Out of curiosity, won't personal privacy be an issue with the semi-dormitory type of accommodation on Blackbeard's Cruises?
The very first liveaboard trip that we did was a Blackbeard's cruise. We had a great time and good diving and it was very inexpensive. I'm not complaining because it was exactly as advertised and a great bargain, but the experience made us realize that although we love liveaboard diving - we really do prefer more privacy and a few more comforts.
I think it is harder when you travel on Blackbeard's as a couple because we had to share a bunk which was basically a padded shelf in the galley with a flimsy curtain. I often slept on the deck because of the thunderous snoring and the uncomfortable space, and I wasn't the only one up on deck - sometimes you had trouble finding a good spot!
If I finally managed to fall asleep on our bunk then I would wakened very, very early in the morning when the chef started cooking breakfast. (Did I mention that we were sleeping in the galley along with a lot of other people?) And we couldn't nap much between dives because there was usually some meal prep or clean-up going on. I don't know if the other sleeping areas on the boat are any better but I suggest bringing a sleeping bag and ear plugs with you.
There was only one (primitive) shower and we were instructed to conserve water by first washing with salt water, then turning on the fresh water tap for a quick rinse to finish; but we ran out of fresh water after a couple of days anyway and had to shower in salt water for the rest of the trip. They declined buying more fresh water when we stopped at Bimini because the water was too expensive.
My husband laughs and describes it as "a boy scout camp at sea!" but I have never visited a boy scout camp so I don't know if that is an accurate description - sounds about right though.
We had a blast, the crew and the diving were great, the other passengers were friendly, the trip to Bimini was a lot of fun, and one evening all three of the Blackbeard's boats anchored off a small island (owned by a glass manufacturing company) and we had a wild campfire party on shore.
It was one of our most memorable and adventurous dive trips (and the cheapest!) and I don't regret it - but we haven't been back. We really do prefer a little privacy and fresh water - and a slightly more comfortable place to sleep! But everybody is different and it is a great bargain!
And I should mention that our trip was a long time ago so things may have changed. The boats may carry an adequate supply of fresh water now. I see that they now depart from Nassau and that's great. We were in the Bimini area and I like Nassau diving much better. Plus I got very seasick during the deep water crossing from Florida so a Nassau departure would be much more comfortable and you could start diving sooner. Have fun!
