GPop&Nana

I have been in contact with his niece (I think) Adri. I have also exchanged emails with Lawson himself, just so I knew it was the real guy. Yes he is still doing tours, just found him tough to find - but I did it.

This is the email I have been using to set up our tour. It's directly to Adri,

adri.lawsons@gmail.com

Good luck to all of us.

Nana

Thank you Mr. Dawson - I think I have been successful. I am in contact with Ardi - ardi.lawsons@gamil.com

Sound right?

Nana

Thank you Mr. Dawson. By any chance do you have an email for him? I don't have a facebook account - so can't reach him that way.

Nana

Mr. Lawson - are you still doing tours? I am hoping you see this and reply. I filled out the online form from your website and am hoping for a reply.

Nana

I love that so many are packing first aid kits...as a trauma nurse in a level one trauma center our family first aid kit has taken on a life of its own...DH actually told me to downsize the kit so I could take more shoes:D

Nana

Wait until towards the end of the cruise to do massages and such in the spa. They have them discounted big time compared to the beginning of the cruise.

 

Also, wait until the last day or so of the cruise to buy T-Shirts and such as souvenirs (or for yourself) as these are also discounted!

 

I learned the hard way, buying that stuff in the beginning of the cruise and being disappointed when I could have gotten the same stuff for much cheaper if I had waited til the end of the cruise.

You do know that if you bring them the receipt they will price match for you right?

They also do this for cigarettes - if you find them cheaper in port all you do is take a picture of the add and where you saw it and take it to the fun shops. They will credit the difference to your sign and sail card.

My DH is handicapped and we have tried to book HA cabins before and have been told that they were all booked. I asked if they were all booked by people with documented handicap status (for lack of a better word) and was told that they cannot see that. I was also told they wouldn't 'bump' someone because they can't tell who is handicapped and who is not. We ended up having to book a different ship to get a HA room.

I wouldn't count on getting bumped.

I agree though that booking an HA room when it is not needed (just to get a larger cabin) is tacky, greedy, and selfish - that being said Karma has a way of working things out.

Nana

Yes, very small world. I love it down here. Do you mind me asking what you picked to do for Belize and Cozumel? I am nervous about Belize from what I read and especially since this my first time.

 

Thanks,

No problem - in Belize we are doing a private tour (and probably paying too much but...) We are going to Altun Ha and the Community Baboon Sanctuary - with lunch and shopping. In Cozumel - we're just taking a taxi into town and hitting some local favorites; if we had the kids with us we would probably go to Paradise Beach.

Nana

:) I thought maybe they were giving me the run around, ha! I know he comes highly reccommended. I am looking forward to the tour as well. It will be our first cruise so we are excited.

 

Have fun!!

No - from everything we've heard and read Victor is honest as the day is long, we can't wait for this tour. Have a great one scheduled for Belize too. Hope you guys have a great time on your cruise - to funny - League City??? I used to live in Friendswood...small world huh?

Nana

How did you pull that off? We asked for July as well and they said he is in the states until August. Hmmm.....

At the time I wrote that we were assigned to Tex - however, we received an email from Victor a few weeks ago and we have been re-assigned (due to Tex taking the US job) to Rick - still excited though!:D

Nana

Is Tex expected back? We have him booked for August. Wondering if I should request somebody else rather than ending up with a last minute replacement.

We had Tex booked in July - got an email from Victor last week explaining that Tex had taken a job in the US and would be gone for 3 months. He reassigned us to Rick. I would assume that if you need to be rescheduled Victor will do it; perhaps Tex plans to be back in time for your tour.:D

A private tour like victor

Bodden's (Roatan) would be nice.

We found ncqadventuretours dot com and we contacted them. They are doing a private tour for us, we didn't choose to go to the beach, but Nacho calls you back and you can work through the details with him. One thing we did notice is that prices for tours in Belize are way way more expensive than in Roatan (we are booked with Victor Bodden for a private tour there).

Hope that helps.

