Mike Ball/Taka/Spirit of Freedom Liveaboards comparison

[claudiadiver]

Hi,

I am planning to book a gift liveaboard dive with either Mike Ball, Taka or Spirit of Freedom and am wondering if anyone can point out the pros and cons of each. My friend is a fairly advanced diver (Divemaster) and has already dived at the Red Sea, so I wanted to make sure there was something different in this package.

Specifically, I'm considering:
Mike Ball's 4 Night Coral Sea package,
Taka's 5 days Coral Sea package,
Spirit of Freedom's 4 day Coral Sea & Ribbon package.

The prices don't seem too different and only Taka's doesn't have a plane ride. Anyone know how the food and crew compare? Also is Sept the best time to go?

Many thanks!
Claudia

 

[jc63_]

I did the Mike Ball last month. It was my first liveaboard, so I can't "compare" with any other ship other than the 3 Aircraft Carriers I've been on (Mike Ball was a billion times better )

Food was awesome...the chef was a guy named Clint. Crew was awesome, Richard (acting 1st mate) & co. kept things rolling and I had a blast. However, your other passengers will also have something to do with if you are having a good time or not...people who aren't sociable will be a wet blanket for the times you are not underwater.

 

[claudiadiver]

Thanks jc63...

 

[jcohen32]

Hey Claudia,

I did Mike Ball in december and it was absolutely amazing. Best diving I have ever done. Best crew I have ever dived with as well.
I believe Spirit of Freedom and Mike Ball offer the exact same quality of diving and services so it's very difficult to compare the two unless you get down to gritty details like deck space for taking the sun etc... I heard something about Mike Ball having the advantage but things like that are not really at the core of why we go diving with these guys. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them; I'm just biased because I was on Mike Ball and they made it an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. It's almost 7 months later and my dad and I are still talking about it!
I wouldn't do taka because the low level reef flight just adds to the experience and Taka doesn't offer that. If you're spending the money, you may as well shell out the extra couple of hundred dollars and do it right. Say hi to the giant Cod for me!

Good luck and enjoy. You're gonna love it!

J