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What do you think? Your opinion is very important, so I need your feedback. I am confident I will get a new logo back today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Suzi
Friday, January 31, 2014
First Copy of Front Logo for Scuba Cruise Tee Shirt
What do you think? Your opinion is very important, so I need your feedback. I am confident I will get a new logo back today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Suzi
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
More Information on Diving in Bora Bora
Known as the island with one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora Bora is an island paradise .
There, you will discover dive sites of unique biodiversity. Like that of ANAU, where manta rays come to get a grooming from the cleaner fish on the site. On other sites, you will encounter an abundance of rich marine fauna like turtles, sharks, manta rays and countless other species.
There, you will discover dive sites of unique biodiversity. Like that of ANAU, where manta rays come to get a grooming from the cleaner fish on the site. On other sites, you will encounter an abundance of rich marine fauna like turtles, sharks, manta rays and countless other species.
Confirmation of dives in Bora Bora
We are confirmed to dive in Bora Bora; just passing along the dive operators note.
Ia Orana Suzy,
Thank you for your message to our diving centers.
I know that you have received a message from Rangiroa and Moorea, and for Bora Bora I am the one to answer :)
The meeting point will be in front of Tourism Office on the cruise dock at 08:30am.
We will see you very soon.
Sunny Regards
Ia Orana Suzy,
Thank you for your message to our diving centers.
I know that you have received a message from Rangiroa and Moorea, and for Bora Bora I am the one to answer :)
The meeting point will be in front of Tourism Office on the cruise dock at 08:30am.
We will see you very soon.
Sunny Regards
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Tel. : +689 60 50 50
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Group Tee Shirt Orders
Sizes small through XL
Add $3.00 for 2XL or 3XL.
long sleeve $15.00
short sleeve $12.00
tank top $14.00
polo $25.00
crew neck sweat shirt $18.00
hooded sweat shirt $25.00
If you have another style request, let me know and as long as it is in stock, I can obtain pricing for you.
Recommended Colors: white, light grey, tan or light blue. However, if you have another color in mind, and its in stock, it will be accommodated. Details about placing your order will be posted AFTER the front design is available, which hopefully will be later today.
Thanks.
Suzi
Ocean Princess Cruise Reviews
Here is an excerpt from Melissa Paloti, a contributor at Cruise Critic:
Ocean Princess Ratings
| Dining |
4.0
|
4.3
|
| Public Rooms |
4.0
|
4.7
|
| Cabins |
3.0
|
4.6
|
| Entertainment |
4.0
|
3.9
|
| Spa & Fitness |
4.0
|
4.3
|
| Family & Children |
2.0
|
1.0
|
| Shore Excursions |
4.0
|
5.1
|
| Enrichment |
3.0
|
NA
|
| Service |
4.0
|
4.8
|
| Value-for-Money |
4.0
|
4.2
|
| Rates |
4.0
|
4.4
|
For someone who's traveled on Princess' bigger ships -- like Sapphire Princess and the still-sparkling Crown -- I boarded Ocean Princess, one of the line's two small vessels, not knowing what to expect. Immediately, it was clear I'd left the cookie-cutter world of mega-ships for something unique. Burgundy carpets and dark woods dominate the decor throughout the ship, creating a completely different feel than the peachy tones on newer mega-ships like Crown and Sapphire Princess. Sitting areas on either side of the reception desk feature sedate blue couches around a coffee table on Oriental-style carpeting. In a strange way it felt like coming home (or staying at a friend's very large English country house).
Ocean Princess, which, despite offers some of Princess' more exotic itineraries in Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa, has its own story to tell. Princess acquired the 30,277-ton, 680-passenger ship and sister-ship Pacific Princess in 2002 from now-defunct Renaissance Cruises where it was one of eight near-identical mid-size ships. Its one of two "R-class" ships in Princess' fleet. (Pacific Princess is largely identical.)
