The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) program is the most respected and recognized organization in recreational scuba diver training and certification.
'For the past 16 years Royal Caribbean has worked closely with PADI to develop our on-board dive program,' said Roberta Jacoby, managing director, Global Tour Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 'No other cruise line offers the opportunity for guests to become PADI-certified scuba divers as part of the cruise, making it an ultimate dive trip as well.'
Jacoby said when passengers sign up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course, they receive first-rate training and diver certification, and perform their own scuba dives in the waters of multiple Caribbean destinations and the South Pacific.
Royal Caribbean offers a range of programs for new and experienced divers, from a 30-minute 'Try Dive' program for those who just want to get their feet wet, to PADI's 'Reactivate Program' for certified divers wanting a refresher. Prices start at $29 and $59, respectively.
Those seeking the ultimate scuba dive vacation can enroll in PADI's 'Open Water Diver' course to earn their certification, starting at $599. This premiere scuba course begins at home with an online program using either the PADI Touch app for mobile devices or PADI eLearning for desktop and laptop computers, leaving more time for the fun of diving while on vacation.
Divers will test the waters in the ship's pool before heading out to complete the four mandatory, open-water training dives in spectacular underwater surroundings. The training dives will be split between two ports, allowing for maximum sightseeing in the Caribbean or South Pacific. Upon returning home, participants will be certified scuba divers able to plan and execute dives on their own.
Passengers can book their PADI course before embarking through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner, or while on board at one of the PADI Five Star Dive Centers found on 10 ships across the fleet, including Oasis-, Freedom- and Voyager-class ships, as well as the Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas.
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