________

Since the inception in 1995 of Rodale's Scuba Diving's Reader Survey Awards, the Caribbean Explorer rated in the top ten liveaboard dive boats worldwide in terms of customer service, and was ranked the best dive operation in the world in 1996 - we're very much looking forward to the new, upgraded vessel continuing this excellent tradition!
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 nitrox 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 our of St. Kitts (SKB).

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

Here are some bulk round trip air fares that I can get for you on either USAir or American.

(Note: The week of April 16-23 is Spring Break for the East Coast so there are very limited seats to the Carribbean from Eastern Seaboard Cities.)

Atlanta: $735
Boston: no bulk...published $975 (seats are limited)
Dallas: $790
Denver: $866
Houston: $833
LA: $915
Miami: $601
Newark: no bulk...published $612 (seats are limited)
New York: $650
Seattle: $943

(Other markets are available if you let me know what you need.)

Airfares as of 10-20-04:

Seattle........bulk $923.00......retail $979.00
Denver........bulk $876.00......retail $974.00
Honolulu......no bulk..............retail $1562.10
Raleigh........bulk $785.50 .....retail $926.50
Houston.......bulk $833.00 .....retail $ 878.00
Dallas..........bulk $795.00 .....retail $948.00


Itineraries

The Caribbean Explorer II has 2 itineraries, depending on the week you choose to dive with us. We depart alternate weeks from St. Maarten and St. Kitts. If you choose a charter which begins in St. Maarten, the charter will end in St. Kitts and you will fly home from there. If you choose a charter that begins in St. Kitts, the charter will end in St. Maarten and that will be your return location. This trip will begin in St. Maarten and end in St. Kitts. ________________________________________
SAMPLE ITINERARY
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
If meeting the Caribbean Explorer II in St. Maarten-

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.
________________________________________


Day of arrival is April 16th in St Maarteen (SXM).

We leave St. Maarten as soon as everyone is on board. It could be as late as midnight if people are on the late 10pm AA flight via San Juan. Sometimes the boat may overnight in St. Maarten and leave out early Sunday morning.

Day of departure is April 23rd out of St. Kitts (SKB).

Off by 9am on the 23rd but if you have a late afternoon flight out you can leave gear/bags on board until time to go to the airport.

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

Water temps in April:

Water temp about78-80.

Air Temps in April:

Air temp mid to high 80's.

Visibility in April:

Viz about 80 - 100 ft.

* Double Occupancy Price includes: (Note: I've added many of the laundry list items into our price already!)

Ø 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
Ø 3 meals daily, plus between-dive
snacks
Ø 5 dives daily (weather and itinerary
permitting)
Ø Use of tanks, weights and belts
Ø All air fills (excluding nitrox)
Ø All alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages
Ø Port and Immigration Fees
Ø Fuel surcharge of $45
Ø Departure taxes (up to US$25)
Ø Marine park diving fees, Caribbean
Explorer II ($3/dive at Saba, $15 pp at
Statia)


Price Does Not Include:

Ø Airfare (we have bulk air or you can do your own!)
Ø Airport transfers (averages $10-$15 each way)
Ø Friday evening dinner
Ø Rental, instruction and retail charges
Ø Crew gratuities
Ø Trip Cancellation Insurance (we have great pricing on trip insurance)
Ø Nitrox Upgrade of $150 per week


Single Supplement:

The Single Room Rate is $2,342.50 vs. $1695.00 for the double occupancy.


Discounts:

Ø $50 discount for SD premier or charter membership
Ø $150 Nitrox credit for Early Bird Booking or $50 discount for early booking and payment in full before Nov.1 OR equivilent off the price of Nitrox instruction while on the trip!
Ø Chance to win FREE Nitrox for the week ($150) for every person paid in full OR $300 deposit rec'd by Nov.1
Ø Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal.

Payment Information:

Please add 3% if paying via paypal. (We are not able to accept credit cards directly at this time only via paypal.)

