Only person signed up for liveaboard; suggestions?

[altaskier]

Hi to all -
Some time ago I signed up for May 23-30 on the Ocean Hunter I in Palau, and I've already paid the full cost of the trip. I like the idea of the small boat, and the positive comments people have made here on ScubaBoard about their experiences on the Ocean Hunter boats.

However, perhaps due to the global economic slowdown, right now I'm the only person signed up for either of their boats that week. They tell me that they send the Ocean Hunter I out if they have at least two of the six berths filled...

I don't want to make the trip all the way to Palau to only do 2-3 shore-based dives per day, since I'm traveling there just to dive. (My wife and son are certified, but neither are as gung-ho about diving as I am and the thought of diving 5 times per day after a long long flight is not very appealing to them; but the good news is that they're happy to let me make the trip myself). I can shift the trip to July but again they don't yet have people booked on the boat then.

I've been in touch with the Ocean Hunter people and they are helpful in offering to change dates, but of course they can't conjure up bookings. Any thoughts out there on what to do?

 

[divergirl50]

I am a travel agent and I say things dont look so good ..... I see why you are worried. I would make a suggestion to change destinations to somewhere like FIJI. I know the aggressor is booking trips there ...I actually have people on one of their boats there and they have 2 in October. My other suggestion would be to go to the Scorro Islands in the fall. I did this trip in Dec and if you are wanting mantas then you will see them and plenty of sharks and dolphin as well. I have a picture gallery I can send to you with shutterfly if interested. Every dive is full of big big stuff. Email me direct please if you want to see these pictures affordabletrips@gmail.com

 

[PhilEllis]

Hi to all -
Some time ago I signed up for May 23-30 on the Ocean Hunter I in Palau, and I've already paid the full cost of the trip. I like the idea of the small boat, and the positive comments people have made here on ScubaBoard about their experiences on the Ocean Hunter boats.

However, perhaps due to the global economic slowdown, right now I'm the only person signed up for either of their boats that week. They tell me that they send the Ocean Hunter I out if they have at least two of the six berths filled...

I don't want to make the trip all the way to Palau to only do 2-3 shore-based dives per day, since I'm traveling there just to dive. (My wife and son are certified, but neither are as gung-ho about diving as I am and the thought of diving 5 times per day after a long long flight is not very appealing to them; but the good news is that they're happy to let me make the trip myself). I can shift the trip to July but again they don't yet have people booked on the boat then.

I've been in touch with the Ocean Hunter people and they are helpful in offering to change dates, but of course they can't conjure up bookings. Any thoughts out there on what to do?

Ask for a refund.....soon.

Phil Ellis
Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com - Buy Scuba Diving Equipment & Snorkeling Equipment

 

[robint]

I have to agree, ask for a refund soon.
Then call a travel agent and see if the other liveaboards in Palau have openings or the same situation applies... Aggressor and Big Blue Explorer. You may be able to still go to Palau and do a liveaboard!
If you can't do one of those 2 boats, then I would move your trip to another location.

 

[RonFrank]

Bummer!

If you can move the trip, do so. You would need to find a week where people are already booked on the charter you want to use.

You can also go live aboard, but maybe that is more expensive than you want. Looks like the economy is rearing an ugly face.

 

[RJP]

I'm guessing the OPs point is that he can get a refund for the boat, but I'm assuming he can't get a refund for his airfare to Palau. Accordingly, he's going to Palau...

There are other liveaboards in Palau. Perhaps you can get a spot on one of those?