Nana

My husband and I just returned from a cruise which visited Belize City. We had read about the Belize City Zoo and wanted to visit, but the ship did not offer a tour that combined both places and it was difficult finding a tour company to take us. Someone on the zoo staff recommended a company called cavetubing.bz. We had a very good experience with them, from the initial planning emails , corresponding with the owner Vitalino Reyes, through the actual execution. We wanted to visit both the zoo and the Altun Ha Mayan site - two different directions and not something generally offered - but they put together a private independent tour for us that accomplished both. Our guide, a young man named Robin, had formerly worked at the zoo (which is really more like an animal sanctuary, operated on donations, with no government funding) and was very informative. It was definitely a worthwhile visit. He was very knowledgeable about both the zoo and the archeological site which followed. The company provided a very good hot lunch as well. We were very happy with the experience and definitely recommend the company.

This is the exact tour we want to do. We have contacted Vitalino and he emailed us back rate info. My only concern is the timing...was there enough, did you feel rushed, any worries about the last tender...was there time for shopping...oh and what did they charge you.

Thanks - Nana

Thanks for the review -- we have Tex booked in November!

After reading these I am so excited. We have Tex booked for this July:D

I don't know what price range you are looking for, but we have a two room suite - king, queen, sofa - with balcony and cruise parking for $243 for 1 night. Maison St Charles on St Charles Ave.

01 CRUZN BUCKEYE - OHIO

2 Icarrythebags - Ohio

03 CrazyAboutCruising- New York

04 bbiggar-Wisconsin

05 Cotton

06 VoyagerFL - Florida (via Indiana)

07 Tom-n-Cheryl - FLORIDA

08 Nautical but Nice - Missouri

09 Elaine515 - Florida

10 LHP - (Linda, David, Josh and DJ) - Memphis

11 Ladyspoilt and family - Tennessee

12 Cruiser64-Florida

13 Beach4me - South Carolina

14 YesitDonna - Massachusetts

15 RICHFRET - Florida

16 JBHCW-Jane-North Carolina

17 BARBARA J.W KENTUCKY

18 MrPete - New York

19 Doug910 - Florida

20 GottaLuvCruising - Florida

21 Mich6674 - Florida

22 Luv's Crusin' BJW North Carolina

23 JJudy-Michigan

24 burtonsgigi - Fort Mill, SC

25 Cruisedogs2 - Yorktown, VA

26 OBX_FIN and obx_fintoo - Virginia

27 ahoys-only one ahoy--Kathy from Florida

28 ILuvCarnival - Cleveland, Ohio

29 crusinsusan - PA

30 gator bait - Florida

31 jlcga - Florida

32 dls - California

33 Blueocean and husband - Ohio

34 Ronath - Louisiana

35 Mosel - Florida

35 MILEMRKR63- HARVEY CEDARS, NJ

37 PeterV - London United Kingdom

38 bthorn1108 - Florida (by way of Massachusetts)

39 Mike/Cheryl - Omaha, NE

40 Suzys - New Jersey

41 PSRCPA - Florida

42 Host Graham - Rochester, NY

43 CoCoNut Willie- Texas

44 Grouchpuss - Arizona

45 pam7553 - Illinois

46 molme-Georgia

47 meltla (Tommy) New Orleans, LA

48 bonniemari - Tennessee

49 cruzinsteve - Texas

50 jy148 - New Jersey

51 cld1225-Virginia

52 Carnivalkim-Georgia

53 rburns44-Ohio

54 Karter - Florida

55 Birdiegirl - Minnesota

56 Emtnmare - Minnesota

57 mamawg- Blue Springs, Missouri

58 Diane F and Jerry - California

59 rpsinnj - New Jersey

60 gymbrat33 - Florida

61 bonstersd - California

62 Bea2002- Florida

63 Sandgnat- Geogia

64 Cjm61 - New York

65 Kstrickman - Maryland

66 rwdtgt - Florida

67 Louisiana Joe and Family

68 earlethepearl

69 Litewait ( plus dd 21, & ds 15) San Diego, Ca

70 Quickrate- Florida

71 sk8rpatty - California

72 shortstop95 (jane & luke) delaware

73 SCUBA Mark - Texas

74 dotshub- Larry & Doris - Florida

75 woodi- Oklahoma

76 volman and kipmom - Tennessee

77 Bases5 Florida

78 Lv2camp&cruise- Chris and Kim, Tennessee

79 KenMo & DH - Missouri

80 smarks & DH oldfart - GA.

81 Floatway and Hubby - Friendswood, Texas

82 Luv2cruz44 - Redding, CA

83 Stircrzy - Texas

84 irishgirl - Michigan

85 Candigirl41 - So. CA

86 luv2cruise777l - So Ca.

