Cozumel Vacation

The yearly MLM cruise is quite an experience for the person wanting to learn how to better manage their business. MLM is multi-level marketing. It is all about selling products and earning commissions on the sales of your recruits. On the cruises you will meet others who have been quite successful at the MLM business. They will share with you their secrets of how to get more out of your business.

This luxury cruise includes seminars with experts in the MLM business. The consulting fees that you save can average into the thousands of dollars. On the MLM cruise you pay one price for the cruise, meals, entertainment, and the seminars. For a week, prices average about $550.

The workshops and seminars will only be a part of the learning experience. Sharing a walk or lunch with a top business person in the network marketing field can give you insights into how to help make your business more successful. Many people have said they learned more about certain aspects of how to generate more business on one of these cruises than in several years of running their business.

The MLM cruise has been ongoing since 1990. Leaving New Orleans and traveling to the Caribbean, stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize City for the day are relaxing and fun. Exploring or shopping it is bound to be an experience that you will want to repeat.

The MLM cruise ship is the Norwegian Spirit, featuring 11 restaurants and 9 lounges. The ship has staterooms available that connect making them great for families. Approximately 600 staterooms featuring private balconies with what else but an ocean view, can be great for a little romance under the stars.

Pamper yourself with a massage and manicure at the Roman Spa and Fitness Center. A pool is available to get the blood flowing and some exercise as well. It is just the thing to start your day off right.

If you are feeling lucky, check out the Maharajah’s Casino. Who knows? You may hit it big. This could be the best learning vacation you will ever take. Entertainment is ongoing throughout the day. Five meals are included in your vacation package. Activities for children are provided to allow them to have a great time as well.

The MLM cruise is normally sold out months in advance. Should you decide that this is an experience you would like to take advantage of, you need to make reservations early. A $50 deposit will hold your stateroom and place on one of these cruises. A second payment of $200 can be paid by February and pay the remainder by August 1st. Should you need to cancel your trip, do so before the remainder of the money is due to avoid having penalties attached.

Available for the MLM cruise is a monthly payment plan for your convenience. These payments can be made by check or by credit card. For a great learning vacation with all the amenities a cruise on the Spirit from New Orleans to the Caribbean can make a difference in your business and refresh your mind and body as well.

During the past 15 years, International Living magazine has calculated its Annual Global Retirement Index; a resource intended to assist retirees and future retirees in evaluating and comparing the world’s most popular retirement destinations. It is based on a number of criteria, giving various weights to each, depending on its importance to retirees. Listed below are those criteria considered with their individual weighting:

• Cost of Living—20%

• Health Care—20%

• Special Benefits—20%

• Real Estate—15%

• Entertainment, Recreation, and Culture—10%

• Climate—5%

• Safety and Stability—5%

• Infrastructure—5%

Believe it or not, until this year, Panama had topped the list for the past six years. It still has plenty to offer retirees, however this year, with 30 countries being analyzed and ranked, it fell to fourth position. Ahead of Panama in third position, was Italy with its beautiful cities, its fine weather, and of course, its historic sites. In second position was, of all countries, Ecuador, which moved all the way up from the tenth position last year. Ecuador offers an extremely low cost of living, great weather, beautiful land, a growing economy tied to the US dollar, and a stable political environment. It might be a well kept secret, but Ecuador is becoming a land of opportunity and retirees are taking advantage of it.

Now, for the number one ranked country in the world for retirement; MEXICO! Aside from the fact that Mexico is extremely convenient to the US and Canada, that Mexico’s Senior Citizens´ Benefits Program offers up to 50% discounts on many services to retirees over the age of 60, that the Mexican government has enacted many new laws encouraging foreign investment, Mexico has become an incredible place to enjoy retirement, offering the quality of life that North Americans are accustomed to with numerous extra benefits.

(As a side note, a few years ago when the Canadian dollar was at its weakest, Canada ranked in the top ten. However as the loonie has strengthened, Canada has slipped well out of the top ten this year. For reference sake only, the US ranked 19th this year!)

The major Mexican inland retirement communities are located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area. For the most part, these inland retirement communities are located in beautiful colonial cities with moderate temperatures year round. Most of the modern amenities and activities are available to retirees in these retirement cities with a very attractive cost of living. Being located inland, these retirees can purchase and own real estate with title as they would in the US or Canada.

For those desiring magnificent ocean views, the Pacific coastline offers many advantages over the Gulf of Mexico coastline; the major one being protection from storms. The entire Yucatan Peninsula area, including the Cancun and Cozumel areas are great for vacations; but due to its exposure to hurricanes, it is not considered by many to be ideal for retirement. On the other hand, the Pacific Ocean coastline seldom sees troublesome storms and offers more than a thousand miles of incredible Pebble Beach like views with a climate similar to that of Hawaii.

Pacific Ocean coastal cities such as Mazatlan, Manzanillo, and Acapulco are somewhat popular for tourists, but have become quite industrialized and commercialized and therefore not really considered as ideal retirement cities. The most desirable retirement locations from north to south along the Pacific Ocean are La Paz and Todos Santos in Baja, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Escondido.

La Paz and Todos Santos in Baja, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Escondido are more exposed to the elements than Puerto Vallarta, which is tucked behind the Sierra Madre Mountains next to Banderas Bay, safely protected from Pacific storms coming out of the south. Also, because Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo is approximately 500 miles south of Vallarta and Puerto Escondido is 300 miles even further south, the “high season”, or the time during the year with perfect weather conditions, is reduced from 7-8 months to perhaps 6-7 months. A month extra per year in Paradise is often considered to be substantial to retirees!

Using the above logic, it’s no wonder why so many retirees have migrated to Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful tourist resort area has become home to thousands of North Americans that have traveled the world, could afford to live anywhere on the planet, and have chosen Vallarta as their winter, if not full time, retirement destination.

Located at the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta has a perfect climate with an average daily temperature of 73°F from November through May with virtually no chance of rain. With a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants, Vallarta now has a new and growing infrastructure including roads, water treatment plants and distribution systems, power plants and distribution grid, airport, maritime terminal, hospitals, university, etc.

High speed internet, satellite TV, VOIP telecommunications, and US newspapers and magazines are all available in Vallarta. Most of the mega-stores found in the US and Canada have come to Vallarta including Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, and of course, every fast food chain restaurant imaginable! Vallarta now has seven world class golf courses with three more either in the planning stage or currently under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, world class deep sea fishing, and every other activity available that you would expect in a city of this size. There are numerous new cinemas, theaters, and hundreds of fine restaurants.

Due to the explosive growth of Vallarta and the influx of North Americans, it is safe to say that its entire economy is based on tourism and the retirement of North Americans, thus creating thousands of new construction and service related jobs for the locals. It has also created an atmosphere where speaking English has become a prerequisite for a decent paying job. Therefore, most of the younger Vallartenses are now becoming quite fluent in English. The inability to speak Spanish is certainly not an obstacle to retiring in Vallarta! Also, because the economy is based on the North American dollar, safety is of prime concern to the locals. You will not find a safer, more hospitable city of this size anywhere. In fact, this was clearly revealed in a survey taken by Conde Nast magazine, where Puerto Vallarta was ranked the friendliest resort destination in the world.

