Jenn

So DH and I got certified on our honeymoon and just took our second dive trip to Belize. We're totally hooked, but still on the inexperienced side with a total of 12 dives under our belts. So here's the deal... I'm planning a trip to Thailand for early next year. I've been researching the cost of dive packages versus liveaboards. Has anyone done a liveaboard (anywhere, not necessarily Thailand)? It sounds amazing, and you really get the most bang for the buck between the number of dives as well as room and board. But, I'm worried we aren't experienced enough to do something like this. I know most of them also do night dives, which we haven't done (and I'm a bit scared to do). Its a once in a lifetime trip, and I'm trying to make it a surprise for Sam, so I have no one but you guys to bounce ideas off of... help!

That's disgusting! Just sick... Who the f*ck does that?!?

to the forum! I'm actually in the midst of planning a trip to Thailand, so I might pick your brain a bit

Sorry to hear you had some hiccups with Chandlyn. People seem to have a very hit or miss experience with her (from the reviews on here). Now that you're are back, you could complain to the Riu... But, it sounds like your wedding was beautiful and magical, and that's what is important.

Happy B-day Lisa!!! Have a fantastic day!

to the forum and happy planning! How can we help?

I'm also in the minority. I make 3 times what my hubby does... but, I also have an insane amount of student loans. I'm an ER doctor and my DH does IT and office management for his family's condo development/construction company.

OMG Glenda! I can't believe you are less than a week away! You are going to be a beautiful bride and I can't wait to see pics of you in that fantastic dress!

Is it through a company or a private person who does it? If its through a company, then I would consider tipping... when I got home and everything was good. If its a private person who does it and sets their own rates, I don't really think its necessary to tip unless they go above and beyond.

Tara - which games are you doing? 13lbs is awesome! Now that I'm back from vacation, I need to get back on the Wii Fit!

Fun thread Alyssa! 1. United States 2. Canada 3. Mexico 4. Jamaica 5. Grand Cayman 6. Guatemala 7. Thailand 8. And most recently.... Belize!

Kelly, you looked gorgeous!!! And it looked like a beautiful and fun wedding! I love the detail pic of your barefoot sandals with your toe tatoo. Your dress is beautiful! Congrats!

Just sending some positive vibes your way

My DH wore a tux - totally his idea. I told him to wear linen pants and a dress shirt. We got married in January, but it was still insanely hot. Sam rolled his tux pants up after the ceremony and took off the jacket, so that helped a bit. We both made it through dinner, but changed right after cutting the cake.

Quote: Originally Posted by xandrafaye Do the clues make sense now that you look back at them? Nope... only the three planes and scuba. I think DH was bored at work and just finding random pics to send me. It was a fun distraction though...

Congrats Morgan!!! I hope your day is everything you want it to be and I can't wait to hear about it!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Maureen That sounds like an awesome trip, Jenn! I was wondering where you went. I would have never guessed Belize. Yeah, me neither. All the clues were to throw me off, though I was just excited to be going on vacation and really wasn't trying to figure our where. It was a really fantastic trip!

So as some of you may remember, my DH took me on a secret vacation for my b-day! I had no clue where we were going, and honestly, until we got there he wouldn't tell me all the details. So-oo... his big surprise was La Isla Bonita - aka Ambergris Caye, Belize! We stayed at Belizean Shores, which is on the north end of Ambergris Caye. Its quite a trip to get there, but once you're there, it is gorgeous! We actually took 3 planes, getting progressively smaller to reach the island, and then a boat ride to the hotel. The final 15 minute flight was on a little Cessna from Belize City to San Pedro! Our room was actually a condo, so we had a full kitchen with pots/pans/etc, and DH had used a company on the island to actually stock our kitchen with beer, champagne, snacks, etc! If we were staying longer, we could've actually had food for the whole trip brought to our room before we got there, which was very cool. I don't love cooking on vacation, but Ambergris Caye is expensive for restaurants. Besides, the maid came everyday and did our dishes, so you get to cook without the cleanup! In San Pedro, the only town on the island, you can find inexpensive local food. But up by our resort, the only restaurants were at hotels, and they charged a premium. The hotel has a beautiful pool, pool bar, and a restaurant. Food was good, but we only ate 2 meals at our hotel (lots of places to try!). The hotel's pier has a scuba shop on it, which was awesome. They also arrange mainland activities and fishing trips, but Belize is known for its amazing coral reef. It was fantastic to be able to walk out every morning and just hop onto the boat to go diving! We did 6 dives, a snorkel trip, and a trip to the Mayan Ruins and Belize Zoo while we were there. It was an incredible vacation!!! Ok... time for pics Slideshow of Belize - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Coral Cove was very flexible... They have a policy of a 4 night minimum stay, but told us that if guests needed to, they could do 3 nights. We had a total of 20 guests, but I believe that at full occupancy they can house 26-30. We also negotiated a 10% discount for all of our guests for booking 10 rooms. Anyone who stays 7 days gets a 15% discount. They have a wedding planner, and they can arrange for everything. We did bring our own photographer, because we wanted pics for the whole weekend - welcome party, a TTD session, and we didn't love the one they usually use. My stepfather is a florist, so we also bought our own flowers in MoBay wholesale. They have a florist in Negril though, and can arrange for anything you want. We also brought some decoarations that I wanted - paper lanterns, starfish, etc. The owner, Steve, really did everything to make our wedding fantastic! It's a really special place! Let me know if you have any other questions

I don't have any new ideas, but I just logged in and saw this thread! I'll be thinking of you guys, and if there is anything I can do, let me know!

They look great! Congrats on a fantastic DIY!

We briefly looked at villas, but thought that it may be cost prohibitive to our guests, and also weren't sure about everyone literally sharing rooms and bathrooms - just a privacy issue. Our guests didn't all know one another, so it may have been a bit awkward at first. If you are looking for a more intimate feel, check out Coral Cove, which is just outside of Negril - we were married there and it was absolutely perfect A little off the beaten path, but a very cool vibe, and they will do almost anything to make your day perfect! It has a bed and breakfast feel to it, and if you essentially rent the whole place (which we did) its like having a villa, but with everyone having a little more privacy.

I would definitely say to bring traveller's checks, because that is way too much cash to have to carry. And $15 per image on CD?!? That seems like highway robbery!

Yeah! I finally convinced DH to let me open the Wii Fit, and I love it! So much fun... though I must say, I am terrible at the soccer ball game!

As others said, we have all been through this... we were missing quite a few important faces at our wedding, but I would do it over again in a heartbeat! My wedding was exactly what I wanted it to be, and those that didn't make it... it was truly their loss! Everyone who came had a fantastic time!