MV Mermaid 2 dive boat review
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Photos: Mermaid Liveaboards / LiveAboard.com, checked against the current vessel listing.
Mermaid II: the cabin choice makes the difference
There is a lovely practical detail to Mermaid II: the shaded lounge wraps around the outdoor deck, leaving plenty of places for that post-dive conversation to wander. Below the surface, its calendar ranges from Komodo reefs to Raja Ampat and longer Indonesian crossings. Above it, the big decision is often simpler: a sea-view Deluxe cabin with a private bathroom, or a cheaper Budget cabin with a shared one?
That distinction matters more than the broad label “luxury liveaboard”. Mermaid II is a comfortable, established dive boat whose appeal rests on its diving operation, meals and sociable layout.
Mermaid II cabins and departures
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Cabins · Routes · Prices · Guest feedback · FAQ
The vessel and its two cabin categories
Mermaid II is a 33 m by 7 m steel motor yacht, with a published booking capacity of 18 guests in nine guest cabins. Built in 2000 and listed as renovated in 2025, Mermaid II offers a clear choice between main-deck comfort and a lower-priced room below.
| Category | What to expect | Best reason to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | Eight main-deck cabins, double or twin arrangements, sea-view windows, individual air conditioning and a private bathroom. | Daylight and your own bathroom, especially welcome on a longer cruise. |
| Budget | Lower-deck accommodation with bunk beds, air conditioning, a washbasin and a shared bathroom. | A lower cabin fare while joining the same diving programme. |
The Budget category is a genuine trade-off in accommodation, rather than a discounted Deluxe. The precise cabin and bathroom-sharing arrangement should appear on the booking confirmation. For solo travellers, a shared cabin may be possible; the operator’s normal sole-use supplement is 90%. Mermaid I’s dedicated Single cabin provides a useful alternative comparison.
A comfortable rhythm between dives
The wide stern platform has two exit ladders and warm freshwater showers. Equipment boxes, camera tables and separate rinse facilities help keep the practical side of diving organised. Two 4.7 m tenders with ladders serve the dives, and Nitrox is available. Small guided groups are part of the operator’s approach; its published standard is four divers per guide, with actual grouping adapted to the passengers and cruise.
The air-conditioned saloon offers a cooler retreat, a television and marine-life books. Outside, the covered lounge is the social heart of the boat, while the open sun platform suits those who would rather watch the islands drift past. Fresh towels after diving and hot chocolate after night dives are details the operator specifically describes—and guests have mentioned them too.
Buffet meals mix Thai, Indonesian and Western dishes. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices are included; beer and wine are extra. Dietary needs are easier to accommodate when arranged before departure, particularly on a remote crossing. The operator includes a 3 GB internet allowance per guest, with paid top-ups; a connection at sea is still something to treat as a convenience rather than a work guarantee.
Komodo, Raja Ampat and the crossings between them
Mermaid II does not always depart from Bali. The departure name, number of nights and both ports deserve a place beside the price when comparing cruises. These regional route families are drawn from the operator’s programme; the exact departure determines the actual direction and stops.
| Route | Planning difference |
|---|---|
| Bali → Komodo → Bali | A Benoa round trip, often sold as eight days / seven nights. Selected programmes add Saleh Bay. It can avoid a separate domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, but includes the sea passage from Bali. |
| Bali → Komodo → Maumere, or reverse | A one-way journey with different arrival and departure airports. |
| Sorong → Raja Ampat → Sorong | The December 2026 examples run nine days / eight nights. The reef areas visited depend on that cruise’s itinerary and conditions. |
| Ambon → Banda Sea → Raja Ampat | A longer crossing, also offered in reverse, with more time between island groups. |
| Maumere → Alor → Banda Sea → Raja Ampat | The November 2026 example is 16 days / 15 nights. This is a substantial expedition rather than a week-long local loop. |
| Ring of Fire | Selected Maumere/Alor/Banda/Ambon programmes combine very different water conditions and volcanic island settings. |
| Lembeh → Halmahera → Raja Ampat, or Lembeh → Togian → Lembeh | Selected northern departures; Manado/Bitung logistics differ from both Bali and Sorong. |
Komodo brings an appealing mix of reefs, current-swept sites and small-creature diving; Raja Ampat has a different rhythm of island groups and reef habitats. Sea conditions, wildlife and dive counts are never guaranteed. The Komodo and Raja Ampat guides help set realistic expectations.
Mermaid II itinerary overview
Indicative regional connections, not navigation tracks or a guide for use underwater. Numbering shows the illustrated direction; reverse departures also operate. Markers represent regions, not precise dive entries.
The route table above remains available if the map cannot load.
A fair comparison of the cabin prices
For the 3–11 December 2026 Raja Ampat cruise, nine days / eight nights, the operator lists €3,800 per person in Budget and €4,500 in Deluxe. The same-date comparison makes the accommodation difference clear: €700 per person before other costs. These are dated advertised fares, not a statement of available spaces.
| Category | Cruise fare | Fare + fuel only |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €3,800 | €3,980 |
| Deluxe | €4,500 | €4,680 |
The operator’s late-2026 fuel surcharge is €20 per day, hence €180 for this example. The last column is not the complete trip cost. Park and port fees are mandatory extras; LiveAboard.com currently displays a broad €225–350 per-trip range across departures, so the amount for the chosen cruise still needs confirmation. The operator also states that onboard purchases and fees attract 11% VAT; a written quote should clarify whether the displayed park amount already includes that tax.