Now, let’s return to our quest for the top retirement haven in the world. If we can accept what the latest surveys, polls, and indices suggest, Mexico is the country and Puerto Vallarta is the city.

We’ve owned property in Vallarta for almost 25 years and have lived here as permanent residents for over ten years and can attest to its magical characteristics resulting in a quality of life that can’t be surpassed anywhere in the world. The growth that we’ve witnessed since 2000, when the PAN administration took power, has been truly amazing; so much so, that the head of the local Chamber of Commerce has projected the population of Vallarta will reach 600,000 by the year 2015. There are currently more than 7,000 new condos currently under construction with well over 20,000 more planned in the future by Fonatur, the Mexican Tourism Board. Because real estate sales in Mexico are generally done on a cash basis, this economy has not been affected by the mortgage related problems seen in the US. Real estate values have tripled since 2000 and continue to appreciate daily. Owning property here has surely been an investment of a lifetime for us.

If you’re a baby boomer, either recently retired or about to retire, you owe it to yourself; make PV your next vacation destination and consider all the qualities it has to offer. You’ll definitely be impressed with this glorious Paradise along the Mexican Riviera and will probably agree, Puerto Vallarta is the best place in the world to retire.

Convenient flights, competitive airfares, and great vacation packages are some of the reasons why most travelers choose to fly Northwest airlines. Managing your reservations is just a click away with Northwest and all you have to do is visit their website for total assistance and guidance to plan your trip.

Reservations

Like most other airlines, Northwest airlines also offers you the convenience of booking your flights online. You can also request for online e-ticket refund on the airline’ website, nwa.com. However, you should be aware that only E-Tickets beginning with 012 can be refunded on the website. You should check up with the guidelines governing refund of Northwest tickets to know if you are eligible for a refund.

Fares

Northwest offers great travel deals through its “fare promotions” link on the website. Currently (April, 2007) on the platter are low airfares on nonstop one-way flights from Detroit to Düsseldorf, and Brussels. Fares are as low as $283* each-way, however, you need to plan your trip within a specific period to avail them. While a one-way airfare from Los Angeles to Düsseldorf will cost you about $283, your one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Brussels will be priced at $348.

You can also find exciting last minute packages to enjoy a great weekend at exotic destinations. You will find great deals that combine low airfares with discounted hotel rooms and rental cars offers to have the most refreshing vacation at your favorite destination. Other low fare options include Northwest airlines World Vacations Package Specials’ to enjoy a vacation in some of the best travel destinations around the world.

Schedules

Northwest understands how important it is to have an access to the Northwest schedule in order to plan your trip in advance. You have the option of viewing electronic timetables online. If you download a Northwest/KLM Timetable on your computer, you can view it even when you are you don’t have an Internet access.

These efficient interactive travel-planning tools enable you to check out the departures and plan your itinerary effectively.

Flights

In order to provide complete travel experience to their customers, Northwest provides you some of the best travel deals through its tie up with Frommers.com. Whether you are flying to Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, or within the United States, you can depend on Frommers.com to guide you through your journey and help you plan a great holiday.

Northwest offers convenient flights to business and tourist destinations across the globe that include Las Vegas, Chicago, Toronto, Hong Kong, Athens, Brussels, Shanghai, Costa Rica, Cozumel, Jamaica, San Juan, Paris, Rome, and London.

On the Northwest website, you will also find useful travel tips to enable you to have a memorable trip with Northwest.

Most people who book a cruise for the first time (92%) will make their selection based on when they can go and how long they can stay. The second most important factor will be how much it costs. Everything else is dependant on those two items. In 2006, there were 112 different cruise ships operating out of U.S ports transporting about 10 million passengers on some 4,500 cruises. 70% of those 10 million people went to destinations in the Caribbean, and four cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity- The Big Four) accounted for about 3/4 of passengers.

If you fall into that broad category, your choices will be fewer, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something you don’t want. But simply asking “What’s the best ship (or cruise line)?” is kind of like asking “What’s the best beer?”, or “What’s the prettiest color?” The very things that one cruiser likes about a cruise are the things that other cruisers vigorously dislike. The good news is that whatever you do like, there is somebody out there doing a bang-up job providing it.

Generally speaking, the Big Four specialize in the “more-is-better” approach to cruising, while smaller cruise lines focus on more specific areas, such as 5-star quality, small intimate ships, enrichment, etc. Here are some factors you can consider when choosing your cruise.

Size of the Ship.

Here some general observations one can make regarding the size of the ship.

What the passengers are there for.

The bigger the ship, the greater the attention paid to make sure that the ship-board experience is as unforgettable as possible. This translates into activities, distractions and a festive, socially liberal, fun-and-games atmosphere. If that annoys you, these big ships may rub you the wrong way.

How many people you’ll be traveling with.

The bigger the ship, the more people there will be on it (duh). Generally speaking, families, singles and singles traveling in groups will prefer the non-stop beat of the large ships. On the other hand, if you prefer quiet and don’t like the crush of crowds at poolside or in the dining room, you’ll have much better luck in the smaller ships, especially the ones that hold fewer than 1200 passengers.

The types of ports you will visit.

Big ships go to big ports. Certain ports, such as Roatan, Honduras or Vera Cruz, Mexico, are only available to smaller ships. Sometimes those ports are the very thing that makes the cruise quite special. If the ports of call are at the top of your list of reasons to take a cruise, consider booking passage on smaller ships that have extended itineraries.

Age of the Ship

“Old” is a relative term in the cruise industry, meaning ships that were launched around 1990 or before (15+ years a go). Many of these ships were state-of-the-art at the time and trumpeted the absolute best cruising had to offer. But in the last 15 years, cruise ships have gotten bigger and more extravagant in ways that were unimaginable two decades ago.

Older ships are not bad, just different. Many are less efficiently designed and have more traditional layouts. Some of the extras and amenities that are common on the newer ships, like internet in your cabin, themed alternative dining restaurants, wave pools and ice rinks don’t usually exist on the older ships. Cabins are smaller, critical traffic areas (such as elevator lobbies and disembarkation lines) are congested and shops can be pretty cramped. Some passengers (not all) notice stale odors or complain that the ventilation systems in the cabins are cranky.

On the flip side, many of the older ships have been up-fitted and remolded in the last few years, and so are fine cruising vessels. They are primarily used on the shorter cruises (3-5 days) and generally charge lower fares. Take into the account the value of the cruise experience. Maybe the older ships aren’t as fresh and perfect as the newer ones, but the value they offer – what you get for what you pay - can be outstanding.

Design of the Ship

Whether it’s accomplished with an extreme makeover or during the building stage, cruise ships place a premium on the design. Some are designed for luxury, some for fun, some try to strike a middle ground. Ships are often given “star” ratings similar to those given to hotels. Some ships are 5-star, such as Holland America. Others are 4-star, such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Keep in mind, if you want 5-star, take a cruise on a 5-star ship. Don’t take a cruise on a 3- or 4-star ship and then be unhappy because it’s not top quality. A good source available on the internet, is the “Galaxsea.com” Cruise Ratings site (http://www.galaxsea.com/ratings.html).