On Ocean Princess, the exterior received the bulk of the changes: The ship was outfitted with Princess' trademark blue-tinted windows and a fresh coat of white paint. However, the interior went untouched. The lobby resembles that of a boutique hotel, with a grand staircase reminiscent of the Titanic as a dramatic focal point with wrought iron railings. Even some of the signage remains from the ship's Renaissance days. The oval plaque outside Sterling Steakhouse, for example, reads simply the Grill; if you are looking for Sabatini's, Princess' Italian eatery, well that's labeled Italian Restaurant.
Once inside, however, the experience is distinctively Princess. Menus are in line with the same eateries elsewhere in the fleet. Indulging at Sabatini's brought back memories of my first experience at that restaurant, on Sapphire Princess in Alaska -- just the same, you choose your main entree only, and a parade of hot and cold appetizers, salads, and pastas are served automatically. It's truly an event, and a Princess trademark I was glad to revisit.
The ship is elegant and gorgeous ... and intimate. There's only one pool (really all it needs) and a cabaret lounge takes the place of a main theater. Only one public space -- the Tahitian Lounge -- really feels Polynesian, with murals of tropical flowers and dark-skinned women gracing the walls. What's sometimes odd about a cruise on Ocean Princess is that menus and entertainment do not spotlight the itineraries it cruises. Aside from sailaway, the onboard atmosphere is generally very different from life on the other side of the gangway (or tender).
Having sailed on modern Princess ships including Sapphire and Crown, I found that the size of this gorgeous ship made it possible to get to know the staff onboard; almost all would stop what they were doing to say hello, whether I was passing by with my laptop and coffee first thing in the morning, or coming back onboard from a day ashore. It's that personal interaction more than anything else onboard that sets Ocean Princess apart from its larger fleet mates.
Ocean Princess, which, despite offers some of Princess' more exotic itineraries in Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa, has its own story to tell. Princess acquired the 30,277-ton, 680-passenger ship and sister-ship Pacific Princess in 2002 from now-defunct Renaissance Cruises where it was one of eight near-identical mid-size ships. Its one of two "R-class" ships in Princess' fleet. (Pacific Princess is largely identical.)
On Ocean Princess, the exterior received the bulk of the changes: The ship was outfitted with Princess' trademark blue-tinted windows and a fresh coat of white paint. However, the interior went untouched. The lobby resembles that of a boutique hotel, with a grand staircase reminiscent of the Titanic as a dramatic focal point with wrought iron railings. Even some of the signage remains from the ship's Renaissance days. The oval plaque outside Sterling Steakhouse, for example, reads simply the Grill; if you are looking for Sabatini's, Princess' Italian eatery, well that's labeled Italian Restaurant.
Once inside, however, the experience is distinctively Princess. Menus are in line with the same eateries elsewhere in the fleet. Indulging at Sabatini's brought back memories of my first experience at that restaurant, on Sapphire Princess in Alaska -- just the same, you choose your main entree only, and a parade of hot and cold appetizers, salads, and pastas are served automatically. It's truly an event, and a Princess trademark I was glad to revisit.
The ship is elegant and gorgeous ... and intimate. There's only one pool (really all it needs) and a cabaret lounge takes the place of a main theater. Only one public space -- the Tahitian Lounge -- really feels Polynesian, with murals of tropical flowers and dark-skinned women gracing the walls. What's sometimes odd about a cruise on Ocean Princess is that menus and entertainment do not spotlight the itineraries it cruises. Aside from sailaway, the onboard atmosphere is generally very different from life on the other side of the gangway (or tender).
Having sailed on modern Princess ships including Sapphire and Crown, I found that the size of this gorgeous ship made it possible to get to know the staff onboard; almost all would stop what they were doing to say hello, whether I was passing by with my laptop and coffee first thing in the morning, or coming back onboard from a day ashore. It's that personal interaction more than anything else onboard that sets Ocean Princess apart from its larger fleet mates.
