We survived Wilma!
Thanks to everyone who sent prayers and words of encouragement our way as we endured this monster hurricane. It has been a rough year for everyone on the island with Emily and Wilma, but we are all determined to move forward. No hurricane will stop us from doing what we love and sharing that with those of you who make our livelihoods possible.
The entire crew of Blue XT~Sea has been accounted for and we have all been working tirelessly to get things put back together so that we can be operational as soon as possible.
Shamu sustained minor damage in the grand scheme of things, and all is repairable. Shamu will be taking divers out again beginning November 18, 2005. It is possible that we will resume operations on November 14, 2005 so stay tuned!
There are some dings and minor fiberglass repairs to be made, and we will have to replace the frame for the canopy. While the fiberglass repairs will be made immediately, the canopy and paint job may be several months out until cash reserves can be built back up to make these repairs. In the meantime, bring your biodegradable sunscreen and we’ll provide the hospitality, diving, towels, jackets, water, juice, snacks, and Mago's “halftime entertainment” for you as always The crew and I will be ready for you and we would love nothing more than to take you diving!!!
I realize your vacations are very important to you. I am beginning to work through e-mails and reservations and will be in touch with everyone who has standing reservations and deposits with us. As mentioned above, we will be operating again beginning November 18, 2005, so all reservations after that date are secured. Some hotels will be closed for the next month to several months, but I will assist in any way possible to get you rebooked into a condo, villa, or alternative hotel.
Hotel Status (that I am aware of):
Caribe Blu: Reopening date unknown. The damages are still being assessed and we just need to give them time before we commit them to a reopening date at this point. Much of this will be determined by how fast electricity and supplies are available. Patience is appreciated.
Casa Mexicana: Closed until December 15, 2005 (possibly earlier)
Suites Bahia: Closed until December 15, 2005 (possibly earlier)
Suites Colonial: Closed through December 15, 2005 (possibly earlier)
Vista del Mar: No confirmation on damages or reopening date at this point
Hacienda San Miguel: No confirmation on damages or reopening date at this point
Hotel Cozumel: Will reopen as soon as electricity is restored
Fiesta Americana: December 15, 2005
Presidente: January 31, 2006
There is an excellent website with a list that continuously updates with hotel status and damage reports here: http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/links/hurricane.php
Once again, your patience is very much appreciated during this time of putting the pieces back together. Holding off on cancelling upcoming trips and allowing us all time to work through the e-mails, reservations, etc. is one of the valuable ways you can help right now. Please understand that this may take several days as I (and numerous others) have been without reliable means of communications for over a week now (many still are) and have been inundated with e-mails, phone calls, and private messages. I came to Houston (temporarily) for this very purpose, so that I CAN communicate and keep the business running, even if it is remotely.
Thank you again for your prayers, support and encouragement before, during and after Wilma!
We'll see you on the boat!
Viva Cozumel!
Sincerest regards,
Christi Courtney
Blue XT~Sea Diving