FIBR AI & Dive package - February: $699 pp/do

[DocYates]

Yeah, thanks for the info. I know a card doesn't make the diver, and have always believed that a "man has to know his limitations", so we never engage in anything that we feel like is above our "pay grade" so to speak. I did survive the BlackBeards cruise, way back when they were based in Miami. It was a wonderful experience, but I was younger and did not have so many miles on my odometer as now....LOL....though my son wants to go on a live aboard, so I am sure we will do it again one day.
I would like to work my way up to the rescue diver cert, since I am a physician and feel like it would be a great asset and bring a new level of confidence to our diving.
I think we probably will take the AOW course while we are there, and we may try to get the Nitrox card in one of the "local" (40 miles away) dive shops if they offer it before then.

 

[CajunDiva]

I think the folks at Fantasy Island Vacations (Fantasy Island Travel Service - FITS) have been ousted by the owners of FIBR. They used to be the main (exclusive?) booking agent for FIBR (everyone else booked through FITS). The new web site for Fantasy Island says that FITS is no longer the agent as of 2010. That's unfortunate because Nick at FITS was always very quick to respond to inquiries. I was said to see that he's apparently out of the picture for next year.

I do think the price goes up by $100 as of February 28. We had thought of going a week later but stayed with the earlier week due to the price increase.

There is a nice recent trip report on FIBR posted by another user which provides very helpful info.

As a frequent traveler to Roatan and loyal patron of Fantasy Island Beach Resort, I have also read the information about a change in booking procedures at Fantasy Island; however instead of jumping to conclusions, I took the time to find out what the deal was. Nick was absolutely not "ousted by the owners of FIBR" as you accuse. Yes, he did do an excellent job of booking the resort but has now chosen to do something different. It has nothing to do with being "ousted", but was his own decision.

I don't consider this a bad thing. In fact, I think it will be fantastic for individuals wanting to book a trip to Fantasy Island. You can now contact Sharon directly (they now have an 800 number) at the resort to make your own arrangements. You don't have to go through any booking service. I think it's a win/win situation for everybody. The new management at Fantasy Island is really great and they want to do what is best for the resort and the divers who love it. This has been a VERY difficult year for every resort on Roatan...they have endured the fallout from the economic crisis, the swine flu, the earthquake and now the political fiasco. I don't think there's any need to add fuel to the fire by accusing them of something they didn't do

 

[robint]

Yeah, thanks for the info. I know a card doesn't make the diver, and have always believed that a "man has to know his limitations", so we never engage in anything that we feel like is above our "pay grade" so to speak. I did survive the BlackBeards cruise, way back when they were based in Miami. It was a wonderful experience, but I was younger and did not have so many miles on my odometer as now....LOL....though my son wants to go on a live aboard, so I am sure we will do it again one day.
I would like to work my way up to the rescue diver cert, since I am a physician and feel like it would be a great asset and bring a new level of confidence to our diving.
I think we probably will take the AOW course while we are there, and we may try to get the Nitrox card in one of the "local" (40 miles away) dive shops if they offer it before then.

sounds like a great plan. You will BOTH love it there and the diving will be a good experience for you both. I truly believe Roatan has a special kind of diving that most other dive destinations in the Caribbean don't offer - the chance to go deep, stay shallow, watch critters and fish behavior without fighting current, reefs and walls and wrecks, and shore diving independence to build your confidence as a self-sufficient diver. Many dive destinations offer some of those but not all. Roatan has them all.

robin

 

[adjuster-jd]

I stand corrected and apparently owe an apology to Nick. I had based my conclusion on the way the announcement was worded on the new FIBR web site. I always got great service from Nick. However subsequent to the change it was taking a little while to get responses back from the new managers. My most recent emails have been answered relatively quickly so it does seem they are making some improvements in communications.
I am a big fan of FIBR and think this place is one of the best values you can get in a dive resort.

Thanks for posting the info about Nick.

 

[Doc]

You can now contact Sharon directly (they now have an 800 number) at the resort to make your own arrangements.

An 800 number that rings through to Roatan. Gotta be some high-level sorcery involved there, for sure.

What won't they think of next.

 

[DandyDon]

I stand corrected and apparently owe an apology to Nick. I had based my conclusion on the way the announcement was worded on the new FIBR web site. I always got great service from Nick. However subsequent to the change it was taking a little while to get responses back from the new managers. My most recent emails have been answered relatively quickly so it does seem they are making some improvements in communications.
I am a big fan of FIBR and think this place is one of the best values you can get in a dive resort.

Thanks for posting the info about Nick.

I just finally noticed that you'd posted this open to all here on the Trips part of this forum. :silly:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...-feb-20-27-free-nitrox-class.html#post4856811
You could put that link in your Sig if you'd like.

 

[CajunDiva]

An 800 number that rings through to Roatan. Gotta be some high-level sorcery involved there, for sure.

What won't they think of next.

You've still got it R-Man