Ocean Princess Fellow Passengers
The majority of Ocean Princess' passengers are in their 40's, 50's and 60's, with the average overall age falling somewhere between 50 and 55. On our sailing, there were also a few kids and a handful of honeymooning couples; most guests hailed from North America (the U.S. and Canada), though there was also a decent showing from Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
Ocean Princess Dress Code
During the day, most passengers conform to a casual, country club-style of dress. I was surprised by how many passengers donned sparkly gowns and tuxes for our trip's two formal nights, but plenty of others went a little more casual, wearing shorter dresses or light suit jackets. I made a nice sundress (floral, but black, so somewhat "formal") and high heeled shoes work, leaving pantyhose behind altogether.
Ocean Princess Gratuity
Gratuities, which are automatically charged to onboard accounts, are $11.50 per person (including children), per day, for passengers staying in standard accommodations and $12 for passengers staying in mini-suite and suites. A 15 percent gratuity is added to beverage purchases onboard, including wine at dinner. Spa and casino staff members do not share in the gratuity charges -- if you use these services, tips are advised.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Diving in Moorea
Diving in Rangiroa
Rangiroa is most famous for its wall dives; however, I am unable to confirm which dive sites we will go to. The dive operation is aware that we are experienced divers with cameras and has indicated they will do what they can to insure we have 2 unrushed dives.
Please refer to TopDive's website for more information.
Avatoru reef :
Coming out from the right side of the Avatoru pass, you will find the reef teeming with life. The main dive site is situated on a coral plateau of an area of 50 - 65 feet stretched out in the direction of the pass. This site is ideally situated to favour unforgettable sightings of the majestic Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) and countless other species of fish, like schools of Bigeye jackfish (Caranx sexfasciatus) and perhaps even the African Pompano jackfish (Alectis ciliaris)…
Little pass (ocean drift dive) :
This site is accessible through the incoming current into the pass of Avatoru. Ideally, you would drift from the middle of the pass into a narrow “little pass” between the 2 islets. All along the dive, you encounter several species of sharks like the Blackfin shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), or even Whitetip shark (Triaenoden obesus) seen resting along the small cavities of the wall as well as a multitude of fish species: groupers, moray eels and scorpion fish. Once in awhile, one should scan the surface for a chance sighting of an occasional manta ray with its mouth wide open trawling for plankton.
The dive finishes in the calm waters of the lagoon among the fish and beautiful coral.
This dive is good for all certified diver levels, especially those having experience in current diving.
Maximum depth is 65 feet.
This site is accessible through the incoming current into the pass of Avatoru. Ideally, you would drift from the middle of the pass into a narrow “little pass” between the 2 islets. All along the dive, you encounter several species of sharks like the Blackfin shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), or even Whitetip shark (Triaenoden obesus) seen resting along the small cavities of the wall as well as a multitude of fish species: groupers, moray eels and scorpion fish. Once in awhile, one should scan the surface for a chance sighting of an occasional manta ray with its mouth wide open trawling for plankton.
The dive finishes in the calm waters of the lagoon among the fish and beautiful coral.
This dive is good for all certified diver levels, especially those having experience in current diving.
Maximum depth is 65 feet.
Mahuta (ocean drift dive) :
This dive requires particularly calm weather conditions, timed with an incoming current for the best visibility. Entry is on the eastern side of Motu Fara, the small islet in the middle of the Avatoru pass. There, you let yourself drift into an undersea valley where you find a wall covered with magnificent coral formations hosting a variety of aquatic life: unicornfish, surgeonfish, paddletail snappers and fusiliers.
You may come across an occasional manta or leopard ray swimming counter current.
You may come across an occasional manta or leopard ray swimming counter current.
The undersea journey finishes on the sand dunes punctuated by coral heads covered inhabited by scores of little creatures: nudibranches, moray eels, snappers, groupers, kingfish, Whitetip and Blacktip sharks.
Site is accessible to all dive certifications with a minimum diving experience. Maximum depth is around 60 feet.
2. Tiputa Pass
Tiputa Reef (Ocean dive) :
Exiting the Tiputa pass from the left, you’ll discover a magnificent coral plateau at a depth of 50 feet. From 65 feet, the drop-off comes rather abruptly, offering a direct view into the big blue.