I also highly recommended the various message boards that populate the internet. Such sites as Cruisecritic.com or Cruisemates.com are an excellent way to see what other people say about the ship and the itinerary you are considering. You can browse the hundreds of posts by people who have been there, and you can ask specific questions of people who take cruising very seriously.

Type of Entertainment

Whether it’s the combo that plays at poolside, the bands that perform in the clubs or the glitzy production numbers that grace the theatres, cruise ships put a lot of thought and a ton of money into presenting entertainment. Pick the right entertainment environment and you’ll spend sun-drenched days in blissful happiness. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll feel like you’re surrounded by a bunch of people scratching their fingernails on a chalkboard.

Entertainment isn’t just about the lounge/club/party scene. It’s also about cooking classes, lectures, watching a movie, wine tasting, the casino, getting your golf swing computer analyzed, karaoke, bingo, “game-show” games or touring the galley. You can get a good feel for the type of entertainment and activities a ship offers by going online and checking out the ships on-board newsletter. It lists EVERYTHING happening on the ship. Each cruise line’s website will have a sample version of their newsletter. If your travel agent is any good at all, they will have copies from a variety of cruises they have taken.

Dining

For many people, a cruise is all about the food. If you’re one of them, you’ll want to learn what your prospective ship has to offer.

Main Dining (aka Formal Dining). All cruise ships have at least one Main Dining venue and many ships have more than one. The main dining room is the embodiment of luxury and service on your ship and they all work hard to offer classy selections. It’s an opportunity to try food and preparation styles that you would never experience otherwise. The main dining rooms will also open for breakfast and lunch. There is no assigned seating for these meals, but you still get great service and the menu selections are very good.

Many ships now offer alternative restaurants that require reservations and/or a surcharge in which you can choose from restaurants that specialize in French cuisine, seafood, or any number of other themes. There is a $5 - $15 surcharge for each person, but for people that like the choice, it’s well worth the money. This option usually isn’t available on ships built before 1990, because the idea wasn’t popular enough to include the extra space needed.

Alternative Dining. In addition to the main dining room, all ships have a variety of interesting food options. Each has their own version of buffet lines that operate through-out the day, and naturally, some are better than others. New York style delis, pizza and sushi bars, and the always popular poolside grills are but a few of the ideas that are employed. Most ships now also provide coffee shops, bakeries and ice cream counters which usually cost extra. Room service is available 24-hours a day (no charge), with pastries and fruit in the mornings and sandwiches and pizza the rest of the day and night.

Available Services

Child Care and Youth Programs. Cruise lines understand that the people paying the tab need to have a good time if they are going to come back again. And the way that you make sure parents have a good time is to make sure the kids they are traveling with have a good time.

If you are planning a family cruise, you’ll want to travel on a ship that provides the best environment for the youngsters in your group. On the other hand, if you don’t want to have your space invaded by youngsters, you’ll want to stay away from cruise ships that make their youth programs a priority (such as Disney). Programs are set up to provide age appropriate activities and are usually free of charge. There will be an orientation about the youth programs on the first day of your cruise so you can get all the information you need, as well as meet the people who will be overseeing your kids.

Almost all ships provide in-cabin baby-sitting services for an extra fee. When provided, these services require you to pay cash directly to the sitter, rather than place the charge on your ship-board account.

Educational/Enrichment Programs. Alongside the more traditional programs like yoga, nutrition counseling and towel folding, some ships now offer programs on gourmet cooking, wine tasting, art education, digital photography, computers, flower arranging, ceramics and much more. Most are offered at no extra charge. The availability of programs increases the longer the cruise. Shorter cruises usually only have a single day at sea, which is the most popular time to offer these classes. Some cruise lines place as high a premium on enrichment programs as other cruise lines place on partying and fun.

Spa Facilities. Across the board, most ships consider a good spa and gym to be essential. Most cruise lines outsource their spa operation to Steiner Leisure Ltd. of London, England, who operate the spas on over one hundred cruise ships, including all of the spas on Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney ships. In all probability, no matter which ship you select, you’ll have a quality menu of options and a good spa.

Gymnasium/Fitness Center. While you can generally count on a consistent level of quality and service in the spas, unfortunately the same can’t always be said of the gyms. Some are absolutely spectacular. Others are little more than a closet with treadmills. The newer ships will have very nice gyms regardless of the cruise line. The older ships, i.e., those built before 1990, may or may not, depending on whether the ship has been recently refit. Exercise equipment usually includes treadmills, stationery bikes, weights and cardio machines and most come staffed with one or two Fitness Directors. Fitness centers usually include men’s and women’s locker rooms, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths.

Internet. Most ships have some kind of internet access, but it is a relatively new technology as far as passenger services go. On the newer ships, there is access all over the ship, even in many cabins. But the older vessels have more limited access. “Internet Cafes” are as common as casinos. Cruise lines are working hard to implement ship-wide wireless internet access and they are definitely getting there. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to check your e-mail at poolside. In some cases, wireless access is limited to one or two locations. If you do bring your laptop, finding electrical outlets on the ship can be REALLY hard. Make sure your battery is charged. Laptops and wireless cards can be rented on board.

Cabin Size and Options

There are basically four options for cabins; inside, ocean view, suite or balcony (some ships call it “verandah”).

Inside: The least expensive cabin aboard. The size of cabins can vary greatly from one ship to another. RCCL Sovereign-class ships are ridiculously small (119 square feet), whereas a similarly priced cabin on Carnival is about 50% larger (187 square feet).

Outside: Usually an identical layout to the inside cabins, but has a window or portal. The difference in price between a standard inside cabin and an ocean view cabin ranges from $10 - $40 per night (NOT per cruise) depending on the ship and the time of year. In almost all cases, outside cabins, whether or not they have balconies, are larger, sometimes by as much as 15%. If your outside cabin is on one of the decks that has an exterior deck, you won’t necessarily see much ocean and you’ll have to deal with people walking outside your window all day.

Balcony. Before 1990, balconies were not considered important, and so most ships built during that time either didn’t have any at all or have only a few. For all of the newer ships, i.e. those built after 1995, balconies are plentiful. A balcony will add $20 - $30 per night to the cost of an outside cabin, which usually works out to about twice as much as the cost of an inside cabin. For a 3-day cruise, given the short amount of time you’ll spend in your cabin, a balcony may not be worth double the cost.

Suite. Actually, “suite” is a pretty generous description, since what you’re actually getting is an extra large cabin (about twice the size of your standard cabin and 3 – 4 times the cost). There are some suites that provide separate sleeping quarters and private hot tubs on the balcony but these are very limited and very expensive (5 – 10 times as expensive as an inside cabin). Most suites are a larger, and usually better furnished, version of a standard cabin.

When considering cabin options, think about how many people will be sharing it and much time you’ll be using it. The longer the cruise, the more important size and balconies become. Location of the cabin also determines desirability (and cost). For example, lower cabins sometimes pick up engine noise or the sound of the anchor dropping, but they do tend to be more stable in rough seas. Cabins located close to the action near the middle of the ship are convenient, but may also be in high traffic areas which translates into noise in the halllway outside your cabin.