87 Cruise from NY

88 Joel (Cruzman), LA (Lower Alabama)

89 Amanda, also from Lower Alabama

90 75Vette - Missouri

91 SadieN & DH & DD - San Bernardino County, CA

92 JaguarGirl - Jacksonville, Florida

93 vettebuf - Elaine and Frank and Jon, Sicklerville, NJ

94 airmanship - Arkansas

95 *Luv2Cruise*- New York

96 pnjkeith - Oklahoma

97 cruisergirl2002 - Indiana

98 Deaf Dude - New Orlean

99 Dan40&Barb-Florida

100 G'ma-Voorhees NJ

101 JMW / MJW MB SC

102 MelBCroozer - Covington, LA

103 Shawnie - Canada

104 Mikel1733 & Sally - Nebraska

105 DarthGrady- Florida

106 Southbayer - So Calif

107 pmc7704 - Florida

108 MarylandLady - Maryland

109 Smoofdaddy and Mama Linda - Tennessee

110 FunShipFan - New York

111 mek - Ohio

112 S.S. Oceanlover - PA

113. Cbcruiser - San Diego, CA

114. CWcruisers - San Diego, CA

115. MDR Cali Cruisers - SoCal

116. DGP1111 - Florida

117. Crazycath - SoCal

118.M&J-Florida

119 keene state mom New Hampshire

120. Bigboataddict - E. TX

121. nowendy - Marrero, LA

122. Chigirlcruzin - Chicago

123. Georgiagolfer & DW - Augusta, Georgia

124. "Copvet" Wayne & Debbie, Jax.Bch., Fl

125. Manmachine & DW - Melbourne, FL

126. Julienatul - FL

127. Alberta_Cruiser & DW & DD(19) - Calgary, Alberta

128. sjones0920 Virginia 129. GTVCRUISER - San Diego

130. scperk-Collierville,Tennessee

131. PatfromPa - Pennsylvania

132. grey's girl - Pennsylvania

133. jerrymac - Florida

134. LPLRN76& DH -Florida

135. Cruises42 - Virginia

136. imacruiser2 - Washington State

137. funcruzck1 - Atlanta, GA

138. cruisng4fun- Boston, Ma

139. gfsmith- Oklahoma

140. Gracie65 & family, North Myrtle Beach, SC

141. kicia (& George) - Indiana to Florida

142. bots99 - Florida

143. Bobby & Mary-South Carolina

144. CheerBelleMom-Texas

145. gottacruise - Not currentLY from anywhere - full time RV'er

146. Victory2020 - Los Angeles

147. Bill & Leila - Georgetown, KY

148. Kaseyoz- Sydney Australia__________________

149. Fun, fun 44 (& Bryan)- Oklahoma

150. Little - Atlanta, GA

151. Linda Lu (&Jerry & Sandra) Texas

152. Lisa0719 & JoeMc0919 - Levittown, PA

153. Mike and Pat, San Clememte CA

154. Harlekuin & Dcon, Sacramento, CA

155. Salty Dawg (Ken & Nancy) - Michigan

156. cheepwrent - Oklahoma

157. Gatorman - Florida

158. Susan (vidimom) & Scott - Gainesville, Florida

159. Charlotte (Charbill) & Bill - OHIO

160. Host Terry

161. LindaJSteele and DH - Jacksonville, FL

162. Jim & Claudete - TEXAS

163. we're sailing away - Jacksonville, FL

164. SHOLLY (Steve)- Kansas

165. Tertog(Joe and Terry)- Kennesaw, GA

166. mom2girls-Orlando, FL

167. Loisann - South Carolina

168. legalmom and Ben - Jacksonville, FL

169. Beth - Bob and Beth - Georgia

170. Bruce & Pam - Midland, TX

171. cantw82cruise - Michigan

172. Crdtrnr - Shreveport, Louisiana (hubby will be on next cruise)

173. CwuzCwazy & DW - Florida

174. Uncle Doug, Dayton, TX

175. UncleDougsDonna, Dayton, TX

176. allenee-Mary Ann & David, Cheifland,Fl.