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

Payment Terms & Schedule:

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

ASAP: $300 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip. (If received by Nov 1. you'll qualify for the chance to win FREE $150 nitrox for the week.)

Progress Payments:

Dec 10th, 2004: $450
Jan 10th, 2004: $450
Feb 10th, 2005: Balance of trip payment or $495

Note: Trip must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure. (If this is a problem let me know and I may be able to work with you!)

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

Speaking of which...if anyone wants any certifications while on the trip...the same deal as Cozy applies...

Dive Certification - Standard Pricing - Special Saba Pricing

Boat Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*
Drift Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*
Deep Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*
Multi-level Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*
Night Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*
Photo Specialty - $100-$125 - SD price $75*

or

Nitrox Specialty (PADI) - $150-195 - SD price $100**

or

AOW Sign Off Dives:

Deep AOW Sign Off Dive - $35 - SD price $25
Boat AOW Sign Off Dive - $35 - SD price $25
Night AOW Sign Off Dive - $35 - SD price $25
Drift AOW Sign Off Dive - $35 - SD price $25
Multi-level AOW Sign Off Dive - $35 - SD price $25


*Student is responsible for providing their own study and note taking materials. These materials can be purchased via your favorite PADI dive shop if desired. (Optional)

**Student is responsible for providing their own Nitrox study and note taking materials. These materials can be purchased via your favorite PADI dive shop if desired. OR if you want the instructor to supply the book for you, please let us know no later then April 2, 05. The book is manditory for the Nitrox specialty and the course will take 4 hours one afternoon. We generally need a minimum of 2 students at these reduced rates to offer the Nitrox course unless special arrangements are made.

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!

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]

A couple of members have emailed me asking how much a single room would be and the website says 50% of the base trip price or $800. I'll be checking with the company to see if we can do any better but usually because spots on the boat are limited (in this case only 18 spots) the single supplements are very high for Liveaboards. -ww

[ryvor]

I've been wanting to do a live aboard for a while now and this trip sounds sooooo tempting, but it'll take a bite out of my re-breather fund.

[WreckWench]

I've been wanting to do a live aboard for a while now and this trip sounds sooooo tempting, but it'll take a bite out of my re-breather fund.

Hmm....that is true but we have some members who specialize in rebreathers so I bet we could get you a good deal so you could do both!

[cmt489]

Alright, my shopping has officially been curtailed and my penny jar opened - I have to figure out a way to be able to make it on this trip (I checked and the air fare is a killer from Vancouver though!)

Michelle

[WreckWench]

Alright, my shopping has officially been curtailed and my penny jar opened - I have to figure out a way to be able to make it on this trip (I checked and the air fare is a killer from Vancouver though!)

Michelle

Woo!! Hoo!! on making the trip...BUMMER on airfare from Vancouver. Let me see what I can do on Bulk air for you....AA flies there and I have contracts with AA and USAir for this trip! -ww

[CaptSaaz]

Hmmmmm.... putting this trip down as a definite maybe. I won't be able to make a commitment until December.. hopefully there will be room left.

[WreckWench]

I forgot to mention that the NEW boat capts. for this boat are the SAME captains and owners of the N. Wreck Trip we did over Labor Day in Brockville. Evan & Anick Calleia formerly of Bottom Dive Charters will be our Capts for this boat and trip! Those that know them know that they are awesome people as well as awesome divers and instructors. We are in for a treat both topside as well as bottom side! -ww

[Divegirl412]

Close to a definite yes. Let me check some schedules etc.
Would also be interested in a single room.....

[nextariel]

I went on the first Caribbean Explorer in April of 97. I saw my first eagle rays, a pair. Lots of turtles two different kinds on one dive, I know one was a hawksbill, but memory fails on the other maybe a loggerhead. There is a great wreck, River Taw, off of St Kitts which made an excellant night dive. Most of the dives in my log book are around 45-60 feet, with a few at 110 and 90. It was also the first time I saw Flying Gurnards, site Paradise Reef. There was also a really neat pinnacle, Diamond Rock, where I saw an octopus during the day.