This site opens up into an abundant display of marine life: a magnificent coral garden with multitudes of fish species. By chance, you’ll see a turtle feeding on succulent sea sponges, a few Whitetip sharks wandering the reef, some Grey sharks hidden by a huge school of barracudas, or a napoleon grouper accompanied by a hunting blue jackfish. Other exceptional encounters may be a leopard ray surfacing from the abyss along the reef or a manta ray enjoying the grooming services of many small wrasses.
This site opens up into an abundant display of marine life: a magnificent coral garden with multitudes of fish species. By chance, you’ll see a turtle feeding on succulent sea sponges, a few Whitetip sharks wandering the reef, some Grey sharks hidden by a huge school of barracudas, or a napoleon grouper accompanied by a hunting blue jackfish. Other exceptional encounters may be a leopard ray surfacing from the abyss along the reef or a manta ray enjoying the grooming services of many small wrasses.
On this dive, one must not fail to look into the deep blue for chance sightings of cruising bottlenose dolphins. Some of which are not too shy to show off their pirouettes in the presence of impressed divers. A dream come true for many a childhood fantasy !
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
Mypristis (Soldierfish) Reef :
Myripristis is the scientific name of the myriad soldierfish that populate this coral reef.
Located just at the exit of the pass, you’ll also discover anemones with their tenant clown fish, many soft coral,marbled groupers and depending on the season: a Grey shark nursery, Whitetip sharks, rays … a very beautiful marine atmosphere.
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
Located just at the exit of the pass, you’ll also discover anemones with their tenant clown fish, many soft coral,marbled groupers and depending on the season: a Grey shark nursery, Whitetip sharks, rays … a very beautiful marine atmosphere.
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
The Angle (ocean dive) :
The Angle is situated between Tiputa pass, offering a view of the Tiputa pass and at the same time of the external drop-off of the open ocean. Depending on the seasons, there may be sightings of large schools ofpaddletail snappers and hundreds of bigeyed scads in perpetual motion to keep away from their likely predators like the jacks, napoleon wrasses, dogtooth tuna and sharks.
Throughout the dive, lingering in the deep blue may bring you into contact with a school of barracudas, dolphins, or perhaps even a Sailfish. Much closer to the ocean floor, one may spy a dozen resting grey sharks.
This dive may most likely encounter current, therefore an experienced certified level is required.
The Blue (ocean dive) :
Descending into the blue of the Tiputa reef, you’ll be see, coming out of nowhere, scores of marine life. You may encounter barracudas, jackfish, tuna, Grey sharks, Silvertip sharks, Silky sharks and even Bottlenose dolphins. Underwater excitement guaranteed!
To thoroughly enjoy this dive, which takes place in deep blue of the reef, a good mastery of buoyancy control is required.
To thoroughly enjoy this dive, which takes place in deep blue of the reef, a good mastery of buoyancy control is required.
The Step (ocean drift dive) :
This dive has amazing underwater topography: the step, the canyons, and the Motu Nuhi Nuhi. Your diveguide will choose the best divepath that provides the most marine life encounters, assuring your maximum comfort and security. Note that a good mastery of one’s buoyancy is key to enjoying this drift dive.
You shall also be given the best technical drift dive recommendations.
It is an unforgettable experience in your quest for exciting pelagic encounters.
Our advice: Be patient and stay alert since these sightings are usually sudden. Keep your eyes wide open and follow your guide. You may be in for a wonderful surprise!
It is an unforgettable experience in your quest for exciting pelagic encounters.
Our advice: Be patient and stay alert since these sightings are usually sudden. Keep your eyes wide open and follow your guide. You may be in for a wonderful surprise!
The Canyons :
Located on the inside of the Tiputa pass, this site is accessible by way of the incoming current on a drift dive.
The canyons are, in fact, faults through the pass. Many fish find refuge in the currents passing through these faults: schools of surgeonfish, whitetip sharks, napoleon wrasses and in the small crevices, the little soldierfish.
