Spirit of Freedom - Guest Book

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 29th December 2011

Hi,

Can you please pass on this email to both your management team and the Crew of SOF on recent Coral Sea trip – 29th Dec. to 2nd Jan.

As someone who has spent time instructing on boats and also had several liveaboard trips around the globe I just wanted to pass on my congratulations to the staff on SOF during Kristin and my recent trip.

Nick and his team were brilliant. They work hard at making sure all divers and their abilities are catered for and I appreciated the freedom I had to go and explore dive sites with Kristin but also could see that lesser experienced divers were well looked after both on deck and in the water. As a fellow instructor I can be picky on dive shops/liveaboards procedures – SOF's were brilliant. Briefings were concise but knowledgeable and even relatively inexperienced divers felt safe and well briefed.

Nicole's ability to have our rooms made up once we were back from first dives in the morning was more than many hotels offer and the food on board was simply superb. If you go hungry on SOF you must be an Elephant!!

I was on the boat to enjoy the trip but also was scoping out the boat for a trip next year when I have 20 Canadian dive friends coming to join me again on SOF for a Coral Sea trip. I am pleased to say that they will be getting a glowing report from me and I know they cannot wait to get down here to experience the reef.

Despite the weather gods not letting us out to Osprey I know everyone on board was thrilled with the dives. Kristin and I will be recommending SOF to all our diving mates.

So again thank you for a wonderful trip and congrats to Nick, Cam and their staff.

Best regards

Brett McKenzie

Brett

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 8th December 2011

Loved the trip. Dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, dive, ... you get the idea. With a high crew-to-passenger ratio and the calm seas of December, it was a truly wonderful trip. "Dungeons and Dragons" was the best stop, but all of them were enjoyable. First time on a live-aboard dive ship and now I'm spoiled: normal day-trip scuba just doesn't seem worth it anymore. Five dives a day, the crew takes care of the equipment, and its just all there for you to enjoy.

Many of the passengers on my trip were multiple returnees and I can see why. I'll definitely return for another trip or two (or three). I'll try to choose trips with trip director Joe as I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and energy. And next time I'm bringing my friends...

Bjorn - Portland, Oregon

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 24th November 2011

Every single crew member was exceptional. Great teamwork! The vessel is amazing; the meals scrumptious, delicious and fabulous! Diving AMAZING!! The vessel and the greatness of the crew=such a pleasure. This is the best liveaboard we have been on! Thank you!!

Kim & Anthony - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 24th November 2011

CREW: The most professional, well oiled machine I have ever seen!!

VESSEL: Excellent!! Very comfortable.

MEALS: Divine!! Most beautiful meals ever! Thanks Drew, you rock!

DIVING: Beautiful - I was not too good on the currents but the ones I did do were wonderful.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Octopus and his changing colours on Steve's Bommie!

Thank you everyone for your patience and good humour - you are a great team!! Thanks Joel for drawing the short straw and getting me at the start of the trip. You did an amazing job - love your patience!

Vanessa

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 24th November 2011

Awesome crew! Thanks Loz, Joel, Renee, Joe and also to Danielle and Nicole. Spirit of Freedom vessel is very nice. The meals were fantastic! Is chef Drew married? Would he like to live in Canberra? Diving really good, highlights were the swim throughs with Joel. Excellent!
Great crew on boat. Thanks for staying keen! A very professional outfit!! xxx

