liveboard - nov/dec - 7 days

[sea_star]

Hi there,

I am looking for recommendations on a liveaboard to either similiars or similians and burma? Is it worthwhile doing a trip that includes burma? I am looking for something with a budget of $150-200(usd) per day. So far I have only see recommendations for short/budget boats. Are there any going out longer in the budget range?

Thanks :14:

 

[stevenl]

In the budget range in general it is 4 days/4 nights.

There is plenty of choice though for you, also including Burma. Opinions about Burma vary a lot, and November/December is still a bit early in the season for Burma.

Check out:
Mermaid I
Nautica
Colona VI
Mermaid II
Jazz
All these boats offer longer and/or Burma trips.

 

[Arizona]

Any thoughts on the Philkade? I have not been on it yet, but booked a trip for late October. It's a bit pricee, but coming from Canada it may be worth it.

http://siamdivers.com/dive/philkade/index.htm

 

[stevenl]

Very nice boat, check Philkade, but a bit more expensive than seastar's indicated budget. At the moment, together with Ocean Rover, Philkade is the most luxurious boat sailing around (at least on a scheduled basis).

 

[sea_star]

Stevenl, Thanks for the links I will check them out. I think the Philkade is more than I can spend Not sure why it would be worth it coming from Canada...

Maybe we will need to rethink and go on a shorter trip. Have you heard of A-1 or Alladin?

 

[Arizona]

Sea Star,

Everyone rationalizes spending money differently, but if your already spending money on the airfare, taking the time to fly out and find your way to Phuket, why not go the extra step. An additional appeal may be the smaller number of divers and the ability to avoid being with large crowds. I'll post a follow up once I am back from the trip.

AZ

 

[stevenl]

An additional appeal may be the smaller number of divers and the ability to avoid being with large crowds.

As mentioned, Philkade is a very nice boat, but this argument makes no sense. Most of the boats mentioned above will have less divers than the Philkade.

Alladin is very, very basic. Considering what you're spending already, I would personally try to make the whole liveaboard experience a bit nicer.

 

[Arizona]

I did not know that! I thought the Philkade had fewer divers than most of the others. Reading over the website (below) all of the boats you mention carry more divers, except the Nautica (10). So when factoring in airfare, number of divers & time I think paying a bit more is worth it. Freedom of choice is a good thing.

"Philkade is 97ft (29m) long and takes a maximum of 12 to 13 divers on board."

http://siamdivers.com/dive/philkade/index.htm

 

[stevenl]

Philkade takes 13, the Nautica 10 but that will probably be 12 next season, Mermaid I 12, the Colona 14, so all more or less the same. The Mermaid II and Jazz take max 16, so just a bit more.

I'm not saying the Philkade is not worth it, but if somebody gives a certain budget, I give options within that budget. New option: Giamani.

 

[Arizona]

Okay, you are correct. More or less the same with regard to the number of divers. Have you been on most of these liveaboards you mention?

Thanks for clearing it up.