Itinerary

Caribbean cruises are broken down into 3 broad regions – Western Caribbean (Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West, FL; the Dominican Republic; Jamaica; Belize; or Costa Rica), Eastern Caribbean (Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. John, Puerto Rico, or Turks & Caicos) and Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Martinique, Barbados or St. Thomas).

Western Caribbean cruises tend to include more sea days because the destinations are so far apart and the distance one must travel across the Gulf of Mexico is so long. If you take one of these, make sure you choose a ship you’re going to like because you’ll be spending a lot of time on it.

Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises usually include more ports of call (the islands are right next to each other) and therefore offer a wider variety of venues. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a wider variety of activities. The basic offerings from port to port will generally be the same type of activity, just different scenery.

Some things you’ll want to consider in addition to where you are going:

How long will you be there? Ships that are in port for only part of a day only allow enough time for one shore excursion and may not leave time for shopping or bar hopping. Ships that stay in port overnight, or at least until midnight allow for more diversity of activities in port.

When do you arrive/leave? This can matter, for example, if you want to do a sunset dinner cruise, but the ship pulls out sundown. Likewise, if you’ve booked a shore excursion on your own that requires a pick-up time at 9:30 am, but your ship doesn’t dock until noon, you’ll lose your money.

How do you get ashore? Sometimes the cruise ships tie up at a pier and you just head down to the gangway and walk ashore. Other times the ship has to anchor away from the dock and deliver people ashore via tenders, which means there will be a bottle neck getting on and off the ship. This can be a major pain, especially if the ship is one of the super liners that has to disgorge 3,000+ passengers. Also, the roughness of the wind and water can hamper tender activities and can even cause the ship to decide to not stay in the port.

In Summary

For many cruisers, you won’t really care about all of these factors. No problema. Just pay attention to the ones that are important to you. Whether you are booking through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line, ask about the issues that are important to you and make sure you check out the online reviews and message boards to get objective info.

HAPPY CRUISING!

Transcending the tourist blitz that conquered its Mayan Riviera counterpart, Playa del Carmen is a destination where the simple pleasures take center stage and relaxation is always the order of the day. Beaches, historical attractions, and local comforts are served up in abundant quantities, and everything you need for a memorable seaside getaway is at your fingertips for a Playa del Carmen getaway to remember.

The central part of Playa del Carmen, or Playa as it is commonly called, offers a wide beach that gradually narrows as it winds it way past the various vendors, beach bars, and restaurants. While you will find a sparkling white sands and gorgeous turquoise waters that are ripe for swimming, the beach can become narrow and rocky as the winds and current change. If this happens during your sunbathing hours, it is a good idea to move north and enjoy the gorgeous fine sands of Playa Tukan. As one of the best beaches in the area, be sure to rent a canopy bed and stake out a prime sunning spot early so you can experience this beautiful stretch of sand at your own leisure.

While strolling along the sands and soaking up the tropical breeze are ideal for forgetting your worries, more active pursuits are at your disposal along the banks of this stunning paradise. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available around reefs and caverns that can be accessed far offshore, but a better option lies around the island of Cozumel. Simply hop aboard the ferry and you are on your way towards underwater adventures beyond compare. If you are looking for boat and deep-sea fishing charters, your best bet is to try the nearby community of Puerto Aventuras.

Impossible to miss since it is the starting point for essentially every Playa del Carmen excursion, Quinta Avenida (or 5th Avenue) is a 14-block extravaganza where pedestrians can stroll the cobblestone-lined streets and soak up the distinct and lively atmosphere. Buzzing with bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and vendors, you can pick up a few souvenirs, enjoy some tasty cuisine, or plan your seaworthy adventures along this bustling thoroughfare.

If you can pull yourself away from the refreshing waters, fine white sand, and excitement of Quinta Avenida, other towns along the coast offer some must-see historical attractions that are sure to leave you spellbound. The Coba and Tulum Ruins are easily within striking distance and offer stunning examples of Mayan settlements and civilization. Although the Coba Ruins have not been reconstructed or uncovered to the same degree as the Tulum Ruins, they are still worth the effort for the striking pyramid and mysterious aura. The Tulum Ruins, the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, feature a massive wall that surrounds the imposing civilization and is one of only a few in the Mayan culture.

Two other sights that certainly should not be missed are the nature parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xcaret, located just south of Playa del Carmen, is a spectacular eco-park that features a gorgeous swimming beach, a butterfly pavilion, a museum with models of ancient Maya cities, and numerous other outdoor pursuits. Xel-Ha is a natural wonderland where waterways and paths wind their way through a tropical jungle and past crystal-clear lagoons and coves. When you aren’t soaking in the stunning scenery, snorkeling around schools of multicolored fish and swimming with the dolphins are all popular in this area.

Playa del Carmen is a land of endless opportunities, where you can swim, play, and explore to your heart’s content in a shockingly simple and diverse waterfront riviera. Always commanding attention for its stunning natural beauty and its exciting attractions, you can surround yourself with the best the Mayan Riviera has to offer in Playa del Carmen vacation rentals. Resting along the sparkling white sands and within sight of the clear Caribbean waters, the finest pleasures of a seaside vacation are just a short stroll away morning and night. Set our own agenda or follow the pace of the town, whatever you want out of your Mexico getaway, Playa del Carmen rentals are always an accommodating host.

It’s a shame to lay out $250 - $2,500 on a dreamy cruise vacation only to encounter unnecessary mishaps and inconveniences. So, in an effort to minimize the likelihood of a bump in the road to your perfect vacation, here are some common potholes that you can avoid.

Mistake #1: Not Making Your Luggage Distinctive. At the end of your cruise, your luggage will be placed in a huge room with THOUSANDS of pieces of luggage, probably in some designated area based on the color of a luggage tag provided by the ship. No matter how familiar you think you are with your own luggage, it’s amazing how well your bags will blend in with the mass of cargo surrounding them. Having a quick, easy way to identify your luggage will be a major relief, especially if it gets misplaced.

BUT, that isn’t the main reason to make your luggage stand out. You will be entering this cavernous room with a couple thousand other people, some of whom stayed up all night partying. They are going to be impatient to get their bag and get out and there is a fairly good chance that their vision isn’t so good. If your bag looks like their bag, it could be a goner. And, if a stranger does take your luggage it could be hours, even days, before you get it back.

Do something durable and noticeable to your luggage so that it not only is recognizable to you, but also let’s bleary-eyed fellow travelers know that your bag is not their bag. Put stickers on it, paint a day-glo streak around it, sew a teddy bear onto the outside… just make sure it stands out.

Mistake #2: Not Researching Shore Excursions Beforehand. It should come as no surprise that cruise line advertising folks have the ability to describe each and every shore excursion as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course, no cruise is complete without shore excursions and many of them are absolutely wonderful chances to do things you would never do otherwise. But, be smart here. It’s okay to get hoodwinked into thinking that palm trees do sway all day long and that sand feels like silk under your feet. But, it’s a whole ‘nother thing to be looking forward to that perfect, serene afternoon on a remote beach only to find out you have 500 friends, some with young kids, crowding around you and bumping into your beach chair while vendors hawk everything from coconut shells to t-shirts.

