buster243
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We sailed on the Juliet in mid-August 2025, and it’s clear this is a "no-frills" liveaboard experience. Don’t expect luxurious cabins or gourmet dining—this trip is all about straightforward diving. We knew this before going so there were no surprises. The ship, an older converted diesel vessel with some sails (rarely used), offers a functional setup. The dive deck is mid-ship, so be prepared for a five-foot drop into the water. While there’s a staircase for climbing back onboard, there’s no low dive platform, so it’s a bit of a workout.
The crossing to the Bahamas, about 50 miles, was rough both ways. Make sure to bring your seasickness remedies—many on board were feeling the effects. Most cabins share a bathroom, though we were fortunate to have an en suite. The rooms are air-conditioned, but the rest of the ship? Not so much. Meals are served in the galley with minimal air conditioning, and most guests preferred to dine outside to catch a breeze. The food leans heavily toward comfort food, with lots of carbs—think pasta, bread, potatoes, and beans at nearly every meal.
The crew was competent, and the captain kept a sharp eye on currents and weather, ensuring we didn’t miss a single dive all week. Diving without a dive master has its ups and downs. On the plus side, you can dive at your own pace and stay down longer—we often clocked over 60 minutes per dive while staying within safe limits. However, without a guide, you might miss those hidden critters like octopuses and seahorses that DMs usually point out. That said, we saw plenty of sharks, rays, barracuda, and other large marine life at various sites, including Big Greenie, Lewda, the Strip, and the wreck of the Sapona, along with many other locations. We completed four dives a day, including night dives, except for Thursday, when we did three dives before heading back to Miami. Note that this ship offers a six-day trip instead of the typical seven-day liveaboards.
Navigating on your own means honing your compass skills and staying extra aware of underwater landmarks. With visibility around 100 feet, it’s easy to lose sight of the boat, so keeping an eye on the ship’s direction is crucial. By the end of the trip, we felt like better navigational divers, thanks to the added challenge.
We recommend the Juliet, but go in knowing it’s a bare-bones experience. If you’re after luxury, this isn’t the boat for you. But if you’re looking for solid diving, a chance to sharpen your underwater navigation skills, and a bit of adventure, it’s a great choice.
The crossing to the Bahamas, about 50 miles, was rough both ways. Make sure to bring your seasickness remedies—many on board were feeling the effects. Most cabins share a bathroom, though we were fortunate to have an en suite. The rooms are air-conditioned, but the rest of the ship? Not so much. Meals are served in the galley with minimal air conditioning, and most guests preferred to dine outside to catch a breeze. The food leans heavily toward comfort food, with lots of carbs—think pasta, bread, potatoes, and beans at nearly every meal.
The crew was competent, and the captain kept a sharp eye on currents and weather, ensuring we didn’t miss a single dive all week. Diving without a dive master has its ups and downs. On the plus side, you can dive at your own pace and stay down longer—we often clocked over 60 minutes per dive while staying within safe limits. However, without a guide, you might miss those hidden critters like octopuses and seahorses that DMs usually point out. That said, we saw plenty of sharks, rays, barracuda, and other large marine life at various sites, including Big Greenie, Lewda, the Strip, and the wreck of the Sapona, along with many other locations. We completed four dives a day, including night dives, except for Thursday, when we did three dives before heading back to Miami. Note that this ship offers a six-day trip instead of the typical seven-day liveaboards.
Navigating on your own means honing your compass skills and staying extra aware of underwater landmarks. With visibility around 100 feet, it’s easy to lose sight of the boat, so keeping an eye on the ship’s direction is crucial. By the end of the trip, we felt like better navigational divers, thanks to the added challenge.
We recommend the Juliet, but go in knowing it’s a bare-bones experience. If you’re after luxury, this isn’t the boat for you. But if you’re looking for solid diving, a chance to sharpen your underwater navigation skills, and a bit of adventure, it’s a great choice.
