lhhoback
Registered
So I have really appreciated all the info I have gained on the boards thru the years. So I wanted to take a minute to give a review of our recent diving cruise aboard the Legend.
Cozumel
We definately started off on the right foot. We dove with Aldora Divers and I can't say enough good things about Memo and his crew. They were a joy to dive with. Everything was very professional, but in that friendly way that just makes you feel at home.
We were the only divers on the first dive (got to hate it when that happens
). Our first dive was at Cedral 77ft max for 60 minutes. Beautiful dive at a very comfortable pace. The DH had time to take lots of really nice pictures but we still covered alot of territory. We dove steel tanks which was a change for me. Took a minute for me to believe that I only needed to wear 2lbs but I trusted my DM and they were right on mark.
Our Surface interval was spent at Mr. Sanchos beach club. Meno met us there and got us squared away at a spot for some great chips and sodas. They we joined the crew out under the umbrellas and enjoyed a leaisurely surface interval telling dive stories. They were waiting for two other divers that FINALLY showed up. Pretty rude on the divers part but I commend Aldorra for balancing waiting for them with being sure our dives finished on time to get us back to the ship.
Our second dive was at San Francisco 60 max depth for 68 minutes. Even with the extra two divers the pace was great and nobaody really interferred with each other. Great critters on this dive and awesome viz.
Return trip to the boat. They dropped us at a small pier near the international peir and we were able to walk back to the ship. Very handy.
Next up Belize
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---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:22 PM ----------
So our second day of diving was in Belize. We went with the ship due to the tendering here. This worked well for us two years ago on this trip so we hoped for the same today.
Tendering was fairly painless. We met in the Follies lounge and in a realatively short period of time we wer on our boat headed to Hugh Parkey's. At this point i was fairly excited as it appeared there were only about 8 divers. Well once we arrived at the dive shop my excitement disappeared as I realized otherr divers were joining us from the Norwegian ship in port. They were a super nice group but it brought our numbers up to 24!!
They handed out gear and I remember thinking..."I'm glad I brought my own gear" Some looked a bit sketchy.
They finally got everything organized and we were on our way to the dive site. They went around and gathered diving history from everyone to divide the groups so I was hopeful that we would find it to be a good dive despite the number of folks in the water. They divided into three groups and our definately seemed to be the more experienced group...but that sort of fell apart once we hit the water. One fella kept having mask issues and seemed to not be able to clear...not sure if it was him or equipment. But they finally resolved it and we were able to head on. Quickly became evident that there were going to be some heavy breathers in this group so the DM must have decided to change his profile. Our dive was to have been to max depth 80 ft. We never went below 48ft and we were the ones exploring off the edges while he has handling some of the issues. At one point I looked over and he was having to hold a diver with bouyoncy issues by his octo to keep him with the group. Luckily I knew I was a bit heavy so I gave over some weight to help get the fella back with the group. But that still didn't really solve the problems. Soon his air supply was also running low and even though the DM tried to share a bit of air with him the fella wouldn't have it. So back to the boat we all went. Luckily the DM was good with everyone milling around below the boat so we still had a good hour dive but with 1500 still in the tank more would have been nice.
Surface interval was nice. There was watermelon and chips and Salsa. They kept it coming so even with 24 divers there was plenty.
The second dive was a little less eventful. Weight issues seemed to have been resolved and since we were only at 40 ft the airhogs didn't shorten us too much. We saw some great critters here. Numerous Eagle Rays, lots of little stuff, beautiful coral.
But it is sort of sad that of all the dive sites they had to choose from they chose then same ones we dove two years ago. Wonder if they go to them everyday? Either way we had a good time and we would dive it again if we went back tomorrow. $150 pp is a bit steep for what you get on this dive but by diving with the ship here I don't get too stressed about the tendering.
Tendering back to the boat was uneventful. Oh but I have to say watching those fellas off load the tanks before tendering us back definately made me a bit nervous. They literally throw them off the boat. Wow!
At least he warned the fella which ones were full before he threw them but ...wow! I figured it was a good time to run in and get a beer for the ride back to the ship.
