Hi Nat,
Unfortunately I can't give you the report yet but I'm already booked on one of the Expedition Fleet Tubbataha boats for March next year. The advice I got (from a few different people!) was to avoid the older boats if possible, other than that the only other bad thing I was advised against is trips can be canceled (at very short notice!) if a minimum number of passengers are not met, although I was told cancellation can still occur with 80% of the boat filled? - I did try to ask Expedition Fleet about this but didn't get any feedback so can comment if it's true or just a rumour?
Timing wise the best value option would be to go for the early March transition trip so you can include Apo reef on the same (well, slightly longer but same price!) trip - It will give you a drive to the live aboard location from Manila rather than a flight to Puerto Princessa - although you'll need to take an internal flight back to Manila for the return leg.
Other than that the only advise I can give is the Stella Maris does indeed seem the best boat in the Expedition Fleet Tubbataha itinerary, although it is the most expensive also.... I'll give you some feedback in March next year - although I think it would be a bit late by then
Karl
