ROUS

These were taken this week on the reefs of Cozumel. (Lumix LX10, Nauticam wet wide lens, red filter, blue-filtered video lights)

Correct. Wifi connectivity while in airplane mode is never an issue. OS just denies the hotspot function to me. Each time I've had to buy the multiple-device option.

It's some OS thing and I get that message instantaneously when I hit the hotspot icon. Same thing last four cruises. My Android version just really needs that cell functionality running. Beats me.

Thanks, Hank. I do understand that process. But, with my phone (Samsung S8), enabling airplane mode (with wifi on or off) prevents hotspot mode. And, that's a bummer. I've not yet found a way around this. Maybe I need to upgrade my phone. 😉

My Android phone requires me to get out of airplane mode to become a hotspot. I've been advised to keep that cell function off while at sea, or risk some unintended expensive connection. How do you get around that?

I just built an underwater camera rig around the trusty Lumix LX10. This is an advanced compact that packs some powerful features. I'm sold on the Lumix platform. The attached pic was taken by the LX10 recently.

For Barbados, I'd recommend West Side Scuba. Peter usually responds quickly. Hopefully, you'd be able to see their wreck park. Peter Grannum West Side Scuba Centre westsidescuba@gmail.com One of my Barbados dives I loved St Lucia and was able to see tons of sponges there. I dove with Scuba Steves and was very pleased with them. But, I've heard good things about other operators there a well. Scuba Steve's Diving Ltd. Castries St. Lucia scubasteves@divesaintlucia.com My St Lucia dive

I don't think it's possible to get sick of diving in those two locations. It should be an exhilarating, thrilling experience. Congrats on your plan and introduction to this great sport.

That need should be a piece of cake for a good steward. Those guys have always impressed us with their over-the-top service.

A little cavern diving in Florida that week.

On our upcoming Zaandam trip, our cabin is located just beneath the Wajang Theater. So, we're sort of hoping that they don't play movies late at night. I guess we'll find out.

After a long gap, I did the entire OW course again. And, I was glad that I did so. Quite a bit had changed since my earlier diving. The key is to find an instructor that you mesh with. I opted for individual instruction and it worked out great. The pro was an old guy like me and I didn't have to suffer through pool sessions with a bunch of youngsters. We flew through the exercises and slowed down on the parts that were new or different to me. Good luck with your quest.

Anyone out there on this cruise to the Western Caribe?

Alux Diving is also a good option.

Check out The Dive Bus. Their house reef dives are close to food and swimming options.

Any divers on Holland's Rotterdam right now? Anyone planning to dive St Martin, Barbados, and/or St Lucia between Jan 18 and Jan 21?

Also on Rotterdam. We discovered that our cabin is way too close to the Rock Band. We're working with Guest Services to see if they can find somewhere else for us. Until then, there will be no sleep until the band shuts down for the night. 😕

I've got a question about this. I've yet to sign up for my internet plan and will have $250 OBC when my cruise begins in a few weeks. To apply my OBC toward internet, can I do so on the automated sign-up screens or would I have to stand in line at customer service to do so? How might this work? TIA

Oh, yep, you're right. It says that they've disabled messaging. Strange. Feel free to email me at jtt12242@outlook.com

Hi. I'm on that ship with you and also on that dive. (Actually, I'm on the full 21-day version of that cruise and will be diving at seven ports.) I'm taking my snorkeling kit on the cruise and also my dive computer. That way, I'll only need to rent a reg set and BC on dive trips each time. If you want to coordinate some, PM me here. It's almost here. Let's go make some bubbles!

We pack similar fins--the ScubaPro Go travel fins. They pack nicely.

I entered my booking number for the 21-day Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise (Jan 4) and it said that no testing was required. (But, I don't 100% trust this system.)

Thanks, Mac. I saw your report over on ScubaBoard as well. This is great info. I'll be cruise ship diving the ABCs in about a month.

We bring our own snorkeling gear. That means dealing with an extra suitcase, but it's worth it to us.

I ate a lot of it on the Eurodam. And, I experienced no guilty feelings.