I went to LIDS 2011 this weekend, and have booked a place on Blue O Two’s M/Y blue Melody, for the Northern Wrecks and Reefs Itinerary, departing Friday 2nd December 2011.

Just wondered if anyone was interested in buddying-up for the trip, as its term time so my wife can’t join me (being a teacher, rather than a pupil ) and my mates who do dive, aren’t willing to commit at this stage.

Cost is £899. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Hurghada, Egyptian visa, transfers, 7 nights F/B accommodation, tea/coffee/water/soft drinks, 6 days diving, Marine park fees, 12lt cylinder and weights.

Let me know if you’re interested. 

Simon

Hi Dawn/Shaun,

It was great to see you on Saturday. I had a great time and am itching to get on holiday now.

I think a Blue o Two Liveaboard Trip is a must for a Fish 4 Divers event and I’ve been looking through the schedule for options, and think that 2011 would suit everyone as its far enough away to allow people to save up.

On the budget front, there is the “Hayah” Reef Clean Up in January/February. We may also want to consider school holidays as Alice is keen, and I remember Scubachick said she can only do school holidays, and they don’t appear to be prohibitively more expensive than in term time. Although, this might exclude members with family commitments too.

However, as Fish 4 Divers have a close alliance with The Sharks Trust, we may want to join up with Elke again, on one of the Project Shark itineraries, as I think there are seminars (mainly on the Oceanic White Tip), which I’m sure will be fascinating for everyone, although I guess not everyone will be comfortable diving with sharks!!

With the 2 guest free discount on a full boat booking everyone will save at least £80 on the cheaper trips around £849, and over £100 with trips over £999, which works out about 10% saving.

Might be worth starting up a poll to get members views and preferences for type of itinerary. I’m happy to instigate this and get involved/help out as I’ve organised quite a few group trips (skiing, stag weekends).

What d’ya think?

I’m planning to go up and book my Blue O Two Liveaboard for November/December and maybe see if there is any good offers on BCD packages or other dive holidays.

I’ve just been on the Blue O Two Website, and they now have their 2012 itineraries available for booking.

From last years experience, we will need to move swiftly if we are to try and fill a boat this year, or at least get a large group together.

Just copy and paste the following link to see whats available:

http://www.blueotwo.com/all_schedule_prices.cfm

Inevitably, prices do increase again, so its best to be prepared and start saving those pennies sooner rather than later.

Group discounts are still the same, 1 goes free in 10, 2 go free in 20, which is basically a max. 10% discount.

Discounts are also available to those that hold a Blue O Two Loyalty Card. 10% discount for bookings of 12 months in advance, 7.5% discount for bookings of 6 months in advance and 5% for all bookings within 6 months of the departure date.

The cheapest itinerary is still the HAYAH reef clean-up, which is now £849-899, running throughout January 2012 and the first week of February. There is no group or loyalty discount on this itinerary though as it is already subsidised.

All other itineraries then jump up to >£1000. However, for example if we chose to book the Best of Brothers from 02 March - 09 March 2012 on board the Blue Horizon at £1099 for 10 people, we would get 1 place free reducing the cost to £989.10 per person. The same cost applies for 20 people.

A group of 10 or 20 offers best value, any number between 11-19 and 21-26 persons will reduce the discount for the group, unless some of the party have loyalty cards to use for their bookings.

If you are genuinely interested in coming aboard, then please reply with your name, email contact details and dive qualifications / logged dives.

Blue O Two will have a stall at LIDS 2011 in March, and it will be good to know by then, if the group liveaboard is going to be viable.

Look forward to hearing from you all soon.

Simon

A bit more information is provided below:

Blue o Two have three luxury liveaboards to choose from; Blue Horizon, Blue Fin take 26 guests and the Blue Melody takes 24 guests. The date and itinerary will decide which vessel.

What’s included in the cost?

· Return flights: London Gatwick to Hurghada (other airports available on request)*
· Internal transfers from/to Hurghada Airport
· 7 nights F/B accommodation on liveaboard (last night hotel upgrades available on request)
· Tea, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks
· All diving, single 12ltr cylinder and weights
· Marine Park Fees (where applicable)
· Egyptian entry visa

The following is not included:

· Crew and dive guide gratuities
· Alcoholic beverages (Wine/Beer available on the boat, or visit the duty-free on route)
· Dive gear hire

Diving requirements?

The minimum diving requirements are PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, although some itineraries require PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent with a min. 50 logged dives.

Payment?

Blue o Two requires a 25% deposit at the time of booking. The balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date.

Got to take the wife to Gatwick on the 19th, so might head onto London after if others are going. If not will wait for LIDS event.

Simon

Anyone planning on going to the Dive show at the NEC, Birmingham 30/31 October 2010.

Maybe we can arrange to meet up.

Shaun

Well only just over two weeks till this years Divefest and hopefully the weather will behave this year and the sun will be out in all its glory.

Just wondering who is going so we can all catch up over a nice cool non alcoholic drink

Shaun

Elisa and Steve x

Dawn has let me know that some of you were worried the diving with Sal diving of Pentewan at dive fest was beyond your qualification.  If you call Sal and let him know you are open water/ocean diver he will accomodate you.  Price for two dives in one day is a very reasonable £40.  Kit hire extra

Sue