2008 Scuba Cruise Booking Update: Dive Group Filling Up - Snorkel Group Has Space

[Sailfish]

Attention Divers:

 

The 2008 Cruise Critic Scuba Cruise aboard the Emerald Princess is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale on November 10, 2008. Currently, we have space on the dive boats in four of five ports of call for six divers; the dive boat in Grenada currently has a waiting list.

 

If you are interested in this 10 night cruise and want to go diving with us in Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica and St. Thomas, please email me, the group leader, for a brochure and visit our group forum here at Cruise Critic for more information. We still have good stateroom inventory, but space on the dive boats is filling up.

 

The name of this cruise group may say SCUBA, but the booking is available to to anyone interested in a cruise aboard the Emerald Princess - not just divers! If you love to snorkel or would enjoy playing in the Caribbean Sea or on a white sand beach - or you simply have a desire to escape old man winter - this cruise is for you!

 

We have a really nice snorkel tour package available to our members so you can snorkel in just about every port, if you wanted to! Like our dive package, it's not included in the cost of the cruise. However, it's set up so you can book the tours online in the ports you want to snorkel and do your own thing in the ones you don't.

 

Information about the cruise, the dive package and the snorkel tours will be posted to this thread. Please don't hesitate to contact me, the group leader, if you have any questions or would like more information.

 

Thanks!

[Sailfish]

Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Aruba

Day 5 - Bonaire

Day 6 - Grenada

Day 7 - Dominica

Day 8 - St. Thomas

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 -Princess Cays

Day 11 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 

Aruba

Day 4 November 13, 2008

8am-5pm

 

Aruba is among the most southern of the Lesser Antilles islands (ABC islands = Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) and is the farthest west of that group. It's a mere 15 miles (24 km) from the coast of Venezuela. On a clear day the Venezuelan mainland is visible from the south-eastern coast, and about 42 miles (67 km), or 20 minutes by airplane, to our nearest Caribbean neighbour, Curacao.

 

The oblong island is fronted by heavy surf and a jagged coast on our northern, windward side and by seven miles (11 km) of honey-colored sand beaches on the southern leeward coast. It's some 75 square miles (193 km2) in area and measures about five miles (8 km) at it widest point and 19 miles (30 km) in length. Aruba is an easy island to get around, the road systems are in good shape, well-marked,and, let's face it, it's hard to get lost for too long on an island where the coast is never more than 3 miles away.

 

Bonaire

Day 5 November 14, 2008

7am-2pm

 

Bonaire is a desert island - great for divers and snorkelers, but there isn't much else to do.

 

Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 25 years, Bonaire today ranks amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round.

 

It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m). Bonaire Web Cams offers above and below water web cams plus complete current weather conditions.

 

 

Grenada

Day 6 November 15, 2008

12 noon - 7pm

 

A three-island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada has approximately 100,000 habitants and is the most southern of the Windward Islands. Grenada and its two sister islands (Carriacou and Petite Martinique) are blessed with beautiful lush green vegetation and mountain top, acres of land covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with beautiful towns, this island major source of export is nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa. This is why Grenada second most popular name is The Isle of Spice.

 

In the interior of this volcanic island are rainforests watered by cascading rivers and waterfalls as well as one of the most stunning mountain lakes, the Grand Etang. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Softly colored dockside warehouses and red-tiled roofs of traditional shops, surround its horseshoe-shaped harbor.

 

 

Dominica

Day 7 November 16, 2008

7am - 5pm

 

Dominica surges from the sea with soaring peaks that seem to be courting the heavens. Virgin flora covers these dramatic mountains, creating swaths of verdant landscapes. The residue of the fiery forces that created the island thousands of years ago, as part of the Caribbean Ring of Fire, bellows in several hot springs, valleys of steaming earth, and a boiling lake which is the second largest in the world. Along with geothermal wonders come natural coolants: hundreds of pristine rivers and streams web the island's lush terrain. Pure rainwater sets brooks and cascades into motion by rushing down picturesque cliffs.

 

 

St. Thomas

Day 8 November 17, 2008

8am - 6pm

 

We will be in St. Thomas all day, but because we have a mandatory US Immigration check before we disembark, Count on it taking at least an hour or two.

Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie (named for a Danish Queen) is where the ships dock and the white and pastel houses are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous

shopping center.

 

Princess Cays

Day 10 November 19, 2008

9am - 4pm

 

This is Princess Cruises's Private island and no scuba diving will be offered here. It is a great place to relax and enjoy a day at the beach.

