Liveaboard reviews?

[ronscuba]

Undercurrent was more useful in the past when internet use and online information was lower.

Scubaboard is more about Q&A threads and online conversations than trip reports. It is also very USA focused as that is where a large portion of it's membership are from. This results in more information and threads on destinations close to North America vs. Asia.

You might want to check out the Wetpixel board. It is an underwater photo/video site. Since the UW photo opportunities are so much better in Asia vs North America, the membership has more experience in that part of the world.

When I am researching a dive destination, I look at dive seasons, dive site itinerary, travel time. Indonesia is a large area. Travel times and logistics can vary greatly depending on where in Indonesia you choose. The above will narrow things down and then it is a matter of boat luxury level and price to fit your needs. At that point, you will probably be down to a choice of 1-2 boats.

 

[Lorenzoid]

. . . And, as I have mentioned several times now, only one of the six boats I have been considering have any reviews at all on Undercurrent. I'll also add that there are zero reviews for the other place I'm now considering staying at for the Lembeh portion of the trip. So, FOR ME, it is clearly NOT worth $20. I don't know why this is so difficult to understand. . . .

Okay, sounds reasonable for you.

I do like Undercurrent, though. There are monthly issues with dive-related content, not just reviews. Some of the topics have been discussed here on SB, but not all. I find Undercurrent good reading, even if I am not planning a dive trip. A year's subscription is about the cost of the travel guidebook I would buy for whatever country I'm visiting--inconsequential compared with the total cost of the trip. I may not make much use of the guidebook, either, but I figure it's a good starting point. The first thing I do when I'm planning on traveling to any country is buy a guidebook. The first thing I do when I'm planning dive trip is consult Undercurrent. In most cases, there are useful reviews. But as you have discovered, there are certainly gaps in the coverage. If more Undercurrent subscribers would submit reviews, it might help fill the gaps. Subscribers need to do their part. If you subscribe, then you have the privilege of contributing, and helping your fellow divers in the future.

A problem with any source of reviews is that they have a built-in resistance to previously unreviewed places. People read reviews, and because the reviewed places are the only ones they consider, they pick one that has great reviews. Then they leave their own great review. Over time, good places get over-emphasized in the reviews, and some places that are probably just as good receive little attention.

 

[Pillpusher]

If I just buy a damn subscription, can we talk about something else? You people are worse than the Girl Scouts with those cookies...lol.

 

[ronscuba]

If I just buy a damn subscription, can we talk about something else? You people are worse than the Girl Scouts with those cookies...lol.

LOL. Just don't ask about recreational dive computers, jacket BCD's or split fins.

So, what boats are you considering ?

 

[Pillpusher]

LOL. Just don't ask about recreational dive computers, jacket BCD's or split fins.

So, what boats are you considering ?

Lol. True. I've got much narrowing down to do before seeking specific advice, and much of that narrowing down will depend on availability and schedule when I book in June or July... But currently Lady Denok, Pearl of Papua, Sea Safari VI and 8, Panunee, Mermaid II, and Raja Manta fit the rough schedule and cost criteria. I know most of these are lower end options, but personally I'd rather spend a little extra on my land portion of the trip (KBR or possibly Dabirahe) than the boat portion.

 

[ronscuba]

Took a quick look at those boats. They all look good to me. Just not the top end luxury boats. You have a mixture of Pinisi style and regular ocean style. The 2 definitely have a different feel as a passenger. Have you dove on other liveaboards outside of Indonesia ?

 

[Pillpusher]

Only once. Spirit of Freedom out of Cairns. I fully realize these aren't in the same class, but I'm not overly concerned about luxury as long as the accommodations aren't disgusting and the DM's are good.

 

[ronscuba]

I dove a pinisi style boat in Raja Ampat. I liked the old style character. Wood creaking, strange boat noises. To me, it added to the feel and sense of adventure. Some of my boat mates felt otherwise.

 

[Darnold9999]

Was just on Mermaid II in Raja Ampat (two weeks ago) so if you narrow it down to include this boat let me know.

 

[drrich2]

By now you likely already saw the other thread, Raja Ampat Liveaboard for a First Timer, where people mention having done live-aboard and perhaps some content may be of interest. I link in here in case this thread comes up in someone's future search, to help direct them to more info.

Richard.