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Scuba Forum / General / August 2007Live-aboards for single divers
I'm a single diver. My partner does not dive (medical reasons) so I'm considering doing a live-aboard alone (one of the week-long trips you offer.) Does anybody have any experience with pricing and dive buddy situation in such case? Best, Tomek Tomek Szczudlo <tomek707@earthlink.net> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :I'm a single diver. My partner does not dive (medical reasons) so I'm :considering doing a live-aboard alone (one of the week-long trips you :offer.) Does anybody have any experience with pricing and dive buddy :situation in such case? I've done it. Price is the same as half a couple, unless you specify that you don't want a room mate. Regarding buddies, you can buddy up with a crew member or one (or two) of the other passengers. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > Tomek Szczudlo <tomek707@earthlink.net> pounded away at his keyboard > resulting in: > :I'm a single diver. My partner does not dive (medical reasons) so I'm > :considering doing a live-aboard alone (one of the week-long trips you > :offer.) Does anybody have any experience with pricing and dive buddy > :situation in such case? > I've done it. Price is the same as half a couple, unless you specify > that you don't want a room mate. Regarding buddies, you can buddy up > with a crew member or one (or two) of the other passengers. Don't do it, you'll die. You need to bring your ole lady onto the boat with you; she doesn't have to dive but she will need $15k worth of electronic monitoring equipment so she can be sure you aint knocking off a chunk with a moray or a nurse shark while you are out of her sight/control... <posing and waving> >Tomek Szczudlo <tomek707@earthlink.net> pounded away at his keyboard >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >that you don't want a room mate. Regarding buddies, you can buddy up >with a crew member or one (or two) of the other passengers. I've actually looked into this as I have the exact same issue. It was my understanding from reading the Agressor's policies at least that even if you were willing to pay double the rate to get a cabin to yourself that the Agressor still reserved the right to pair you with someone anyway...... and, of course it makes financial sense for them to do so as they can accommodate more pax. and make more money. Why would they leave a space empty when they can fill it and take care of even more customers (and hence, make even more money)? But then again, a great many dive resorts are set up that way pricewise (ie. requiring "double occupancy" to get the cheapest rates and tacking on anywhere from 50 - 100% supplements for "single" customers). BOO HISSS!!! One would think a single occupant would be cheaper as they use less utilities (water/electric etc.), take less linens etc. In any case, it's why I normally do my own travel planning and I shy away from such places. I also hate the fact that the live-a-boards (like a great many resorts in the Caribbean I'm discovering) demand full payment in advance of your visit (as advanced as 60 days in some cases). I hate that.... gives me no leverage in case "stuff happens." But then again, I'm thinking that's probably why they do it...... at least one reason anyway... I've been lucky enough so far to find places that only require a "deposit" in advance (which is fair enough).... But I don't think I'll be so lucky in the Caribbean - at least at the tourist/dive oriented resorts... perhaps at some independent hotels but why stay there? Anyway, I'd be curious to find out what the OP discovers. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > I've actually looked into this as I have the exact same issue. It was my understanding > from reading the Agressor's policies at least that even if you were willing to pay double [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > empty when they can fill it and take care of even more customers (and hence, make > even more money)? ? If you pay double, they're making the same as if there were two of you. They're actually saving money if you figure in the cost of food, beer & wine, air fills, and wear and tear on the head, though they might sell fewer T-shirts. Regardless, Aggressor's policy is clear, right here: http://www.aggressor.com/rates_policy.php "Single Supplement A single supplement rate is 1? times the charter rate." >If you pay double, they're making the same as if there were two of >you. They're actually saving money if you figure in the cost of food, [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >"Single Supplement >A single supplement rate is 1½ times the charter rate." Very well, so much for what I pay.... but I still don't see where I'm guaranteed the room to myself... ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >If you pay double, they're making the same as if there were two of > >you. They're actually saving money if you figure in the cost of food, [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Arnold The single supplement guarantees you a room to yourself if that's what you want. If you're willing to accept a stranger as a roommate, you pay as if you had a roommate and you take your chances. You might get lucky and have the room to yourself. You can then buddy up with anyone willing to have you or with a crew member. gc >> >Regardless, Aggressor's policy is clear, right here: >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >> Very well, so much for what I pay.... but I still don't see where I'm guaranteed >> the room to myself... >The single supplement guarantees you a room to yourself if that's what >you want. If you're willing to accept a stranger as a roommate, you >pay as if you had a roommate and you take your chances. You might get >lucky and have the room to yourself. You can then buddy up with anyone >willing to have you or with a crew member. I understand that, but I don't see specific language anywhere that says, "if you pay the single supplement, you are guaranteed a room to yourself." Yet I do see in several places, the definition of a "Full Capacity Charter" as being: "A full capacity charter is defined as the maximum number of passengers the vessel can carry." This suggests to me that their mindset is to keep all spaces occupied no matter what. And that makes sense from their perspective. I would imagine they would not want to turn anyone away from the boat especially if there is still a physical space to be filled, even if already accounted for financially. As an analogy, say one wants to buy two seats on an aircraft to have extra room and/or not have to sit next to anyone. They pay for two seats, and select two contiguous seats together. But of course, the flight is overbooked, there have been weather delays, and the airline needs to get people out of their hair and on their way them to keep them from bitching in their faces. So the ground agent walks the aircraft and sees empty seats.. Do you think it will matter at that point if you already paid for two seats? No way.. that seat will get filled. Furthermore, if someone wants to switch seats for some reason and the FA's need to put them elsewhere while in flight, do you think it will matter then? Not a chance.. someone is getting that seat. Don't like it? Want to be charged with "Interference with a flight crew?" Likewise, I remember once when living in the Chicago area that at some point, there was some sort of taxi shortage due to a strike or something like that. Some taxis were still operating, but due to the shortage the taxis that were still in business were "doubling up" fares - that is, charging passengers the full meter fare as if they had the cab themselves, but at the same time, picking up other fares simultaneously and charging them the same way. No such thing as a "private cab" during that period, and you either accepted that, or "walked." So unless there is specific language on the site that *guarantees* the room to myself..... (a lot harder to do on a live-a-board when there are fewer spaces as it is...) ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > I understand that, but I don't see specific language anywhere that says, "if you > pay the single supplement, you are guaranteed a room to yourself." Yet I do see [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > not want to turn anyone away from the boat especially if there is still a physical > space to be filled, even if already accounted for financially. That definition is only used as it pertains to cancellation by a charterer. > As an analogy, say one wants to buy two seats on an aircraft to have extra room > and/or not have to sit next to anyone. They pay for two seats, and select two [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > think it will matter then? Not a chance.. someone is getting that seat. Don't like it? Want > to be charged with "Interference with a flight crew?" Obviously there's a bit of a difference between airline and liveaboard overbooking policies. Liveaboards don't overbook as a routine. Still, if you book that extra airline seat for your expensive cello and you make it on the flight, does the airline still reserve a right to fill that seat with a standby? > So unless there is specific language on the site that *guarantees* the room to myself..... > (a lot harder to do on a live-a-board when there are fewer spaces as it is...) Call the liveaboard company in question if you doubt the policy and get it in writing if necessary, but I've never heard of forced sharing of single rooms. >> "A full capacity charter is defined as the maximum number of >> passengers the vessel can carry." [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >That definition is only used as it pertains to cancellation by a charterer. Nonetheless, the "maximum number of passangers the vessel can carry" mindset is still present. Whenever possible, I'm sure that's what they'll try to do. >Obviously there's a bit of a difference between airline and liveaboard >overbooking policies. Liveaboards don't overbook as a routine. > >Still, if you book that extra airline seat for your expensive cello >and you make it on the flight, does the airline still reserve a right >to fill that seat with a standby? The airline's policy may be one thing, but will it matter to that ground agent getting hammered by screaming passengers needing to get on that flight? Or will it matter to that FA that needs to keep two pax. from going at each other (or going at him/her) if not acomodated? I don't think so. Policies may be there, but I tend to think that "management discretion" is the greater policy in effect here (ie. field mgt. can "circumvent" polices as required to expedite a "situation."). Now, I'm sure that can happen whether or not they have a specific "written" policy in effect, but at least if it's written and published, I'd have a basis for complaint if they choose to ignore it per the above. >> So unless there is specific language on the site that *guarantees* the room to myself..... >> (a lot harder to do on a live-a-board when there are fewer spaces as it is...) > >Call the liveaboard company in question if you doubt the policy and >get it in writing if necessary, but I've never heard of forced sharing >of single rooms. And I suspect they would tell me just that - right up until I pay the full price 60 days in advance and then pair me with someone "Oops - we goofed!" .... What could I do then? Like I said, no leverage. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >> "A full capacity charter is defined as the maximum number of > >> passengers the vessel can carry." [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > > Arnold Well, then, if I were you, I wouldn't go on any liveaboards. Then there's less chance that when I book a single I'll end up rooming with you. You probably wouldn't like it anyway. Arnold, seriously, have you actually talked with any of the liveaboard companies about their policies, or would you prefer to just play games here in Usenet? Don't believe people who have experience on liveaboards, what the hell do we know? You can also pay with a credit card and let the credit card company handle the dispute if it happens. Did you know they will do that? Just go shore diving. It's probably more your speed. >> >Call the liveaboard company in question if you doubt the policy and >> >get it in writing if necessary, but I've never heard of forced sharing [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> >> Like I said, no leverage. >Well, then, if I were you, I wouldn't go on any liveaboards. Don't plan to...... not unless I know who the partner is in advance. >Then there's less chance that when I book a single I'll end up rooming with >you. You probably wouldn't like it anyway. Now George, there's no need to make this personal is there????? >Arnold, seriously, have you actually talked with any of the liveaboard >companies about their policies, or would you prefer to just play games >here in Usenet? I don't believe I'm playing games. I believe I'm relying on 30+ years of travel experience as a solitary traveler, knowing how the travel/hotel/restaurant industry treats solitary travelers, especially males. Money counts, among other things. In their eyes, a solitary traveler represents less revenue to them per unit of accommodation so they get less service. And I understand that. The majority of their constituencies are couples / parties - so they've geared their accommodations for it. Putting a single person in a space meant for a couple means less money (in most cases) so they try to avoid it, and they try to give their lousiest accommodations to that single person (he/she won't care will they... and if they do, too bad!). Ever been told "I can't seat you at a table.... but I can seat you at the 'community table."? Nothing more than a glorified lunch counter at a restaurant. >You can also pay with a credit card and let the credit card company >handle the dispute if it happens. Did you know they will do that? Absolutely I do. I also know that it often takes months to resolve, and for something that expensive the merchant is going to fight to the death. And if I lose (most likely), I'm stuck with the finance charges. The CC company almost always sides with the merchant in these cases unless it's a clear case of abuse, and I'm the one who bears burden of proof. >Just go shore diving. It's probably more your speed. Let me guess.... do you own (or own stock in) a live-a-board? ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > I don't believe I'm playing games. I believe I'm relying on 30+ years of travel > experience as a solitary traveler, knowing how the travel/hotel/restaurant industry [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > been told "I can't seat you at a table.... but I can seat you at the 'community table."? > Nothing more than a glorified lunch counter at a restaurant. You're relying on zilch years of travel as a single liveaboard diver, and otherwise trying to compare apples to pomelos. Are you seriously telling me that when you book your own hotel room at a single rate, that the hotel manager insists on sticking a stranger in your room? A liveaboard is a floating hotel, not a means of transport since it usually goes from point A to point A (some itineraries do go to point B, but they're still treated as hotels, not passenger conveyances). Just as no hotel manager would ever force you to share your hotel room, at least not at the sort of hotels I stay at, no liveaboard is going to force you to share a cabin. > Absolutely I do. I also know that it often takes months to resolve, and for something > that expensive the merchant is going to fight to the death. And if I lose (most likely), > I'm stuck with the finance charges. The CC company almost always sides with the > merchant in these cases unless it's a clear case of abuse, and I'm the one who bears > burden of proof. Then you obviously need better credit cards. The credit card policies should be very simple: if you don't get what you paid for, you're entitled to not have to pay for it. > Let me guess.... do you own (or own stock in) a live-a-board? If George did, I'd be the first to ask to bum a ride. What I'd guess instead is that George is someone speaking from experience and completely bewildered that he has to bother to argue this issue with someone who doesn't have a clue. > If George did, I'd be the first to ask to bum a ride. What I'd guess > instead is that George is someone speaking from experience and > completely bewildered that he has to bother to argue this issue with > someone who doesn't have a clue. Greg reads me like a book. If I ever do own a liveaboard, you'll be the first bum I'll invite. gc >A liveaboard is a floating hotel, not a means of transport since it >usually goes from point A to point A (some itineraries do go to point >B, but they're still treated as hotels, not passenger conveyances). >Just as no hotel manager would ever force you to share your hotel >room, at least not at the sort of hotels I stay at, no liveaboard is >going to force you to share a cabin. Can you guarantee that? Can I sue you if it doesn't happen? I thought not.... Look, it's true that I've never stepped aboard a liveaboard before and perhaps people like you and George may have done so zillions of times without incident. And maybe, just maybe, the same would happen to me.... But given my history of treatment by hotels (floating or otherwise), and their (the liveaboards') currently advertised policies (payment in advance, emphasis on multiple occupancy), I'm not willing to accept the risk at this time... But hey.... Better for you guys, right? >> Let me guess.... do you own (or own stock in) a live-a-board? > >If George did, I'd be the first to ask to bum a ride. What I'd guess >instead is that George is someone speaking from experience and >completely bewildered that he has to bother to argue this issue with >someone who doesn't have a clue. He doesn't have to bother at all. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >A liveaboard is a floating hotel, not a means of transport since it > >usually goes from point A to point A (some itineraries do go to point [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Can you guarantee that? Can I sue you if it doesn't happen? So you're implying that this has happened to you in a hotel? If not, why do you believe it would happen on a liveaboard? > He doesn't have to bother at all. Sure he does, just like he would bother to help an senile elderly lady across the street even if she's being crotchety. >> >A liveaboard is a floating hotel, not a means of transport since it >> >usually goes from point A to point A (some itineraries do go to point [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >So you're implying that this has happened to you in a hotel? If not, >why do you believe it would happen on a liveaboard? Specifically this? No, it hasn't happened. But other things have happened which have hardened me to these types of resort/boat/etc. operators. I'll spare you and the NG the gory details unless you want to hear it... they're long stores. The result is, I have a complete distrust of them until I get to know them, and the distrust is intensified when I see written policies like "full payment required 60 days in advance" etc. As for Liveabord vs. hotel, it seems to me that there is greater potential for "things to happen" when the supply of accommodations is much smaller (as with liveaboards) and yet the demand is just as great if not greater. If there were as many liveaboards as there were hotels, then maybe I'd feel better. Nonetheless, I think I'm now ready to accept your "implied" challenge and try one. And if it turns out to happen your way, and if I can repeat it once or twice over time, then I'll gladly say so here (ie. that you, George etc. were right). Let's start with the Belize Agressor III. I'll call them early next week and check on availability in 2008. And I'll request single supplement as proof of concept. If/When I get the booking setup, I'll publish it here and then any of you are welcome to join me...... ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >So you're implying that this has happened to you in a hotel? If not, > >why do you believe it would happen on a liveaboard? [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > distrust is intensified when I see written policies like "full payment required 60 > days in advance" etc. Cruiseships too. I have a feeling that if you pay the supplement for a single room on a cruiseship, you get a room to yourself. Liveaboards are simply mini-cruiseships that specialize in scuba diving. > Nonetheless, I think I'm now ready to accept your "implied" challenge and try one. > And if it turns out to happen your way, and if I can repeat it once or twice over time, > then I'll gladly say so here (ie. that you, George etc. were right). Let's start with > the Belize Agressor III. I'll call them early next week and check on availability in 2008. > And I'll request single supplement as proof of concept. If/When I get the booking setup, > I'll publish it here and then any of you are welcome to join me...... Please ask the Aggressor people whether they've ever forced a single supplement payer to share a room. Get it in writing that they guarantee a single room if you pay the supplement. Then, if you have to sue them, they've added misrepresentation and fraud to the list of misdeeds, in which case you might be able to get punitive damages against them depending on the jurisdiction. But I sincerely doubt you'll have to sue them. >Cruiseships too. I have a feeling that if you pay the supplement for >a single room on a cruiseship, you get a room to yourself. >Liveaboards are simply mini-cruiseships that specialize in scuba >diving. Understood. But both crusieships and hotels seem to have a bit more "supply" (capacity) than liveaboards to offer, and therefore, less potential need to pair people up in order to meet the demand. Strictly a "supply & demand" thing. Or so it would seem... >Please ask the Aggressor people whether they've ever forced a single >supplement payer to share a room. Get it in writing that they [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >against them depending on the jurisdiction. But I sincerely doubt >you'll have to sue them. I doubt so as well. If things do go wrong, it might be less costly in the long run simply to "retain ownership of the issue" and just never do business with them again, than to seek actual financial/legal recovery. (You know how it is with those "lawyer's fees.") :) I'll ask them about the policy for sure. And then let's see where we go from there. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :Nonetheless, I think I'm now ready to accept your "implied" challenge and try one. :And if it turns out to happen your way, and if I can repeat it once or twice over time, :then I'll gladly say so here (ie. that you, George etc. were right). Let's start with :the Belize Agressor III. I'll call them early next week and check on availability in 2008. :And I'll request single supplement as proof of concept. If/When I get the booking setup, :I'll publish it here and then any of you are welcome to join me...... If Belize is the destination, Peter Hughes would be my choice. As good as the Aggressors are, Peter Hughes is better. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. >mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >If Belize is the destination, Peter Hughes would be my choice. As >good as the Aggressors are, Peter Hughes is better. Thanks. I'll give them a shot as well. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote: > But other things have > happened which have hardened me to these types of resort/boat/etc. > operators. I'll spare you and the So you've found out that they discriminate against us gays also? That's good, I was afraid that they only discrimiated against gay child molesters like myself. Love and kisses, Your partner in fudge packing, Carl > >> "A full capacity charter is defined as the maximum number of > >> passengers the vessel can carry." [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > in effect, but at least if it's written and published, I'd have a basis for complaint if > they choose to ignore it per the above. The policy is, I paid for two seats, together. If I don't get two seats together then they'll owe me money. > >> So unless there is specific language on the site that *guarantees* the room to myself..... > >> (a lot harder to do on a live-a-board when there are fewer spaces as it is...) [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > And I suspect they would tell me just that - right up until I pay the full price 60 days in > advance and then pair me with someone "Oops - we goofed!" .... What could I do then? Sue for breach of contract? Dennis >> Now, I'm sure that can happen whether or not they have a specific >>"written" policy in effect, but at least if it's written and published, I'd have a basis >>for complaint if they choose to ignore it per the above. > >The policy is, I paid for two seats, together. If I don't get two seats >together then they'll owe me money. Well, you did pay for two seats. You *requested* they be together and initially, they were assigned a such. But I've never seen an airline with a policy that guaranteed you specifically assigned seats. You "request" them based on what's available, and most of the time you get to keep what they originally assigned you. But I believe the FA's (or perhaps ground agent even) can override that if they deem necessary at their discretion. Must they recompense you for that? I've never seen an airline which says they must as a matter of policy. >> And I suspect they would tell me just that - right up until I pay the full >> price 60 days in advance and then pair me with someone "Oops - >> we goofed!" .... What could I do then? > >Sue for breach of contract? Too costly after all I think. I tend to think the litigation would cost way more than what I paid for the trip... And that's assuming I even have a legal basis for action (ie. that a guarantee of a single room if supplement was paid *was* even in the contract). ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >> Now, I'm sure that can happen whether or not they have a specific > >>"written" policy in effect, but at least if it's written and published, I'd have a basis [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > deem necessary at their discretion. Must they recompense you for that? I've never > seen an airline which says they must as a matter of policy. If you pay for two seats, and don't get two seats because they plop someone else in the seat, then they'll owe you money. Think of someone who's been forced to pay for two seats ostensibly due to size. If they do that, then put someone else next to you anyway, then their reason for charging you for two seats is nullified. They'll owe you money. > >> And I suspect they would tell me just that - right up until I pay the full > >> price 60 days in advance and then pair me with someone "Oops - [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > (ie. that a guarantee of a single room if supplement was paid *was* even in the > contract). I know you've heard this before, but..... if you have paid for a single room then thats what you'll get. Pretty straightforward. What guarantees that? Well...you paid for the single room. If you're that worried about whether the vendor will honor its agreement with you, its best if you avoid 'em and look elsewhere. Dennis >If you're that worried about whether the vendor will honor its agreement >with you, its best if you avoid 'em and look elsewhere. Well, I need to try them at least once to be fair. I'm not really as worried as it seems. Like I said to Dan, I'm not trying to be anti-social. I just enjoy my private time at the end of the day. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :Well, I need to try them at least once to be fair. I'm not really as worried :as it seems. Like I said to Dan, I'm not trying to be anti-social. I just enjoy :my private time at the end of the day. You might not like liveaboards at all then. Even the most comfortable ones have staterooms that are designed for sleeping and littlle else. Those who like to read, dick around on their laptops, or other things that are best done sitting, usually do so in the dining area or salon. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. >mag3 <zmpmag3-p....e@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >Those who like to read, dick around on their laptops, or other things >that are best done sitting, usually do so in the dining area or salon. Hmmmm. Maybe I'm not looking at the Agressor's brochures, DVD movies etc. correctly. It seemed as though the cabins were a tad more roomy than you're describing (ie. with a desk/chair etc.) along with the bed. Even if not, I can still do all those things on the bed itself. And part of the issue anyway is being able to go to sleep on my schedule. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > >mag3 <zmpmag3-p.....@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard > >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Arnold Depends on the boat. Aggressors are not all the same. Most, for example, have bunk beds with not much head room, which is one reason I would second the recommendation to do Peter Hughes in Belize, where all beds are singles/twins or queens, plenty of room to sit up and read. Exception among Aggressors is Galapagos, which are all twins except for one room that has a double, but no bunks. If at all possible, stay out of bunk beds! Even if you're not normally claustrophobic, most liveaboard bunk beds are like coffins. Most of these boats also have plenty of places other than your room to escape to. The lounge/salon is often crowded with people, but a lot of times they're doing what you want to do -- playing with pictures on laptops or reading. If the salon is full of noisy drunks, on the other hand, there is usually a sun deck or other open space. Sometimes it's on the bow, but you can almost always find a place to hide if you need to. And trust me, I'm very sympathetic to that. One reason I like liveaboards is that I don't like to party; I just want to dive, eat, sleep and be left alone when I want to. I've never had trouble doing that, even on two Blackbeards trips where there is no privacy, all the rooms are like barracks and you WILL be bunking with strangers (they don't even offer single subsidies). But I was able to sneak away by myself often enough and for long enough to finish three Elmore Leonard novels in one week, and I didn't miss a single dive. The liveaboard lifestyle isn't for everyone. If you want to try out the nightlife or don't expect to dive more than two or three dives a day, you probably won't like it. But if you just can't get enough nitrogen, you can hardly do better. gc > Most of these boats also have plenty of places other than your room to > escape to. The lounge/salon is often crowded with people, but a lot of [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > on the bow, but you can almost always find a place to hide if you need > to. And trust me, I'm very sympathetic to that. Me, I'd like to find out where everyone hides. As a noisy drunk, I'm often up late trying to find people to talk to, but they're always hiding from me. Instead I get stuck playing with pictures on my laptop or reading. >> >mag3 <zmpmag3-p.....@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard >> >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >> a desk/chair etc.) along with the bed. Even if not, I can still do all those things on the bed >> itself. And part of the issue anyway is being able to go to sleep on my schedule. [SNIP] >Depends on the boat. Aggressors are not all the same. Most, for >example, have bunk beds with not much head room, which is one reason I >would second the recommendation to do Peter Hughes in Belize, where >all beds are singles/twins or queens, plenty of room to sit up and >read. Exception among Aggressors is Galapagos, which are all twins >except for one room that has a double, but no bunks. It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, at least according to the pictures and video. I would absolutely agree in re boats like the Palau Agressor (which I at least actually saw live and up close, but only on the outside). Maybe Greg can tell us what the inside looks like. I'll hustle up some Peter Hughes paraphenelia quickly. >If at all possible, stay out of bunk beds! Even if you're not normally >claustrophobic, most liveaboard bunk beds are like coffins. I'm not that claustraphobic, having had the lower bunk bed in my college dorm for several years, as well as a platform above my single bed thereafter (for extra storage space). But point well taken. Can't sit up in bed like that with a laptop. >Most of these boats also have plenty of places other than your room to >escape to. The lounge/salon is often crowded with people, but a lot of [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >myself often enough and for long enough to finish three Elmore Leonard >novels in one week, and I didn't miss a single dive. Fair enough. Noise might not be a huge factor anyway. That's what my trusty Bose "QC2" headphones are for. Only thing I can't do is sleep with them but....... >The liveaboard lifestyle isn't for everyone. If you want to try out >the nightlife or don't expect to dive more than two or three dives a >day, you probably won't like it. But if you just can't get enough >nitrogen, you can hardly do better. We'll see. One of the reasons it appealed to me initially is that it seemed a bit safer more secure than being on a land resort somewhere where crime / theft etc. might have been more of an issue (which is why I picked Belize first). Might be worth dealing with the issues of liveaboards just to gain that benefit. And for a while still, yeah, I can do some 4 tank days, no problem. Did a few in the FFK's a month ago. Thanks. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, at least according to the > pictures and video. I would absolutely agree in re boats like the Palau Agressor (which I > at least actually saw live and up close, but only on the outside). Maybe Greg can tell us what > the inside looks like. I'm not on the Palau Aggressor until March, though I did tour it on my last trip. However, I did a week on the Tahiti Aggressor (now Maldives), which is supposedly an identical boat. It had the standard Aggressor bunk configuration, i.e. double lower bunk and single upper. The upper bunk is no place to hang out, but if you have the room to yourself, the lower bunk offers plenty of headroom. There is no desk/chair. For me, what makes the room a comfortable place to hang out isn't necessarily the size, but the windows. If it's a lower cabin, with only a port light/window, even with adequate ventilation it still feels like you're sitting in a closet. On the other hand, I've had spacious corner rooms on the Nekton Pilot and Kararu Voyager with full- size wraparound windows that I could have lived in permanently. It's amazing how little time you have to yourself on a liveaboard. If you do all the dives and eat all the meals, you barely have enough surface interval time to play with your camera. After dinner, some people hang out in the salon and watch a movie, some people hang around outside drinking and talking, and some people go off to bed. If there's a night dive, forget about after dinner anything. It's usually straight to bed after a shower. > I'll hustle up some Peter Hughes paraphenelia quickly. www.peterhughes.com Videos and other propaganda are available for downloading and online viewing. I'm on my first one in three more weeks. I hope Dan is right. > I'm not that claustraphobic, having had the lower bunk bed in my college dorm for several > years, as well as a platform above my single bed thereafter (for extra storage space). > But point well taken. Can't sit up in bed like that with a laptop. Not in the upper coffin/bunk to be sure, but there's usually decent headroom in the lower bunks, especially since the upper is only single- width. I've never had a problem sitting up on one. > Fair enough. Noise might not be a huge factor anyway. That's what my > trusty Bose "QC2" headphones are for. Only thing I can't do is sleep with them > but....... It's probably not a good idea to sleep with noise-canceling headphones. You probably want to be able to hear any alert, in case you hit the stray iceberg. On the other hand, on one of my trips, the bilge alarm (whatever that is) went off several times at 2 a.m. and I was ready to abandon ship right then, if not because of any imminent danger, at least to get away from the noise. > We'll see. One of the reasons it appealed to me initially is that it seemed a bit safer > more secure than being on a land resort somewhere where crime / theft etc. might > have been more of an issue (which is why I picked Belize first). Might be worth dealing > with the issues of liveaboards just to gain that benefit. And for a while still, yeah, I can > do some 4 tank days, no problem. Did a few in the FFK's a month ago. Do the Belize land resorts have a theft issue? 4-tank days are a lot easier on liveaboards than on day boats, especially when you're doing more than one day of them. >> It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, at least according to the >> pictures and video. I would absolutely agree in re boats like the Palau Agressor (which I [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >room to yourself, the lower bunk offers plenty of headroom. There is >no desk/chair. Fair enough. And that will do fine. I looked at the lit. again and it's exactly that way. If Peter Hughes does better, then so much the better. >For me, what makes the room a comfortable place to hang out isn't >necessarily the size, but the windows. If it's a lower cabin, with >only a port light/window, even with adequate ventilation it still >feels like you're sitting in a closet. On the other hand, I've had >spacious corner rooms on the Nekton Pilot and Kararu Voyager with full- >size wraparound windows that I could have lived in permanently. No problem for me. As stated, I'm not terribly claustrophobic (not that you are). >It's amazing how little time you have to yourself on a liveaboard. If >you do all the dives and eat all the meals, you barely have enough [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >If there's a night dive, forget about after dinner anything. It's >usually straight to bed after a shower. Precisely how it worked this past June. And all I ever did was simply slip out of that last party 1-2 hrs early and did my private time stuff. I may have stayed up a little later on the night dive nights though. >> I'll hustle up some Peter Hughes paraphenelia quickly. > >www.peterhughes.com Got it. Thanks. A quick look at the layouts tells me they might be better than the Agressor. And lo and behold, what do I see on their website? Could it be?.... Yes! The words "single supplement 'guarantee'!" :-) (Of course, I also see 65% but....) >Videos and other propaganda are available for downloading and online >viewing. I'm on my first one in three more weeks. I hope Dan is [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >headroom in the lower bunks, especially since the upper is only single- >width. I've never had a problem sitting up on one. Yep, all I need is a flat hard surface for the laptop and that's it. >> Fair enough. Noise might not be a huge factor anyway. That's what my >> trusty Bose "QC2" headphones are for. Only thing I can't do is sleep with them [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >headphones. You probably want to be able to hear any alert, in case >you hit the stray iceberg. Well, the QC2's aren't *that* good! I'd hear a decent alarm anyway. But the point was they'd be a bit uncomfortable to wear when sleeping. :-) >> We'll see. One of the reasons it appealed to me initially is that it seemed a bit safer >> more secure than being on a land resort somewhere where crime / theft etc. might [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Do the Belize land resorts have a theft issue? Yes, according to the state Dept. Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1055.html Perhaps not dive resorts in particular, but...... >4-tank days are a lot easier on liveaboards than on day boats, >especially when you're doing more than one day of them. Absolutely in re: Gear Storage, tank changing etc. etc. Are there mostly AL80's or perhaps there's a variety (steels, etc.)? ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :Absolutely in re: Gear Storage, tank changing etc. etc. Are there :mostly AL80's or perhaps there's a variety (steels, etc.)? Nekton has steel hundred somethings and one or two Al 80s. Aggressor and PH have Al 80s. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > Absolutely in re: Gear Storage, tank changing etc. etc. Are there > mostly AL80's or perhaps there's a variety (steels, etc.)? I've seen AL80 and - rarely - a few AL63. Typically, you pick one of the gear slots, and it is yours for the duration. You set up your scuba unit on arrival (or soon thereafter) and don't break it down until its time to pack for the trip home. A small locker under the bench in front of the cylinder is where you keep your loose stuff, except for fins which are usually stowed near the entry point to the water. Wetsuits on a hanger near by. Fills are done in place; you take your 1st stage off the valve as a flag to the crew that you need a fill, and they put the dust cap on when the fill is done. Analyze if you're using EAN, and dive. And regarding Aggressor vs. Peter Hughes, its generally a wash AFAIAC. If they both serve a location (e.g., Belize), they both hit more or less the same dive sites, and sometimes on the same or a very similar schedule. The boats may differ, so in some places one or the other is better in some way. But the service is nearly indistinguishable, and that's intentional. They are competitors, and they both are top notch as a result. Will you run into a dud? Yes. I didn't care for my week aboard the Bay Islands Aggressor several years ago. The boat wasn't a purpose-built dive boat and seemed a bit run down, the crew seemed less attentive and less caring than other trips before and since, and the diving was only so-so. To top it off, as we were drying our gear on the top deck in preparation for packing, a diesel generator blew a piston ring and spewed hot oil out the nearby exhaust stack - and it landed on some of my gear. No real damage done other than having to wash that gear again with soap and water. But all in all, I was disappointed enough to not ever go back to that boat. But our Aggressor trips since (Kona) have been great. My absolute favorite liveaboard experience was on the Star Dancer in PNG. We sailed out of Rabaul. The trip was 10 days (9 dive days IIRC). Captain Alan Raabe was a real hoot, and the group was great. And of course, the diving was fabulous. I see Captain Alan is on the Febrina in PNG now. Would love to go diving with him again. Oh, Tina ....  