...I am one of the old timers that they "cater" to ;-p....
I read that OP comment to my wife (at CCV a.k.a.:
Herself), and being that she is a keen observer of the human condition she reflected upon this, and not for the first time. It was her opinion that this perception is really more a case of prior visitors interacting with other such visiting regulars. It is amazing how many times you run into the same people over the years, especially if you come to CCV in the same time frame each year. In that we go there often throughout the year, between other trips, we see such rotating acquaintances fairly often.
Most interaction occurs on the dive boats between guests and the Honduran local dive staff. They will get to know you pretty quickly, and will quite likely remember you the next time through. It is, of course, up to the visiting diver to interact, and the dive crew makes it pretty easy to do. When they put 14 people in a dive club on the boat and you show up as an unrelated buddy pair, it can be socially isolating, just as any situation similar. Again, it's up to me to go yack with the dive guide or boat captain. As far as old timers getting any special service, I don't see it. But the staff knows what individuals like after a while, and the service gets amazingly individualized. A true credit to their staff and attitudes.
They will, if you signal with a flip of your gear locker tag, load your rig on the boat every morning. If you don't want them to carry it for you, tell them no. If you show them the peculiarities of how you want it rigged, believe me- it shall be done. Or, you can tell them to not rig the tank. Custom, catered service. Just like those "old timers".
The other chance for interaction comes in the main Clubhouse, largely at meal times. If you want to sit with the staffers, feel free. they're looking for a spot to sit down, just like you, although you really won't see many of them eating with the guests. In the evening, you'll likely find the Resort Manager Deb and
the Dive Yoda himself, Doc Radawski, sitting and eating with guests. Invite yourself to join. Doc can almost always be found available afterwards somewhere near the bar area. In the mornings, you'll see the Dockside Dive Staff get a quick breakfast, so you have to move and talk fast to engage them. The Night Dockmaster (sometimes rotated form the dive boat staff) is usually available for a sit down at dinner- if you ask him.
I have always encouraged any newcomer to mix it up. There are really no reserved tables, although sometimes it may feel that way. Take the time as you are gearing up in the "locker areas" (what I call
wet-rooms) or on the boats to engage other divers. I have never met a friendlier bunch, and very helpful in terms of gear advice, etc. Always meeting new people, including many that I met only beforehand on ScubaBoard. (Including
Parotthead who handed me an octo once when my computer stop demands and my gas supply were not in balanced agreement!)
After 5 trips you become a
CoCoNut, but by then you'll have blended into that old timer crowd pretty well. Remember- your tenth trip is free, so you could figure that return visitors are getting 10% off with every subsequent visit. That might seem like the trip is cheaper, but by then, you'll be hauling down specific goodies and gifts for your newly made friends who have very long term employment at this home away from home.
We dive all over the world, but always manage to come home to CCV once, twice, or more times throughout the year.