[Sailfish]

Group Amenities

 

As a member of the 2008 Scuba Cruise, all members will have at their disposal a group forum at Cruise Critic, where members can share information, obtain updates and read the group newsletter. A roll call forum will also be available to members interested in getting to know one another. Group tee shirts will be made available to members at an additional cost (usually for under $20 including shipping) prior to the cruise.

 

A brief Meet & Greet party will be coordinated at Sail Away by the group leader; all members are encouraged to come, but there is no obligation to participate in any of the group’s activities.

 

Those members who are scuba certified will also have the benefit of being able to dive together at five ports of call. A short, albeit mandatory Pre-Dive Meeting will be scheduled for the first day at sea.

 

In addition, members will receive the following:

• $50pp ship board credit for first and second passenger only
  
• 1 hour open bar cocktail party, drinks only
  
• Cruise Critic Goodlies

[Sailfish]

Pricing & Booking Information

Payment Information

 

A deposit of $450pp is due at the time of booking.

Final Payment is due on July 25, 2008

There is a $50 per cabin Cancellation Fee

 

Johna at CruCon Cruise Outlet is our group agent and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about pricing and availability. She can be reached at 800-493-6609.

 

CruCon Cruise Outlet has been in business for eleven years and is a registered and bonded agency with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). They are fully staffed with accredited and master cruise counselors, so you’re not sacrificing any service or expertise for your low price. Once booked, your cruise price will be locked in and will never go up. However, unlike other cruise lines, it is to your advantage to monitor pricing, as Princess will often re-price your booking to reflect price drops or resident promotions. If you see a lower price, simply call Johna and let her know.

 

If you happen to be holding onto Princess Cruise Lines Future Cruise Credits (which you would have had to purchase on board a Princess ship for $100pp), make sure you use them. Not only will you get the additional shipboard credit of $75pp-$100pp from Princess, your FCC will qualify as your deposit! Johna, our group agent will be happy to assist you with this, however, please don’t hesitate to email Suzi, the group leader, if you have any questions.

 

 

10 Night Southern Caribbean Medley

2008 Cruise Critic Scuba Group Cruise

 

Inside cabin category JJ is $985 per person

Obstructed ocean view category FF is $1,139 per person

Non obstructed ocean view category EE is $1,219 per person

Balcony category BC is $1,465 per person

Suite category AC is $1,729 per person

 

Third and Fourth Passenger rates (Subject to change at any time and based on availability)

Inside cabin category JJ is $637 per person

Obstructed ocean view category FF is $725 per person

Balcony category BC is $809 per person

Mini suite category AC is $895 per person

 

Rates are based on double occupancy and include port charges and government fees.

 

Don’t forget you can use your FCC to book this group cruise.

 

Final payment is due July 25, 2008.

[Sailfish]

2008 Scuba Cruise Dive Package

 

The optional dive package for the 2008 Scuba Cruise aboard the Emerald Princess has been finalized and is being offered through ShoreTrips.com. All dives in the ports of call have been coordinated for our group at quality dive operations known for personal service and for delivering a safe and enjoyable dive experience. The dive package includes dives in Bonaire, Aruba, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Thomas. You are welcome to make arrangements through Princess Cruises to dive on your own in Princess Cay, the cruise line's private island, but remember, we go there the day before we return to Fort Lauderdale. All dives offered by ShoreTrips include transportation to the dive boat.

 

The dive package is optional and is not included in the price of the cruise. You must purchase your dives in advance of the cruise from ShoreTrips. You have to be open water scuba certified with a valid C-Card. You are not obligated to dive with the group and are welcome to book the cruise and make your own arrangements to dive in some or all of the ports of call. However, please note that if you choose to dive on your own, you will miss out on some social activities planned for the dive group.

 

Scuba Cruise Members are encouraged to purchase their dives from ShoreTrips as soon as possible. All divers are required to add their names to the dive boat list at the group forum before purchasing their dives from ShoreTrips. Divers may dive in some or all of the offered ports of call. Non-divers are welcome on the cruise, but only open water certified scuba divers will be allowed to dive with the group. Some dive operations allow non-divers to come along; please contact Suzi, the group leader, for the cost and for a list of dive operators who welcome snorkelers and non-divers on the dive boat.

 

It's recommended you visit the group forum for updates and information pertaining to each dive operation in our ports of call. And don't forget to notify the group leader after you have booked the cruise.

 

To purchase your dives, simply visit the online group page at ShoreTrips. The dives in each port of call can be purchased all at once or one at a time. After you pay for your dives, ShoreTrips will email you confirmation of your payment and a dive voucher for each port of call. It can take up to 48 hours for your dives to be confirmed by the dive shop on the island. I recommend saving the voucher in a file on your computer, since you will need take a copy of this voucher with you on the cruise.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the group leader via email Monday through Friday. Emails received on weekends and holidays are checked the following business day.