I will say the crew here was really nice and helpful. Larry our DM was a sweet fella that did a good job handling a rough situation as best he could
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:24 PM ----------
So day three was the Dolphin Dive with Anthony Key resort. WE had a blast on this dive and I have to say thank you to the Carnival crew for making it happen. Apparently the DH and I were the only ones booked on the dive. But four crew members signed on to do the excursion and so the trip made.
We met up with the tour operators up at Flip Flops an Anthoney Key store. From There we bused over to Anthony Key Resort with the Two tank divers (there were quite a few of these)
Once there they set us up with equipment. Looking around the equipment looked to be in good repair. But we used ours anyway...I figure we brought it so lets use it on all the dives (I love my gear.
) They had us do a quick check out dive off the back of the boat. Apparently the dolphins sometimes enjoy seeing if they can knock off some masks and see if they can cause a diver to bolt. As a vet I found that so fascianting. Just like the horses we deal with pinning there ears to see what person will be buffaloed by their behavior.
After the check out dive, they took us to the lagoon to get some dolphin education. I found that part to be as enjoyable as the dive itself. Lots of time to talk with the trainer and ask questions as he gave us a quick dolphin tutorial.
Then we headed to the dive site. It was very enjoyable watching the dolphins playing in our wake on the way out. Those fellas were having a blast and everyone on the boat was all smiles.
Then it was time to go down. Something to think about if you get cold easily. Water temp was 81 but You do not move around a lot on this dive. If your prone to being cold, wear a wet suit. The girls diving with us were soooo cold. I know it had to effect their enjoyment. I can see them shivering in the video. My 3mm was perfect.
It took abit before the dolphins came to play. But then they decided it was time to interact. Everyone got a chance to pet on the dolphins as they settled down by their trainer. The key is staying near him if you can. The really interact with him. He utilizes clicker training with a small snap. It was very interesting to watch them interact and there were times I felt surrounded by dolphins even though there were only two.
It was a great dive and we really enjoyed it!! Everything was very professional and the dive was a great experience. It is expensive at $200pp (I hope the Carnival crew got a better deal) but for a one time event it was worth the money.
We waited around a bit after the dive for the video to be made ($50). But that gave us time to wander up the hill to the bar and find a nice local beer. (do you see a trend here) Spent that time talking with the crew and in general had a really nice afternoon.
We arrived back at port with enough time to go to the ship, rinse gear quickly, and head back out for a walk around the port.
Next up Grand Cayman
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:25 PM ----------
So last time we came to Grand Cayman we shore dove at Sunset House. We had a great time but I wanted to see the walls of Grand Cayman this time. So we looked around online and decided to book with Deep Blue from Lobster Pot. Nick seemed like a really nice guy and said he would be able to accomadate our late arrival in port (10am-6pm) andeven if we were the only two he would take us out.
Since he wanted to be sure we got to his dive shop asap once we docked and since we tender in Grand Cayman, I spent the dollars to get Faster to The Fun so we would have priority tendering.
Once we anchored, we were escorted onto the first tender and then we walked the 3/4 or a mile up to Lobster Pot all the time thinking how good we were doing time wise. Then we walked in and found out that Nick had been trying to call us regarding our trip. He was not going to be able to take us diving that day. But he had set us up with Divers Down another operation back towards the ferry terminal. So we loaded our gear back up and headed back that way. There we found out that we were scheduled on the afternoon (12:30) dive for shallow reefs. Well it wasn't a wall, but it was diving..so we agreed to take the trip.
So now we had to kill time...lucky us we found the Cayman Aggressor to be in port. The Capt was super nice and took us aboard for a full tour of the boat. I thought that was so nice of him considering they were in the process of getting her ready for their trip the next day.
Then since we aren't really shoppers we headed back to the dive shop to kill time after that. Fianlly their boat showed up and we were headed to the dive site around 1:30. (about an hour late but the owner kept us update on what was going on and was a very plesant lady) Now the Legend had announced that the last tender was to leave a 5pm. So I was a bit worried how this diving was going to go. But they guaranteed us that we would be back to the ferry terminal before the last tender and we were.
The dive site was very close. We did Surface Paradise 59ft max 45 min. Frustrating to have such a short dive but I guess they figured that with the cruise ship time constraints they better keep the dives short. There were about 8 divers in our group. (about 16 on the boat) Sort of cumbersome.