Before you commit, read some reviews, talk to the cruise ship shore excursion folks, ask fellow passengers, do some thinking. Most cruise ships have a “No Refund” policy on shore excursions, but don’t be afraid to ask for one if your experience is truly unacceptable. Better still, find out what you’re getting before you go. Many (if not most) shore excursions are just great and you’ll be happy you went. But cover your stump and you’ll be glad you did.

Mistake #3: Runaway Bar Tabs. Unless you specifically choose a package that includes it, your bar tab is NOT included in the “all inclusive” part of your cruise. Adding to the bite is the ubiquitous 15% gratuity that gets added to every purchase you make on board a ship.

I could suggest that you drink less, but that’s just plain dumb! You’re on a cruise! So, pay attention to how much you drink. Those cute little umbrellas drinks that come in a stunning canary-yellow cup will cost you about twice what a basic cocktail costs. Cruise ship booze is already costly enough; you don’t need to help them out by spending more for a cup that you’ll stash in a closet when you get home.

Cruise ships have a policy against bringing alcohol on board, but the policy is very loosely enforced if you don’t flaunt it. In other words, don’t strap a handle onto a case of Budweiser and check it as baggage or load up your carry-on bag with bottles of Wild Turkey. Discreetly packed airline bottles of booze or cans of beer will probably go unnoticed. Don’t try to sponsor a frat party, but you can definitely help yourself out a bit.

You are allowed to bring your own wine on board if you plan to drink it at dinner, though you are charged a “corking fee”. And, you can also bring a small stash of non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, etc) with no problem. You should definitely bring some water, especially if you’re cruising in warm climates.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Fury of the Sun Gods. Sun Burn treatments are the fourth most popular reason that people on cruises visit the ship’s infirmary. (The first three are: 1) bumps and bruises, 2) indigestion, 3) seasickness). Once you’re burned, there isn’t much anyone can do for you except try to alleviate the pain. (My favorite treatment for that is something called “Traumeel”. You can’t find it in the drugstore, but most health food places will have it.)

If you’re cruising in the winter months (Nov – Feb), you don’t have as big a problem. Even when you are in the sub-tropics, and even though your skin probably hasn’t seen sun for several months, the sun is hitting you at an angle and that makes all the difference. You still need to be careful, but you have more leeway.

In the spring and summer months, when the sun is overhead, you can get burned in as little as an hour, especially in the afternoon hours. Some silly people forgo the sunscreen because they want to make sure they get a tan. Not a good idea. Start your sunbathing session with at least 15 SPF (30 if you haven’t been in the sun, with extra protection on your lips). As you get closer to your end time, use less SPF. Even with a good sun blocker, your friends and co-workers will still know that you’ve been out in the sun.

Hats are a serious plus if you are in sunburn territory. Most people don’t put sunscreen on their heads, and so the part of your body that is getting the most direct rays for the longest period of time remains unprotected. Visors don’t protect your skull; you need some type of covering.

Mistake #5: No First Aid Kit. As previously noted, there are several reasons that passengers end up wasting time (and sometimes money) visiting the infirmary. You may not be able to avoid all mishaps, but you can prepare for the lesser blunders. By the way, all of this applies double if you’re traveling with kids!

Bumps and Bruises. The biggest reason people visit the ship’s doctor probably has something to do with mixing booze, slippery surfaces, metal railings and the rolling motion of the ship. For most of your injuries, the right size band-aid and a good analgesic crème will do the trick. A simple travel or camping first-aid kit will have what you need.

Indigestion. One of the drawbacks of having such constant access to all that wonderful rich food that cruise ships are famous for is that people eat it. And eat it. And eat some more. Unless you are a strict disciplinarian, you can expect to consume about two or three times your normal food quantity in an average day. Add to that the steady consumption of alcohol that is a hallmark of cruising and voila! Indigestion. Take along some Alka Seltzer, some Pepto Bismol and sum type of antacid tablet, like Tums or Rolaids. All of these are available in tablet form. Some ships stores will have some of this, but not always and if you need it in the middle of the night you’re out of luck.

Seasickness. The best treatment is prevention. After you get it, well… yuck! Check out the various forms of Dramamine that are now available, including pills and patches. The directions will tell you how much lead time before you hit the waves you need to get the maximum effect. You can also get acupressure wrist bands that work really well with some people.

One of the best treatments I’ve ever seen for treating seasickness once it hits you is Coke and soda crackers – lots of both. Some people say that 7-Up works also, but I think there is something in the caffeine in Coke that helps the whole process. If you are feeling sick, your cabin is the worst place to be unless the weather topside is really bad. Being able to get fresh air and see the horizon helps to trigger the brain sensors that calm seasickness.

Headaches. We all know that booze can make your head scream for mercy, but so can sun and lots of new food. If you’re not used to heavy carbs in your diet and you scarf up lots of pastries, ice creams or gourmet desserts, your body can trigger the same symptoms it does when detoxing from too much alcohol. And, if you experience bumps, cuts or sunburn a pain reliever is a good thing. Have a supply of different types of pain reliever. Depending on the reason for your pain, aspirin may not work as well as Tylenol or Ibuprofen in a given circumstance. (Do I need to remind you to read the label and follow the directions?)

Mistake #6: What? No Camera? A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words. It’s hard to imagine, but some people will actually take the trip of their dreams and not take a camera. Or, they’ll take a camera, but they won’t keep it with them. Don’t do that. If you have a digital camera, use it, use it, use it. If you don’t have a digital camera, spring for about three or four disposable ones. And be sure to take you camera to the Life Boat Drill. You’ll know why when you get there.

A side bar to this camera thing is the Photo-ops that you have all over the ship. There will be dozens of them on your cruise – when you’re boarding, when you’re dining, when you’re getting off the ship, at the pool – at times it will seem like some one is taking your picture every time you turn around. You are, of course, free to decline. But I recommend that you give it a shot. Yes, these photos can be goofy, even cheesy, but they can also be a lot of fun. Plus, you just might end up with the best shot of the cruise. Some of the settings are outright elegant, rivaling what you would find at a studio. It’s a great way to get a nice formal picture for your living room or to send to your family, and there’s no sitting fee!

Mistake #7: Buying From Street Vendors. Where ever you go on your cruise, once you step ashore you will be approached (accosted?) by local folks trying to sell you something. I’m not talking about the shops and makeshift kiosks you may find, I’m talking about the guys selling Cuban cigars out of their trunks, or pirated CDs out of a cardboard box.

Your best bet, unless you’ve been there and really know the score, is to just say NO. Regardless of how appealing the offer, just say NO. Most of the products are very low quality and you have no way to check it out before you buy. I know of people who bought CD cases with no CDs inside, watches that didn’t work, Cuban cigars purchased in the local drugstore, “handmade” jewelry that came out of bubble gum machines, the list is endless. And this applies SIXTEEN FOLD if some local guy tries to sell you some pot.