Jane - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 21st November 2011

Hello
Well this is the 4th live aboard I have been on in Cairns, and by far the best. I spent 3 nights on board, the best 3 nights at sea ever... Presentation of the boat, the crew, and of course the food, were 11 out of 10. Everyone of the crew members were friendly, professional and helpful.
The Cinderella Service for each dive was a bonus, and having Prince Charming there to put on my slipper, um I mean flippers was so special, felt like I was going to the ball myself.... Thanks John, your the best!.
Joe the Director was very organised and also a great laugh. He was able to provide an informative brief on the up coming dive with ease, and what he said we would see, we did. Fabulous.
Loz was a great guide and pointed out all the things that we would have missed if it weren't for her. Also great to chat to above water too.
Tony the captain ran a tight ship and really kept the swaying to a minimum (thanks). All the crew were fabulous, the rooms were well presented and the housekeeping just right.
As for the Diving, What can I say....? Amazing, Spectacular, Awesome, THE BEST.
The highlight for me would be the Cod Feeding and seeing 5 lion fish together. Unbelievable sights were seen and experienced.
Well done Spirit Of Freedom. Thank You, I will be back to do the 4 nights soon.
Di

Dianne - Darwin, Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 14th November 2011

Your crew are all SUPER-AWESOME! Spirit of Freedom - vessel is well maintained. Tessa is an amazing chef - great meals. Diving offered a good balance between freedom and control. Sites were really great. Loved the walls and the blue.

Sean - United States

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 3rd November 2011

Nick (Trip Director) is outstanding! I admire his energy and capabilities. Everyone was a pleasure to be with and very capable! Spirit of Freedom vessel is superb in all respects. Meals always very good, ample quality, flavourful - my compliments to Drew. The diving offered a great selection of sites, sequencing - instructors and safety dives very knowledgeable, conscientious and always there to help.

It is hard to pick the highlights - Osprey Reef - The Shark Feed and Shark Dive and it's great to have your fins put on at the back deck.

Brian - Canada

Trip Departure Date: Monday 31st October 2011

Fantastic people, friendly and helpful in all areas. I didn't get sea sick so the vessel must be good!! Meals were perfect - I could not fault in any area. The diving was the best I have done - every dive was fantastic. Highlights: Nemo Fish and brightly colourful reef fish plus the sea snakes and last but not least Manta Ray.

David - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 17th October 2011

Crew are very friendly, capable, hospitable and fun to be around - Excellent service! Spirit of Freedom is a beautiful boat, very comfortable communal spaces and well designed. Meals delicious! Every meal was tasty and perfectly cooked. Very high standard. The best diving I have ever done. Very professionally organised but with personal, friendly touch. All instructors excellent. Nick especially good - very knowledgable and considerate and very good at putting nerves at ease =o)
Too many highlights to mention!

James and Anna - Ireland

Trip Departure Date: Monday 3rd October 2011

I had the trip of a life time on Spirit of Freedom in October 2011. I was on board for the 7 day voyage. I cannot recommend the crew and the vessel highly enough. It was fabulous. Highlights were many, the diving is spectacular with something for everyone. Awesome walls with amazing marine life, the sharkfeed really is one of the best I've ever seen, the cod feed at the cod hole is always entertaining and worth a visit. The crew are fabulous Nick (trip Director) did an exceptional job and catered for all experirnce levels on the boat which made the trip really enjoyable for everyone. The Instructors Anna, Jeremy, Yoske and Tessa (divemaster) were great fun and again catered for everyones needs. The hosties Belinda and Danielle looked after everyone and nothing was too much trouble. Bob and Johno kept us all entertained and ensured the vessel and tenders ran smoothly. Thanks guys for all the tender drops and pick-ups (it really is the way to dive). And the food, what to say...AWESOME, Drew is a fabulous chef, every meal was a real treat. The double chocolate brownie birthday cake was to die for. The skippers Cam and Tony made it a real adventure and also of course a safe trip. Thanks everyone, it really was the best trip ever! So if you are reading this and thinking you might like a trip on Spirit of Freedom, I can honestly say you will have a fantastic time. Don't think about it any more, just do it. I can't wait to head out with them again.

Libby - Cairns, Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 19th September 2011

Absolutely magnificent crew, so professional and really friendly. Spirit of Freedom is the most luxurious liveaboard vessel we have ever been on. The meals were really, really good - Tess is a miracle worker! We loved that once the crew were comfortable with our diving experience we could dive independently. Highlights were seeing a Hammerhead Shark!! The professionalism, attention to detail and personal touches made this a trip to remember. Highly recommended!