Surface interval was about 10-15min (felt like the Keys...Dive, change tanks, drink some water, Dive again)
The second dive was guide optional. We chose to just dive as a buddy pair. It was a very nice dive. Armchair Reef 67ft max 47min. I would have loved to have really explored this reef. Lots of nooks and crannies. Unfortunately with the short surface interval...we had to really keep an eye on depth and time here. Not to mention that the DM indicated a max time of 45min for the site.
Still made for a nice dive, most interesting thing was the tarpons. They are fed on the island so they are pretty tame. There were loads of them here that just hung out the whole time we dove around.
One thing about this boat. The crew as super friendly and very accomadating. But it was the quietest dive boat I have ever been on. Folks did their dives. Came up, dropped their gear. Went to the front and sat down while the crew changed out their stuff. And never really said much of anything. It was just so different. The crew was fine with us doing our own gear and probaly appreciated not having to handle a couple extra tanks.
One complaint would be no camera bucket. There was just really no place to put a camera between the dives. The capt let the DH leave it on his seat while we changed gear over. Not a big thing but darn those cameras cost dollars, its a little scary just hoping it stays on the seat. But seas were calm so no worries.
So what were my final takes on Grand Cayman
I was definately frustrated over how things went. I realize Nick said he tried to call us but in my two ports before GC I had absolutely no service on my phone. I should have checked it the morning we got into GC but when I saw perfectly flat seas (I mean Chamber of Commerce type seas) and no wind I just didn't pull the phone out of the safe. (My bad there!)
When I did get to check my voicemail, Deep Blue said they were cancelling on us because of a storm coming in.
It did come in but not till the next day. This day was PICTURE Perfect. So I don't know what the real story was there. Maybe they didn't want to deal with just two divers.
I do appreciate Nick setting me up with Divers Down. They were a very nice group and very convenient to the ferry terminal.
So Grand Cayman was a good day, but not a great day.
I would dive with Divers Down again.
I probably would not book with Deep Blue again. I do appreciate that they did at least make sure that we dove with someone but I felt sort of cheated by that whole deal. Still not sure why they were really canceling on us since the day was Awesome (oh I think I already said that
)
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:28 PM ----------
So to sum it up....
Cozumel....Aldora Divers....AWESOME!!!!
They spoiled us and I would love to return there and dive with them
Belize....Hugh Parky with Carnival....good dives..just too many folks, but not sure how to get around that with the tendering.
Roatan...Anthony Key Dolphin Dive...LOVED IT!!
Grand Cayman...Divers Down... Good dives...just didn't go as expected.
Next stop is the Southern Carribean in August from the Valor. 5 ports...can't wait!!!!!
__________________
Cozumel
We definately started off on the right foot. We dove with Aldora Divers and I can't say enough good things about Memo and his crew. They were a joy to dive with. Everything was very professional, but in that friendly way that just makes you feel at home.
We were the only divers on the first dive (got to hate it when that happens
Our Surface interval was spent at Mr. Sanchos beach club. Meno met us there and got us squared away at a spot for some great chips and sodas. They we joined the crew out under the umbrellas and enjoyed a leaisurely surface interval telling dive stories. They were waiting for two other divers that FINALLY showed up. Pretty rude on the divers part but I commend Aldorra for balancing waiting for them with being sure our dives finished on time to get us back to the ship.
Our second dive was at San Francisco 60 max depth for 68 minutes. Even with the extra two divers the pace was great and nobaody really interferred with each other. Great critters on this dive and awesome viz.
Return trip to the boat. They dropped us at a small pier near the international peir and we were able to walk back to the ship. Very handy.
Next up Belize
__________________
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:22 PM ----------
So our second day of diving was in Belize. We went with the ship due to the tendering here. This worked well for us two years ago on this trip so we hoped for the same today.
Tendering was fairly painless. We met in the Follies lounge and in a realatively short period of time we wer on our boat headed to Hugh Parkey's. At this point i was fairly excited as it appeared there were only about 8 divers. Well once we arrived at the dive shop my excitement disappeared as I realized otherr divers were joining us from the Norwegian ship in port. They were a super nice group but it brought our numbers up to 24!!
They handed out gear and I remember thinking..."I'm glad I brought my own gear" Some looked a bit sketchy.
