AggieDiver
Contributor
Well, we are halfway through our dive week, and I figured it was time for me to update a few things we have discussed over the last few months.
First, the food is fine. Yes, I would rate it just a step below Chef Anthony's creations, but I actually think it is better than it was 2 years ago when we visited in Sept. 2015. Claudia and dining room staff are of course friendly and awesome as always.
Second, Mermaids is closed as of early September and the rumor is the building may be used as the new front desk/checkin. Perhaps the long rumored dining room expansion is coming?
Third, Lara is leaving the Nature Spa as of sometime in late October and moving back to Florida. Wife and I have always enjoyed her massages and will miss her!
Fourth, United sucks. They somehow managed to check in our two bags in Houston, and lose one of them on a direct nonstop flight from Houston to Grand Cayman. That was Saturday afternoon...they finally got our bag to us Tuesday midday. I am still mystified by how they could lose one of two bags checked in side by side. It was the bag with our BCs and fins and most of our clothing. Reef Divers provided BCs and fins free of charge for the last three days. Truly great service here and they never miss a chance to make sure you have a great experience.
Fifth, Dolphins!!! Or maybe porpoises, we are still checking. There are two that have been hanging out in the lagoon for the last two days. It looks perhaps like an adult with a younger one. Kinda wondering if they are storm refugees that came south to avoid Irma.
Sixth, very little sargassum weed in the lagoon and near shore. There is a small line of weed on the beach each day that it appears they are raking into piles at some point during the day. No sign of major trash or mess on the beach beyond what little normally washes up.
Seventh, big stuff...like eagle rays, turtles, large barracuda, nurse sharks, large jacks, permit, triggerfish, southern stingrays seem to be plentiful as always. On Sunday, there were tons of small turtles in the lagoon right near the channel. We were seeing 10-12 each time we came back in.
Nice calm seas and great vis so far. First three days have all been on the north side with tons of neat stuff captured on photo or video. Will post some more to the pic thread later.
First, the food is fine. Yes, I would rate it just a step below Chef Anthony's creations, but I actually think it is better than it was 2 years ago when we visited in Sept. 2015. Claudia and dining room staff are of course friendly and awesome as always.
Second, Mermaids is closed as of early September and the rumor is the building may be used as the new front desk/checkin. Perhaps the long rumored dining room expansion is coming?
Third, Lara is leaving the Nature Spa as of sometime in late October and moving back to Florida. Wife and I have always enjoyed her massages and will miss her!
Fourth, United sucks. They somehow managed to check in our two bags in Houston, and lose one of them on a direct nonstop flight from Houston to Grand Cayman. That was Saturday afternoon...they finally got our bag to us Tuesday midday. I am still mystified by how they could lose one of two bags checked in side by side. It was the bag with our BCs and fins and most of our clothing. Reef Divers provided BCs and fins free of charge for the last three days. Truly great service here and they never miss a chance to make sure you have a great experience.
Fifth, Dolphins!!! Or maybe porpoises, we are still checking. There are two that have been hanging out in the lagoon for the last two days. It looks perhaps like an adult with a younger one. Kinda wondering if they are storm refugees that came south to avoid Irma.
Sixth, very little sargassum weed in the lagoon and near shore. There is a small line of weed on the beach each day that it appears they are raking into piles at some point during the day. No sign of major trash or mess on the beach beyond what little normally washes up.
Seventh, big stuff...like eagle rays, turtles, large barracuda, nurse sharks, large jacks, permit, triggerfish, southern stingrays seem to be plentiful as always. On Sunday, there were tons of small turtles in the lagoon right near the channel. We were seeing 10-12 each time we came back in.
Nice calm seas and great vis so far. First three days have all been on the north side with tons of neat stuff captured on photo or video. Will post some more to the pic thread later.