Steven & Laura - South Africa

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 15th September 2011

Your crew are excellent, professional - very good service -> Exceptional!
Spirit of Freedom vessel is brilliant -> Comfortable, clean, spacious and well maintained.
Meals exceptional -> Chef is brilliant! Food is plentiful and tasty.
Diving amazing -> vis was good, fish life plentiful, truly was the GREAT BARRIER REEF.

Richard and Julie - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 1st September 2011

Hi guys,


24 hours after disembarking and I'm still swaying!


What a wonderful trip! Apart from my own seasickness, the whole trip was a wonderful experience. Yes, of course the diving was superb - but it was the whole ambiance which the crew generated which made it so special. Their enthusiasm was unending and their concern to look after us constant.

And how they worked - all of them. Enya works like a Trojan, Miriam is a small bundle of energy and Megan so really attentive. But it's wrong to pick any of them, really. Thanks, guys.

I was just so sad I lost my cygnet ring - which belonged to my grandfather and uncle. I only noticed when i tried to find it here at the hotel. I'd taken it off so as not to lose it but the pocket of the pouch I put it in had a small hole. I kept it in the desk drawer and was certain that was cleared out. The only thought I now have is that it fell out on the bed as we packed and was overlooked - so it may have gone to the laundry. I'd give a lot to get it back.Ah well.......


But thanks again, guys. Great time.


Best wishes,


Adrian and Catherine Rhodes.

Catherine

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 1st September 2011

Great teamwork, very helpful and knowledgeable crew! The vessel is maintained to a high standard and very functional. Very good meals. All fresh to taste and cooked consistently with nice variation. Diving Great! The Advanced Course was a huge learning and benefiting to my diving level. Lauren (instructor) did a fabulous job instructing and presenting the goals. The amount of companionship in the crew and the variety of dive sites and travel patterns were my highlights. North Horn (shark feed) dive site was my personal favorite, and being able to take the Advanced Course and also dive with the rest of the group as well!

Russell - United States

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 25th August 2011

Absolutely fantastic crew - so friendly and helpful they go beyond expectations! Very good dive boat and very well set up. Fantastic meals both quality, quantity and variety. Great job Tessa!
Dive sites new, varied and so good I put my camera away and just enjoyed the dives. Absolutely recommend Spirit of Freedom!

Allan - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 15th August 2011

Your crew are very capable and friendly. Vessel very well maintained and clean. Meals excellent, diving fantastic. Highlight would be having our fins put on by your crew! We have done a number of dive trips, this one we would happily recommend to others.

Mike and Jenny - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 11th August 2011

YAY! The entire crew worked like a family. Felt like home. Spirit of Freedom vessel is very tidy and seemed like nothing out of place. YAY! My wetsuit is harder to get on now - the food was excellent! YAY! The crew's entire knowledge of sites and attractions was remarkable. YAY! All sites seemed hand picked and very appropriate. Being with the crew when they experienced good moments was a definite highlight. I was with Tessa when she spotted a leopard shark and Yosuke for the Sailfish. The crew actually take time to get to know all the passengers.

Stephen - Canada

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 11th August 2011

The crew were always friendly and looking to increase a pleasurable experience. Spirit of Freedom is well set out, clean and tidy - well kept. Belinda full marks! Meals - great quality, Drew an excellent chef and always ready to have a chat. The diving - what can I say? My first ever major dive expedition a fantastic experience. Dayna a great leader on the dive deck with the dive crew - always assisting. My highlight was the dive at North Horn - drift dive with live drop - 11 out of 10. The whole experience has increased and improved my diving pleasure. Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Tony - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 1st August 2011

Thanks to the whole team for a fantastic week on SoF. Just wished the weather would have colluded to allow the Coral Sea trip. Never mind - next time :-) Fantastic boat, fantastic food - Drew you are amazing - and I got so spoilt with you guys putting my fins on and off - amazing :-)

Lani - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 28th July 2011

Loved every last member of the crew - so friendly and helpful! The vessel is very comfortable - loved it. Loved the food and snacks after diving. The diving was made easy here - I had so much more fun after learning how to set white balance under water. Loved the trip to Osprey - YeeHa! I can't pick out one highlight - it was all great. I loved being taken care of - it made the trip that much more enjoyable!

