INTRODUCTION
This is a detailed trip report, photo essay and a review of our experience with the live-aboard dive charter Spirit of Freedom based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The trip report is posted in multiple sections below.
My girlfriend Jackey and I boarded the Spirit of Freedom for a 7-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from July 26 through August 2, 2010. The cost was about $7,000 U.S. for both of us with levees, surcharges and tips. This did not include airfare to Australia, or lodging in the area.
The Spirit of Freedom website:
Cairns Liveaboard Scuba Diving - Great Barrier Reef & Cod Hole Cairns
Harry & Jackey on the spirit of Freedom
THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
The Spirit of Freedom is a 122-foot diesel boat with 11 guest cabins that can accommodate 26 passengers.
The Spirit of Freedom from the company’s website
Enjoying the sun deck
The main dining hall
The main dining hall
A typical dinner
ACCOMODATIONS
Jackey and I had a private stateroom below decks with a double bed and a private bathroom/shower. There was an air-conditioning unit in our room that we could control. The room was adequate in size, bed was comfortable, and the shower always had hot water. Housekeeping cleaned the room daily. Even for an economy cabin, it was very nice.
REGISTRATION FOR THE CRUISE
The registration process was an extremely painful process. We almost cancelled our reservations several times because the process was so tedious.
THE SHIP’S COMPANY
The ship’s company personnel were all wonderful, extremely outgoing and helpful. Their presence was as important to the enjoyment and success of the cruise as the diving itself. Jackey and I are extremely grateful for their hospitality.
PHOTOS
I used a Sea & Sea point-and-shoot camera with two strobes for the underwater photography. The camera has a lot noise, as you can see, I do not recommend those cameras. For the surface I used a Pentax K-X SLR.
This is a detailed trip report, photo essay and a review of our experience with the live-aboard dive charter Spirit of Freedom based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The trip report is posted in multiple sections below.
My girlfriend Jackey and I boarded the Spirit of Freedom for a 7-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from July 26 through August 2, 2010. The cost was about $7,000 U.S. for both of us with levees, surcharges and tips. This did not include airfare to Australia, or lodging in the area.
The Spirit of Freedom website:
Cairns Liveaboard Scuba Diving - Great Barrier Reef & Cod Hole Cairns
Harry & Jackey on the spirit of Freedom
THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
The Spirit of Freedom is a 122-foot diesel boat with 11 guest cabins that can accommodate 26 passengers.
The Spirit of Freedom from the company’s website
Enjoying the sun deck
The main dining hall
The main dining hall
A typical dinner
ACCOMODATIONS
Jackey and I had a private stateroom below decks with a double bed and a private bathroom/shower. There was an air-conditioning unit in our room that we could control. The room was adequate in size, bed was comfortable, and the shower always had hot water. Housekeeping cleaned the room daily. Even for an economy cabin, it was very nice.
REGISTRATION FOR THE CRUISE
The registration process was an extremely painful process. We almost cancelled our reservations several times because the process was so tedious.
THE SHIP’S COMPANY
The ship’s company personnel were all wonderful, extremely outgoing and helpful. Their presence was as important to the enjoyment and success of the cruise as the diving itself. Jackey and I are extremely grateful for their hospitality.
PHOTOS
I used a Sea & Sea point-and-shoot camera with two strobes for the underwater photography. The camera has a lot noise, as you can see, I do not recommend those cameras. For the surface I used a Pentax K-X SLR.
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