SunMari:
All your comments have been greatly appreciated. The reason we decided to cruise and dive is because our best friend works for the cruise line and can get us a cruise for two for only $400.00 ea. That's an entire vacation for only $800.00!!! So we decided: Why not? I'm starting to think maybe we won't dive in all the ports... maybe just Belize and Cozumel, do other things in grand cayman and costa maya. If you all had to choose two out of the four which two would you dive from?
At a most excellent price for a cruise, I don't think you'll be sorry.
I do however not advise trying to enjoy a cruise and a dive trip at the same time. My wife and I have been diving for the last 20 yrs. mostly on islands. Two years ago we did a liveaboard and really loved it. This past April we decided that we would try a cruise and I booked some diving off St. Thomas and St. Maarten, (separate from the cruise line). We did enjoy the cruise but here are my thoughts:
1. I don't need that many people around me on my vacation.
2. I don't need that much food on my vacation.
3. I don't need a show every night.
I found that I enjoy the sound of the waves hitting the shore, the sound of birds in the morning, the flowers that are blooming on each island are pleasing to look at, and most of all the quiet of a somewhat remote island is such an appeal to me that I'm not sure that we'll cruise again unless we are with a group who doesn't dive.
It was rushed on the cruise ship for us to prepare for diving and then after two dives rush back to the boat , then, rush back to the island to get in some site-seeing.
After twenty years of going to a island and exploring each one for a week or more you realize you can't see much of an island in less than a day.
My vacation request: 1. Great to good diving at a destination.
2. Decent food twice aday
3. The show of stars at night and a night dive are desirable
4. A place to explore.
Have fun,
Caymaniac
