NCL Norewgian Sun 3-11-06 to 3-16-06

[N3AL10]

I am going on a cruise with my family, last cruise before little sis goes to college.
Just got certified here in the South FLA and was curious about a couple things I saw an old post here with people's recommendations :

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=84421

1. Anyone here going on the same cruise?
2. Anyone been on this cruise and have any recommendations? I signed up for the captains choice dive but not sure if that is a waste of time/money?
3. Any recommendations for local shops in Cozumel or Belize that I can call to line up gear/trip?
4. Should I bring all my own gear or just mask/snkl/fins?



Sat. Miami, Florida - - 5:00pm
Sun. At sea - - - -
Mon Costa Maya, Mexico 8:00am 6:00pm
Tue Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala 8:00am 6:00pm
Wed. Belize City, Belize 8:00am 6:00pm
Thu. Cozumel, Mexico 8:00am 6:00pm
Fri. At sea - - - -
Sat. Miami, Florida 7:00am* - -

 

[BurBunny]

Always recommend bringing your own gear if you have it. Yes, it's a bit more hassle, but especially since you're new, having equipment you're familiar with will help you work on improving skills and enjoying your dive rather than getting acquainted with new gear.

For Belize, Hugh Parkey is the ship's vendor. If you want to strike out on your own, try Sea Sports Belize. You'll have to go ashore to meet them, and they need a minimum number of divers.

In Cozumel, there are so many to recommend. I like Blue XT Seas, but they can't always accommodate cruise ship schedules. If they can't, also try Dive with Martin, Dive with Alison and Eagle Ray Divers.

 

[diveborg]

Here are some people who will be on your cruise with you.

3. Any recommendations for local shops in Cozumel or Belize that I can call to line up gear/trip?

Like Burbunny, I really like www.bluextseadiving.com The owner/operator Christi is a friend and she provides excellent customer service. If you don't have your own gear, or don't want to bring your own, Dive with Martin includes gear with the price of a 2 tank dive trip.I don't know about Belize.

4. Should I bring all my own gear or just mask/snkl/fins?

If you have your own gear then I recommend that you bring it. You will be more comfortable in gear you are familiar with. Don't bring the snorkel unless you plan on snorkeling. I never wear a snorkel when I dive and you might not want to as well, especially in Cozumel where just about all the diving is drift diving.

 

[N3AL10]

Awesome! Thanks for the great info Bunny and Diveborg

 

[Aquatic Eagle]

Go with the ship dive in Belize. Hugh Parkey's is a great operation. Very professional and very good sites they take you to. Also, if you bring your own gear, speak to the folks at the Shore Excursion desk. There are dive instructors in that department and they have an onboard dive locker. If they have room and have the time, they may let you wash your gear and store it there for the week. This is completely up to them as it isn't something they normally do but it's worth asking. I used to do it every now and then for guests just to go the extra mile. I just signed off of the Norwegian Jewel a few hours ago after being there for almost 6 months. The dive instructors are usually pretty good people. Have fun!

 

[ItsBruce]

There is lots of info on diving while cruising here on SB. Just look for it. As to washing gear, there are fresh water showers around the pool. Use those and then hand it fron nereby chairs to dry.

 

[billeelou]

She has it down to a science, I could not think of anything else... But I am surprised they are not going to Majahual:06:

some of the best diving on that part of the Caribe