I was recently on the T&C Explorer II. This was our (my husband and I) first liveaboard experience. I was concerned about a lot of things, especially Peanut's concern about transfers from the airport and then the dingy ride to the boat.
Transfers. Explorer Ventures provides bag tags for your main piece of luggage to affix once you arrive to make you easily identifiable to the person picking you up (this is usually a gentleman by the name of Van and he transports you in a van). It is $6 per person. I did not think this was unreasonable. Since this was my first liveaboard experience I had no clue that this was not the norm. Explorer Ventures clearly states in their literature that the trip does NOT include transfers.
Dock / Dingy Ride. On this sailing, the boat was actually docked at Turtle Cove Marina so we did not have to take the dingy to the boat. The people arriving on the 8pm flight, however, did have to take the dingy as T&C Explorer II had to get out of Turtle Cove before the tide went out. The return docking was also at Turtle Cove.
Diving. My dive experience is Key West, Roatan, St Lucia, Aruba and Tahiti. Every dive location has provided unique aspects. I was afraid I might be bored diving five dives a day, so I decided to take an underwater photography class. Once I started taking photos, I couldn't wait to get back into the water. There was always something new and exciting for me to "try" to photograph, and I actually did improve as the week went on. We saw lots of sharks, turtles, sting rays, octopus, eels, grouper, and one eagle ray (which was a disappointment). There were lots of interesting caverns / cracks leading down to the walls which I especially enjoyed. My husband was a diver, no camera, and he thoroughly enjoyed each dive.
Crew. The crew was great with regards to both diving and ensuring that we were having a great time otherwise. We all chose to have them lead our dives. At the end of the week they advised that generally that is NOT the case that it's generally 100% non-guide led dives. We had a total of ten divers which included three instructors, a solo diver, and a gentleman getting his AOW.
The boat. The boat was in immaculate condition. The common areas were comfortable as well as our individual rooms. I was actually surprised - I thought it would be much smaller. The food was great and plentiful. The crew waited on us during meals. No one went hungry. Drinks were always available. One person had a few food allergies and the Chef accommodated her with alternatives.
My other concerns. I thought I would miss land -- I did not. In fact it was very peaceful out there with nothing but French Cay in sight. I thought I would be seasick -- I was not. I took 2 Bonines every morning and did not have any problems. Husband wore the patch and he had no problems either. I thought I would get bored of diving -- like I said above, I couldn't wait to get back in the water. We are already planning our next trip. I was also concerned about bad weather, but aside from a little wind a few days, it was great.
We have decided that liveaboards are the only way to dive (well, mostly it is me, husband was convinced long ago but it took awhile for me to come around!) Also, as I stated above, I thought I would miss land. Upon returning to Turtle Cove, I didn't want to get off the boat. I would have gone for a second week in a heartbeat.
On Friday, most of us joined the crew at Aqua (Turtle Cove) -- very good food and beverages.
We were on the afternoon flight the next morning and the crew accommodated us until 1000am.
All in all a GREAT first liveaboard experience and I would highly recommend to anyone who is considering this trip.
. I am still packing the essentials in my carryons, and am hoping for the best. The weather looks fabulous, and I can hear the islands calling to me. I have been insufferable at work for about the last week, and my co-workers have started drooling when I talk about my trip. (Oh well, they do that everytime my wife and I head for the tropics
) Will let you know here how things went when I come back. Woody