In most ports of call frequented by American-based vessels, this street traffic is actually illegal. You probably won’t get into trouble, but why risk it? Save your money for the honest locals and their little shops that are going to sell you watches that do work, they just fall apart in a few weeks.

Mistake #8: Thinking You’ll Save Money “In Town”. One of the charming aspects of cruising is the ritual of visiting the local markets and shops. This is truly a fun experience and you can find all manner of unique and special items, but you probably won’t find any real bargains. There are bargains to be found, but you really need to know what you’re looking for and what it’s worth in the US. Don’t be cynical about it. It’s all part of the experience. Somehow, buying a wooden giraffe in Grand Turk is better than buying the same wooden giraffe at Pier 1 Imports, even if you pay a little more. Go figure.

You actually can save money when you buy liquor or tobacco products, but it might not be as good a deal as it first seems. Most ports have what are called “duty free” shops which means that there was no “duty” (i.e. import tariffs) paid on the products and so they are cheaper to sell in that country. The same applies to diamonds and other fine jewelry. The challenge is knowing what an item is actually worth. Just because these guys saved on the import fees doesn’t mean they’re passing the saving on to you. Also keep in mind that you are supposed to declare to US customs any purchases you make in a foreign country. Duty Free in Nassau doesn’t mean it’s duty free when you come back to the US. There are certain exemptions for personal items, but if you shell out some big bucks, you might lose the saving when you pay the US import fees.

So, don’t be a miser. Spend freely. Do some Christmas shopping. Spread your money around the local economy and have fun doing it. Just remember, these guys are in the business of selling stuff to foreign tourists. They know where the money is coming from and they know how to keep as much of it as they can.

Mistake #9: Sticking around the port. Yes, ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for. Most ports of call, especially when the call is for a day or less, are set up to provide the ships passengers with a particular experience. They accomplish this by making their ports as visitor-friendly as possible. The experience of Mexico that you get right outside the port in Cozumel is decidedly different than the experience of Mexico on the other side of the island. Around the port, all manner of business are set up to appeal to a particular comfort-zone and a particular economy.

But, often, just a few miles from the port, you can have a completely different experience. If you travel to Grand Turk, for example, you can spend a delightful afternoon at the resort-like environment of Margaritaville. The beach is well-maintained, though a bit crowded. There is a huge beautiful pool with lots of palm trees and man-made waterfalls. A beer will cost you about $6 and a burger will be about $8.

But a short taxi ride to the old downtown area will take you to a much more authentic location. At least for the time being. You can stroll crowded, dusty streets; see skinny dogs shuffling through garbage cans and have a local beer and piece of fried chicken for about $3.75 at one of the local pubs. Sure, the pub would never pass an American food inspection and you may have to do without air conditioning. But the experience can be wonderful. You won’t get that experience staying close to the port.

Of course, you want to be safe and you want to be able to get back to your ship before it sales, so keep all that in mind. But, there is a whole universe of color, sound, smells and people that don’t ever get to the port and it’s worth the trouble to find it.

Mistake #10: Not Preparing For the Journey Home. Sooner or later (it will seem much too soon), your cruise will come to an end and you’ll have to return to the land of making your own bed and cooking your own food. The journey home is often an irritating necessity and something to endure as quickly as possible. But, if you rush back into the reality you left behind, it’s kind of like a diver coming to the surface too quick after a deep dive. Your mind and body will resist.

If possible, do something fun on the way home. Stay an extra night in a hotel or visit a landmark or even a theme park. At the very least, stop at a nice restaurant for a leisurely lunch or dinner. A quiet picnic (even with fast food) at a rest area can be a perfectly delightful way to transition home.

Here’s a couple of things to do to make your return less stressful and hurried.

• If you’re driving, fill up with gas before you go to the port. Make sure that, when you leave, you don’t have to stop until you want to.

• When you have breakfast on your last morning, take some pastries with you, or even make yourself an egg sandwich. If you thought to bring a thermos with you, fill up on coffee or juice for the ride home.

• Leave some bottles of water in your car. Many bus companies will allow you to leave some personal items on the bus when you get to the port, so include some water and a pillow.

• Find out what the weather is back home. I once stood shivering in 40 degree weather outside the airport in a pair of shorts and an aloha shirt. Hey, it was 85 degrees when I left Puerto Rico that morning!

• Take the next day off. If you are returning to port on a weekend, good. If not, schedule the time off before you leave. Or call in sick. You’ll be SOOOOOOOO glad you did.

A Final Suggestion.

Keep up with all of the information documents you got on the cruise – daily ships newsletter, shore excursion price list, etc. When you get home, file all this in a folder and then use if for reference material for yourself or someone else the next time a cruise is planned. And before your forget, write down all the things you wish you’d thought of and that you wish you had known. Make a complete list and stash it with the other cruise information you brought back.

Happy Cruising!

Playa del Carmen - the centre of the Riviera Maya – is a new and perspective resort. This small, but very pretty town is located not far from Cancun. Playa del Carmen is in the immediate proximity to a true ecological heaven with incredibly beautiful spots such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha, not to say a word about the famous Maya pyramid – Tulum.

Riviera Maya is actually the Caribbean territory from Cancun (in the north) to Tulum pyramids in the south. Of course, Maya used another name for this spot. The name was Xaman Ha, which meant the Northern Waters. Nowadays Riviera Maya has everything a tourist needs: from hammocks to luxurious five-star hotels. Moreover, thanks to a great amount of reefs and the clean Caribbean sea divers and snorkelers will always find something to do at the Riviera. 30 kilometers from Cancun there is a quiet fishing village called Puerto Morelos. This place isn’t very popular with tourists, so everyone who seeks for solitude should head for it. Other attractions to observe at the Riviera Maya are the Palancar Aquarium, Crococun Zoo and Botanic Garden.

The largest city at Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen, it lies 60 kms from Cancun. Playa used to be a fishing village as well – however, it turned out to be more lucky than Puerto Morelos. It is from here that steamboats to Cozumel depart, and it is here that in the 1990s a resort appeared that still preserves its homelike atmosphere. Most tourists who come to Playa del Carmen are attracted by its excellent beaches. They settle at small hotels which look like thatched-roofed houses, called cabanas. As for the multi-storied hotel complexes, most of them are situated south of port. Tres Rios River Ranch is another park south of Playa del Carmen. The park’s name indicates its choice of entertainment – canoeing, bathing and horse-riding are the most popular ones. Another five kilometers southwards there is another eco park. Its an archaeological theme park famous for Maya ruins located within its territory. Those who are ready to sacrifice some dollars can even enjoy swimming with bottlenose dolphins. Another entertainment option is to go to Puerto Aventuras and its famous pier, hire a yacht and head for another eco-park - Xpuha , with traditional choice of things to do.

Tulum was a Mayan city, its ruins can be found two hours drive from Cancun. When the Spaniards entered this city in 1518, Tulum was no less big than Seville. An excursion around Tulum is usually combined with a visit to Xel-Ha. Its lagoon is one of the largest natural “aquariums” in the world. The park is younger than Xcaret, that is why there are much more places to discover and to swim at.