177. Bandman - Larry & Melinda - Franklin, TN

178. Tess2cruz - Teri - Houston Texas

179. MszKitty - SoCal

180. Doug & Pat, Wichita Falls, Tx.

181. Michael and Michele, Vermont

182. LornaT (and Mom Olga & DD Jessica) Van Nuys, CA (SoCal)

183. Jessemon-Tampa

184. Navarrecruiser - Bob & Lynda Navarre, FL

185. sa7776 - Mississippi

186. PA Dutchman- PA

187. breenw (Bill and Marsha), New Palestine, IN

188. Beezalar (skip and trisha) gastonia nc

189. bp traveler - MN

190. umwife11--South Florida

191. jmss1950 - Simpsons - Georgia

192. rbrb1951-north Alabama

193. CalifCruiser1 - California

194. Donna n Francis - Nova Scotia, Canada

195. familyof4cruising - NY

196. Spikester- Alexandria VA

197. DEL67 - NJ

198. ScootsMom - Florida

199. MickMac100- Scotland UK

200. rm4778- Auburn, AL

201. Catrin (Cathy and Steve) - Rhode Island

202. Beverlyf - Pittsburgh PA

203. Cruiser@Heart - Illinois

204. Natk - New York (13 done, 14 and 15 booked..looking for 16-20)

205. Flynlo - Oklahoma Go Sooners!!

206. Villagers70 - The Villages, Florida

207. jess2245 - Leesburg, Florida

208. lp343-Woodbury, MN

209. c&d -Ohio

210. CruiseSpecialist03- Miami, Florida

211. cruisecop2006

212. scfcruiser - Steve & Cheryl - Trenton, Ohio

213. Jaxonboy - Ft Smith, Arkansas

214. augie - Melbourne, Florida

215. winddawn - Tennessee

216. Chris64 - Bama....Rollll Tide!

217. OKGIRL - Dallas, TX

218. OKGIRLs Sister - Dallas, TX

219. Au48 - Auburn, AL -- War Damn Eagle!

220. Luckycruzer

221. Funship Freddy - USVI

222. duck512 - Ohio

223. gazingm42 - Stuck in the South

224. yesaCCasey - Go Gators, Florida

225. Rocky123 - NJ

226. Sweetnell and Oldmedic- Texas

227. BuggyStuff - Brad, Iowa

228. LynneL (and family) - Long Island, NY

229. Louisiana Joe (The Original) Geaux Tigers!!

230. Ship Addict - Katy Texas -- Go Tigers

231. CathysCruisin' - Cathy & Dan, San Antonio, TX

232. Denville Dave - NJ

233, MSQPON - Jo - NJ

234. cruizer4662 - Merritt Island, FL-- "GO BLUE, Michigan"

235. Cuizman1 - FL

236. Tallcruiser - CA

237. Stepbrod-MD

238. JoeSmooga and Wife of JoeS - Sioux City, IA

239. Kids of JoeS (2... went Plat. at ages 5 and 7!) - Sioux City, IA

240. ahoys- Dave and Kathy- Tampa, FL

241. can'twaittacruise - Lynn and Dave - Hollister, FL

242. demos-GA

243. Fofita01 - Miami, FL

244. GOTTA CRUISE NOW - Lancaster, PA

245. Volzcruiser - Tn Go Vols

246. Cruizier4662 - Merritt Island, Fl.

247. Jetskier-Lumberton, Mississippi

248. Barbados1999 - Maryland (DC suburbs)

249. glrounds - So Cal

250. Julie McCoy - Fairhope, AL

251. TTz - Tony & Karrie - Mesa, AZ.

252. ADATL & DH both - Angie & Doug - Atlanta, GA

253. KatSt - Kathy & Bill (Both Platinum) - Gilbert, Az

254. Dell08-Adelle - Fort Lauderdale, FL

255. Donan54 - Columbus, GA

256. djacobson - Baton Rouge, La.

257. Mammama - Don and Carolyn - Tennessee

258. Cincy Gal - Cincinnati, Ohio

259. Rosefloater - Los Angeles, CA

260. Ascott318 Newburgh,NY

261. beetle9 - Tim and Tammy, OH.