I got off the boat in Saba in the afternoon to walk down through the rainforest and to do shopping at a bazaar where you could watch the planes fly in on a tiny air strip. The best thing in the bazaar was the local homemade liquor, great on vanilla ice cream. Also went to St Kitts to see the famous batik factory also by a rainforest and a trip to the fort.

The weather was great, vis incredible, and fairly flat seas with the exception of the crossing from St Marteen to Saba.

I'm sure on the new boat it will be a great trip.

[AliKat]

I'm a definate maybe...and no exercises during that time. I am a bit worried about my sea sickness, though, but sounds like I can get my feet on dry land a couple of times throughout the week.

What is the cancellation policy if we book by 01 Nov and then have to cancel?

Ali

[H20 Bug]

WW- Can you also provide info on the trip insurance when you answer the cancellation policy question - I'm 99% yes

[WreckWench]

I'm a definate maybe...and no exercises during that time. I am a bit worried about my sea sickness, though, but sounds like I can get my feet on dry land a couple of times throughout the week.

What is the cancellation policy if we book by 01 Nov and then have to cancel?

Ali

For your seasickness I have magic pills that REALLY do prevent sea sickness...just ask Jill and others who have dove with me in NC. I bring enough for EVERYONE who needs them or you can get your very own supply. I use what the cruise ships use in HUGE hurricanes cuz it works....Meclizine! (Its the active ingredient in Bonine but costs pennies compared to the brand name drug and does NOT make your sleepy!)

As for cancellation policy...if you book before the Nov 1 deadline to receive full discounts and then have to cancel you have several options. You can purchase trip insurance which will cover almost all reasons for cancellation except for work related cancellations. In the event of work related cancellations or forgoing trip insurance you will receive a full refund less a $200 cancellation fee if you have to cancel the trip up until 120 days before departure.

Cancellation Terms:

120 or more days before departure full refund less $200 cancellation fee
95 or more days before departure less $200 cancellation fee and 10% of trip price
94 to 65 days before departure: less $200 cancellation fee and 20% of trip price
64 to 35 days before departure: less $200 cancellation fee and 30% of trip price
35 days or less before departure: Non-refundable

Trip Insurance:

Here is a link to do a quote for the trip insurance. Be sure to include the trip price as well as your airfare as well. You can purchase directly online and I'll supply the travel agent required dates etc. for you.

Link for Travel & Trip Insurance and Quotes!

[Sylvia]

This sounds too wonderful.
Curacao and then these wonderful islands, rainforest and shopping too.
Kamala, I may do this instead of Conzumel. I think its island fever and the call of the rainforest hitting me about now.

Also want to do Bali & Wakatobi in November. These might be the only two international trips the rest will have to do in my new back yard.

Your next SD South Florida I would like to host in the Keys for you. I have the perfect little get away, my tropical Polynesia Maybe in June or July.

Let me know.

[AliKat]

I'm a definate maybe...and no exercises during that time.  I am a bit worried about my sea sickness, though, but sounds like I can get my feet on dry land a couple of times throughout the week.

What is the cancellation policy if we book by 01 Nov and then have to cancel?

Ali

For your seasickness I have magic pills that REALLY do prevent sea sickness...just ask Jill and others who have dove with me in NC. I bring enough for EVERYONE who needs them or you can get your very own supply. I use what the cruise ships use in HUGE hurricanes cuz it works....Meclizine! (Its the active ingredient in Bonine but costs pennies compared to the brand name drug and does NOT make your sleepy!)

The problem with meds is that I haven't found any yet that don't knock me out Bonine is one of the worst. Is there somewhere I can get what you use so I can try them on dry land? I'm actually looking into accupuncture. I can use this trip to see if worked