Not as much looking to save money as I am just trying to get the true Roatan experience. I dont want to get stuck on the Americanized boat with the guy who got certified 5 years ago and hasnt dived since but thought it would be a good idea so he can get away from his wife and kids on the cruise even though he doesnt remember how to put his own gear together. (this has happened to me before). Ill look into the CTD. Im not sure our time will allow a checkout dive with the DM at CCV, as much as I'd like to go there. Maybe in the springtime! Ill see what I can find out, thanks for the info and any other suggestions are still appreciated.
Having made that same cruise 3 times, go with AKR.. Yeah, your gonna be on that boat with resort divers. AKR runs a nice shore excursion, and usually have 2 DM's in the water. Just going with the flow, fall to the back of the group with the trailing DM and you will have a ball, my wife and I do this all the time. If you are lucky enough to have Frank as the trailing DM he is the best, good guy mention that you heard of him, he will show you stuff that that everyone misses.
AKR has nice newer boats, big and roomy.
You will know Frank, he always wears a baseball cap underwater.
Belize? Well, it's okay....I am not impressed with that stop at all. Too expensive.... But Jody on that OP (Hugh Parkley)is a great DM and he can make it fun for you.
Cozumel, if You are cruising on Carnival they use Sand Dollar Sports and you will dive Santa Rosa Wall and San Clemente Reef. Both are great dives, I have dove with the several times and if you do dive the wall, make sure the DM takes you through the swim throughs. SDS also puts a videographer in the water with you and for 60 bucks with give you a DVD for your dives. Christan is a great Cameraman and diver.
I have dove with Norweigan Cruise Lines in Cozumel, if you are with them....DON'T use thier shore excursion.
Hope this helps,
Joe