We are trying very hard to change the operations to avoid a price increase or fuel surcharge. The prices on the Spree did indeed increase $25 this year, in the form of increased commissions to the dive shop. Neither boat went up for fuel. The Spree is trying more 3 and 4 day trips, running slightly slower, trying our Florida schedule (we don't dive till 8 AM) in the Flower Gardens, etc. to control the price. Additionally, the Spree will not run with less than 12 divers. Before you flame me about the shortened surface interval, almost everyone (all but 2 last year) who comes on the Spree uses a dive computer, and we let the diver take advantage of it. We no longer have a minimum surface interval, but a "dive window", meaning everyone must be off the boat within 20 minutes of the opening. If you are an 1 1/2 hour flower gardens diver on your particular tank, get in first. Rebreather divers are encouraged to get in first and come up with the last OC diver to get the most benefit of their unit. We are making an attempt to treat our customers as adults who are certified, independant divers rather than school children that must be coddled and looked after. We'll see how it works out.
