KM Bidadari vs MV Mermaid II to Komodo Island in August

[1tree2hug]

I'm headed to Bali in August and will be spending some time on a LOB. My dates are restricted and I have found 7day cruises available on the Bidadari and Mermaid II to Komodo that on the surface seem comparable. OK, there are some obvious differences, 20 vs 12 divers, 20 vs 24 dives, depart bali vs fly to Labuan Bajo for departure. I've found previous posts on the Mermaid II, but nothing on Bidadari. Any comments on either of these vessels. Of course I have to make this decision ASAP. Thanks for any help.

 

[ryan182]

I did the Mermaid II trip from Bali to Komodo 2 years ago, I found the crew and boat quite good though I haven't dove on the Bidadari so I can't offer much of a comparision. Its been 2 years so the DMs could have changed but when we were on the boat they were great, especially for macro life they really knew the dive sites well. On the boat the food was great and having a massues on board is always a nice plus.

 

[1tree2hug]

Thanks for the info. Diving and massage? What could be better?

 

[Bubbledup]

I'm headed to Bali in August and will be spending some time on a LOB. My dates are restricted and I have found 7day cruises available on the Bidadari and Mermaid II to Komodo that on the surface seem comparable. OK, there are some obvious differences, 20 vs 12 divers, 20 vs 24 dives, depart bali vs fly to Labuan Bajo for departure. I've found previous posts on the Mermaid II, but nothing on Bidadari. Any comments on either of these vessels. Of course I have to make this decision ASAP. Thanks for any help.

I've done four live-aboards in Indonesia, but neither of the ones you mention, If you need a recommendation for a hotel, I offer Febri's. It's clean, comfortable and close to the beach and other activities. Enjoy your trip!

 

[1tree2hug]

Thanks to those of you who posted, but my Bali trip is off. Couldn't get the flights we wanted with our frequent flier points

 

[Shasta_man]

COuld have told you that before you started this...

 

[Woodiver]

But you can get lucky, we used miles less than two weeks ago and got seats on Cathay with Alaska miles. American couldn't do the same.... We've been very happy getting and using Alaska miles in the past.