@nodakdive I feel like I was on the same boat as you, lol. My experience mimics yours with the exception of the last paragraph. I did not get to steer the vessel. And I laughed at the best shower of your life. So true!
I was certified on Blackbeard’s 14 years ago. Since then we’ve done many trips to Cozumel and about 10 others live aboards with other companies. I could never go back to Blackbeard’s. It was all fun, new and exciting as a new diver so I thoroughly enjoyed the trip after I got over my initial sea sickness from the rough crossing from Miami (back then).
The good:
The sites were varied and we got a mix of different topographies.
The food on my trip was surprisingly exceptional.
I was a new diver so all dives were exciting.
The not so good:
Tiny cramped beds with a pull curtain for privacy and shared cabins. You will most likely be sharing a cabin or the galley sleeping area with people you don’t know. Our cabin was 2 people on top bunk and 2 on bottom. Luckily our instructors shared our cabin.
“A” narrow shelf at the end of your bunk to store your clothes on. Pack minimal and I mean very minimal clothing.
A tiny shower in the galley area that all people share unless you shower on deck. You shower with salt water and only get 30 seconds of fresh water to rinse with.
The galley isn’t big enough for everyone to eat at the same time so some have to go up on deck...if the boat is full that week.
If your bunk is in the galley then you will hear all the clutter of breakfast being prepared and people coming in for breakfast and possibly chatter from those who like to stay up late.
The head next to our cabin was backed up most of the week so we had a not so pleasant odor to deal with all week.
No where to go to be by yourself. You can always find somewhere on other live aboards to have some quiet time.