Royal Caribbean opens shipboard dive centers

Royal Caribbean International said it has added Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Five Star Dive Centers to 10 of its ships.

The centers meet PADI standards for top-level dive operations "that provide a full range of PADI scuba diving education programs, equipment selection and experience opportunities, while encouraging aquatic environmental responsibility," according to the group's website.

PADI is the most prominent of several groups that offer scuba training and certification courses.

Royal Caribbean has offered the ability for guests to earn an Open Water Diving certification from PADI while on a cruise for a number of years.

The Five Star Dive centers will be active on Oasis, Freedom and Voyager class ships as well as the Anthem of the Seas.