Jamie - United States

Trip Departure Date: Monday 18th July 2011

The crew: outstanding! Knowledgeable and friendly faces all week! Meals: Andrew is a Master - consistent with delicious meals. Highlight was the shark feed - a 1st for me - was awesome!

Kristin - United States

Trip Departure Date: Monday 11th July 2011

Wow, where do I start??!! 
 
On the 11th of July I was lucky enough to be boarding Spirit of Freedom for the third time and accompanying me were 20 other divers from our dive shop, Harbour Dive, all of us bursting with excitement and ready for some mind blowing dives!  Almost half of the group were repeat guests on board Spirit and I think we were probably even more excited than our first time counterparts! We had already experienced the magic that happens whilst on board Spirit of Freedom and finally we were back ready to do it all again!
 
This year we had decided to do the 3 day Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef trip, with all of us very keen to have an encounter with the beautiful Minke Whales!  By day two, our divers were already on a high from the show that the Ribbon Reefs had put on for us; turtles, sharks, sea snakes, cuttlefish, Potato Cod, lion fish, eagle rays, devil rays, moray eels, masses of fish life and beautiful corals - it was all there and we were loving it!  And then it happened, as we were doing our safety stops on the mooring line after a fantastic dive on Two Towers, literally out of the blue there they were - MINKES!!!!!!  We had six beautiful Minkes put on a show for us, making it the best safety stop ever!  Thankfully the crew had also seen them whilst we were under the water, so when we were forced to surface, it was just a matter of dumping the dive gear and then straight back in the water and over to the mermaid line for more Minke magic!  Over an hour was spent in the water snorkelling with the Minkes and it was only when we were called in by the crew that we reluctantly returned to the boat.  All of us had up close experiences with the Minkes, who were very inquisitive and playful, I actually had one come in so close that his tail just brushed my chest!!  We were thrilled to have such an awesome experience, but it wasn't over yet! On day three as we finished our dives on Rod's Rock our Minke friends were back to play again.  As divers hung off the mooring line and completed their safety stops under the boat we were given another very up close and thrilling encounter!!  Once again coming in nice and close and hanging around until the last diver had to surface, the Minkes gave everyone an opportunity to take photos and experience yet another mind blowing dive with these beautiful and graceful creatures.  Needless to say, these dives with the Minkes will be fondly remembered by all the divers on board for a lifetime!
 
It was fantastic to see some familiar faces in the crew, Captain Cam, Lucy, Stevie and of course Drew with those heavenly brownies!!  We had great fun meeting back up with everyone and getting to know the rest of the crew on our trip. They are always completely professional, ready for fun and go out of their way to make sure everyone on board has the best time possible!  A massive thank you to our Trip Director Anna, and all of the crew on our trip, for making it such a special time for everyone!
 
So now we are all sadly back in Melbourne, making everyone  jealous with our tales of Minkes and all the other awesome sites that were seen during our three days of diving on board Spirit of Freedom.  Next years trip is already planned, now it is just a matter of counting down the days until we are back on board for two breakfasts, heated towels on the back deck, having our fins put on for us, being looked after by an awesome crew, not to mention all the fantastic diving!  We look forward to being back on board the best liveaboard in FNQ, see you soon Spirit of Freedom!!  xoxox
 

Mel - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 7th July 2011

Crew were efficient, very friendly, accommodating and experienced. The vessel roomy and always clean and tidy. Meals fantastic - delicious! The diving = wonderful. Steve's Bommie and Temple of Doom my highlights. I was exceptionally grateful when the Osprey Reef journey was aborted due to rough weather, as I was very seasick and the experience could have been dreadful.

