Caribbean Liveaboard

[Cert1967]

Thanks guys. Priceless inside info. Diversteve, assuming its available, what is the best cabin to ask for on the Explorer?

Cabin 2 or 1 - the premium is modest, the cabins are spacious, quiet, private, and the queen bed comfortable. Access is up the circular stairs to the "boat deck", which is accessible from C2 C1.

Cabin 5 on the main deck had a queen bed, easy access to the salon and was good sized.

We were on the OCT 3-10 trip - in Cabin 2, on the heels of Hurricane Joaquin.

All things considered, we had a enjoyable trip and would return.

 

[uncfnp]

Only when docked. Sorry.

You might find you can use a boat's satellite phone to keep in touch, but expect it to cost you. And sometimes boats have satellite connectivity that guests are allowed to use (again it will cost you.) This is not something you would use to surf the web, but could use to send/receive short emails (typically using a special email address you would use just for the trip.) If keeping in touch is a deal breaker you might look into these.

Thanks guys. I don't know why I didn't think of this before. Will have to have a long talk with Mom or put plans on hold and just do a land based trip for now.

 

[Cert1967]

Ok. I know I am going to hate myself for asking this but is there internet access on the Explorer? My mom is 85, lives alone and gets anxious if I am out of touch for more than a few days.

Have an unlocked phone? Not sure - do your homework before you leave.

Visit the Digicel store on the way to the boat. Buy a SIM card, voice and or data plan. We had good voice/data service during most of our trip.

Cost? For two weeks - voice/data all we could use, USA and local ~ $75.

You can buy a Digital SIM card before you leave for $$$ more.

Bring a paper clip and don't lose your "home" SIM card. SIM cards are easy to change on most phones.

https://www.visittci.com/digicel
Located next to the IGA Supermarket at Graceway Plaza.
​

Have lots of money to spend?

ATT roams just fine. Just wait until you get the bill. Leave all your USA settings active, say "YES" when you get the arrival messages, and the cost may well exceed your LAB cost.
​

 

[uncfnp]

Have an unlocked phone? Not sure - do your homework before you leave.

Visit the Digicel store on the way to the boat. Buy a SIM card, voice and or data plan. We had good voice/data service during most of our trip.

Cost? For two weeks - voice/data all we could use, USA and local ~ $75.

You can buy a Digital SIM card before you leave for $$$ more.

Bring a paper clip and don't lose your "home" SIM card. SIM cards are easy to change on most phones.

https://www.visittci.com/digicel
Located next to the IGA Supermarket at Graceway Plaza.
​

Have lots of money to spend?

ATT roams just fine. Just wait until you get the bill. Leave all your USA settings active, say "YES" when you get the arrival messages, and the cost may well exceed your LAB cost.
​

So there is cell phone service? I don't have an unlocked phone but I do have an international calling plan just for this purpose but its verizon. Will check with Explorer about coverage. All I need is a few minutes every other day or so just to let her know I am still among the living and that Eric hasn't sliced my air hose just yet.

 

[diversteve]

The Turks & Caicos Explorer II is also equipped with a satellite telephone for outgoing calls worldwide.

We had a bunch of specialist doctors from NYC on the trip and they all used it to check in with their offices regularly all week. I think one told me they just paid the per minute charge which I believe is about $1.50/min. anywhere.

The first day/two off NW Point you'll see Provo. So your cell should probably work. Coverage might be spotty when you move over to West Caicos or French Cay. Stan called someone on Provo a couple of times from the fly bridge successfully at night. My T-Mobile phone didn't work once we made the crossing but I've also had dead spots on islands occasionally. If your cellphone supports mobile hot spots I don't see why that wouldn't work with a laptop/tablet also since you're making your own. I might do it outside since all the boat steel probably knocks down the range. Even a cellular modem, they're under $100 and some offer a pay per month plan only when you use it.

As far as cabins, 8-10 are below deck with bunks/portholes - still ensuite. All the rest are on the main deck - behind which is the dining room/lounge then dive deck. All the other cabins have a window - ours had two.

We also had Cabin 5 configured as twins. You can request a cabin when you book. I'd ask for 6 or 7 since the galley adjoins 5 and Stan starts pretty early to get ready for breakfast. Cabins 3/4 are permanently configured as twins and a little tighter since the hull curves in there. One nice thing about the cabins is they're a little bigger than typical liveaboards I've been on. In our cabin we had floor space the width of the good sized desk across one side, plus separation with the nightstand between the beds. Decent sized bathroom also and a shower I could stand up fully in - I'm 6'4". Once I got thru the 5' something shower door.