SignatureArt Greenberg artg at eclipse dot net > >> It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, at least according to the > >> pictures and video. I would absolutely agree in re boats like the Palau Agressor (which I [quoted text clipped - 76 lines] > > Yes, according to the state Dept. Website: If the State Dept. ever took a look at the U.S. and its high crime rates in certain areas, it would probably ban Americans from traveling there. Always take the State Dept. warnings with a grain of salt. AFAIK, the only worrisome area in Belize is part of Belize City, especially at night. Any decent resort will have safes in the rooms and most resorts that cater to divers are used to divers with laptops and expensive camera gear - word would get around if there were a lot of thefts (like it gets around about Bonaire). > Absolutely in re: Gear Storage, tank changing etc. etc. Are there > mostly AL80's or perhaps there's a variety (steels, etc.)? Usually the tank specs are buried in the website somewhere. The 4 Aggressors that I've been on all offered AL80s only. The Nekton Pilot had steel 95s. The Truk Odyssey had steel 112s. Other than those two, the rest were 80s only, or maybe they had a few 63s available for minipeople. The 95s were nice in Belize since there isn't much shallower than 50' on the atolls. Likewise in Truk, since they're all moderately deep wrecks. The rest of the boats usually had multilevel diving available, making a decent length dive (45-70 min) from an 80 easily possible. Greg Mossman <mossman@qnet.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :The 95s were nice in Belize since there isn't much shallower than 50' :on the atolls. Likewise in Truk, since they're all moderately deep :wrecks. The rest of the boats usually had multilevel diving :available, making a decent length dive (45-70 min) from an 80 easily :possible. I don't like them. Too negatively buoyant. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > Greg Mossman <moss...@qnet.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting > in: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > I don't like them. Too negatively buoyant. I think positive and it balances out. >If the State Dept. ever took a look at the U.S. and its high crime >rates in certain areas, it would probably ban Americans from traveling [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >and expensive camera gear - word would get around if there were a lot >of thefts (like it gets around about Bonaire). What happened in Bonaire??? (Just curious, as they're in the top three of my Caribean destiation list (Belize, Bonaire, Roatan ). >> Absolutely in re: Gear Storage, tank changing etc. etc. Are there >> mostly AL80's or perhaps there's a variety (steels, etc.)? > >Usually the tank specs are buried in the website somewhere. The 4 >Aggressors that I've been on all offered AL80s only. The Nekton Pilot >had steel 95s. I see those on their website. Excelent. I used Steel 95's on my last FFK dives in June. No sweat. Nekton also seems a bit cheeper than Agressor or PH, and seems to have a BYOB policy even for carbonated beverages. That'll work as well as I could probably do that cheeper and get exactly what I want. >The Truk Odyssey had steel 112s. Something to consider for later. Although If I go back to that area, it would be to Palau again and do the same thing I did before (stay land based at the PPR and go with Sam's Tours - They have Steel 100 Nitrox). Go back and get those pictures I missed when my camera flooded. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > What happened in Bonaire??? (Just curious, as they're in the top three of my > Caribean destiation list (Belize, Bonaire, Roatan ). Bonaire probably has the worst reputation of any popular diving island for petty theft. Most rental truck companies instruct the drivers to leave windows rolled down and doors unlocked whenever parked; obviously you don't leave anything in the truck that you care will be there when you return. Part of this happens to do with Bonaire being a big shore-diving mecca, as divers don't even bother renting vehicles in many dive locales, and part has to do with a corrupt or at least overly permissive police force that doesn't do enough to crack down on the theft (cracking down on the fences that buy the stolen items would be a big start). In addition to the rampant vehicle theft, there have been plenty of reports of room thefts as well, so you might want to ensure your hotel has adequate security before bringing expensive laptop and camera gear. It's not just vague rumors, but first-hand reports. My first trip to the island was with a large LDS group. The trip leader, on his previous trip there, had gone back to his room one day only to find an uninvited "guest" climbing out of the bathroom window - apparently he surprised the thief in time to prevent anything being taken. OTOH, I didn't personally experience any theft on either of my trips, but I did follow the rental car recommendations and sensible precautions and I didn't bother to bring a laptop and camera stuff on my second trip. > I see those on their website. Excelent. I used Steel 95's on my last FFK dives > in June. No sweat. Nekton also seems a bit cheeper than Agressor or PH, and > seems to have a BYOB policy even for carbonated beverages. That'll work as well > as I could probably do that cheeper and get exactly what I want. The Nekton is great for non-drinkers since you're not charged to subsidize the boat's booze consumption. And drinkers can bring what they like (they make a shopping stop at a liquor store/market on the way to the boat). They do make available some cooler space for guests, but I prefer the all-inclusive boats for my drinking needs as I'm too lazy to worry about restocking. We enjoyed our Nekton trip, but then we also only had half the capacity on our boat: 16 instead of 32. Dives are done individually, not following a guide, and they don't permit solo diving, so you will need to worry about finding a buddy for every dive instead of following a loose group like you can get away with on other liveaboards. > Something to consider for later. Although If I go back to that area, it would be to Palau > again and do the same thing I did before (stay land based at the PPR and go with Sam's > Tours - They have Steel 100 Nitrox). Go back and get those pictures I missed when my > camera flooded. I did land-based on my first trip. It was too rough to be picked up at the PPR, so we had to van it over to NECO Marine's shop every day. That's a PITA. Plus we only did three dives a day which isn't enough. And while the PPR is a nice facility, with great food, I couldn't get over having to shell out big bucks for breakfast every day. We were on a cheap fam trip, so breakfast wasn't included and when I wanted to avoid the $28 buffet, I was charged $24 for two poached eggs, toast, and coffee. Checking into current prices, I find a rate of $1,872 pp for a week at the PPR with only two dives (plus lunch) per day, plus another $50/day if I want the breakfast/dinner package, which adds up to $2,222. The Aggressor starts at $2,695. That's a $473 difference, for which I get up to three more dives per day, liveaboard convenience, more food, and all the beer and wine I can drink. Even with "white glove" dive op service, where they handle all your gear and all you have to do is walk to the end of the