Nikki - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 30th June 2011

Your crew are lovely , friendly and easy to get along with and very accommodation. Spirit Vessel comfy, meals YUM. Lots of chances to dive! Only twice I came up and no one there but didn't have to wait too long. Liked the sensible approach to safety decisions on where, how we dive but given enough freedom to use our initiative.

Danielle & Doug - New Zealand

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 23rd June 2011

Loved the cheerful yet professional attitudes of your crew. The vessel is excellent - a beautiful refitting. Meals Yummo - every meal was above and beyond.....
Diving, Minkes, Wahoo!
WONDERFUL!

Cathy - United States

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 23rd June 2011

Crew 10/10, Vessel 10/10. Meals 10/10, Diving 10/10.
You guys have a good thing going here. Very unique chemistry and energy of teamwork and attention to detail. The effort to get to the dive spots was amazingly understated and very skilful. The general atmosphere of a welcoming and upbeat vibe, overall enthusiasm around the underwater experience on offer.

Tony - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 20th June 2011

I was privileged to be aboard SOF for the full 7 days on what was my first live aboard. There was some trepidation as to what to expect, but this was soon gone upon boarding. Being greeted by an enthusiastic and friendly crew soon had everyone relaxed.
The professionalism and passion displayed by everyone on board, the military precision organising and discussing the dives (not having to put my own fins on was worth every cent

MIKE - MELBOURNE

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 16th June 2011

A great crew - couldn't do more for us to make it better - GREAT! No dramas at all with the vessel, great set up for our trip - perfect. Meals were great with huge servings. Easy dives but challenging sites. Mind blowing when you sit down and think about it....
Highlights were drift dives along the wall at North Horn.

Leigh - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 16th June 2011

This is a first class operation. The Experience, diving, food, people/staff/crew and SAFETY. You folks set the standard! OUTSTANDING!!

Tony - New Zealand/USA

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Your company is very lucky to have a crew that works together as they do. Spirit of Freedom vessel - the old girl is very steadfast. The meals were also very good. As a Non diver, the crew were very kind to me, always had plenty to keep me busy. Thank you again for making all my trip very memorable.

Loretta - United States

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Everything and everyone was amazing! It was a once in a lifetime trip and I truly appreciate the crew's help with everything they did to help me with all my dive gear because of my back problems. The food was incredible and it was overall, an awesome experience!

Tanya

Trip Departure Date: Monday 6th June 2011

This was an amazing 7 day trip as two of the six amigos who did the full seven days, we had an absolute awesome time. The crew were absolutely amazing - from our skippers Tony & Cameron first mate Max, seconds mates Stevie and Enja, Hostess Meg, trip director Chris & dive crew Jez, Lauren, Sam & Nori and the amazing Andrew the chef. Your teamwork resulted in a perfect holiday for us. Special thanks to Jez for taking us oldies through our Nitrox course. We are already planning to return some day soon. The friendships shared with fellow divers will last forever. Our best dive holiday ever... Pam & Wazza
PS shame about our very cold conditions back home.

Wazza & Pam - Leeton Australiia

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 5th May 2011

Your crew were outstanding as always. Spirit of Freedom vessel fantastic - sets the benchmark!! Andy - the best meals I have ever had on a boat! The professional crew give you 100% fantastic diving - AS ALWAYS!! Thank you Dayna for the 'Hammerhead'. SOF has the best crew - a fantastic chef - fantastic captain - it's got it all. Thank you Tony and Crew. Sue

Sue - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 2nd May 2011

This was a trip I have dreamed about since I was a very small child. Spirit of Freedom delivered everything I hoped for and more. Dayna and the dive staff were wonderful and helped a very rusty, but enthusiastic diver get back into my favorite sport. They even got me over an almost 40 year fear of night dives (I did both!!!). I cannot say enough about these folks, they did EVERYTHING to ensure that each dive was amazing and safe.