Riviera Maya offers some 20 hotels which are capable of accommodating 13 thousand people. In contrast to American-style Cancun, Riviera Maya has a European face. There are several Spanish chains represented here. Moreover, its a kind of an oasis of club hotels, which strive to win the title of the most hospitable ones. Thanks to its beautiful nature, snowy-white beaches and charming exotics many tourists prefer Playa to other Mexican resorts.

You might be going to Cancun but are you going to the Cancun Palace? It’s not the seat of a royal family of Cancun, it is instead a leading five star resort which caters to all your whims and fancies during your stay in Cancun. The beauty of the Cancun Palace is surpassed only by that of Cancun itself, and when you finally arrive at your destination you’ll find that the Cancun Palace will outstrip even your wildest imagination.

There are definitely better places to stay in the world but right now, I’m hard pressed to think of any. The Cancun Palace is the perfect place to come and get away from all your troubles. The minute you walk in through the front doors you’ll feel your troubles begin to melt away into absolute nothingness. The trip into Cancun, the stresses leading up to your departure, the constant nagging worries that all occupy your mind will take a back seat during your stay in the Cancun Palace resort.

The Cancun Palace is filled with amenities that will make you feel like a king. Here are a few things that you can enjoy:

* Spa - sea fango wraps, foot baths, hydrating facials

* Golf - The Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta will allow you to play the game you love

* Tours - Cozumel and Cancun

The resort is in the heart of many things for everyone to do. You can snorkel, go deep sea fish, go horseback riding and or be entertained by bull fighting.

All these activities can be purchased separately or through a package deal. The package deals can often times save you money so I would recommend looking into the packages if these things are what you might have in mind to experience.

Another great feature of the Cancun Palace resorts is that if you’re staying in one resort, you get access to all the other resorts owned by the same company. That makes for some luxurious living and there’s no better way to see Mexico than in the lap of luxury. Whether you want to explore the interior of Mexico, or just lounge around on the beaches, you’ll be able to enjoy everything when you’re staying at the Cancun Palace.

And if you don’t want to take a dip in the sea you always have the option of lounging by the poolside, or taking an afternoon siesta in your sumptuous room. You might even want to try out one of the many amenities available to the guests of the Cancun Palace, or you could just content yourself by going for a stroll through the magnificent building that is the Cancun Palace.

The staff is friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate you, and if you tried you couldn’t find better service in all of Cancun. So now you know where you should stay during your holiday in Cancun. The only small blot on an otherwise pristine sheet of paper is that the price might not be to everyone’s liking and you might have to save up quite a bit to take advantage of the Cancun Palace and its many amenities.

So the next time that you are asked where to stay for a holiday in Cancun you can safely recommend the Cancun Palace. After all with so much of luxury at your disposal why should you want to stay anywhere else?

Belize’s Great Blue Hole Is It Really Worth Diving       



This is a question that is repeatedly asked on the many dive message boards across the internet and the answers it receives is sometimes misleading depending on the experience of the diver whom answers.

This article is written to provide an unbiased factual information source based on the reaction of hundreds of divers that I have had the opportunity to speak to after diving the Blue Hole.

Since I was a dive operator in Belize for many years and love the country, there will be some readers that say, of course I will promote the Blue Hole in a positive manner but the real truth is I personally think for 90% of divers it’s a great experience a great dive and a great addition to diving Belize.

The Great Blue Hole of Belize is 1000ft across and 460ft deep and forms an almost perfect circle. It has been a favorite fishing ground for Belizean fishermen for hundreds of years and in 1970 it was introduced to the public by Jacque Cousteau whom on his boat the Calypso charted the Blue Hole for the first time and highlighted its wonders in a TV documentary.

The Belize Blue Hole is unique in many ways, one being that it is the only Blue Hole in the world that can be seen with the naked eye from outer space.

It is a fact that thousands of years ago the Blue Hole was a cave that was above sea level, the reason we know this is because Stalagtites and stalamites cannot form underwater, and can only grow with the constant drip drip that can be seen happening to the stalagtites in many above ground caves systems today.

When you consider that it takes more than 100 years for a Stalagtite to grow just one inch, its a spectacular sight to see a 40ft stalagtite that has taken literally thousands of years to reach that size. The Stalagtites can be found in the Blue Hole starting at 100ft, hanging suspended from the ceiling some more than 40ft long.

The Blue Hole and the surrounding area has been designated a World Heritage site due to is uniqueness and is another one of Belize’s many protected areas. (did you know that almost one third of the country of Belize is designated as protected reserves)

Many people don’t realize it but there are only 2 diveable spots in the Blue Hole, The north side which is the more popular side for the larger boats, due to fairly easy access to that side, and then their is the south side which generally only the smaller boats can access due to wind direction and the fact that it has to be dove from within the circumference of the hole itself.

Each has only about 300ft or so of Stalagtites hanging down after that is just a flat wall of basically nothing. On the North dive-site you only have Stalagtites (those that hang down) with nothing but the abyss below you, on the South side it has both Stalagtites and Stalagmites which can be found at around 145ft where there is a small ledge that has some Stalagmites, this is the side you are more likely to encounter the resident Shark population.

In many message board posts you will read that some divers see lots of sharks while other divers see none and there is a simple explanation for this.

I dove the Blue Hole for more than 12 years and while today the Blue Hole has a large population of Caribbean Reef Sharks it will depend on how you dive the Blue hole and whom you dive it with whether you will see the resident sharks or not.

Many years ago before this large population became a near daily occurrence, we did on occasion see sharks in the Blue Hole but always on the South side, and almost NEVER when we dove the North side which was 99% of the time, because as mentioned the size of the boat we were using only allowed us to dive the south side when winds were favorable..

So why do some divers see sharks and other do not ? heres the scoop

Nearly all the boats that dive the Blue Hole from San Pedro see the sharks on many occasions, and the reason for this is that they get to the Blue Hole FIRST before the Aggressors and other large boats, resorts etc that are located in the area. (make a mental note here that normally its the very experienced divers that usually book the liveaboards and stay at the remote Atoll resorts because that is where the best diving in Belize can usually be found)

Being the first to dive the Blue Hole affords them better visibility since the first group to dive the Blue Hole gets the best vis, the reason for this is, as you descend it causes the silt to dislodge as the bubbles rise and releases the silt causing visibility to become reduced. (these days due to the large number of boats and divers visibility is nearly always quite bad compared to the other fantastic dives at Lighthouse Reef)

When you consider that San Pedro sends many boats a day to the Blue Hole you can understand why those that dive it later in the morning under the pretext (Lets wait till the san pedro boats leave so its less busy) dive a site that has had probably 50 divers through it already before they get the chance to dive it.

This puts them at a distinct disadvantage as to the quality of the dive especially in the area of visibility since 40-50 divers and there bubbles will reduce visibility by up to 50% in some cases, in addition there are the Sharks.

