Hi,
If you are looking for TLC, Stuart Cove's is not the place to go. There aim is to get you on the boat, take you diving, get you back on the boat, and dump you at the dock as fast as humanly possible. Mr. Cove is much more interested in his bank account than your dive experience. So, be prepared to help your dad with any of his needs.
The other alternative is Bahama Divers...they are North Island, closer to the port and quite near Paradise Island, home of the Atlantis. Unfortunately, the better diving is South Island. But, for a one-day, two-tank dive, I would tend to recommend them.
Now, if you are looking for a different experience, the Stuart Cove Shark Dive is a blast. It is a two-tank dive: on the first dive, you swim with the sharks; on the second dive, you kneel in a circle of divers in a sandy "amphitheater" whilst the DM feeds the sharks. For me, the first dive is more fun because it seems more "natural". However, some folks like the feeding frenzy atmosphere of the second dive. And some folks think it non-PC and that it should be banned...
So, if your dad and you can get in some dives before you head off to the Carib...just to get back into the diving mindset...the the Shark Dive might be just the ticket. One thing to be very certain about: timing. You do not want to miss your cruise!
joewr...representing sharks, rays, and divers...please send contributions care of the Board...our work is never pro bono...