Aggressor Fleet v Dancer Fleet

[tenley]

What is the difference between these two fleets? They seem to be affiliated, the trips offered seem very similar, but pricing in Belize is ~25% more expensive if done on Aggressor. The boats have almost the same capacity for divers; Dancer is slightly bigger and has more staff. Has anyone been on one/both?

Aggressor Belize Aggressor III:
Oct. 15, 2010 - Dec. 29, 2012 .......... deluxe $2,695; master $2,895; they're charging a $1995 "New Years special" for Dec. 31, 2011 - Jan. 7, 2012.

Dancer Sun Dancer II:
2012 rates Owners $1995, Deluxe $1995, Master $2195. The regular rate is the same as Aggressor's New Years special.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Tenley

 

[judydivescoz]

Both companies are owned by the same company.
I have been on the Sun DancerII in Belize. Its a beautiful boat. Quite a bit larger than the Belize Aggressor. It was a fantastic trip. The staff was great the food was plentiful and delicious, dive conditions were as perfect as it gets. We saw the Aggressor boat every day so the the schedule is similar. We enjoyed or Sun Dancer II trip and would be happy to do it again. I would choose the Dancer boat even if the price was the same.

 

[Mossman]

I too have noticed the price discrepancy. I wonder if it has anything to do with Peter Hughes' history there?

 

[BoltSnap]

The Dancer boats are usually better boats with better service.

 

[ewaiea]

I've done the Kona Aggressor II on the Big Island of Hawaii. I've also done the Star Dancer in PNG. Though I have not ever been to Belize, the only real difference is how dinner is served - buffet or sit down. But with new ownership I think they're going pretty much the same across the board - so I'm not sure why the Aggressor is more - but if you asked me I'd rather do the Sun Dancer II just because it seems like a nicer boat. But I'm sure either would rock - I will be a faithful client of both for many many more years - it's hard to equal what they offer.

 

[Mossman]

Many Aggressors have sit-down dinners too. I think the only real difference is Aggressors are typically only beer/wine inclusive, while Dancers have full bars.

 

[Doubler]

The Aggressor and Dancer fleets are indeed both owned and operated by Aggressor. That being the case, the crews of the BAIII and SDII sometimes change boats, for example the Captain and one of the DM's on the Aggressor were formerly on the Sun Dancer. The difference between the boats is that the Aggressor has a larger and nicer dive deck while the Dancer has larger and nicer cabins. Having been on the Aggressor three times it seems that the older more sedate and laid back crowd is found on the Aggressor, while the younger partying type lean towards the Dancer. This is probably price driven. I have heard rumors that come September the prices for the Dancer will match the Aggressor.

 

[Woodiver]

If you don't already know, a lot of the Aggressor and Dancer boats are leased boats and not owned by the Aggressor/Dancer marketing organization. If I have a choice, I would always choose a privately run boat over an Aggressor or Dancer any day of the week.

 

[Mossman]

Why? Some "privately run" boats are crap. Some Aggressors are excellent. An argument can be made that the organization provides at least a semblance of quality control.

Heck, what do you mean by "privately" run anyway? Aggressor is privately held.

 

[BoltSnap]

Most of the Aggressor boats are "Franchise" not leased. The advantage of going on an Aggressor/Dancer boat is that you are assured the boat would meet Aggressor/Dancer company requirements and you would know what to expect with no surprises (this would hold true in most cases). The Aggressor franchisees will have to meet certain requirements for them to be able to work under the Aggressor label. This doesn't mean that the Aggressor boats will always be the "best" boats in the sea, but at least you are assured they would meet some minimum requirements and that you will be assured you are not dealing with a "fly by night" type of operation. There are very good to excellent brands out there in the liveaboard market but you will have to do your own research to ascertain that they would meet your own individual taste and requirements.