They finally got everything organized and we were on our way to the dive site. They went around and gathered diving history from everyone to divide the groups so I was hopeful that we would find it to be a good dive despite the number of folks in the water. They divided into three groups and our definately seemed to be the more experienced group...but that sort of fell apart once we hit the water. One fella kept having mask issues and seemed to not be able to clear...not sure if it was him or equipment. But they finally resolved it and we were able to head on. Quickly became evident that there were going to be some heavy breathers in this group so the DM must have decided to change his profile. Our dive was to have been to max depth 80 ft. We never went below 48ft and we were the ones exploring off the edges while he has handling some of the issues. At one point I looked over and he was having to hold a diver with bouyoncy issues by his octo to keep him with the group. Luckily I knew I was a bit heavy so I gave over some weight to help get the fella back with the group. But that still didn't really solve the problems. Soon his air supply was also running low and even though the DM tried to share a bit of air with him the fella wouldn't have it. So back to the boat we all went. Luckily the DM was good with everyone milling around below the boat so we still had a good hour dive but with 1500 still in the tank more would have been nice.
Surface interval was nice. There was watermelon and chips and Salsa. They kept it coming so even with 24 divers there was plenty.
The second dive was a little less eventful. Weight issues seemed to have been resolved and since we were only at 40 ft the airhogs didn't shorten us too much. We saw some great critters here. Numerous Eagle Rays, lots of little stuff, beautiful coral.
But it is sort of sad that of all the dive sites they had to choose from they chose then same ones we dove two years ago. Wonder if they go to them everyday? Either way we had a good time and we would dive it again if we went back tomorrow. $150 pp is a bit steep for what you get on this dive but by diving with the ship here I don't get too stressed about the tendering.
Tendering back to the boat was uneventful. Oh but I have to say watching those fellas off load the tanks before tendering us back definately made me a bit nervous. They literally throw them off the boat. Wow!
I will say the crew here was really nice and helpful. Larry our DM was a sweet fella that did a good job handling a rough situation as best he could
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:24 PM ----------
So day three was the Dolphin Dive with Anthony Key resort. WE had a blast on this dive and I have to say thank you to the Carnival crew for making it happen. Apparently the DH and I were the only ones booked on the dive. But four crew members signed on to do the excursion and so the trip made.
We met up with the tour operators up at Flip Flops an Anthoney Key store. From There we bused over to Anthony Key Resort with the Two tank divers (there were quite a few of these)
Once there they set us up with equipment. Looking around the equipment looked to be in good repair. But we used ours anyway...I figure we brought it so lets use it on all the dives (I love my gear.
After the check out dive, they took us to the lagoon to get some dolphin education. I found that part to be as enjoyable as the dive itself. Lots of time to talk with the trainer and ask questions as he gave us a quick dolphin tutorial.
Then we headed to the dive site. It was very enjoyable watching the dolphins playing in our wake on the way out. Those fellas were having a blast and everyone on the boat was all smiles.
Then it was time to go down. Something to think about if you get cold easily. Water temp was 81 but You do not move around a lot on this dive. If your prone to being cold, wear a wet suit. The girls diving with us were soooo cold. I know it had to effect their enjoyment. I can see them shivering in the video. My 3mm was perfect.
It took abit before the dolphins came to play. But then they decided it was time to interact. Everyone got a chance to pet on the dolphins as they settled down by their trainer. The key is staying near him if you can. The really interact with him. He utilizes clicker training with a small snap. It was very interesting to watch them interact and there were times I felt surrounded by dolphins even though there were only two.
It was a great dive and we really enjoyed it!! Everything was very professional and the dive was a great experience. It is expensive at $200pp (I hope the Carnival crew got a better deal) but for a one time event it was worth the money.
We waited around a bit after the dive for the video to be made ($50). But that gave us time to wander up the hill to the bar and find a nice local beer. (do you see a trend here) Spent that time talking with the crew and in general had a really nice afternoon.
We arrived back at port with enough time to go to the ship, rinse gear quickly, and head back out for a walk around the port.
Next up Grand Cayman
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:25 PM ----------
So last time we came to Grand Cayman we shore dove at Sunset House. We had a great time but I wanted to see the walls of Grand Cayman this time. So we looked around online and decided to book with Deep Blue from Lobster Pot. Nick seemed like a really nice guy and said he would be able to accomadate our late arrival in port (10am-6pm) andeven if we were the only two he would take us out.
