World's Largest Liveaboard

[lmurphy]

My husband and I have booked a family holiday cruise on the Queen Mary 2 through the Caribbean. We have been on 3 "real" liveaboards and many land based dive resorts from the South Pacific to Central America and the Caribbean. So why are we posting this question....?

We figure we need some "breathing" room from the relatives during the cruise. The ship offers dive excursions, but we are avoiding those if possible after reading posts about cruise ship divers and dive operators.

So we are seeking advice and recommendations on diver operators on the following islands:
Bonaire
Grenada
Barbados
St. Lucia
Dominica
St. Kitts
Tortola


Thanks in advance for your advice. We will let you all know how the Queen's Liveaboard goes!

 

[Rhone Man]

In Tortola the cruise ships are hooked up with Sail Caribbean Divers, who are a pretty professional outfit. The daily excursion is always a two tank dive on the Wreck of the Rhone, which is a pretty decent dive (RMS Rhone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

 

[K9Pig]

Can't wait to here about your trip... Some friends of mine were thinking about doing the same type of cruise, but got delayed... Something to do with a steel rod sticking out of his elbow... He can't find a wetsuit to accommodate his new but temporary bling, bling... He did sell the motorcycle though!

 

[tedtim]

Honestly, this is one ship that should not stop in Bonaire. It is much too large.

Damn, we will be on the island when it is in port. A good day to stay away from downtown.

 

[lmurphy]

Rhone Man,
Thanks for the advice. The Wreck of the Rhone is one of our favorite dives in the BVI and it is good to know that Caribbean Divers is reputable.

Do you know if they are a rendevous operation or will they pick us up and go directly to the Rhone?

K9Pig:
Sorry to hear about your friend's accident, my husband has done the same. We will post a follow up to this new dive adventure in January.

 

[lmurphy]

Ted,
Sorry about the Queen arriving while you are there. The news is even worse, as I think there will be other cruise ships the same day. Head for the other side of the island.

How was diving on Cayos? 2 years ago we spent the week in La Ceiba waiting out a storm to make the crossing to Cayos. Even Roger was stuck on the mainland with us. We are planning on returning next spring.

 

[tedtim]

My trip report for my time on Cayo Menor is here.

I think we will just spend our time in the north part of the island while the ships are in port. Last year we were diving off of the Divi when a ship came in. Before we entered the water we could see it in the distance. We could hear it for the whole dive.

 

[kadleck]

Have a great time. It's a lovely ship, but does not live up to this thread's title, unfortunately. For instance: Independence Of The Seas - Royal Caribbean International ... And larger are on the way.

 

[Dive Shop Barbados]

Try us when you come to Barbados, we offer some of the best diving in Barbados. Pick up from cruise terminal for 2 dives finishing around 1:30 and we drop you back. Check our Website and email us. The Dive Shop Ltd. - SCUBA DIVING IN BARBADOS!

 

[Rhone Man]

Rhone Man,
Thanks for the advice. The Wreck of the Rhone is one of our favorite dives in the BVI and it is good to know that Caribbean Divers is reputable.

Do you know if they are a rendevous operation or will they pick us up and go directly to the Rhone?

Yes, they pick you up and drop you off from just next to the cruise ship dock. You'd be back by lunch time. Have a blast.