Diving with Nekton cancelled Help needed

[Shasta_man]

If they're down to a portable generator, I'd have to think somebody finally had a problem with that...

 

[diverdoug1]

I am flying from the UK to Miami on the 3rd May for a weeks diving in the Keys.

We were then to join the Nekton Rorqual on the 8th May for their trip to the Bahamas.

Today I have been told that the Rorqual is out of service and will not be ready until the end of May and they can not offer another boat.

We fly back out of Miami on the 15th May.

Any ideas of where to spend the second week diving?

Thanks

Terry

Terry, The Aquacat was suggested, but how many are traveling with you? For May 8 (the week I am going) they have 2 single openings on the boat (one male, one female). Donhealy, for the week of May 15 the Aquacat is booked full (but it never hurts to check for last minute cancellations).

 

[Terry2Puds]

Many thanks for all the replies and advise.

Probably going to look at staying in Florida as neither of us have dove there before.

Will save the Bahamas for another time.

Terry

 

[donhealy]

To all:

I talked with the Nekton office today and they confirmed that the May 8 and May 15 sailings are canceled. Both generators are being replaced as they could not be fixed at sea.

They flew a replacement into Mayaguana along with their mechanic but after a week of effort the replacement could not be brought on line. In the mean time the other generator also had intermittent difficulties. Hence the Honda generator and loss of fresh water.

The boat is headed (with assistance) to their boat yard in Fla. for some significant repairs.

As compensation, they will re-book those affected on a future cruise of the passenger's choice and will also offer a free cruise (net taxes of course). They are not offering refunds.

I have booked the Caribbean Explorer II for the same week as the Aqua Cat is already full. There are still a few spaces available for anyone wishing to do the same.

Perhaps this is the best outcome for the boat as it needs some recovery time and some TLC. I was very concerned about going out on it with all the recent problems.

Don

 

[DiveMaven]

Sounds like a "win" for you with being able to book the CEII. Thanks for the update on the Rorqual...just another sad story about Nekton.

 

[georoc01]

How about this option?

Bahamas Liveaboard Diving with Paradise Charters

Smaller boat than the Nekton, but out of Florida it might be worth checking out..

 

[scubaskipper]

I'd be surprised if these repairs will be completed in 2 weeks. They'll have to limp from PR. to Port St. Joe, Fl. Pull her out of the water, cut access in both pontoons, pull out old gens. and install new, weld patch, paint, launch and be back to PR., all in 2 weeks. That would be if all goes as planned. Anyone that works around boats knows everything always takes longer than you think it will. If you end up cutting out any structural members or water tight compartments, the CG has to sign off on it.

 

[mike_s]

As compensation, they will re-book those affected on a future cruise of the passenger's choice and will also offer a free cruise (net taxes of course). They are not offering refunds.

not bad if you can use the "free trip" later on.

However, if they go out of business in the next year or so... then you're kinda stuck with a worthless free trip and maybe a lost trip you paid for.

I'd be surprised if these repairs will be completed in 2 weeks. They'll have to limp from PR. to Port St. Joe, Fl. Pull her out of the water, cut access in both pontoons, pull out old gens. and install new, weld patch, paint, launch and be back to PR., all in 2 weeks. T.

I was thinking the same thing about Port St Joe is a long way away for a boat that doesn't move fast.

However they've got three weeks as they canceled the week of the 8th and the week of the 15th. However, I wouldn't be suprised if they don't make it back in service by the week of the 22nd.

 

[deepstops]

However, if they go out of business in the next year or so... then you're kinda
stuck with a worthless free trip and maybe a lost trip you paid for.

I think we'll just start calling you Carnak the Magnificent

Seriously, the Pilot was already yanked from service and the rumors say it's delayed because money is tight for Nekton. This is NOT looking good in the big picture IMO.

 

[H2O Gal]

As compensation, they will re-book those affected on a future cruise of the passenger's choice and will also offer a free cruise (net taxes of course). They are not offering refunds.

I am going on a "free" trip in June on the Rorqual because of these very circumstances, but instead it was the Pilot that died at sea last year. If it keeps going like this we might all dive free with Nekton for the rest of our lives!