The boat was beautiful, very clean, comfortable and the food was amazing. Delicious and beautifully presented; thank you Andrew. The rest of the crew was wonderful as well, ensuring that the entire trip was perfect. Don't know how they pulled off the perfect weather, but I am not questioning my luck.

Thank you everyone again for fulfilling a life long dream.

Steve - USA

Trip Departure Date: Monday 25th April 2011

Hi Paula,

I just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic time on our trip on Spirit of Freedom last week. The crew were absolutely awesome, the boat was great and the diving was really good. We had an absolute ball. Thank you so much for everything. We plan to definitely join you again in the near future.

Warm regards,
Amy

Amy - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 18th April 2011

My wife and I just came back from the 7 day trip last week and we wanted to tell you how amazing it has been being on-board the Spirit of Freedom.

First of all, right from the booking you guys have been extremely professional and very quick to reply to any of our inquiries. This was much appreciated and gave us another good reason to enjoy this trip. (Great customer service!)

We were expecting the trip to be great but it was even better. We have been really impressed by the professionalism and the high standards that your crew displayed during the 7 days we were on-board.
Even after 7 days of really hard work for them, they always smiled and made their best to make this trip a success.
The attention to details of each of them has been remarkable. There was never a worry to have for us about anything!

This is from far the best holidays we ever had and this is mostly due to the friendliness of the crew! Of course the amazing dives were a big part of it but coming back to the boat was as enjoyable as being in the water! Even with a lot of work to do, they have always been there, listening and helping us during this amazing trip.

What stroked us was the attention to details: having the glow stick on the rope for the night dive, the hot towels ready when you are coming back on the boat, the instructors showing us the cool stuff that we would have missed, the instructors taking cool photos, the photos displayed on the screen That also makes a big difference!

The food onboard was absolutely delicious! We would have never imagined getting such a good service in quality and quantity! (and we are French you know how picky we can be with food. ;-0)

One of the most enjoyable things on-board was that the dive crew was always there for us. We went diving on our own but in the background you know they are checking and making sure that every thing is going to be ok for you. This is from far the safest trip we have ever done!

To Dyana, and all the team, a HUGE thank you! You guys have done of this trip a week in paradise!
We have been able to feel your passion and you certainly shared it with us! Nicho and Steph

Nicho and Steph - France

Trip Departure Date: Monday 11th April 2011

Hello!

I just finished the 3-day liveaboard trip out to Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs aboard the Spirit of Freedom and my roommates and I had a fantastic time. I just wanted to thank you guys for a job well done and to say that we really appreciated the professional and qualified staff and the experience was awesome. We enjoyed perfect weather and and the trip ran so smoothly. I have been in the dive and tourism industry for a couple of years now and I was grateful for the thoroughness and attentiveness of the crew onboard.

From the beginning I really enjoyed the experience I had with the Spirit of Freedom company. My roommates and I were on lecture recess from JCU Townsville and were so excited about this trip. I loved the diversity in diving locations, and while conditions may not have been perfect (not the time of year for great visibility) it was the crew who looked after everyone and made sure safety and comfort were not sacrificed. As a PADI instructor I also loved the freedom of the dive plans. I felt I had flexibility to explore and plenty of local knowledge from the dive briefings that each dive was highly successful. Very few companies allow enough flexibility for more experienced divers to maximize their bottom time and I can't thank the crew enough for allowing me the opportunity to really enjoy each dive. Of course all of the amenities onboard were a bonus and the food and customer service were some of the best I've seen.