Since he wanted to be sure we got to his dive shop asap once we docked and since we tender in Grand Cayman, I spent the dollars to get Faster to The Fun so we would have priority tendering.
Once we anchored, we were escorted onto the first tender and then we walked the 3/4 or a mile up to Lobster Pot all the time thinking how good we were doing time wise. Then we walked in and found out that Nick had been trying to call us regarding our trip. He was not going to be able to take us diving that day. But he had set us up with Divers Down another operation back towards the ferry terminal. So we loaded our gear back up and headed back that way. There we found out that we were scheduled on the afternoon (12:30) dive for shallow reefs. Well it wasn't a wall, but it was diving..so we agreed to take the trip.
So now we had to kill time...lucky us we found the Cayman Aggressor to be in port. The Capt was super nice and took us aboard for a full tour of the boat. I thought that was so nice of him considering they were in the process of getting her ready for their trip the next day.
Then since we aren't really shoppers we headed back to the dive shop to kill time after that. Fianlly their boat showed up and we were headed to the dive site around 1:30. (about an hour late but the owner kept us update on what was going on and was a very plesant lady) Now the Legend had announced that the last tender was to leave a 5pm. So I was a bit worried how this diving was going to go. But they guaranteed us that we would be back to the ferry terminal before the last tender and we were.
The dive site was very close. We did Surface Paradise 59ft max 45 min. Frustrating to have such a short dive but I guess they figured that with the cruise ship time constraints they better keep the dives short. There were about 8 divers in our group. (about 16 on the boat) Sort of cumbersome.
Surface interval was about 10-15min (felt like the Keys...Dive, change tanks, drink some water, Dive again)
The second dive was guide optional. We chose to just dive as a buddy pair. It was a very nice dive. Armchair Reef 67ft max 47min. I would have loved to have really explored this reef. Lots of nooks and crannies. Unfortunately with the short surface interval...we had to really keep an eye on depth and time here. Not to mention that the DM indicated a max time of 45min for the site.
Still made for a nice dive, most interesting thing was the tarpons. They are fed on the island so they are pretty tame. There were loads of them here that just hung out the whole time we dove around.
One thing about this boat. The crew as super friendly and very accomadating. But it was the quietest dive boat I have ever been on. Folks did their dives. Came up, dropped their gear. Went to the front and sat down while the crew changed out their stuff. And never really said much of anything. It was just so different. The crew was fine with us doing our own gear and probaly appreciated not having to handle a couple extra tanks.
One complaint would be no camera bucket. There was just really no place to put a camera between the dives. The capt let the DH leave it on his seat while we changed gear over. Not a big thing but darn those cameras cost dollars, its a little scary just hoping it stays on the seat. But seas were calm so no worries.
So what were my final takes on Grand Cayman
I was definately frustrated over how things went. I realize Nick said he tried to call us but in my two ports before GC I had absolutely no service on my phone. I should have checked it the morning we got into GC but when I saw perfectly flat seas (I mean Chamber of Commerce type seas) and no wind I just didn't pull the phone out of the safe. (My bad there!)
When I did get to check my voicemail, Deep Blue said they were cancelling on us because of a storm coming in.
I do appreciate Nick setting me up with Divers Down. They were a very nice group and very convenient to the ferry terminal.
So Grand Cayman was a good day, but not a great day.
I would dive with Divers Down again.
I probably would not book with Deep Blue again. I do appreciate that they did at least make sure that we dove with someone but I felt sort of cheated by that whole deal. Still not sure why they were really canceling on us since the day was Awesome (oh I think I already said that
---------- Post added March 8th, 2013 at 10:28 PM ----------
So to sum it up....
Cozumel....Aldora Divers....AWESOME!!!!
They spoiled us and I would love to return there and dive with them
Belize....Hugh Parky with Carnival....good dives..just too many folks, but not sure how to get around that with the tendering.
Roatan...Anthony Key Dolphin Dive...LOVED IT!!
Grand Cayman...Divers Down... Good dives...just didn't go as expected.
Next stop is the Southern Carribean in August from the Valor. 5 ports...can't wait!!!!!
__________________
