Cruise Critic Group Cruise Aboard the Emerald Princess Scheduled for this Fall!

[Sailfish]

 

Emerald Princess Group Cruise Sponsored by Cruise Critic

 

The ten night 2008 Cruise Critic Scuba Cruise aboard the Emerald Princess still has good stateroom inventory; why not cruise with us to the Southern Caribbean this fall!

 

The Emerald Princess Scuba Cruise is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale on November 10, 2008. The name of this cruise group may say SCUBA, but did you know the booking is available to to anyone interested in this group cruise sponsored by Cruise Critic - not just divers! Why not escape the cold and join us in the Caribbean this fall!

 

We will be calling on Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica and St. Thomas and Princess Cay, the cruise line's private island. Very few ships from Fort Lauderdale ever cruise this far south in the Caribbean, so here is your opportunity to save on airfare to this relatively inexpensive gateway! Better yet, if you live close enough to drive, this cruise vacation could end up saving you a pretty good chunk of change!

 

Please email me, the group leader, for a brochure and visit our group forum here at Cruise Critic for more information. Although our dive package is just about sold out, we do have space for non-divers. We always get a nice group of people together who enjoy diving and snorkeling. We have generous group amenities that include $100 in shipboard credit, a group cocktail party on the ship with an open bar, special group activities and tours not to mention, really nice people. We make available a custom group tee shirt (to purchase) and an optional dive package for the certified scuba divers in the group.

 

Here is more information:

 

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.

 

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]

 

Group Dive Package

Please note: As of today's posting date, we have room for only 6 more divers on the dive boat.

 

Aruba

Day 4 November 13, 2008

8am-5pm

Cost: $92pp

Departure Time: 8:45am

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives

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 - Tendering

 

Dive Boat #1 ShoreTrips Cost: $110pp

Departure Time: 1:00pm

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives incl. Sculpture Park

Max Number of Divers: 10

 

Equipment Rental Rates:

 

No charge for rental equipment.

Dive Boat #2 Aquanauts Cost: $109pp

Departure Time: 1:00pm

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives incl. Sculpture Park

Max Number of Divers: 6

 

Equipment Rental Rates: $12

 

Dominica

Day 7 November 16, 2008

7am - 5pm

 

Cost: $118pp

Departure Time: 8:30am

Dive Package: 2 tank boat dives

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

 

 

ShoreTrips 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]

 

Emerald Princess Cruise Planner

 

Please note activities, date and time are subject to change or cancellation. Please be advised that activies in purple print are Scuba Cruise Group Activites. activies in blue print are those planned by the staff aboard the Emerald Princess.

 

Monday Embarkation

Day 1 November 10, 2008

 

3:00pm Cruise Critic Party (Members and Non-Group Members Welcome)

4:15pm General Emergency Stations (Lifeboat Drill)

5:00pm Treasure Chest Sail Away Party aboard the Emerald Princess

 

9:00pm Monday Night Football on MUTS

 

Tuesday Day at Sea

Day 2 November 11, 2008

Formal Night

 

11:00am Snorkel Group Meeting

11:30am Pre-Dive Meeting

 

 

Wednesday Day At Sea

Day 3 November 12, 2008

 

12:00 Martini Demonstration

2:00pm Group Dive & Snorkel Photo

 

 

Thursday Aruba

Day 4 November 13, 2008

8am-5pm

 

7:45am Dive Group

 

Friday Bonaire

Day 5 November 14, 2008

7am-2pm

 

6:45am Dive Group

5:00pm Share/Download Dive Photos for group DVD - Cocktail Party at Group Leader's Cabin

8:00pm Group Dining

 

Saturday Grenada

Day 6 November 15, 2008

12 noon - 7pm Tendering

 

11:30am Dive Group

 

Sunday Dominica

Day 7 November 16, 2008

7am - 5pm

 

6:45am Dive Group

7:00pm Share/Download Dive Photos for group DVD - Cocktail Party at Group Leader's Cabin

9:00pm Sunday Night Football on MUTS

 

 

Monday St. Thomas

Day 8 November 17, 2008

8am - 6pm

 

7:00am Dive Group/Immigration Check

8:00pm Group Dining

9:00pm Monday Night Football on MUTS

 

Tuesday Day at Sea

Day 9 November 18, 2008

Formal Night

 

10:00am Culinary Demonstration

1:00pm Ice carving Demo

8:00pm Group Dining

 

Wednesday Princess Cays (No Group Dives Scheduled)

Day 10 November 19, 2008

 

Daytime Group Activity/Party on Island

7:00pm Share/Download Dive Photos for group DVD - Cocktail Party at Group Leader's Cabin

8:00pm Group Dining Reservation

[Sailfish]

Group Forum Information

 

Our group forum at Cruise Critic has a lot of information about the Emerald Princess, photo galleries, ship and port reviews, as well as practical information specific to the cruise line and voyage. It's all sandwiched between the scuba diving postings, but don't let that scare you away if you are a non-diver!

 

Here are a few quick links that will jump you over to specific postings:

 

Dive Package Reference Information: You'll find info on each dive package, including the cost.

 

Group Forum Visitor Information: Directions on how best to use the group forum and how to find the information you want quickly.

 

Dive Boat List: Group Members signed up to dive.

 

 

Photo Gallery: Pics of the Emerald Princess

 

Article on Using FCC's to book the cruise: Great info if you purchased Future Cruise Credits.

 

Deciding on a stateroom: Here you'll find Emerald's deck plans and info on booking a guarantee category.

 

Tips on Anytime Dining:A must read if you are new to Princess

 

All these articles are at the group forum, but there are many more. I recommend you stop by and look around!

 

Good luck!!

[RayMee0013]

caribbean waters at cox dot net

[patti627]

Suzy, I lost your email address. I've moved to Florida, and am going on a cruise in 3 weeks. Who do you recommend for cruise companies for Dominica, Curacao and St. Thomas? Hope you've been doing some good diving.

I'm sure we'll be doing a lot more diving here in Clearwater than we were doing in Albuquerque!!

Patti Sachs