Since it's winter and a lot of you have mothballed the Barth for a while, you may be tempted to go on a "free' trip that you signed up for at some restaurant or some other place. Suzy and I just returned from the Bahamas and if you are interested, read on.
First off, we went through Security Travel in Tampa. Anyone else I can't vouch for yeah or nay. When we were first notified that we "won" we were informed it would cost us some "normal" fees and processing costs, totalling about $350 for the two of us. Not too bad for a three night stay. We sent the deposit, good for 3 years I think. When we decided to go for Christmas it was within the 90 day window but they got us through, but we had to pay another 76 bucks for wanting to travel without 90 days notice. OK, our bad. Then we found out that the boat leaves at 8:30 am and we should be at the port by 6. So now we need motel in Ft. Lauderdale. No problem, 89 a night one before and one after, free parking while we're gone. Great! Another 22 bucks per for departation fees. Huh? That's to pay for the free bus trip to the port. Another 10 bucks at the dock, and another 10 for the bus to the hotel in Freeport, then a 90 buck tax at the hotel, and our free trip was closing in on 8 notes. The trip over was great, we sailed on the Discovery Sun, a small old cruise ship that makes the run over and back every day, and the food was great, the drinks were proper, and the service was good. The trip is about 6 hours and rooms are available for 55 bucks, but I wouldn't do it.
Grand Bahama [Freeport and Port Lucaya] are still devistated by the hurricanes, although there is certainly enough recreation to be found. I dove twice Christmas day and had a ball. The casinos are up and running [of course] but that's not our thing.
In summary, the trip cost a total of about 16 notes for the 2 of us, and while I'll never regret doing it, I'll never do it again. That kind of money goes a long way on a cruise ship, where dinner doesn't cost 50 per and you're treated like royalty, not cattle.
Please don't let me spoil this trip if you have already signed up. You WILL have fun and you will only spend money if you want to, but it's pretty hard not to once you're there.
I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding this trip, as I know a ton of people have "won" this thing and I would like to let them know exactly what they are getting into.
Happy New Year to all and looking forward to many great Barth adventures in 05.

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Dan & Suzy Z
'81 Euro 28

I need some help to convince myself that $1,600.00 is FREE. If I am correct that it ended up at a cost of approx. $400.00 per day. The best part is that you enjoyed. I'm a little confused that you would not do again though. hehehe

[This message has been edited by Smith Brother (edited December 29, 2004).]

There are several "trigger" words that activate my spam filter (and my personal suspicion).

"Free" is one of them.

As in AA, Free stuff don't work.

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Larry and Heidi from CA