My trip schedule; would love to have ya'll join me if you can

[Don Wray]

Hi folks, I just received my trip schedule for the next year.  Take a look and if anyone is interested let me know.  I would love to have ya'll join me.

TIDBITS
For travelers who will be handling their own airline arrangements, please note: US Air and several other common carriers have or will institute a $25 fee for checking a second bag on many domestic flights.  Before completing your purchase carefully review baggage requirements and limitations.
 
Our US Passport office seems to have caught up with their backlog and passport applications are being processed in a more timely manner.  If you don't have a passport yet, go to:Passport Home and begin the process before the summer rush.
 
TRAVELTIME
VORTEX SPRINGS, Ponce de Leon, Florida
www.vortexspring.com
May 2-4, 2008
It is time for a ROAD TRIP!  We love an excuse for a Florida weekend get away.  We can expect moderate air temps, clear, 72 degree water and lots of time for relaxing and fun.  Divers may leave anytime on Friday, although working just half a day and sneaking out early seems to be the best plan for this 8.5-9 hour journey.  Planned dive activities begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday morning which should find most of you well rested.  Trip fee includes: group housing in the Otter Creek Lodge, daily springs admissions, air fills, and Saturday night dinner.  Open Water training dives for beginners will be offered as well as select Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Enriched Air Specialty dives.  Trip fees are based on a minimum group of ten participants.  Deposits are accepted on a first come basis and MUST be received in this office no later than 5:00 PM on May 18, 2008.  Your deposit is a promise to participate; reservations are made and staff selected, therefore we are unable to make any refunds once deposit has been made.  Gear rental fees $100, certification card fees $30.
    TRIP FEE:    $195
    DEPOSIT:     $95 Due immediately to reserve your space
    BALANCE:    Due no later than 5:00 PM on April 25
PS This trip is open to all Easy Divers and their diving friends.  All trip participants are asked to make at least one pool visit to complete trip paperwork, review skills, and complete a buoyancy check with wetsuit prior to our departure.
 
TEMPTATIONS
LAGUNA BEACH RESORT, Utila, Honduras
May 17 - 24, 2008
How about a lovely week in a waterfront bungalow, diving on the second largest barrier reef in the world?  This all inclusive trip is sure to be a treat for divers and their vacationing friends and family members.  In addition to our daily two tank morning dive, there are two night dives scheduled as well as unlimited shore diving.  After the diving is over there is also, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and then plenty of time to relax in paradise.  All travelers will need a current passport.  Trip includes:commercial air from Memphis and select gateway cities to Roatan, private charter air from Roatan to Utila, airport transfers, 7 nights deluxe accommodations, three meals daily served buffet style, diving, customized itinerary and packing list, pre-trip prep party and water practice session, and Easy Diver travel escort and scuba instructor.  Please call us for the dedicated trip flyer and even more details.  Airfares and taxes may change without warning, therefore the following trip prices cannot be fully guaranteed until airline ticket purchase is made.  An Easy Diver Travel Application and Charge Authorization form must be completed upon first deposit.
    COST:        Double occupancy: $2583 diver, $2200 vacationer
                      Single occupancy:  $2767 diver, $2384 vacationer
    DEPOSIT:   $500 non refundable deposit plus a credit card authorization for the airline ticket purchase
                      is due immediately to reserve space.  Deposits and airline ticket purchase may be made by
                      credit card, final balance is due 60 days prior and must be made in cash or check.
 
THE FREEDOM, Carnival Cruise
12 day Mediterranean, Turkey & Greece Cruise
June 15-27,2008
SOLD OUT
 
THE JULIET, Bahamas Sailing & Diving Adventure
July 12 - 18, 2008 and October 4 - 11, 2008
It is an Easy Divers tradition to be playing in Bahamian waters every July and October.  The Juliet offers us the greatest adventure going, as we fill up each day with diving, exploring,and fun. There are six passenger cabins with varying floor plans.  Live aboard diving is the most convenient and easy way to get a lot of experience and many dives in one single week.
    COST:         $1440 per person from Miami not including fuel surcharge, port taxes, & crew gratuitie
    DEPOSIT:    $400 Non refundable deposit per person due to reserve cabin
    BALANCE:   Due by cash or check 60 days prior to departure
 
