Trip Report - Royal Caribbean

[vanshook]

This was our 4th cruise, first one we chose to dive on. We set sail on July 18th on Explorer of the Seas to Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. I went with my family but they knew I was going to be diving in 3 of the 4 ports (Coz, GC, and Belize).

The ship was very nice and we had a very good overall experience. We brought all our gear except for tank and weights (2 sets, me and my wife). The cabin steward was very accomidating given the fact we had gear strung up all over the cabin drying between dives.

We chose to schedule our dive in Belize with the ship and local operators for the other islands (Coz and GC). The reason we chose the ships operator in Belize is because of the very long tender ride onto the island otherwise. By booking through the ship, the Dive Operator picked us up from the ship and took us out directly from there (never went on the island). I did not really enjoy the dives. Most divers were inexperienced the the DM was very strict on dive times, etc. Though I did not enjoy the dive all that much, there was no other way to do it logistically.

As for GC and Coz, we had a great time. In Coz we went with Pappa Hogs and loved it. We had 5 other divers plus the DM. All were experienced and the divers chose the dive site. Small, fast boats. I would highly recommend them.

In GC we dove with Divers Down. Another great operator. Very accomidating on the scheduling with 8 divers max. As it turned out, my wife and I had the boat to ourselves. The DM was great and once again we chose our own dive sites.

There is another thread regarding Ships operators vs. local ops so I won't beat the dead horse. I do agree with the other thread as far as the pros and cons.

Lugging the equipment around was not as bad as I thought. I used a large duffle bag style with wheels. In this case, the wheels are a necessity. I would've had a hard time with 2 full sets of gear without wheels on the bag.

The ships security confiscated my dive knife the first day. They were willing to let me check it in and out at each port. I chose to let them keep it unit we arrived home. They gave it back to me then. There was no other problems with any other equipment.

Overall, a very good experience.

JS

 

[2 Bar]

I just got back today from cruising to Bermuda from NYC on Royal Caribbean. I packed my gear and my mesh bag in a strong duffle bag w/ wheels. My room attendant stored my gear until I needed it (extra tip at the end of the cruise). On the ship I put all my gear in the mesh bag and stuck the duffle under my bed.

At Dockyard I took my gear in my mesh bag and hopped in a cab to Somerset Bridge to dive with Blue Water Divers. After me dives I left my gear with BWD. They store your gear if you will be returning.

I then used my public transportation pass and took the bus to shop each morning. At Dockyard I grabbed the 8:05 bus and got to the shop by 8:30. The boat pulls out about 9:00. After diving I took the bus back to my boat or to whatver beach I planned on meeting my girlfriend at.

The last day of diving I took my gear back to the ship w/the bus. The dive operator said I should have no problem. The bag was a bit wet, but not dripping. This is key: I HAD A MESH BAG. A couple waiting for the bus with me was not allowed on the bus with their gear. They had a sturdy dive bag w/wheels that looked like a suit case. If you have that, take the ferry instead.

BWD also gave me free certificates for each wreck I dove. It looks cool and gives a little history about the wreck. BWD was the cheapest on the island for a boat dive and offered packages. They are friendly and have a good boat.