The Empress is a very basic budget operator. The diving operation is OK. I have done another budget live-aboard in the same area, the food was better, you had an en suite and the diving operation was better. So the operations vary even within the low cost budget operators. If price is everything for you, take the gamble on a budget operator. If it is a special trip for you, treat yourself a little. When I do Komodo I will not be using Empress, there are lots of operators that offer a few more creature comforts that will suit me better.