I've never done a live-aboard, but am heavily interested in doing one of the tiger beach shark dives for a week. Given the nature (dangerous sharks) and expense of it, it's been a little tough finding a partner. Being my first trip like this, and probably flying solo, I'd like to hear some thoughts on what to expect? Is a week of that solo going to drive me bezerk?
Also, I'm a drinker... not a heavy drinker, but I like to have 2 or 3 rum drinks at night. Will that get me the stink-eye or do most people enjoy cocktails on the boat? Any experienced insight is appreciated.
many liveboards are set up to take solo customers. typically in a shared single-bunk room. if you want the room to yourself, expect to pay a little more.
I'd say the typical schedule on most liveboards would go like this.
Get up.
possible pre-breakfast dive, depending on liveaboard and schedule.
eat breakfast
1st morning dive
break/surface interval
2nd morning dive
lunch/surface interval
3rd dive, after lunch
break/surface interval
4th dive, mid afternoon
break/surface interval
Dinner
5th / night dive, after dinner
relax, partake of adult beverage.
go to bed
repeat schedule next day.
Some boats might get in a 6th or 7th dive a couple days, but I'd say that 5/day will be an average and you'll be pretty tired after that.
A decent amount of folks have an adult beverage after they get through diving for the day, but since they are going to be tired from diving all day and also diving the next day, typically you don't see excess amounts being consumed.
Most boats have a BYOB policy and provide a "common use" cooler for you to put yours in. Most of the time individual coolers are frowned upon. Some boats actually operate a bar service though where you buy from them. cash or 'room charge' type situation (since you really don't need to carry your wallet on a liveaboard).
But you're always going to have some divers who have a few drinks and socialize and some who are tired and go to bed. I wouldn't consider them not wanting to drink as being anti social or not wanting to drink... they are just tired because they did 5 dives that day.