The two upstairs are a little bigger and I believe there's a door leading out to the sundeck also. There's also a set of external stairs that runs up to the Sundeck as well. And a curved stair up to the flybridge one deck higher. They stock drinks up there also.

 

[uncfnp]

We had a bunch of specialist doctors from NYC on the trip and they all used it to check in with their offices regularly all week. I think one told me they just paid the per minute charge which I believe is about $1.50/min. anywhere.

The first day/two off NW Point you'll see Provo. So your cell should probably work. Coverage might be spotty when you move over to West Caicos or French Cay. Stan called someone on Provo a couple of times from the fly bridge successfully at night. My T-Mobile phone didn't work once we made the crossing but I've also had dead spots on islands occasionally.

As far as cabins, 8-10 are below deck with bunks/portholes - still ensuite. All the rest are on the main deck - behind which is the dining room/lounge then dive deck. All the other cabins have a window - ours had two.

We also had Cabin 5 configured as twins. You can request a cabin when you book. I'd ask for 6 or 7 since the galley adjoins 5 and Stan starts pretty early to get ready for breakfast. Cabins 3/4 are permanently configured as twins and a little tighter since the hull curves in there. One nice thing about the cabins is they're a little bigger than typical liveaboards I've been on. In our cabin we had floor space the width of a good sized desk across one side, plus separation with the nightstand between the beds - wide enough so you can swing your feet off w/o hitting something. One of the other cabins I peeked into had a tall dresser instead. I think we had a closet also but I didn't use it - I travel light with clothes so it all went in the drawers under the bed.

The two upstairs are a little bigger and I believe there's a door leading out to the sundeck also. There's also a set of external stairs that runs up to the Sundeck as well. And a curved stair up to the flybridge one deck higher. They stock drinks up there also.

Thank you! And I just heard back by email from Diana Heaton. Thinks there should be pretty good coverage with Verizon and recommended calling for verification voice and data, which I plan to do. Also emergency call options for Mom. And good to know I will also have options if the cell phone coverage is not as good as planned!

Yeah! Plan to make my reservation this week. And I really appreciate the cabin info.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I was quite happy in Unit 4, front of boat, main level. Yes, permanently configured in twins lots of room on and under desk. I didn't have to share. Had I had a roomie to whom I was not married, I'd have been uncomfortable but that's just me. A person who lives alone in a big house. Further, I've been extremely spoiled when it comes to my previous liveaboard experience.my room and even the largest rooms were much much smaller than I've experienced on Carpe Vita and Dewi Nusantara. That said, compare pricing. you get what you pay for.

 

[ontdiver]

Thanks Richard.

Another thought that just came to me is that we have done almost strictly shore or drift dives. I know the Explorer anchors to dive. Do any of the liveaboards do drift dives or a combination of drift and anchored dives?

While on the Aquacat Home - Aqua Cat Cruises Aqua Cat Cruises a couple of years ago, I believe we did two drifts, one of which was the well known "washing machine" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mRgXcQ2NTk. The other was a long relaxing dive on which we saw lots of sea life including a couple of manta rays and a loggerhead turtle about the size of VW Beatle. But for the most part, as noted by Richard, you're generally dropping in the water while on a mooring.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Forgot to mention, cabin #4 had 3 big windows. Very pleasant.

 

[diversteve]

Quick Facts about Turks and Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos Tourist Board

If you have cell service in the USA please bring your phone with you because if you have International Roaming service with a cellular carrier that has a roaming agreement in the Caribbean then your phone will be able to make and receive calls whilst in the Turks and Caicos.

Turks & Caicos Itinerary
Sunday: Provo's Northwest Point. Four to five dives, with night spent at mooring.
Monday: Two morning dives at Northwest Point, followed by 2-hour trip to West Caicos. Three dives, with night spent at mooring.
Tuesday: Up to five dives at West Caicos, with night spent at mooring.
Wednesday: Two dives at West Caicos, transit to French Cay, three dives at French Cay, with night spent at mooring.
Thursday: Five dives at French Cay, with night spent at mooring.
Friday: Dawn dive and morning dive at French Cay, with departure for the 2-hour trip back to port.

Contact Mom on Monday b4 moving over and you'll only be out of touch Tues-Thurs. if your phone doesn't work out there.