Bumping this thread as I am curious as well. Planning a trip ~Jan '15. I did a lot of rearch ~18mo ago but decided on Komodo instead as my dive buddy really wanted to go. Went with Mermaid I. Now she plans to book the same boat for RA. We are fairly budget travelers, but pay for what is worth it. So we would be booking the budget cabin on Mermaid. As repeat travelers we would get 10% off, so it makes it one of the more affordable boats as well. From my notes I had Mermaid and Siren at the top of my list, but now I see the $2600 Euro I had listed from back then is now $3500 Euro! I understand things get more expensive, but this takes the Siren out of my price range. From my notes I also had listed: "Too Spendy: Damai, Amira, Arenui, dewi-nusantara, Pindito, Sea Safari VIII, Seven Seas".
I had noted that the Ambai was to be built - It looks like now it is running. Prices seem inline with Mermaid. Anyone have info on this boat? They do a 12 night in my timeframe. My notes say "Bad reports" for the company.
So for me I am looking for advise on anything that is a better value than the Mermaid trip... either same or better quality for the money, or something that is really worth spending a bit more on. Otherwise I have the same requirements. Dont need a fancy room. But private head, great staff, and a trustworthy boat.
Thanks!