THE REEF HOUSE RESORT
Cozumel, Mexico
July 26 - August 1, 2008
An all-inclusive resort, sandy beaches, fabulous drift diving is vacationing at its best.  This is an excellent trip for divers, vacationers, singles & families.  Trip fee includes:airfare from Memphis and select gateway cities, 7 days/ 6 nights accommodations based on double occupancy, all inclusive meals, beverages, and adult beverages, non-motorized water sports, 4 days of 2 tank diving, Drift Diving Specialty class, airport transfers, government taxes & fees, pre trip gathering and water practice session, and Easy Diver escort and Scuba instructor.
    COST:        $1675 Diver - double
                      $1375 Vacationer - double
                      $1175 Diving child in room with parents - triple
    DEPOSIT:   $250 per person or $500 per family plus a credit card for airfare purchase
    BALANCE:  Due in cash or check 60 days prior to departure
 
Please note: Your deposit on any of our trips is a promise to travel, reservations are confirmed and staff engaged, so please understand that trip deposits are non-refundable.  Airfare and taxes can also change without notice, so package price cannot be fully guaranteed until airline tickets are secured.  Easy Divers strongly encourages trip cancellation/interruption insurance.  All travelers will receive an insurance application upon completion of their Easy Diver Travel Application.  Travelers without insurance must be prepared to handle complete financial loss once trip deposits and final payments have been made.
 
PLAN AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR
 
LITTLE CAYMAN
January 2009
Nothing like a winter escape to paradise.  Generally we take advantage of the Martin Luther King Day holiday to plan our first get wet / get sun trip of the year.  The Cayman islands are one of our diving meccas.  If you have never visited before, you are in for a treat.  The reason for selecting the 'LITTLE' Cayman is its close proximity to the world famous Bloody Bay Wall.  Please visit: www.littlecayman.com and let me know if you would prefer the all inclusive stay at Little Cayman Beach resort or a stay at one of the two sister condo properties.
 
TURKS & CAICOS
March 2009
Spring Break week, we are currently looking at both an all inclusive property (BEACHES) and private waterfront condo rental.  Please email me with your vote on whether you would prefer an all-inclusive where all accommodations, transfers, meals, beverages, adult beverages, non-motorized water sports, nightly entertainment, and diving are included.  Or if you would prefer to stay in an ocean front condo and buy groceries and pay for meals and drinks as we go along.
 
THE SPIRIT, Carnival Cruise
7 day Alaska Northbound Glacier Route
July 2009
Big ship cruising is still one of the best and most affordable ways to see a lot of different places conveniently in one week.  Stay tuned for details.  The earlier we book, the more bonus amenities I can secure for us.
 
THE JULIET
Summer & Fall 2009
Stay tuned for more details, we will have at least two charters, but there is talk of moving the boat to some new home ports so that we can explore new and different waters and reefs.  I am very excited about the possibilities that have been mentioned and will clue you in just as soon as the owner makes the move official.
 
Didn't see the trip you have always hoped for?? Let me know what it is and I will start some research so we can gauge the interest in making a group expedition.  There has been some talk of Egypt/Red Sea live aboard diving.  What are your suggestions, thoughts, ideas, concerns??
 
     

[jimdiverman]

I love the Juliet.  I have been to the Bahamas and to Turks on her.  I regularly fill spots for the owner on that boat with people from other boards.  I am very happy to hear that John is interested in trying new ports.  The Bahamas are not what they used to be, unless you get to go South, and the weather doesn't always allow for that.

Looks like a great itinerary.

Jim

[Don Wray]

I hear the new ports are going to be BVI.  I agree on the Bahamas.  We were going south last year and the weather was just too bad.  We stayed right at Bimini all week, which is fine, but you get used to diving Bull Run and Triple 7 3 or 4 times in one trip.

[jimdiverman]

I hear the new ports are going to be BVI.  I agree on the Bahamas.  We were going south last year and the weather was just too bad.  We stayed right at Bimini all week, which is fine, but you get used to diving Bull Run and Triple 7 3 or 4 times in one trip.

I've never been to BVI, so if that is the case, I will try to sign up for one of those trips.  Rob Kohl at Seal Sports usually arranges a summer trip and a winter trip on the Juliet every year, so I usually go with Rob.  Rob also runs trips to the Oriskany pretty regularly.  I am going on April 5th.  He is also running next Saturday as well. The boat is called the Easy Diver.  His website is www.sealsports.net.

Jim