This undersea landscape provides a temporary refuge to divers from the raging currents and abreast of a major crossing point for many interesting marine life such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
The canyons are, in fact, faults through the pass. Many fish find refuge in the currents passing through these faults: schools of surgeonfish, whitetip sharks, napoleon wrasses and in the small crevices, the little soldierfish.
This undersea landscape provides a temporary refuge to divers from the raging currents and abreast of a major crossing point for many interesting marine life such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
3. Motu (we are not planning to go here - it's a snorkeling site).
4. The Wall
Ocean depth of 35- 165 feet.
This dive takes place along a steep drop-off of broken by faults and rock overhangs, covered with delicate branches of orange and purple Stylaster soft coral.
All these caves are home to many species of reef fish, angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, and perhaps you'll come face-to-face with a giant grouper...
The water is clear, deep blue. As random encounters, you will see scads, tunas, sharks, gray or white tip lagoon sharks.
Confirmation of Dives in Rangiroa
Ia Orana Susanne,
Thank you for your message,
I do confirm your group of 5 divers booked for 2 dives on the 23rd of
Feb. We will come to pick you up by van at the pier where all passengers will
land from the ship at 9H45/50
Be aware that the time to be ready with the equipment, our instructors to
do the briefing of the dive… the boat departure for the first dive is schedule
at 10H30am, back at the dive center at 12.30pm. The second dive depart at 2H15pm. After the second dive, we will drop you at the same pier at about 4pm for you to take the last tender and return on the ship. Please note the ship sails at 5pm,
There's a snack bar next to the dive center if you wish to eat something
between the 2 dives. (accept only local currency). We will do our best to satisfy all your request (no rush, desire to take
picture…).
Anyway for sure even if you will be with other divers on the same boat,
under water you'll be the 5 of you only with one of our instructor leading you.
So everything should go well… No other divers to worry about under water…
Thank you again and see you very soon in Rangiroa
Best regards
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Audrey
CLEMENT Assistant commercial / Sales assistant TOPDIVE Rangiroa rangiroa@topdive.com | |||||
| Tel : +689 960 560 | Cel : +689 72 39 55 | |||||
Confirmation of Dives in Moorea
Ia Ora Na Susanne,
Thank you for your email.
I so confirm your booking for 5 divers + 1 non diver for a 2 tank dive on
February 28th.
We'll pick you up by boat at the tender arrival at 8:30am, all your gear
'll be ready on board and we'll go diving directly. Our boat can accept 15 divers , 3 group of 5 with 1 instructor for each
group.
As you are 5, it'll be just you in the group with an instructor so you'll
be able to take pictures.
I shall, of course, be delighted to give any additional information that
you may require,
Best regards from sunny Moorea,
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Marie
STABILE Assistante commerciale Sales assistant TOPDIVE Moorea moorea@topdive.com | ||||||
| Tel. : +689 56 31 44 | Cell. : +689 74 51 91 | ||||||
Monday, January 27, 2014
Group Dining Update
Our travel agent received this from our group coordinator at Princess; once we get on the ship, I will try to sort things out. We are all confirmed for late seating at least.
Thanks.
Suzi
Thanks.
Suzi
From: jjames@princesscruises.com
Sent: 1/27/2014 9:05:02 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subj: Re: Fw: TNB/7406 - 120 Day Info Packet
Sent: 1/27/2014 9:05:02 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subj: Re: Fw: TNB/7406 - 120 Day Info Packet
Hi Suzy,
I am sorry, I can not guarantee a table for 10, there is only one table for 10. To keep them together, it would be recommended to have a table for 6 and 4 in the same waiter station & they can move around amongst themselves.
Below is a new confirmation showing that I have added the request to have champagne glasses available to the group.
Thank you.
I am sorry, I can not guarantee a table for 10, there is only one table for 10. To keep them together, it would be recommended to have a table for 6 and 4 in the same waiter station & they can move around amongst themselves.
Below is a new confirmation showing that I have added the request to have champagne glasses available to the group.
