Howdy Folks
I've covered some subjects below that have been discussed but...in the spirit of one-stop shopping:
6 Nov 05 was my most recent cruise on Royal Caribbean (RCCL) aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas. Stops were: Key West, Grand Caymans and Costa Maya (Cozumel was still digging out from the hurricane). Here's what I learned:
1. RCCL seems to only use PADI certified dive shops
2. If they're unsure about docking times, RCCL will err on the side of caution and not set up an excursion (more about Costa Maya later)
3. If you take a knife, you'll have to check it with security as you board/depart the ship. It's a hassle, but not hateful. In retrospect, I'd have left it behind.
4. Carry your reg, "pooter," and camera with you as your carry-on. Nuff' said.
5. Taking a tank is more burden than benefit. For instance...at Grand Caymans you'll go directly from the launch (no port) to the beach then 75ft to the dive boat. There's no time to get the tank filled on shore nor does the Rhapsody offer that service. The tank is part of your fee anyway...I don't know of any discounts (not that you asked).
6. No need for weights. The weights are part of the package so your only adjustment (so to speak) is using hard weights vs. soft weights in an integrated BC. Using a weight belt now? No adjustment necessary.
7. Bring a very decent light...even for the day dives so you can the full bang for your buck on the reef/fish colors. The Key West stop (didn't do it) was a night dive.
8. No need for gloves. The dive boats I went on prohibited them anyway.
9. Do bring a 3mm suit (or whatever your body tolerance requires). My 3mm did exactly what I wanted it to do...made the water temp a "non-factor."
10. Recommend (but not required) to bring an extra mask as part of your save-a-dive. A few of the dive boats are small and require a rolling entry. Bad JuJu can be present if you haven't done this before, your mask comes off and you're diving one of the "cliff" areas. That'll end a dive pretty efficiently.
11. Do bring your "hangers." There's no space I found outside of the stateroom for drying my gear so the "very intimate" bathroom was a test of my space making abilities. Sure wish I would've packed that UK accessories hanger.
12. Do not forget that your diving discipline. If you're paired up with a buddy on the dive (aka "my wife doesn't dive either") you'll want to be matched with a buddy that has a dive "pooter"...assuming you have one too. Don't forget your plan...and don't let anyone push the threshold of safety while taking you with them.
13. This is the last...and most important (in my cranium)...drum roll...if you have a bag with rollers to carry your gear then USE IT! Although I'm a little long in the tooth I'm in pretty good shape. But...after hauling around all my gear in a backpack across very long docks (1/4 mile or more) and then some...this Pook was pooped!
OK...the tale of Costa Maya. RCCL said we would miss the launch times of the dive boat so there was no dive excursion. Well...I hate to miss an opportunity so while at Key West (visiting dear friends which is why I didn't dive) I hopped on the internet and found Dreamtime Diving
http://www.dreamtimediving.com
I contacted the email address while aboard ship (an expensive way to employ a computer) and set up the dive myself. They are PADI certified and they made every effort to get me back to the ship on time. Best dive of my short diving life but PM me if you want more detail. My picture on this post was taken there... Truly a Kool experience!
Best of luck and Safe diving
Pook
