Cat PPalu charter catamaran in Bahamas

[kurtluker]

Has anyone travelled on the private charter catamaran that runs in the Bahamas? I have only seen good reviews on Trip Advisor.

We have reserved it for next year for a week, but thought I would see if anyone else had any experience with it. It seems like a great deal for divers. It is run by Blackbeard Cruises so I think it is reputable.

Anyways...if anyone has any feedback, I sure would like to hear it. Thanks again!!!

 

[Mike FBP]

I did 3 trips on it many years ago (1995-1996) and had great experiences. It's still part of the Blackbeard's fleet - same owners and still a good, well deserved reputation. I'm actually just starting to lead trips and it was a no-brainer to go back to the Cat Ppalu for the first one.

 

[Hoyden]

I did a trip with the Cat Ppalu in April and had such a good time that I immediately booked another trip with them in October.

 

[WOODMAN]

It has been several years since I sailed with this boat, but several memories remain vivid. First off, she is pretty cramped if you have a full boat. Lounging areas are sort of non-existent, unless you want to drape yourself on the hard fiberglass shell on the front part of the boat. (Bring a big cushion if that is your intent) I am a big guy, and although we first tried that cool sounding lower cabin with the underwater window, be advised that it is TINY! How small do you say? I think my dad said it best when he stated "you couldn't cuss out a cat in there without getting hair in your mouth!" The side cabins with the dual bunks looked to be the most workable ones, IMHO. The dive layout was pretty good, and the food was truly excellent. (This can change, of course, but I have been on much bigger and pricier boats which couldn't hold a candle to what we got on that trip:drooling We traveled the Exumas, and we even got to host a wedding for two of our divers on an uninhabited island's beach. So, in spite of my somewhat sour grapes, I can tell you that we had a great time, and although I have sailed with several larger and more luxurious boats since then, I still fondly remember the 'Cat. Good luck.

 

[kurtluker]

Thanks guys...very reassuring. We still need two more people to make our 10 person criteria..but thanks to your feedback, we are very excited............

 

[ChainDiver]

Thanks guys...very reassuring. We still need two more people to make our 10 person criteria..but thanks to your feedback, we are very excited............

What dates do you have booked?

Mike

 

[kurtluker]

We are booked Saturday April 27th through May 4th...... We are just a fun group of friends who dive together...very eclectic group...like to laugh and have fun.....very responsible divers...... If anyone is interested in joining our group on the dive, let me know.....

 

[H2O Gal]

How much will your charter cost per person?

 

[ChainDiver]

We are booked Saturday April 27th through May 4th...... We are just a fun group of friends who dive together...very eclectic group...like to laugh and have fun.....very responsible divers...... If anyone is interested in joining our group on the dive, let me know.....

The Cat PPalau web site shows the itinerary from Sat to Friday. (Friday Continental breakfast is served All passengers disembark by 9 am).

Do you have the Friday included in your charter?

 

[kurtluker]

The cost is $1500 per person plus port fees and taxes (about $100 per person) based on 10 person occupancy. That is what we would like to have so it is not too crowded.....it has max occupancy of 12 if need to squeeze more people in which would lower the cost per person. The trip leaves on Saturday shortly after lunch. I believe the first dives are Saturday afternoon on our trip out. We are planning on getting there Friday so we don't run the risk of missing the departure time.....of course that is up to everyone individually. The boat gets back to port Thursday evening after five or so days of diving. We spend the evening on the boat Thursday evening and depart friday morning. Our group is planning on exploring Nassau Bay on Friday and Friday evening and leaving to come back to the states on Saturday....again..that is up to everyone individually. So there might be some additional hotel costs depending on what you prefer to do. I guess it all depends on airline dates and times. You can check the website out for more details. just google cat ppalu...it gives a lot more details. We need our final number by October 15th. If we don't have the 10 people by then, we will switch to individual booking (as opposed to a group) which will add $45 per person but will guarantee a departure as long as there are 6 people booked (which we already have) at no extra costs per person other than the $45 increase to switch to individual booking. Doing so, we would lose control over the trip and the company would start booking on t heir own to fill the spots...potentially to 12 total. Hope that makes sense.....

---------- Post Merged at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:08 AM ----------

That is true.....the ship leaves on Saturday and we dive on that Saturday on the way out. We get back to port on Thursday evening and spend the night on board and disembark on Friday morning. That is 5 + days of diving. We plan on getting a hotel room and exploring Nassau Friday and Friday evening and departing for the states on Saturday morning.