LDS Dive Trip

[rottielover]

Yea, unfortunatly most of these little "details" haven't been ironed out just yet, but the LDS is saying they will know all this stuff for sure by the time we have our pre-trip party.

 

[oly5050user]

Hmm

My LDS trip looks nearly the same, but was for $2069 / diver. However, the flyer specfically states "Includes airfare".

Here is a copy from our trip:

For only 2069 / diver, your trip includes:
• 8 days / 7 nights at Buddy Dive Resort featuring 2 bedroom
condos (each bedroom is double occupancy and has it’s
own private bath). Each condo features shared living spaces.
• Roundtrip airfare from St. Louis to Bonaire
• 7 days of car rental per condo
• Daily Breakfast
• Unlimited shore diving, tanks & weights
• Pre Trip & Post Trip Parties
• Airport Transfers & Bonaire Government Taxes
• Fully escorted by *LDS* Staff

Later on there is a section that states specifically what is NOT included:

Not Included All meals not specifically listed, park fee, departure tax, equipment rentals other than
tanks & weights, specialty courses, nitrox fills, tips, travel insurance and spending
money.

Some body is positively adding alot of $ to the trip..It should run $1400.-$1600. I have a group at Buddy's in April @$1600. and includes airfare- hotel-breakfast-free nitrox-unlimited boat and beach dives ,50%food/beverage discount at resort ,rental vehicle and free advance course or nitrox course or ow training dives , tee shirts ..and more..Is this $2069. trip run out of a Manhattan NYC store,sounds like it is for they are notorious to "yuppie" up the prices..

 

[DandyDon]

rottielover you are going in high season, so that would run more, but Oly has a point, maybe...?

Unlimited boat dives is unusual. Not listed and promised in writing is not good. Maybe free Nitrox is worth $100 if you get it. Not knowing what you bought 28 days before you leave...??

And it does sound high, but - I guess you've already paid for it. Hope you have Trip Ins, Dan Ins, Safety Sausage and Storm whistle for every diver. Have a fun trip.

 

[rottielover]

ouch...

Trip ins was extra (yea I paid for it cause of Cozumel last year and Wilma). Already have Dan Ins, and SMB and whistle etc.

I'm fond of saying "I may have been born at night but it wasn't last night" in this case ... I may need to re-think saying that.

Little late now I guess since it's paid for... live and learn.

 

[DandyDon]

Oh, you'll have a good trip but I would have wanted more in writing before I paid. $1600 + 100 Nitrox upgrade + $100 or so for boat dives + more for air maybe = maybe an OK price.

It's not too late to check it all out, see what for sure is promised in writing, what it really should cost, and hit on the Lds. Doing so before the trip can still carry a lot of weight, as they don't want to spend a week with you and you feeling ripped off.

 

[rottielover]

Maybe airfare was more back when we booked the trip? (about a year ago now)

 

[Charlie59]

It's only money, but a great trip! Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun rottie.

Going with LDS is more fun for me since I know the folks and the shop has taken care of the details. Convenience and fellowship are worth loads.

 

[rottielover]

Charlie,

I completely agree, but I'm still feeling like I got beat with a rubber hose pretty bad now. Not too mention that my wife is screaming at me right now

 

[DandyDon]

Hmm

My LDS trip looks nearly the same, but was for $2069 / diver. However, the flyer specfically states "Includes airfare".

Here is a copy from our trip:

For only 2069 / diver, your trip includes:
• 8 days / 7 nights at Buddy Dive Resort featuring 2 bedroom
condos (each bedroom is double occupancy and has it’s
own private bath). Each condo features shared living spaces.
• Roundtrip airfare from St. Louis to Bonaire
• 7 days of car rental per condo
• Daily Breakfast
• Unlimited shore diving, tanks & weights
• Pre Trip & Post Trip Parties
• Airport Transfers & Bonaire Government Taxes
• Fully escorted by *LDS* Staff

Later on there is a section that states specifically what is NOT included:

Not Included All meals not specifically listed, park fee, departure tax, equipment rentals other than
tanks & weights, specialty courses, nitrox fills, tips, travel insurance and spending
money.

OK, that package on Buddy's site is $930 - 117 for no boat dives + $39 taxes

But that package with 11 boat dives is $930 + 94 + 39 tx = $1,063 + air

Cont Air from STL to BON is $ 662 inclusive + 1063 = $1725. Add $100 for Nitrox upgrade for the week = $1825.

$250 for the parties...??

I'd be obtaining some more, hard details in advance, I think.

BTW, I figured on 3/30 & 4/7 flight dates. Your Profile countdown has you leaving 27 days 2 hours.

 

[DandyDon]

Not too mention that my wife is screaming at me right now

Ooopppps...!! Say "Honey, I'm sure there's more information. I'll go down tomorrow and get it."