Thank you.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
2014 Scuba Cruise Tee Shirt Design Update
My tee shirt guy has emailed me a copy of his design for the back of the tee shirts; here it is. Please let me know what you think. Yes, it is in French-we are going to French Polynesia after all!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Surface Interval Time: How Long after Diving before your can Fly
Recently, a person thinking about diving with the group asked a very important question regarding how much time we had to wait after diving before it was safe to fly home. When I got certified, I believe was at least 24 hours, but based on several sources, including DAN and the American Academy of Physicians, it's 12 hours if you are NOT diving consecutive days, which we aren't. According to a DAN article I was reading, published in 1995, a lot depends on your overall physical well being.
The U.S. Navy tables recommend that you wait at least two hours before you board a plane after diving (I got this info from a Navy Recruiter and diver I work with); the U.S.Air Force says you should wait 24 hours, however this is for consecutive days of diving; DAN recommends a 12-hour minimum surface interval before flying. Since every one in the dive group will spend an additional night in Papeete after the dives in Morrea, we have nothing to worry about. But I thought you might be interested in the recommended pre-flight surface interval time suggested by DAN; here's what they say:
Revised "Flying After Diving" Guidelines for Recreational Diving - May 2002 (the most recent guidelines)
The following guidelines are the consensus of attendees at a 2002 Flying After Diving Workshop. They apply to air dives followed by flights at cabin altitudes of 2,000 to 8,000 feet (610 to 2,438 meters) for divers who do not have symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS). The recommended preflight surface intervals do not guarantee avoidance of DCS - (some people refer to it as DCI). Longer surface intervals will reduce DCS risk further.
For a single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
For dives requiring decompression stops, there is little evidence on which to base a recommendation and a preflight surface interval substantially longer than 18 hours appears prudent.
Good Luck!
The U.S. Navy tables recommend that you wait at least two hours before you board a plane after diving (I got this info from a Navy Recruiter and diver I work with); the U.S.Air Force says you should wait 24 hours, however this is for consecutive days of diving; DAN recommends a 12-hour minimum surface interval before flying. Since every one in the dive group will spend an additional night in Papeete after the dives in Morrea, we have nothing to worry about. But I thought you might be interested in the recommended pre-flight surface interval time suggested by DAN; here's what they say:
Revised "Flying After Diving" Guidelines for Recreational Diving - May 2002 (the most recent guidelines)
The following guidelines are the consensus of attendees at a 2002 Flying After Diving Workshop. They apply to air dives followed by flights at cabin altitudes of 2,000 to 8,000 feet (610 to 2,438 meters) for divers who do not have symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS). The recommended preflight surface intervals do not guarantee avoidance of DCS - (some people refer to it as DCI). Longer surface intervals will reduce DCS risk further.
For a single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
For dives requiring decompression stops, there is little evidence on which to base a recommendation and a preflight surface interval substantially longer than 18 hours appears prudent.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Location Update: Pre-Dive Orientation & Bon Voyage Party
The Tahitian Lounge
Deck 10 Fwd
The Tahitian Lounge (a part of it) will be the venue reserved for the Scuba Cruise Pre-Dive Orientation & Bon Voyage Party on February 20, 2014 from 5pm to 6pm. Please make note of this in your Scuba Cruise Planner.
The Tahitian Lounge will be the perfect location to be during sail-away; especially since February is a such a wet month. There will be a "no-host" bar available, however, we will be providing some complementary bubbly.
The Tahitian Lounge, is located high on the ship overlooking the bow. As such, it offers
spectacular views. This venue will also be the location for our final group meeting.
Water Temps & Weather in Tahiti
Papeete is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the Society lslands in French Polynesia, roughly half way between Australia and California. Tahiti is really two mountain peaks linked by an isthmus which slopes down to the ocean.Tahitian and French are the local languages. English is understood, however many do not speak it. The climate is tropical and divided into two seasons: wet & dry. December-February is considered to be the wet (rainy) season. When figuring out what to pack on the cruise, remember that this time of year, thunderstorms are very common. It's going to be hot and humid, with occasional showers.
Divers will be happy to note that normal water temps are in the 28 to 29°C (82 to 84°F) range; currently the water is 83 degrees.
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