Looking for Aldora Alternative - 2/25/17 Trip

[scubadada]

Wow! Great policy

 

[gcawad]

This issue really had me worried. I just called Aldora since we arrive on February 23 and I had not reserved yet either. NO PROBLEM, Returning clients always get dive space.
Thanks Dave and Aldora Divers see you in a few weeks.

 

[Cozdreamer]

Dear ScubaD1veDIV.

I am so sorry that you were given incorrect information about availability for your returning divers. It has been our policy for more than 20 years to guaranty space for those who have been loyal to us. While we do sometimes limit access (especially at Christmas) to make sure that we can always deliver top notch service, we do retain some redundancy and back ups, thus I know that we can easily take care of you…no matter what.

Recently we have had some changes in the reservation staff and that policy concept may haver fallen through the cracks…or they forgot to ask.

We will be delighted to have you dive with us, as many days as you want. IF you wish you can call me on my US phone 830 460-0667 (works in Mexico).

Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers

NOW THAT IS TRUE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I love a happy ending. Hope the OP checks back and enjoys the trip.

 

[ScubaD1veDiv@]

You guys rock Dave! You made my day. It's customer service such as this that give Aldora such a cult following.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

You guys rock Dave! You made my day. It's customer service such as this that give Aldora such a cult following.

Great,

Just make your on line reservation and make sure they know you are a returning guest. Unfortunately we don't yet have a big database we can refer to.

Dave

 

[jchance]

Great policy Dave. Glad you have it as we have needed to use it! Thanks and give our regards to Memo.

 

[Dave Dillehay]

Great policy Dave. Glad you have it as we have needed to use it! Thanks and give our regards to Memo.

Sorry this caused you some concern but I am glad we could resolve it quickly. As for your request to get a dive on day of arrival, please demand that. That is MY policy and most should know it...but as we get bigger it is difficult to know that ALL do. Of course if you come to the office very late in the day or the weather is bad, we can't do that. But even if that can't happen, you can do a free beach dive at the Villa Aldora anytime as we keep a bunch of tiny steel 80s there for easy beach diving. That is an offer for anyone diving with Aldora, whether staying at the Villa or not.

On the other hand, if you or anyone has a problem or serious question about Cozumel (Aldora Clients or not) please feel to call me on my US phone 830 460-0667 (works in Mexico as well)

Dave

PS Be sure to let us know early of your desire to dive on day of arrival. That is the only way we can make it happen

 

[coloradojay]

Aldora rocks, and it's cool of Dave to work in reservations when possible but apparently full is full. I am in Coz for 10 days on a bit short notice 10 day trip with family (unfortunately during spring break season), and I went in to the shop to get signed in/find out what is available and they were booking 10 days out) totally full, no afternoon, no night, no hunts/Express Villa wall, nada- just wait list. I mentioned this thread to Jorje since I've only ever dived with Aldora in Coz (only 3-4 trips but no reason to look elsewhere) but he said they had zero space for even 1 diver until after we leave except for an afternoon shallow/slow macro photo group.

I've still been able to dive with the op at the resort, just not nearly to the level and quality of groups and DMs I'm used to with Aldora. Everyone I've called seems very booked right now but I finally found an op with big tanks and deeper/advanced dives available starting tomorrow if weather permits.

Book early folks or get stuck with Aluminum 80s and beginners!

/firstWorldProblems.

 

[deepsea21]

Dave... I hope this doesn't mean you tell any divers who already booked that they are getting kicked off the schedule with their $ refunded to make room for returning Aldora customers who get priority per this policy. Does this policy extend to a group of prior Aldora divers who may call a week before their arrival? Would Aldora kick a group of new divers out and refund their money even if they booked a year in advance because they don't have prior diver status/priority?

Every diver be they decade long returning customers or new divers to a dive op should have 100% equal and fair access to the spaces available without favoritism. "Ya snooze ya lose" is a policy everyone understands and has worked for a long, long time.

 

[lionfish-eater]

Dave can speak for himself, but I doubt they would cancel someone else's dives. More likely they would put another boat in the water or lease one for the day. They might move a few other divers to the boat to reduce crowding on one of their full ones.