Blackbeards vs. Cribbean Explorer 1

[Double "D"]

I agree with the above posts that going as a single is not a big deal. No matter who you go with, there are usually single divers willing needing a dive buddy. Also, most people are cool on the boats and you can hook up with another dive group, and may even find some traveling partners for future trips.

Oh, one more plus for CEX- you can dive NITROX. At the time, I was not NITROX certified and they offered me free gas (150 more for the week) if I took the class- which was only 150. So, that was a significant savings advantage if you decide to NITROX certify in the future. Don't know if they do this on all trips though.

As far as the comfort level- its up to you to decide if the cost difference is worth it. But, having my own room (air conditioned-not just bottom bunks), a clean boat, a sun deck with chairs, a place to eat inside (not everyone can fit in the galley below deck on blackbeards), and a place to sit in the shade (not all passengers were able to sit in a shaded area above deck on blackbeards) was worth it. In general, the CEX boats are bigger than blackbeards length wise, as well as the fact blackbeards is a sailboat, and, don't have as much room.

As a previous poster mentioned, she/he never had problems with mechanical issues- when we did- and repeat customers on the blackbeards boat we talked with also did- I don't want to take the chance that I won't be able to get all my dives due to their mechanical problems (weather is a different story). It also wouldn't have been as big deal if corporate acknowledged the problem, but, they did not. I obviously am biased, but, all things considered, think that CEX is definitely worth the extra cash.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Wow, I just looked at the CEX 1 price and it's more than $300 bucks more per week, plus it departs out of Georgetown, Exuma so you can double your airfare from just about anywhere. FWIW I love Blackbeards. I have been 3 times and have had a great time every time. Never had mechanical problems (no one on our boat had ever experienced any), amazing diving, great crew, mostly great passengers. There is always the odd passenger that you would like to throw off the boat by the end of the week. I am not financially challenged, but if saving $500 bucks means that I can do more diving vacations then I am there. I have averaged 18-20 dives on each of my Blackbeards trips. IMHO hot towels and hot chocolate are not worth $300 + bucks. As a single passenger I always stay in the galley area, just bring your ear plugs. You get a double bunk as a single passenger. I am planning on going back this summer in July for another trip. Whatever you do, have a great time!

Even with bad weather I have never had a bad time on Blackbeards! It's an Adventure!

Looks like the picture (Avatar) is of you on the Sea Star off Grand Bahama island?

 

[laurelgsc]

Yep, good observation! That was my first Blackbeards trip in August 2006. I was on Pirates Lady. In the galley where I slept on the 2 different boats the air conditioning was fine, but I don't spend a whole lot of time down there. I eat up on deck, what better place to eat than watching the sunset. Our LDS does a trip every August and they have never had any mechanical problems on their 10 years of trips, so please don't make it sound like they have mechanical problems all the time. Sounds like bad luck! I think for the budget minded traveler you can't beat em! Where else can you do 20 dives + food + accommodation for under $1000. Anyway each to their own, but don't count out Blackbeards. If you are laid back personality wise and love an adventure then go for it. I always have a lot of fun with the crew. I am a teacher and would love to spend one of my summers crewing on one of their boats. Maybe next summer!

 

[adrisen]

I went on Blackbeards a few years ago and had a great time. I was in the front of the boat and have no complaints. The food was fantastic and there was always plenty of it throughout the day. The crew was amazing and always joined us in when we went in town. I felt it was money well spent and I could not have had a better vacation. I think most land vacations would have cost more considering the time that I went was spring break. As for going solo, have a great time, you will meet lots of people as soon as you get there and you will not be alone. Let them know when you are booking that you are traveling solo. I found that it made a difference when I got there because when I arrived early and was kept busy, introduced to people and I did not feel like I was alone.

Have a fantastic trip.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Did you have Captain Paul? Great guy his old DM is Captain Grayson on the MS! Captain Red on the SE is top notch! They have a great bunch of people there! I am doing the Explorer at the end of May and I know it will be great! It is hard to compare the two they are just so different!

 

[adrisen]

We had two captains on our boat when I went. One one a young guy I cant remember his name and we had captain Red as well who is a good friend of a friend in who runs a charter in Miami. I would have no problems going back on a Blackbeards boat again. My local dive shop bools with them yearly. This year, the trip they had to do two boats. So they are doing something right.

 

[NickNYC]

Thanks for all the help guys! I pulled the trigger for Explorer I on the 12th!

 

[Double "D"]

Have fun on your trip!

 

[robint]

Thanks for all the help guys! I pulled the trigger for Explorer I on the 12th!

Yeah! Now remember you have to post a trip report when you get back!!! Also, pictures pictures pictures! We want pictures of your adventure!

robin

 

[caymaniac]

Wow, I just looked at the CEX 1 price and it's more than $300 bucks more per week, plus it departs out of Georgetown, Exuma so you can double your airfare from just about anywhere. FWIW I love Blackbeards. I have been 3 times and have had a great time every time. Never had mechanical problems (no one on our boat had ever experienced any), amazing diving, great crew, mostly great passengers. There is always the odd passenger that you would like to throw off the boat by the end of the week. I am not financially challenged, but if saving $500 bucks means that I can do more diving vacations then I am there. I have averaged 18-20 dives on each of my Blackbeards trips. IMHO hot towels and hot chocolate are not worth $300 + bucks. As a single passenger I always stay in the galley area, just bring your ear plugs. You get a double bunk as a single passenger. I am planning on going back this summer in July for another trip. Whatever you do, have a great time!

But then again you can't really comment if the diving is worth more on one boat than the other because you haven't taken the CEX1..........then again I haven't taken either of the liveaboards...so why am I on this thread?