scuba tanks on cruises

[moosicman]

i'm assuming there isn't any big hassle but in the climate of our times i thought i should ask, is there anything special needed to carry a tank on to a cruise. we are going out on a carnival cruise to cozumel and i think i will have all dive gear and tank by then...any packing hints and so fourth?

[comet24]

Why bring a tank. Anywhere you dive will provide one.

If you are set on bring on I would contact the cruise line. Also do you want to carry it off and on the ship when you stop at ports to dive.

[moosicman]

true but this is also a long range question...i may want to one day carry my own tanks (which i may want to on this one as well)....just a preference for now i suppose....but i wondererd if they had any rules, regulations, or restrictions as the flight industry does

[SteveC]

Why would you want to take a tank with you? Tanks and weights are always supplied by the dive operator. Even if you’re not flying, it would be a very big hassle to take a tank on a cruise.

[navyhmc]

I would bring your preferred dive gear but leave tank and weights at home for weight sake. Most dive tours through the cruise line will have the weights and tanks you need. If you have dove with your gear in salt water already, you should know how much weight you need-that comes in handy at the boat.

Also one piece of advice on diving while on a cruise. Even though you can probably find a cheaper day dive trip at Coz., book your dive through the cruise line. The most simple reason is that if something happens and you don't get back to the boat on time, getting to the next port of call is on your dime unless it's booked through the cruise line. I saw this happen a few times while on a Royal Caribbean cruise. I you boked through them they are either going to wait for you or they will make your arrangements to the next port of call. (your cruise line of course may vary.)

Have fun!

[navyhmc]

Also if you are planning to fly with your tank, if has to be absolutely empty-I mean in some cases valve not attached. A scuba tank had to meet the same guidelines as any other pressureized container. You will also pay a premium for the priledge of having them take it with you. i.e. when flying, it's not worth the hassle.

AS far as bringing one on the cruise ship, call or email the cruise line directly and see what they say.

[moosicman]

thanks for the heads up Navymc....i've already figured the times for the dive..we get into port at 8...dive at 830 (blue angel will wait if we run behind) and are back at noon and board ship again at 4:00, which should leave us 3 1/2 hrs for accidents and boat mishaps....i was figuring on assuming this amount of risk and knew of the circumstances of getting left behind.....hmmmm, wonder even with a 3 to 4 hour window if i should still pay the 60 bucks more (my fiancee is a travel agent so we get the blue angel deal cheaper, plus we make commission) for the cruise line or no....

[navyhmc]

Your call, sounds like you have a good window. I did a dive package at Roatan my last (and first) cruise and we got back to the ship 10 minutes before they pulled the gangway. I also did a 2 dive package, sounds like you have a single dive. That definitely adds a safety factor.

[moosicman]

well i'm double checking that to make sure....i've checked with both papa hogs and blue angel, and now my details are getting fuzzy (actually i'm just tired and need sleep...but i think BOTH of them were 8:30 to noonish and had a 60-120 foot wall dive and then a second 40-60 foot platform reef dive...keep in mind this will be my first official ocean dive, so i don't know, but that is doable in that amount of time if we dont' have to go so far out right

[georoc01]

You should be fine. FYI, Other than for a shore dive, I don't think you can enter the Cozumel marine park on your own where you would use your own tank. And even that would be a one shot deal, getting fills may also be an issue. And that's if the cruise line lets you bring it on.