Compared to other liveaboards I have been on, Arenui was more expensive but worth the extra price. The value was reflected by the accommodations, crew, foods, decor, attention to details, safety, conservation of dive sites. All felt very respectful and gracious. Really felt for the cruise directors, crew, cooks, divemasters, engineers, captain, all worked well as a team, with mutual respect and consideration. G and Lisa set a first class tone and carried throughout. Boat: the boat is beautiful with very aesthetic attention to detail – including serving plates, cups, glasses. Barong had plenty of storage and worked well for us. I enjoyed that there were different areas where we could lounge in sun or shade. Very easy to get in/out of tenders. Good that you have textured runners in slippery areas. Very lovely – felt well-educated with cultured influence throughout. Diving: It was very easy to get from Arenui to the tender and into water. I appreciate that there were only 4 people per divemaster and that we got to know the divemaster (Ronald) by being with the same one for the duration. G and Lisa were very conscientious in selection of dive sites and helpful with identifying various fish. Crew: I got the sense that the crew enjoyed working on the Arenui, and with each other. Lisa and G were exceptional – very clear with instructions, helpful with equipment (and cameras), great at selecting dive sites with very few (if any) other boats. Mindful of currents (very important). Felt very cared for and safe. Appreciated too, their care and concern for the areas we visited. Tender drivers, divemasters, stewards – all very helpful and competent. Food: I have dietary restrictions but had no problem eating gluten free – always plenty I could have, I was pleasantly surprised to have fresh salad and fruit throughout. Presentation was also very good. The last dinner – maybe Arenui could provide a glass of wine with dinner 🙂 I appreciated the ready availability of water and being encouraged to drink it regularly.
Archives: Testimonials
Michael & Ann
Dear G and Lisa, once again we wish to thank you and your incredible crew for a trip of a lifetime. We recognize how hard you and your crew work to make a flawless trip. This is something we will always remember. We would love to come back to Raja Ampat as well as other areas you may travel. Boat: The boat was a pleasure. Charming and comfortable. Diving: Best diving I have ever experienced in the world. Our dive guide (Ronald) made sure we were safe and experienced the most from every dive. Ronald was a real pro. Crew: I have never experienced such a wonderful service and care of our every need. The cruise directors are personable yet professional. Staff couldn’t be any more attentive. They all made us feel at home like family. Food: Great chef. Food was terrific with great variety of choices.
Ann & Tom
The reviews we read were very good, and we were not disappointed! Boat: the boat is beautiful and lovingly cared for. Good emphasis on safety both on board and related to currents, etc. Only 4 divers per divemaster – great! Diving: Well organized plan for getting us ready on tenders without a lot of waiting. Tender always ready to pick up divers. Our equipment was handled carefully and kept clean. Thanks! Crew: The Cruise Directors did a great job of keeping us organized in a friendly, good spirited way! Also, great decisions about where and when to dive, enthusiasm about the area and the vessel. They had a very nice balance of keeping us on track and going with the flow. Great job! We enjoyed the attentiveness of the stewards, boat drivers, deck staff, etc. They were unfailingly kind and helpful. After day one knew our style and preferences, always greeted us with an enthusiastic hello and smile! They kept the boat, floors, cabins, diving area, sun decks clean and dry at all the times – amazing given the fact we trouped through constantly in wet gear! Nice extra touches – hot towels after each dive, fancy beverages after excursions, hot chocolate after night dives, fresh water immediately on tenders. Thank you to all of you – your constant effort to keep us happy was much appreciated! Food: Plenty to eat – delicious always, with adequate choices. Best food we have experienced in any dive resort or on dive boat to date!
Dalia
Wonderful boat, incredible crew and ATTENTION TO DETAILS by all of the crew members to spoil us with comfort. The moments I will never forget: like the tender drivers reminding me before snorkeling to take my clip for the shirt to protect my neck; put flippers on my feet…take them off for me after snorkeling; remember about all kind of personal preferences…that is incredible! The tenders are super comfortable to be on and to get in and out of the water. I also was totally amazed about the tandem of the whole crew working in such harmony to make everything work close to perfection. Thank you. I loved all the food. The boat is well taken care, very quiet and stable. I LOVE this boat. Cabins are super nice, large, very comfortable, the space well used, the interior decor. I enjoyed every day the feeling of Indonesia. The Snorkeling: I am very happy to see such a variety of coral and stuff in all the underwater. And safety provided by presence of tenders and care of Divemaster Idy to be there was incredible, good safe and just wonderful. Crew: Simply fantastic!!! Thank you. The cruise directors are simply excellent. If I would have a boat like this I would want exactly the cruise directors like Lisa and G. Everything organised to perfection and the highest expectations one would have coming to this boat. They are also super friendly and interesting people. I am totally, totally impressed by stewards, divemasters, tender drivers, chefs and the whole crew for doing a simply perfect job with attention to details, caring and providing us with comfort we could not imagine to be spoiled like that.
Bertil
It was just great!
Doug
It was an excellent trip. All areas were covered with the most professionalism and personal attention. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you.
Kakie
Boat: The crew kept the entire boat immaculate at all times. Diving: Beautiful, well chosen sites. Great for all skill levels. Crew: Everyone did a very professional job all were outstanding. G and Lisa were attentive to all our needs and made everyone feel welcome. Food: Wonderful selection. The food was excellent.
Sue
The “excellent” comments are not just easy choices – this trip was one of a lifetime. Not only the dive sites but the organisation of everything on the boat was seamless – which is the proof of high professionals in all capacities, headed by the highly knowledgeable and very professional Lisa and G. Don’t change anything!
Matt
Hightlight was Anto dressed as a zombie, he is very good as a zombie waiter! Glad Luigi was with us as well, made the trip very interesting. Debbie and Jerry are also excellent directors, highly recommended! This trip was a perfect trip for Traci to learn to dive. I enjoyed watching her gain confidence with each new dive. She is going to definitely be spoiled after this trip! 🙂 Boat: our cabin was very comfortable, we felt like we had our own tree fort under the sea. Bed was very good as well. Crew: everyone was always helpful and smiling. Very sweet people. Food: sometimes too much food, but our needs were always met or exceeded. Anto and Kadek did make our dreams come true.
Wanda
I’m very impressed with the dedication of every single member of the Arenui staff. Thanks to all for making our first liveaboard experience so positive and enjoyable! Boat: The carvings/statues from Toraja were beautiful touches within the cabin. Diving: I LOVED Jerry’s chat on the submitted photos on the last night on fish behavior etc. Food: Wow!! No suggestions here. Kadek and Anto were amazing: learning names immediately and catering to our preferences.