262. rellersi - Apex, NC

263. LUV'S Crusin - Winston Salem, NC

264. lindanick - Florida

265. DolfanNY

266. maurick Hackettstown, NJ

267. Travel girl23 - Texas

268. Simpleman - Virginia

269. Ccruzer - Chicago, Il

270. Jhale - Houston, Texas

271. rhorhorho - Palm Bay, Florda

272. SeaUonboard - Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

273. Meowsmurphy - John & M-E, Columbus, OH

274. alberta_cruiser and family - Alberta, Canada

275. Wants to be rich - Massachusetts

276. LRene - Hattiesburg, MS

277. Lifestylecruzer - Hattiesburg, MS

278. popsec - Fair Haven, Vermont

279. thecarnivalkid - Ryan- Windsor, Ontario

280. brcris75 - Arkansas

281. cruising3times - Ohio

282. lidoplease - SC

283. Cruisetobeaches-IL

284. Cruzenagain - South Carolina

285. Shipdogred - Mississippi

286. Jdfireman - New Jersey

287. 007007 - North Carolina

288. SantanaTto - New Jersey

289. KevinKelli - St. Petersburg, FL

290. KelliKevin - St. Petersburg, FL

291. Txsluvscruising-Sanger, TX

292. Cascole - San Diego, CA

293. Grouchpuss - Tucson, AZ

294. TX Southpaw - Plano, TX

295. CruzVinnieCruz - Pittsburgh, PA

296. Astropilot - Decatur, Il

297. ibecruzen2 - Daytona Beach, Fl.

298. Natspawpaw-Florence, AL

299. Lmtrn2001-Florence, AL

300. mulecuizer - Temecula, Ca.

301 Mort13ers Boston Ma

302 ccnvcpl - San Antonio, TX

303. Sockmonkey - Central Tx

304. dorinel - Chester, Massachusetts

305 rwilli01 Arkansas

306 Cateyes2u - Oakland CA.

307 Harlekuin - Sacramento, CA

308 Bluehorizonlover - Buffalo Grove, IL

309 travelinggrandma California

310 PaulMedik - Montgomery WV.

311 INCHARGE - Va

312 Ncjeff Cary NC.

313 Scot Griffith, IN

314 Jeff aka DrKleen, Owings, MD

315 Calker, WI

316 Calker's husband, WI

317 kewbrook, SC

318 kewbrook's husband, SC

319 BigDoug, Maryland

320 jenms2000, Georgia

321 thepeach, Georgia

322 aggieastrosfan and DH, Texas

323 framerman, Hendersonville, NC

324 crusinpsychRN, Florida

325 Steveaaaaa, Florida

326 alagirl-- Sally and Donald, AL

327 Babyblue, Harker Heights ,Texas

328 Triplee, Fredericksburg, VA

329 Denisey, Seattle, WA

330 Dennisy, Seattle

331 Jimiam, Dothan,Al

332 Sueiam, Dothan,Al

333 ddoc and spouse Limerick, PA

334 JOEZ Parents, Mechanicsville, MD

335 JOEZ, Mechanicsville, MD

336 Love2Sail - Randy and Tammy, TX

337 Mamma Tennessee

338 RickB, Nova Scotia

339 Margarita Mom, Nova Scotia

340 Ginny & Ray, Cape Coral, FL

341 Cruise-Crazy, Miami, FL

342 Essiesmom, Hinesville, GA

343 BarbaraSails; New Orleans, LA

344 Nieciez; Fredericksburg VA

345 rwilli01 Searcy AR

346 Jim Carroll Fort Myers, Fl.

347 Armando & Ginny - Houst

348 rlkubi - St. Louis, MO

349 bar10der421 Baltimore MD

350 Rotorwinger Doswell Va

351 Lynn & Carla Dallas, TX

352 Cruznlobo-Mike and Vicki North Tonawanda, NY

353 Mach-Texas

354 DqALEX

355 Dave0311-New Jersey

356 GC - Gary & Sarah

357 jeanarch-jean & Archie Oak Grove, Louisiana

358 SnowWhiteNYC - Sue and Bob, West Islip (LI) NY

359 mr0315 Maria - Newark, Delaware

360 Gone_Kroozin-Jersey

361 gcam - Maryland

362 dafuser-Texas

363 Cathy (dafusers DW)-Texas

364 FamilyDoc (Okmulgee OK)

365 Big Daddy (Texas)

366 Captain Ronn and Donna (Birmingham, Al)

367 NCTribeFan - Durham, NC

368 viaggi_per_mare - New York

369 firefly333 - Texas

370 legalmom (Lois and Ben-Milestone)

