81 replies to this topic

[Cajun Diver]

Kamala & everyone:

Happy New Year!

To clarify, I would like a room in Male on 3.4.17.what is the name of the HOTEL?

I am landing in MLE on 3.4.17 @9:45AM and was planning on touring the area - but am a bit wary of doing this alone... -So I did not think I needed a room if I could tour MLE for the day...please advise!

Is anyone else on the 4:35AM flight DXB - MLE Emirates on 3.4.17 that would like to tour all we can then get to the hotel for check in...is there a place to leave our luggage for the day (at the hotel??) 

I would love to do this instead of go right to the hotel. Then on 3.4 evening hang with the group & 3.5.17 we can all see things together or just catch up on some sleep.

 

I am also in DXB from 3.2.17 2:00PM - until pick up for the flight on 3.4.17 @1:30AM I have a "free" room at the Hilton Sharjah (points) my plan was to do as much as I could in DXB for the36 hours I am there...with some of the group or without...let me know if anyone wants to meet up & where you are staying..if better & I can get the same deal then I could switch...

 

One more thing...what days do you think we will have wifi strong enough to skype with wife & kids on the boat?

 

Thanks...59 days till I leave....

 

 

I'm not on the same flights but have a similar itinerary to Dubai but leave later for MLE on March 4.  We should probably do a thread or pm just for the time in Dubai to get it organized.

 

Kamala mentions that the hotel info for MLE will go out 30 days prior.

 

I doubt the boat has any internet connection available while not at the dock but you can search their website and see if they have anything.

[MRDESSERT]

Please start the "PM" and invite me...

If you have been there before lmk what's a not miss...

I want to see as much as possible - I go with the "sleep when you are dead, see as much as you can now" theory of vacationing!

[WreckWench]

HOTEL UPDATE:

 

We are still trying to compile the final list you all sent us so we have all the rooms lined up for you in MLE correctly.

I will post the pricing and hotel details shortly... it will be in the booking system as soon as Traci the Trip Coordinator for this trip returns from her epic vacation!

More soon....

[ItsScubaJen]

The information reported for me in the header is not accurate. I am arriving in Male on the 3rd, so would need a room from at least March 3-5. I'm considering adding March 2 since my flight arrives at 8:50 am on the 3rd and I'd like to check in right away.

However, I'm still awaiting more information on the property. When will we know the name of the hotel you're using for the group res? I booked a room at Plankton's months ago an don't want to give that up until I know where the group is staying and can make a decision.

[wildtang]

Kamala, I see on your updated yesterday hotel needs list that I am not there.  I do need Feb 24 and 25 in Male.  Thank you

[ScubaPunk]

The first post in this thread has been updated.  Please check for accuracy, and let me know if any changes need to be made.  Thanks.

[little mermaid]

Hi Sandy, yes I had requested a room for the night of the 4th in Male.

 

Thanks,

Kathy

[ScubaPunk]

Thanks Kathy.

[MRDESSERT]

Hi 

 

My plan - let me know what you think - 

 

Is to arrive in MLE, 9:45 on the 4th, drop bag at Hotel (what hotel we will know soon Kamala has promised us!!!) and then tour what I can for the rest of the day & get a meal. 

Then head back to the HOtel to meet up with everyone that is arriving for 3.4.17 check in...

 

For those of you who will be in MLE early (either on the Emirates #658 flight or another early flight, let me know if you want to tour together...I planned on taking a water taxi around & seeing what I/we can see

for 3 - 4 hours so we would:

1. be able to see as much as possible (maybe some resorts and the islands close by)

2. stay safe (in the taxi alone/with our group)

3. travel in a different type of "taxi" than we are used to...

 

Please all let me know...

 

SD Staff - Please let me know what you think of my plan...

[susiq]

Not sure if this is the right place to share this info, but wanted the members of Maldives trip to know, if they don't already have Global Entry (if you don't already have it, it's kinda too late for this trip) there IS an app called Mobile Passport on both  Android and iPhone platforms  which can help speed you through Incoming customs on your return to the US.  Doesn't work at all US entry airports but many of the biggest. More info at this link: 

 

http://thepointsguy....n-global-entry/

 

I just signed up and I hope it works! Seems like more yes than no!

 

If this is NOT the right place, moderators, please feel free to move it to wherever you think it most useful.

Thanks!

Edited by susiq, 22 January 2017 - 03:40 PM.

[MRDESSERT]

it works at JFK & EWR you no longer have to fill out those dreaded customs & immigration forms!!!

 

you must set it up then put in your trip when you are a couple of hours from landing or when you are waiting to get off plane, you get a qr code, 

 

if you follow signs at immigration & customs you have NO LINES AT ALL!!!

JUST LIKE IF YOU HAVE GLOBAL ENTRY 

 

easy squeesy

[susiq]

The list is long but it's on the download page at least in Android version. I do believe JFK, and EWR are there. Many others too...

 

I'd have to wait til we landed as I don't know what international service I might get that would allow me to do all that while boarding for my return in DOHA! And that's a 12 hour flight. I believe you have to do it within 4 hours of your expected landing....But there should be time AFTER you disembark, before you get to the giant waiting line room, where they tell you you have to stop using your cellphone as you're lining up for Customs Agents....it basically subs for the I-94 form you're supposed to fill out on board.

 

Let's keep checking it out to refine what info needs to be shared here!  Yes to anything that shortens time spent waiting.

[susiq]

COPIED VERBATIM FROM THE ANDROID DOWNLOAD PAGE:

 

 

The Mobile Passport app speeds you through U.S. Customs when entering the USA at 1 cruise port and 20 airports! Officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, MOBILE PASSPORT allows travelers to submit their passport control and customs declaration information via their Android device and bypass the regular line to enter the United States. This app effectively replaces the traditional blue-and-white paper declaration form required of all travelers entering the U.S. by air or sea.

1. Complete your profile with basic passport information.
2. Answer CBP’s questions about your trip.
3. Submit your information UPON YOUR ARRIVAL and get a receipt from CBP.
4. Skip the regular line and follow the signs for Mobile Passport Control.
5. Scan your receipt and show your passport to the CBP officer.

MOBILE PASSPORT service is currently available at: ✈️

- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
- Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Newark International Airport (EWR)
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San José International Airport (SJC)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU)

and at:

- Port Everglades (PEV)

More locations to follow!

U.S. and Canadian citizens (on B1 or B2 visas) are eligible to use MOBILE PASSPORT. Household members who are traveling together may be included in a single submission.

Submissions must be sent upon arrival at your port of entry. Receipts are valid for 4 hours. Receipts may NOT be re-used or transferred.

****YOU MUST ENTER YOUR NAME AS IT IS ON YOUR PASSPORT. 
****MOBILE PASSPORT IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR PASSPORT. BRING YOUR PASSPORT!

[wildtang]

I will ask the obvious, when will we be getting information on the buffer day/s location and invoices for Male?

[Cajun Diver]

I will ask the obvious, when will we be getting information on the buffer day/s location and invoices for Male?

Probably next week since WreckWrench is at the Texas Dive show this weekend.