 

Aruba

Day 4 November 13, 2008

8am-5pm

Cost: $92pp

Departure Time: 8:45am

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives - Wreck

Max Number of Divers: 16

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

Tanks, Weights and Weight Belts are included. BC vests and regulators are available for rent for $12.50 each, payable directly to the dive shop at the time of the dive.

 

Bonaire

Day 5 November 14, 2008

7am-2pm

Cost: $51pp

Departure Time: 9am

Dive Package: 1 tank boat dive and unlimited shore diving

Max Number of Divers: 16

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

Full gear pkg incl wetsuit....$34.00

Full gear pkg w/o wetsuit....$27.00

 

Regulator ..............$10.00

BCD ....................$10.00

Dive Computers..........$13.50

Mask, Fins, Snorkel.....$10.00

Shortie Wet Suit........$6.00

Underwater Flashlight...$7.00

 

If you have members of your party who are not divers, they can come along and use the hotel's beach for $5 (paid at the resort).

 

Grenada

Day 6 November 15, 2008

12 noon - 7pm

 

Cost: $122pp

Departure Time: 1:00pm

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives - includes Sculpture Park

Max Number of Divers: 10

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

No charge for rental equipment.

 

Dominica

Day 7 November 16, 2008

7am - 5pm

 

Cost: $118pp

Departure Time: 8:30am

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives to Marine Reserve

Max Number of Divers: 16

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

$171 including all dive gear.

 

St. Thomas

Day 8 November 17, 2008

8am - 6pm

Cost: $120pp

Departure Time: 9am

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives

Max Number of Divers: 16

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

No charge for rental equipment

 

 

Cancellation Policy:

 

ShoreTrip's policy is to refund all tours and excursions if the ship doesn't make port in time or doesn't make port at all. They will also give you back your money if the vendor has to cancel due to equipment or weather problems.

 

You must contact ShoreTrips within 12 days after the date you were scheduled to dive to tell them that your cruise ship or the vendor prevented you from going.

 

You may cancel your ShoreTrips booking and receive a full refund up to 11 days before the the actual date of your reserved dive. At 10 days outbound, all trips become non-refundable.

To cancel your dives, log into www.shoretrips.com with your User Id and Password. Then click on "View Bookings" and click on the garbage can icon next to the booking. This will cancel your booking and refund your charge card in full.

[Sailfish]

Group Snorkel & Land Tours

 

 

ARUBA

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...ARUBA HALF DAY OFF ROAD JEEP ADVENTURE

 

A friendly fun-loving group of guides will share their jokes as you travel. Departures (Local Time): 08:15 AM (3.5 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $72.00 USD

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...SNORKEL THE SHIPWRECK, 'ANTILLIA' AND A REEF

 

This is an awesome sight! Perhaps the best sunken shipwreck in the Caribbean. An easy snorkel. Departures (Local Time): 09:15 AM (3 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $52.00 USD

 

GRENADA

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...A DAY OF BLISS IN A NATURAL SETTING

 

This place is a "find" - a secret - and you will just love your day in this impressive spot. Departures (Local Time): 01:30 PM (0 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $69.00 USD

 

ROSEAU, DOMINICA

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...4WD CHAMPAGNE REEF SNORKEL AND SULFUR SPRINGS

 

Drink in bubbly Champagne Reef and rejuvenating Sulfur Springs on Dominica's Southern Coast Departures (Local Time): 09:30 AM (3.5 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $69.00 USD

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...RIVER TUBING SAFARI

 

GET SET...TO GET WET on this family friendly river tubing adventure. Departures (Local Time): 10:30 AM (3 hrs) 01:30 PM (3 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $74.00 USD (If you're buying less than 4 spaces) Per Person: $67.00 USD (If you're buying 4 or more spaces)

 

ST. THOMAS, USVI

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...SAIL AND SNORKEL TO BUCK ISLAND

 

Have a chance to swim with the sea turtles! Departures (Local Time): 12:30 PM (3.5 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $81.00 USD

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...SNUBA UNDERWATER ADVENTURE IN ST. THOMAS

 

Take a dive without a tank in the middle of coral reefs and tropical fish, then explore Coral World. Departures (Local Time): 10:00 AM (2 hrs) 12:00 PM (2 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $82.00 USD Child: $79.00 USD (12 and under)

 

CRUISE CRITIC 2008 SCUBA CRUISE...ULTIMATE ISLAND EXPERIENCE

 

See the highlights of St. Thomas and spend time at world famous Magen's Bay beach. Departures (Local Time): 10:00 AM (6 hrs) Pricing: Per Person: $46.00 USD Children: $35.00 USD (6 years and under)