31 replies to this topic

[Cybergoldfish]

Everyone for whom this trip may be of interest:

A general pricing guide for the 10 day trip I am told will be around $2400 pp and we need to get dates sorted out ASAP as they do not stay open long. I suggest a mini safari on the resident safari boat together with a stay at the main lodge. A nights hotel in Moron or similar and transfers will be included in the price.
Return Flights to Camaguey are not inc.

[wetpixel]

I'm waiting for trip date details and stuff. Will have to figure out going through MExico, too -- I'm not so sure that an American airline will check a bag all the way through to Cuba. IT will just be a minor hassle.

[Cybergoldfish]

I'm not sure if it's practical price-wise to fly via Vancouver - Havana but that's another option. Todd will obviously be coming down from there.

I know Todd was interested in Feb.04 so I am trying to get a confirmation today on that and I can post the full details.

Craig: We need a videographer too!

Good point Eric.

[Simon K.]

I haven't palnned somthing for this time yet an Cuba sounds nice (My cigar stock is running low ;-) ) (and its cheaper than the trip to Micronesia i was thinking about). But I can't say for sure yet and i still want to wait if i can stand a goldfish outside his glass ;-)

Simon

[Cybergoldfish]

I have been asked to go out to Egypt at the end of this month to train new diveguides onboard the MV Royal Emperor. This will take a month to orientate them from north to south. They are qualified instructors but I don't think they are very experienced divers (Typical Scenario). However I should get plenty of time for photography.

You are welcome to join one of the weekly expeditions should you wish.

I will be back in UK on Sunday next so it's easier for me to organise things.

[yahsemtough]

Yes, Feb 04 would work.

I would probably fly direct from Regina. It probably goes through Toronto and then down to Cuba.

Is there a website for the operation anywhere that we can see?

[Cybergoldfish]

Yes, Feb 04 would work.

I would probably fly direct from Regina. It probably goes through Toronto and then down to Cuba.

Is there a website for the operation anywhere that we can see?

Yes,Here

[MikeO]

Unfortunately, some of us would lose our jobs if the gub'ment ever found out we set foot in Cuba. Guess our Congressman still want to keep that little vacation spot to themselves for now . . . . I do need to get back in the water soon, though. Looked at a quick trip on the Nekton Rohrqual, but even though they're discounting at the moment I'm not too sure about spending that much money to dive the Bahamas.

[yahsemtough]

I was just discussing that point and wondering if we should change the destination to Dive Canada with the Great Canadian Hammerhead. Wink, Wink.

We had talked of a code word but we won't go there.

[Cybergoldfish]

Wasn't there a law passed last year that excludes Tourists from this ludicrous circumstance?

They do not stamp Passports - just the viza cards - I had to Beg to get mine stamped.

If anyone has problems Stick to the email more confidentiality.


bob_whorton@onetel.net.uk

[yahsemtough]

Nope not yet.

You can apply for a special permit for some strange reason.

What "supposedly" happens is Americans fly to Canada, and then fly to Cuba. When arriving in Cuba the immigration people do not stamp their passport so it does not show they were there. I believe the payment for the Cuba leg goes through a Canadian travel agency.

[james]

Bob,

I am extremely interested. Put me down as strong interest and committment.

Cheers
James

[MikeO]

Wasn't there a law passed last year that excludes Tourists from this ludicrous circumstance?

No. There was a move to do it but it never got past the politicians who pander to the Cuban ex-patriots in FL (remember, W.'s brother is governor there) for campaign contributions. Here's a link to the State Department's site on the matter:

http://travel.state.gov/cuba.html

,which contains the following statement:

"Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada."

Here is an Undercurrent article from a while back detailing one person's troubles:

http://www.undercurr...uba200110.shtml

If memory serves, there was an entire scuba club caught up in the same thing, but I can't find that article at the moment. They ended up paying the Treasury Department several thousand dollars each to settle the claim. Of course, in the case outlined by the article above, one can just blame the diver for being a bonehead when going back through customs but when you read the Scubacan instructions, you just have to laugh at the circle of lies involved involved in trying to circumvent the authorities. This whole thing is just another example of changing policies to fit political expediency. China is far worse than Cuba from a human rights perspective, yet we trade with them because of a "once they see how well capitalism works, we'll convert them" attitude (not the mention the fact that lots of US companies who give large sums of money to Congressmen want to trade there). However, when it comes to Cuba, the same policy isn't good enough because the money comes from the other side of the equation. Sigh . . .

Maybe I can apply for a license to do "research into the psychology of euphoric reactions to the combination of pressurized oxygen-nitrogen mixtures and digital media"

[wetpixel]

Maybe I can apply for a license to do "research into the psychology of euphoric reactions to the combination of pressurized oxygen-nitrogen mixtures and digital media"  

Can I be your research assistant?

[yahsemtough]

Whoo...are you running in the next election?

ps I also recall they have problems voting in Florida. I am quite sure there is a article on this in one of the recent dive mags.

I do have friends in a travel agency here that would be glad to assist in bookings I am sure. If that helps. No commission to me. (darn)

[Cybergoldfish]

You could all join the clergy - They ARE exempt!!!

Do they do wetsuits with white collars?

"The Holy order of divine monk seals"

[Cybergoldfish]

Full details available via email only

[yahsemtough]

Are you keeping us in suspense as to what the booking date is?

Does this mean you are planning an invasion. (all those Brits)

[Cybergoldfish]

I should get the travel options through later.

[yahsemtough]

Thanks for that. I assume that is all in cost so please hold me 2 spots pending your more detailed plans. Merci

Mark can get his own spot. (The second spot would be my wife)