2010 Cruise

[Cod]

Hello,

2nd post 2nd thread

Ok, We have a cruise planned next year in the Eastern Caribbean and i'm curious as to which places I should plan a scuba excursion when in port...... actually we've decided all four...

With that said I will more than likely stick with the cruise line's offered excursions as I don't want to miss my boat with some other dive outfit that isn't associated with the cruise......does that make sense

Actually first time cruisers and will be the first caribbean divers, as my daughter and I are currently getting our training /certification.

Which out of the four stops would be the better for diving? We plan on diving on at least two of the ports but may consider all four, we have another daughter and wife going with us who don't dive so we may have to actually spend some time with them

Princess Cays Bahamas
St. Marteen
St. Thomas
Grand Turk

Thanks for any input.

 

[diversteve]

Dive at Princess Cay - since it's the Princess Cruise owned island - it's that or watersports and laying on the beach. You don't go onto Eleuthera, you're tendered onto the dock at the Cay.

St. Thomas - some cruise lines bus you to Coki Beach. (20-30 mins.?) At your cert level, you should dive with the guide - we had a small problem with current late one afternoon. It is a pretty easy shallow dive - simple beach entry - you'd have to work to break 50' in most areas. Kind of sparse in some areas but that might work as you'll be able to get closer to stuff w/o worrying about your trim. In one area, the non-divers can Snuba above you also.

If you like that small-island feel, go to Coki Beach - it's more of a locals spot than what you'll find around the cruise pier downtown. Note that the daughters could see locals smoking that funny stuff there - it's pretty casual. There's some local snack shops in the area also for lunch.

Another option would be to let the non-divers shop in Charlotte Amalie while you dive. Both Admiralty Dive or Blue Island Divers pick you up directly off the cruise pier, so I'm sure you won't miss the boat with either of them. And I'm sure both are used to new divers.

 

[Cod]

Thank you sir! We may try, as i said above to dive all four days, but i'm not sure yet.

Once again thanks!

 

[MKS]

Very exciting! Turks and Caicos is beautiful diving! Wall diving is fantastic -- just kick back and let the the current take you on a beautiful trip. I took my first resort dive on Provo. You will see so much awesome marine life. And since you'll be on a cruise -- any non-diver should still have a great time. Enjoy! And what a great way to share time with your family. P.S. Princess cruiselines used to offer a PADI resort certification on board! I must tell you I was in Turks last November and I saw a lionfish at the dock -- I was shocked -- they said they are multiplying at a huge rate -- so keep your eyes open -- beautiful sight but deadly.

 

[Cod]

Thanks! Will definitely keep my eyes open!