Off to Palau next week on liveaboard!

[robint]

We were booked for the Big Blue Explorer but it seems the ship is still in Philippines getting upgrades. So, they are putting the Eco Explorer out doing the same itinerary for the week instead. Last time I heard there were less that 10 people booked. Big Blue Explorer Scuba Diving Liveaboards in Palau Micronesia or Expeditionfleet Scuba Diving Liveaboards- Philippines, Palau and Chuuk

The travel guy from our LDS was just there in Palau a few weeks ago and got a tour of the boat, he said it was okay but nothing fancy, crew didn't speak english very well but seemed nice. Hopefully they are the same crew from the BBE as I have read so many great reviews and that is part of our reason for booking. Also we were told how great the BBE was and that helped us choose it over the Aggressor (which was $400 per person higher in price). Aggressor Fleet | The ultimate in live-aboards since 1984
They do the same dives just alternating days at each site so you don't really see each other. It seemed like a logical choice,

Anyhow, I am not as excited about the trip now as I should be. It is so expensive to fly to Micronesia to begin with and now with all the boat shuffling and possible issues, I don't know. We've never been to the South Pacific, hope its worth all this hassle and stress. Sharks of all kinds, mantas, cuttlefish, anemone fish, napoleon wrasse, sea snakes, huge schools of all types of fish, giant clams, mandarinfish, blue holes, jellyfish lake, blue corner, WWII wrecks, chandalier cave. It's gotta be good, right?

Hopefully when we get back I will have some great video to share and my hubby will have some great photos. Uggghhh, I can't believe I am not more excited. Usually I can't sleep or stop thinking about a dive trip for weeks in advance. It's just not happening this time.

robint

 

[DiveMaven]

Oh Robin, that stinks. If you'd like you can send me the tickets and we'll go in your place. Of course I'll let you know if you got your money's worth.

Seriously though, since you know things might be bumpy, at least you can put on your "go with the flow" hat before you arrive and not let things bug you from the beginning. Also since you've never done the BBE, you may not realize if you're even missing anything.

If you're determined to have a good time, you will....I have faith and can't wait to read your trip report and enjoy your pictures and video!

 

[robint]

I think part of the problem is that we booked so far ahead of time that the excitement came and went over the summer. I am sure I will start to feel the thrill after we get past this turkey day thing.
When we start charging batteries and packing bags I won't be able to wipe the smile off my face.

robint

 

[Teamcasa]

robint, I have a feeling you will shoot tons of video and have a great time!
It will be like- "Look here! - No - Look here! Amazing, did you see that! Wait!, oh wow!! Check that out!, Is my tank full yet? Can we dive that spot tonight?, White Balance! Remember to White Balance!, steady and slow, phew!, breathe!" and so on.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[ScubaMichael]

Hi Robint:

I am just wondering if you are back from Palau. How was it? I am thinking to go to Palau in February. The BBE is still not available and they offered me the trip on the Eco Explorer. I am wondering if I should go? How was your experience with the Eco Explorer. Thanks

 

[robint]

Hi Robint:

I am just wondering if you are back from Palau. How was it? I am thinking to go to Palau in February. The BBE is still not available and they offered me the trip on the Eco Explorer. I am wondering if I should go? How was your experience with the Eco Explorer. Thanks

we leave for Palau in just a few hours. I will give a big report with photos and videos when we get back.