Meals, soft drinks, guided diving, tanks and weights, and specified airport/hotel transfers are included. Nitrox, rental gear, alcohol, tips, insurance, flights and any extra hotels are additional. The partner lists Nitrox packages at €96–230 across trips; the relevant package and tax treatment should be checked for the departure. Fuel pricing for 2027 is subject to change.
A longer voyage can change the scale considerably: the 15–30 November 2026 Maumere–Raja Ampat crossing is listed at €6,000 Budget or €7,500 Deluxe, before its €320 fuel surcharge and other extras.
Compare Mermaid II cabin prices
Affiliate link: Divezone may earn a commission if you book. Prices checked in November 2026.
Experience, equipment and getting aboard
The operator’s published minimum is Open Water certification, but that is only a starting point. Some sites involve strong currents, and the longer routes add remoteness and sea passages. Recent experience and comfort in moving water should be discussed with the operator for the specific cruise; a sheltered beginner-friendly dive is not representative of every site on an itinerary.
A computer and surface marker buoy are required, with loan SMBs available. The operator requires dive insurance, and Nitrox use requires the appropriate qualification. The cruise director chooses sites and groups in response to conditions and guest experience.
Benoa is the port for Bali trips; Sorong serves Raja Ampat loops. Other journeys use Maumere, Ambon or Lembeh/Bitung. Cruise-day transfers cover specified airports and local hotels. Southern Bali areas are included, while Ubud and more distant locations incur supplements. Raja Ampat island-resort transfers need a separate quote. Flights booked around the actual embarkation and disembarkation schedule avoid an otherwise very expensive wrong-port surprise.
For a non-diving partner
Non-divers are accepted at the same cruise fare. Suitable guided snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and occasional shore outings can be arranged within the operator’s programme, depending on itinerary and weather. A Komodo land visit or island viewpoint can be a lovely part of a trip, but these should not be assumed to happen on every departure.
The best fit is a cruise whose surface activities are confirmed in advance. A long crossing may be less rewarding for someone who mainly wants daily beach time, even if the cabin price looks attractive.
What passengers appreciate—and what to weigh up
LiveAboard.com displayed 9.2/10 from 123 verified reviews in November 2026. This partner rating is separate from the votes left on Divezone.
What guests enjoyed
Alan E. (July 2025) praised the organisation, helpfulness and communication throughout the cruise. Gillian C. (September 2025) particularly appreciated the warm towels, cocoa after night dives and variety of marine life. These are individual experiences, not promises of a particular crew or wildlife encounter.
Extras worth budgeting for
Rhianna J. (24 December 2024) enjoyed the Raja Ampat diving, service and meals, but noted that equipment hire was not cheap. Her experience is a useful reminder to include a computer, torch, Nitrox and any training in the budget when these are needed; current prices depend on the booking.
When another boat could be a better fit
A Budget booking will disappoint someone expecting an en-suite sea-view room. A dedicated single cabin may suit a solo traveller better, and a shorter local route can be preferable for those who dislike long passages. Mermaid II makes more sense when its cabin layout, group size and actual itinerary suit the trip you want, rather than simply because it has a high review score.
A look aboard Mermaid II
Earlier boat footage; current cabin details and fares are described above. Watch on YouTube
Mermaid II questions, answered
Does the Budget cabin have a private bathroom?
No. It has a washbasin and shares bathroom facilities. Deluxe cabins have their own bathroom and main-deck sea views.
How many guests does Mermaid II take?
The current partner booking specification lists up to 18 guests and nine guest cabins, including eight Deluxe cabins and a Budget category.
Is every cruise a Bali round trip?
No. Raja Ampat cruises use Sorong, and crossings may begin or end in Maumere, Ambon or Lembeh/Bitung. Both ports need to match the flights.
What is extra beyond the cruise fare?
Fuel and park/port charges are mandatory extras. Nitrox, rental equipment, alcohol, tips, insurance, flights and any additional hotels also need to be allowed for.
Can a non-diver travel at a lower price?
The operator charges non-divers the same fare. Suitable snorkelling and excursions depend on the route and conditions.
Which Mermaid boat is better for travelling alone?
Mermaid II may offer shared accommodation, while Mermaid I has a dedicated Single cabin. Comparing the actual cabin quotation is more useful than comparing the cheapest headline fare.
The Indonesia liveaboard guide covers the regional choices, while the travel guide helps with the wider journey.
Editorial checks: November 2026. Specifications, photos and dated guest reviews: LiveAboard.com. Build/refit listing: PADI Travel. Routes, rates and operating policies: Mermaid Liveaboards, its schedule, FAQ and fuel information. Have you travelled on Mermaid II? Your route, month and cabin experience would help other divers in the comments below.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
destination of the monthKomodo Island
Diving in Komodo Islands is all about action! It is BIG fishes land! With wonderful coral, it is just incredible diving all year round.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Komodo Island, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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