hotel's dock to be picked up, it's a real PITA with a camera. On a liveaboard, all the camera facilities are right there on the boat. For a non-photog, it can be a toss-up; for a camera junkie, it's a no-brainer. (snip)> >> We'll see. One of the reasons it appealed to me initially is that it seemed a bit safer > >> more secure than being on a land resort somewhere where crime / theft etc. might > >> have been more of an issue (which is why I picked Belize first). Might be worth dealing [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Perhaps not dive resorts in particular, but...... (snip) Arnold, I'm a single woman and often travel to Belize alone. Never had any trouble and neither have any of my friends that travel single. That said, it is the same as most any other place. Don't get stupid, don't flash your money around, stay out of certain areas after dark. Now having said all that. I've done everthing except flash my money around. So far so good, but I'm equally aware that something could happen under those circumstances, same as at home. One thing you don't want to do is leave stuff laying around outside your condo or your camera or knapsack unattended anywhere but on the dive boat . . sure, there's a good chance there will be no problem . . but then again, many Belizeans think that if you leave something laying around like that . .it must be a gift for them. > Arnold, I'm a single woman and often travel to Belize alone. Never had any > trouble and neither have any of my friends that travel single. That said, > it is the same as most any other place. Don't get stupid, don't flash your > money around, stay out of certain areas after dark. Unless you're wearing a banana on your head... "Walk softly and carry a big banana" > > Arnold, I'm a single woman and often travel to Belize alone. Never had any > > trouble and neither have any of my friends that travel single. That said, [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > "Walk softly and carry a big banana" :^) >Arnold, I'm a single woman and often travel to Belize alone. Never had any >trouble and neither have any of my friends that travel single. That said, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >many Belizeans think that if you leave something laying around like that . >.it must be a gift for them. Thank you much Chilly. I know it doesn't seem like it but I've actually been a veteran of traveling alone for the last 22 years, having done my first trip to Europe in 1985 with a 2-week Eurailpass and visiting several places there. I've been to 6 of 7 continents (and yes, one day, I'll get to your namesake continent, Antarctica :-)). Thankfully, I don't recall having any major security issue or anything stolen. <knock wood> But I am careful. I guess I'm just a bit even more careful these days as I carry more valuables (dive equipment, laptop, dive computer etc.). I've religiously read the State Dept. site as part of my prep for visiting a new country, and I don't know why but the language in the Belize entry seemed a bit stronger than other countries which is why it got my attention. But from what you and Greg tell me, I don't think I'll have a problem as long as I maintain standard care when traveling to any country. BTW, I sent you an e-mail with my preliminary Belize plans for 2008. Did you receive it? As stated earlier, I'd be priviliged to have you show me the Blue Hole. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > Thank you much Chilly. I know it doesn't seem like it but I've actually been a > veteran of traveling alone for the last 22 years, Yes, I have noted that. :^) >having done my first trip to Europe > in 1985 with a 2-week Eurailpass and visiting several places there. I've been to 6 > of 7 continents (and yes, one day, I'll get to your namesake continent, Antarctica :-)). LOL, you had me going there for a minute. > Thankfully, I don't recall having any major security issue or anything stolen. <knock wood> > But I am careful. I guess I'm just a bit even more careful these days as I carry more [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > got my attention. But from what you and Greg tell me, I don't think I'll have a problem as > long as I maintain standard care when traveling to any country. There has been a bit of trouble in Belize from time to time, but inland close to the border of Guatemala. Also, there's been a bit of political unrest in Belmopan but by our own standards, these little demonstrations would be next to nothing. Belize City isn't that great a place to hangout, but you won't be doing that anyway. > BTW, I sent you an e-mail with my preliminary Belize plans for 2008. Did you receive it? > As stated earlier, I'd be priviliged to have you show me the Blue Hole. Oh gee!! I'll have to check. It's quite unusual that I'd let something like that go by unremarked. > > As stated earlier, I'd be priviliged to have you show me the Blue Hole. > Oh gee!! I'll have to check. It's quite unusual that I'd let something like > that go by unremarked. Hey, atleast he isnt asking to see the bed in your room, unlike that other one in Tao. :) V. > > > As stated earlier, I'd be priviliged to have you show me the Blue Hole. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Hey, atleast he isnt asking to see the bed in your room, unlike that > other one in Tao. :) You've got a long memory Vandit!! :^) > You've got a long memory Vandit!! I never forget incidents which can embarrass others :) Vandit >> You've got a long memory Vandit!! > I never forget incidents which can embarrass others :) Honorable trait, for rec. scuba anyways....... >>> You've got a long memory Vandit!! > >> I never forget incidents which can embarrass others :) > > Honorable trait, for rec. scuba anyways....... Abso-frikkin-lutly. I almost lost the vaunted Rec.scuba files, but luckily they were recovered. Signature"I wasn't going to get into any of this until later, but you asked a reasonable question. The problem for me in answering is that I'm theorizing with more intuited logic than facts." -JOF Popeye/ www.finalprotectivefire.com On Aug 1, 6:37 pm, "Douglas W. \"Popeye\" Frederick" <Pop...@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: > I almost lost the vaunted Rec.scuba files, but luckily they were > recovered. Do I dare ask what's in them? Vandit > On Aug 1, 6:37 pm, "Douglas W. \"Popeye\" Frederick" > <Pop...@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Vandit For the sake of those involved, I hope not. > On Aug 1, 6:37 pm, "Douglas W. \"Popeye\" Frederick" > <Pop...@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Vandit It's a different version of "Best Of Rec.scuba"... <weg> Signature"I wasn't going to get into any of this until later, but you asked a reasonable question. The problem for me in answering is that I'm theorizing with more intuited logic than facts." -JOF Popeye/ www.finalprotectivefire.com > It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, > at least according to the pictures and video. I would absolutely > agree in re boats like the Palau Agressor (which I at least actually > saw live and up close, but only on the outside). Maybe Greg can tell > us what the inside looks like. Arnold - you are working this WAY too hard. Its a vacation. You're supposed to relax and enjoy yourself. If you don't think that's possible, don't go. FWIW, Tina and I have spent plenty of time on liveaboards, both Peter Hughes and Aggressor. It was love at first trip. Really. We seldom do a land-based dive trip any more. Yes, the cabins are small. So? We don't spend all that much time in the cabin, other than to sleep, and there's plenty of room for that. When there is a top bunk, we used it for storage - batteries, photo gear, spare dive gear. Its not impossible to sit on the bottom bunk with a laptop computer to download dive computers and look at video. Maybe we've been lucky, in that we have always been able to get along with the other passengers on board. Its actually FUN to socialize with other divers, you know. I can tell you that we always seem to be busy on board the boat. It seems odd at first. We're awake from about 7AM until maybe 10PM. That's 15 hours. Maybe 5 hours of actual diving (though we seldom actually do 5 dives a day - we seem to be content with 3 or 4). Another 3-4 hours at meals. That's 9 out of 15 hours accounted for. The remaining time is consumed in changing film, reviewing video, swapping batteries in the charger, analyzing