The Sharks will sometimes follow you throughout the dive but are mainly utilized at the end of the dive since you have an extended safety stop of 10 minutes or so and while waiting out that time on the sandy ledge located at 15ft you are buzzed and entertained by up to 30 Caribbean Reef Sharks.(Not Guaranteed)

The sharks are induced to come to the surface by baiting the water with sardines this will bring them to the surface from the depths of the Blue Hole and give the diver the opportunity to view these magnificent creatures during the safety stop.

The liveaboards do not bait the water nor the local resorts and if this is not done the likelyhood of seeing any sharks is reduced by 90% so you can clearly see that most divers that dive the Blue Hole from a liveabord or an Atoll resort will have a far inferior dive due to these reasons.

Baiting is now not allowed however some operators still do it to try and get the sharks up from the depths.

It is normally the very experienced divers that are usually the ones that are on the liveaboards because this normally affords them the best diving opportunities in Belize and that is absolutely correct with the EXCEPTION of the Blue Hole dive based on how they are currently running that dive.

Over the years a repeated question is posted on the various diver message boards Is the Blue Hole Worth diving ? and you will see the same answers time and time again from don’t bother its a waste of time to its a great dive well worth it and everything in between.

Why is there such a vast difference in peoples opinions, my answer is that most regulars on message boards, that is those that post at least once a week etc are normally very active divers and have lots of experience and have had the opportunity to dive multiple places around the world and give there advice freely to others.This however can do an injustice to a fairly new diver that happens upon a message board and asks the question is the Blue Hole worth diving ?? Most of the answers I have seen on message boards are negative when asking this question, mainly I believe because its a very experienced diver that maybe has 1000’s of dives under his belt and when he dove the Blue Hole it was probably from a liveaboard after a bunch of other divers had dove it and because of his worldly experience he was less than impressed with the Blue Hole, so he makes his experience heard to this fairly new diver that has only dove cozumel since certification and has 20 dives under his belt, he of course thinks this expert diver knows exactly what he is talking about so decided NOT to dive the Blue Hole because of what he has been told.

When this fairly new diver gets to Belize and is asked do you want to dive the Blue Hole I receive the answer OHH no I have heard its not that good i then I ask who told you that, and I receive an answer of I read it on a message board, or my friend came to Belize and he told me, so I ask did he dive the Blue Hole while he was here then ?? and I receive an answer Oh no but he had heard it was not worth it either so did not dive it when he was in Belize. I hear this time after time after time. I then explain the Blue Hole trip and hopefully I had some guests inhouse that have just come back and then I don’t have to say a thing they will sell them a trip for me but if I do not have divers inhouse then I will tell them about the trip and encourage them to go and I usually add that if they don’t think it was worth it I will refund there money, needless to say to this date I have never refunded anyones money normally they are extremely appreciative that I talked them into it and let them make there own mind up and I am happy to break the cycle of the OH No I heard it was not worth it mode.

Why do I do this if I made more money keeping them inhouse? the reason is that I am the first to say that Belize has many different areas to dive and each unique in what it has to offer, based on what a specific diver is looking for in a vacation (that’s another Belize article to follow soon) I want the visiting diver to go back with a positive impression of diving Belize and anything I can do to increase there enjoyment of diving Belize then I will do that.

The Blue Hole is a unique dive that if dove correctly can be an excellent addition to any divers logbook it will be less impressive to those divers with thousands of dives under there belt but the other 95% of divers will really enjoy the dive and view it as a positive DIFFERENT enjoyable dive.

So next time you see a question posted on a message board asking about the Blue Hole be sensitive to the experince of the diver asking when you answer it. Divers whom have been lucky enough to travel all over the world with thousands of dives under there belt will find it less of a thrill however the average diver will enjoy diving the Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole of Belize the possibility of sharks the eerie feeling and sheer difference,it will be a memorable diving experience for them, give them the chance to make there own judgments.

If you planning a trip to Dive Belize why not visit my website and let me help you plan your trip

Dive Safe

Gaz Cooper

by Roy Witman

These days, the world is at your fingertips. Say the word and you can quickly book a cruise to any of the seven continents. With so many destinations available, how in the world do you choose where to go? Perhaps a quick overview of some exotic, exciting and eclectic spots can help you narrow it down.

Must-See Locations

Some ports are simply “must-sees.” At some point in your life, you really should make time to visit these destinations. They include:

Hawaii - At the entrance to the South Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands deliver more than you could possibly hope for. Almost everyone who visits Hawaii swears they’ll return. From white-sand beaches with vibrant-blue water to wild orchids that grow by the roadside, your eyes are on constant alert for new, remarkable sites. Of course, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, volcano exploration, world-class golf and more ensure Hawaii lives up to its name of “paradise.” If you love being out in the warm weather and bright sunshine and your family craves an active vacation, Hawaii might be for you.

Europe - With more to see than do, Europe is filled with history, architecture and food! Tours of ancient churches, castles and other buildings comprise many of the excursions available throughout Russia, England, Spain, Italy and France. Temperatures vary greatly with the four seasons.

Caribbean – Oftentimes, the first cruise “beginners” take is to the Caribbean. This area contains several of the most-visited ports in the world. St. Thomas probably ranks #1 followed by Nassau, Bahamas. The Caribbean is broken into three sections: western, eastern and southern. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll find small islands dressed with white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Sound familiar? The Caribbean is rather like a miniature version of Hawaii. With lots of activities as well as ample opportunities to relax, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Nassau, Freeport and other islands give you a lot for your money.

Mexican Rivera - Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cozumel are well-known names in the Mexican Rivera. An electic mixture of ancient ruins, modern facilities, vast marketplaces and gorgeous beaches, you’ll find plenty of activities for you and your family. Temperatures are normally warm, so swimsuits are a must!

Alaska - Another popular U.S. destination, Alaska is a different type of vacation. The cold doesn’t stop adventure seekers! Glacier exploration, rainforest expeditions, helicopter tours and an unbelievable variety of wildlife make Alaska some place truly special. For those who prefer to relax, shops and restaurants are plentiful.

Best-Kept Secret Destinations

If you’ve docked at the most popular ports and are now looking to escape to some little known destinations, try a few of these best-kept secrets.

Galápagos Islands - The Galápagos Islands are, without a doubt, one of the most diverse destinations any traveler can experience. Approximately half of the species of animals and plants on the Galápagos Islands are found nowhere else in the world. With flamingos, giant tortoises and red-sand beaches, those who are looking for a new form of adventure will certainly find it here.

Greenland - The free-range reindeer might make you think you’ve landed at Santa’s workshop, but that’s not the case. Greenland lets you experience an entirely new civilization complete with working reindeer farms, local tanneries and museums. A central point of the former Viking culture, Greenland retains its rich heritage and opens its doors for the whole world to see.

Norway - Majestic mountains - snowcapped in the winter months - are echoed by deep canyons carved by centuries of rushing water. Ancient architecture and astonishing natural scenery keep your senses at full tilt. Kayaking, hiking and even nature safaris will bring you closer to the exceptional natural beauty only found in Norway.

The world is waiting! Choose a destination and start exploring today. With so much to do and see, any cruise you take will be an experience you’ll cherish.