richhagelin
Contributor
I have done scuba diving off a cruise quite a few times and here are some thoughts for anyone considering this.
Cruising is a pretty good way to get some diving in at multiple locations in a short period of time and still keep non-diving family/friends entertained.
There are two major options: go with the ship's excursion or set up your own dives. Both options have pros and cons.
From my experience, here it is.
Going with the ship's excursion.
Pros: less hassle setting up the dives; better control over outcome if weather/conditions dictate canceling the dive plans; you don't have to worry about getting back to the boat before it leaves (this is a major consideration for some people); being on a ship's excursion means that you get the prime tender times for getting off the boat in the morning; get to meet some of the other people on the boat which can be nice later in the week;
Cons: diving can be a mediocre, cattle boat operation; mixed bag of diver abilities/desires; they've got your money and might not be too concerned with giving you a first-class experience since you won't be the major factor in deciding if they get to serve the boat next time it is in port;
Setting up your own:
Pros: Probably a better dive experience; a better return on your money; smaller groups (if you do your homework);
Cons: worries about getting back to the ship on time (the joke is: take your camera on your dive so that you can get a picture of the ship pulling out of the harbor without you); it can take some time and effort to get the right dive operator and coordinate everything (especially if there are language barriers and the DO is hard to get ahold of); less control if the ship is late getting in, changes itinerary, etc;
Bottom line: if you are a relatively new diver and your spouse/SO/family is going to hold it against you the rest of your life if you miss the boat or if you are going to be overly stressed worrying about getting back to the ship, then you probably want to dive with the ship's excursion.
If, OTOH, you are a diver who is likely to be disappointed if the dive isn't one of the best in the location and you are willing to take t+he time/effort to find and book the right dive op and you have adequately bribed your spouse/SO to wait for you on the dock even if the ship is leaving, then you will probably be happiest booking your own.
Either way can be great. I have had dives through the ship's excursion which were verey enjoyable. OTOH, I've had some very marginal dives through the ships op also. The prime consideration is probably diver experience/expectations.
Those (some on this board) who bad mouth going on a cruise and diving are missing the point. It's not the best week of diving you've ever had, but it is a FIRST CLASS vacation with friends/lovers/whatever and you get to dive in warm water. What more could you ask for?
If you are going to set up your own, this board is a perfect place to get names/recommendations/contacts and start the process.
Hope this helps,
Rich Hagelin
Cruising is a pretty good way to get some diving in at multiple locations in a short period of time and still keep non-diving family/friends entertained.
There are two major options: go with the ship's excursion or set up your own dives. Both options have pros and cons.
From my experience, here it is.
Going with the ship's excursion.
Pros: less hassle setting up the dives; better control over outcome if weather/conditions dictate canceling the dive plans; you don't have to worry about getting back to the boat before it leaves (this is a major consideration for some people); being on a ship's excursion means that you get the prime tender times for getting off the boat in the morning; get to meet some of the other people on the boat which can be nice later in the week;
Cons: diving can be a mediocre, cattle boat operation; mixed bag of diver abilities/desires; they've got your money and might not be too concerned with giving you a first-class experience since you won't be the major factor in deciding if they get to serve the boat next time it is in port;
Setting up your own:
Pros: Probably a better dive experience; a better return on your money; smaller groups (if you do your homework);
Cons: worries about getting back to the ship on time (the joke is: take your camera on your dive so that you can get a picture of the ship pulling out of the harbor without you); it can take some time and effort to get the right dive operator and coordinate everything (especially if there are language barriers and the DO is hard to get ahold of); less control if the ship is late getting in, changes itinerary, etc;
Bottom line: if you are a relatively new diver and your spouse/SO/family is going to hold it against you the rest of your life if you miss the boat or if you are going to be overly stressed worrying about getting back to the ship, then you probably want to dive with the ship's excursion.
If, OTOH, you are a diver who is likely to be disappointed if the dive isn't one of the best in the location and you are willing to take t+he time/effort to find and book the right dive op and you have adequately bribed your spouse/SO to wait for you on the dock even if the ship is leaving, then you will probably be happiest booking your own.
Either way can be great. I have had dives through the ship's excursion which were verey enjoyable. OTOH, I've had some very marginal dives through the ships op also. The prime consideration is probably diver experience/expectations.
Those (some on this board) who bad mouth going on a cruise and diving are missing the point. It's not the best week of diving you've ever had, but it is a FIRST CLASS vacation with friends/lovers/whatever and you get to dive in warm water. What more could you ask for?
If you are going to set up your own, this board is a perfect place to get names/recommendations/contacts and start the process.
Hope this helps,
Rich Hagelin