371 tiggerman101 (Atlanta GA)

372 bettysuetraveler (Memphis TN)

373 Cricket63 (Charleston SC)

374 Jimbo5544 Jim and Mary CT

375 Ashleezmom (Orange County, CA)

376 Robert & Trish (Dallas, Texas)

377 cruzinblondie (Debbie & Pete, Montgomery, TX)

378 AstroPilot (Dave & Diana, Decatur, Il)

379 Frick_&_Frack (New York)

380 Fun 2 Crz

381 Frank12 ( Florida)

382 capndinghy (Fort Worth, Texas)

383 BLUsry - Lee and Cathy (Houston, Texas)

384 LCSeale53 (Leon and Sandra, Lakeland, Florida)

385 BigDformTN - Don & Renee (Bartlett, TN) as of 12/2010

386 Patattack (Pat) Tennessee

387 ROK4U2, Algiers

388 Cruisedogs (Virginia)

389 Jes2245 Leesburg, FL

390 Wnt2bol - Leland, NC

391 Hockeyluver & Hubby~ Emeryville Ontario, Canada (im cheating we will be in February )

392 Avril - Burlington, Ontario, Canada (sailing on my 1st Platinum cruise on the Miracle for New Years, can't wait!! )

393 donsuej - 2 of us! , Fitchburg, MA

394 ManateeMom, Palm Beach, FL

395 Bama Fan - 2 of us, Madison, Alabama

396 Man of Many Hats - Kansas

397 Anjanu - Savannah, GA (sailing on my 1st platinum cruise on Dream, 12/11)!!!

398 Texaribbean Chick - (Chuck and Crystal) Houston, TX

399. CapnDinghy and Pat - Ft. Worth, Texas

400. CruisinSteve and Kathy - Eden, NC

401. LindaJean (2 of us) - South Carolina

402. Legalwife and Hubby - Georgia

403. Tggs726 - Connecticut

404. Cruisin'Lovebirds - Florida

405. xplor97 - Morris, IL

406. rockwood84 - Tennessee

408. INCHARGE - VA

409. misstopgun

410. scubacruiser and 7thchild

411. Mullet and Clo - Statesboro Ga.

412. Sewut

413 scott & marion wyoming MI

414 Mt Lassen - NorCal

415 sunshine002 NY

416 ontheboatagain-CA

417 Lindan1020 - Port Charlotte, FL

418 JHALE - KATY, TX

419 Sandyjabs - Florida

420 1tuckersmom - Steens, Ms

421 wasiii - Long Island, NY

422 l2luv2cruise – Massachusetts

423 Kujobie - Kurt and Karen Clearwater Florida

424 Dave.... Ontario Canada...EH!

425 btorlv - La Verne, Calif.

426 Cruisnmom007- Whittieer, Calif

427. mzloolue - Memphis

428. Lucigo - Pace, FL

429. Arizona Cruisers - George and Judy - Chandler, Arizona

430. crusing3times - Ohio

431- Jetwet1 - Las Vegas

432. shipshape gal - west palm beach

433. AnnMarie58 - Phx Arizona

434. azcruisegurl - Chandler, Arizona

435. Bigsmooth-North Al.

436. Steve and Kay AR

437. nursejean from SC

438. crusinpsychRN

439. Bev - Nova Scotia, Canada

440. Ashleezmom - (Ashley) California

441. StrangeBrew and Wife - Florida

442. Stargateman and family - Florida

443. Dominichunter - Orange County, Ca

444. Relax@Sea - Chicago, IL

445. Idiebabe - Myrtle Beach, SC

446. Pungo3 - Florida

447. mek - Ohio

448. Bamarobbie and hubby- Georgia

449. CorbinCatFan - Kentucky Big Blue Nation

450. Gpop & Nana (Joe & Kim both Platinum)- Houston, Texas

I know why there is no pier in Grand Cayman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We took a tour many years ago, and asked the same question - the answer is....

The Cayman Trench - next time you are in the Caymans - look over the front of the ship - the water is light blue and clearly shallow. Now go to the back of the ship and look over - the water is dark blue. Why? The Cayman Trench. You go from like 60 feet to 6000 feet in a heartbeat - the land literally drops off. And that drop is why you can't build a long pier - no where to put the base in the deep water portion.

FYI

Nana