the last fill, and socializing. The days seem to go by lightning fast. And in spite of hardly having any time to STOP, the entire time is FUN. So just GO. Forget about all this research and fussing over what you'll do with your "quiet time". Book a trip on an Aggressor or a Peter Hughes boat, pay the single supplement, and just f.cking GO. That is the ONLY way you'll ever really know if you like it. SignatureArt Greenberg artg at eclipse dot net >> It seemed the Belize Agressor III fit the same category as Galapagos, >> at least according to the pictures and video. I would absolutely [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Arnold - you are working this WAY too hard. On the contrary.... you're reacting too hard to my work. A lot of the fun for me *is* obsessing about the planning. The payoff (joy) is when the plan comes together. If you think I'm working too hard, you ain't seen nothin' yet. >FWIW, Tina and I have spent plenty of time on liveaboards, both Peter >Hughes and Aggressor. It was love at first trip. Really. We seldom do a [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >sit on the bottom bunk with a laptop computer to download dive >computers and look at video. Precisely. And that's all I need. Although I guess I'd prefer a little more cabin time than you & Tina for other things, but.. to each their own. >Maybe we've been lucky, in that we have always been able to get along >with the other passengers on board. Its actually FUN to socialize with >other divers, you know. Absolutely, and like I've said, I'm not trying to be anti-social - not at all. I just need a little private time at the end-of-day is all. And I need to do things like sleep, wake etc. on my own schedule, something harder to do when paired at random with a stranger. I'll dive, eat, party with all of you... But I may also excuse myself 1-2 hrs before the party breaks up to have my private time. >So just GO. I am. :-) I'll let you know when it setup. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: : And for a while still, yeah, I can do some 4 tank days, no problem. Did a few in the FFK's a month ago. It's a lot easier from a liveaboard. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > : And for a while still, yeah, I can do some 4 tank days, no problem. Did > a few in the FFK's a month ago. > > It's a lot easier from a liveaboard. Maybe, but what about 4 tank dives? ;-) "Curtis" <cavey_curtis@$$ yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: : Maybe, but what about 4 tank dives? ;-) We don't do those, we'd miss lunch. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > : Maybe, but what about 4 tank dives? ;-) > > We don't do those, we'd miss lunch. Um, do I look like I miss lunches? :-) "Curtis" <cavey_curtis@$$ yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: : Um, do I look like I miss lunches? :-) Not if it's barbequed iguana. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > "Curtis" <cavey_curtis@$$ yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard > resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----http://www.newsfeeds.comThe #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups > ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- Every liveaboard I've done, I've done every dive, which on most days was five a day: two in the morning, two in the afternoon, one night dive. I never missed a dive, and I never missed a meal. gc George Cathcart <george.cathcart@gmail.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :Every liveaboard I've done, I've done every dive, which on most days :was five a day: two in the morning, two in the afternoon, one night :dive. I never missed a dive, and I never missed a meal. How many of those dives required 4 tanks? Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard > resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Those who like to read, dick around on their laptops, or other things > that are best done sitting, usually do so in the dining area or salon. I've done the Nekton - great dive - but bring your laptops > I've done the Nekton - great dive - but bring your laptops How many laptops do you bring? >>I've done the Nekton - great dive - but bring your laptops > > How many laptops do you bring? one, maybe two >>>I've done the Nekton - great dive - but bring your laptops >> >> How many laptops do you bring? >> >one, maybe two One's enough for me. Just something for Internet access, DVD watching and downloading pictures and my dives off the dive computer. It's also nice to be able to burn CD's of pictures of other divers on the spot, sort of an "instant gratification" thing. My problem is the one I have is too big and draws way too much wattage (140w) for the Empower ports on most aircraft (75w). ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :One's enough for me. Just something for Internet access, DVD watching and :downloading pictures and my dives off the dive computer. It's also nice to be :able to burn CD's of pictures of other divers on the spot, sort of an :"instant gratification" thing. My problem is the one I have is too big and draws :way too much wattage (140w) for the Empower ports on most aircraft (75w). Don't expect internet access or cell phone service on a liveaboard. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. >mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >Don't expect internet access or cell phone service on a liveaboard. That's what a "sat-phone" is for..... Too bad I don't have one :-( I did just get the Blackberry 8830 "World Phone" with Verizon though. We'll see if we can get some reception close to shore at least. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :That's what a "sat-phone" is for..... Too bad I don't have one :-( The boats have them, and will let you use them. For a small fee of course. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. >mag3 <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> pounded away at his keyboard >resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >The boats have them, and will let you use them. For a small fee of >course. Well, if they have "sat-phones," then why not WiFi? They could charge a slightly higher fee. ____________________________________________ Regards, Arnold > Don't expect internet access or cell phone service on a liveaboard. You mean like you had from the Keys? "Lee Bell" <pleebell@bellsouth.net> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :You mean like you had from the Keys? The Keys had more than enough cell phone and internet service for me. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > The Keys had more than enough cell phone and internet service for me. Yeah, you didn't have either... I had cell service if I walked outside of my hotel, but not in the room... The hotel only had internet service if you were in the lobby area... Actually, I found out that if I took my laptop into the hallway near the glass door leading outside, I could get a *very* minimal signal from the lobby's WiFi connection... On the other hand, I had a pretty damn good signal while at the parking lot on Pompano Beach... Grumman-581 <grumman581@DIE-SPAMMER-SCUM-gmail.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :I had cell service if I walked outside of my hotel, but not in the :room... Your room had a perfectly functional land line. No need for cell service. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. > Your room had a perfectly functional land line. No need for cell > service. Only good if you want to stay in the hotel room all the time... Speaking of land lines, my VoIP service just decided to declare bankruptcy... Sunrocket... Screwed me out of a half year's worth of prepaid phone service... Well, me along with 200,000 other customers... Just hooked up a new VoIP device today... It's giving me a Seattle area code and exchange right now... I changed my Sunrocket number to forward to the 206 area code one, but I'm not sure how long that will last... Oh well, I'm off to go pick up Grace at the airport... Her flight from SNA to IAH got delayed departing from 14:45 to 18:17 with an arrival time delayed from 20:02 to 23:35... From what I hear, it's because someone at the Houston TRACON ordered out for Mexican food for lunch and then decided to have fun lighting farts... Or something like that... http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5003014.html |
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