I would like to call attention to a few stand-out individuals who made the trip so enjoyable. Arwen in reservations was so friendly and made booking the trip and all of the logisitics easy. Chris the trip leader was very funny and made running the trip seem effortless. That kind of efficiency is hard to find and I think he really deserves praise for all of his responsibilities were well looked after. He even did a decent Lizard Island tour. :) Two of the girls, Sammy and Meg, were very enjoyable and fun to have onboard. Meg's easy-going personality made everyone feel right at home. Sammy was an absolute delight and I can tell that girl is really going places. Her energy brought a lot to the table and I think from her dive briefings she is ready to take on any new challenge presented to her. My roommates both completed their advanced course onboard and said that Jeremy/Jez was a fantastic instructor and made them become more comfortable and confident in the water. And the chef, Mathieu, made every meal delicious! The captain, Tony, is really worth his salt, and not only did he seem a supremely capable driver he was also an interesting person to chat with. From both an inside and an outside point of view it was apparent that the crew got along well together and that is important to keep the rest of the trip dynamic and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and look forward to diving with your operation in the future!

Thanks again, for an amazing dive experience!
Tiffany Sih

Tiffany - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Sunday 27th March 2011

The crew - everyone was so friendly and helpful. A great boat, such good food! Saw so much cool stuff diving and had a great experience getting my advanced diving certification with Lauren. Thanks again! Sea Snakes, Cuttle Fish and Advanced Diver course the highlights - to name just a few.....

Stephanie - United States

Trip Departure Date: Wednesday 16th March 2011

Your crew were professional in all aspects, the vessel well laid out, comfortable and obviously well maintained. Meals EXCELLENT, very creative for such a small kitchen! Good diving - only disappointment was the water clarity - entirely beyond the crews' control. Alex was an excellent snorkel guide, she knew where to find interesting wildlife and could answer all questions. Thank You.

Gay, Ian and David - United Kingdom

Trip Departure Date: Monday 14th March 2011

Amazing team work from crew, so so very friendly and knowledgeable. The vessel is great, meals fabulous and excellent service. Really well chosen dive sites, really good briefings, loved the diving variety.

Alice

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 10th March 2011

Thank you so much for a great trip. The crew were all sensational. I have just read Dayna's trip summary and it would not have been as special without Dayna looking after us. The rest of the crew were also fantastic. I have been on these trips with other providers, but I will definitely come back to SOF. Well done guys for making it a great trip for all of us.

As for the diving, some people found it "boring" (it wasn't really, just an "in" joke) but the rest of us found it sensational. There was some concern for the weather, but the crew kept us informed and they were spot on with their choice of dive sites.

If you are thinking of doing a live aboard, go with these guys, you won't be disappointed.

John "Sullo" - Sydney

Trip Departure Date: Monday 7th March 2011

The crew was outstanding! Food great. All staff top notch. Vessel good - staff do an outstanding job of maintaining. The meals excellent - without question one of the best. The diving outstanding - Jeremy, Anna and Tom along with Dayna did an excellent job. Everyday the staff maintained motivation and a positive attitude. Great Job!

Mike - United States

Trip Departure Date: Monday 7th March 2011

This trip was TOTALLY amazing, but it was the crew that truly stood out for us! The Dive director, Dayna goes way above and beyond to ensure that everyone is safe, having a great time, and knows the game plan. The entire crew gets many kudos too. it was my 50th birthday during the trip and everyone made it the most awesome birthday anyone could ask for! I would have NO reservations at all to whole heartedly recommend this dive trip to anyone, they will more than exceed your expectations, Way to GO :)

Sue - San Francisco

Trip Departure Date: Thursday 3rd March 2011

Your crew were so friendly, helpful and approachable. Spirit of Freedom is very nice - thank goodness for stabilizers! Good food and lots and lots of it! The diving AMAZING which is not saying much as this was my first 'real' dive adventure. My highlights were the shark feed, night dives, Osprey Reef. I certainly could not have asked for more from my first live aboard experience! Fantastic!!

Jodi - Canada

Trip Departure Date: Monday 21st February 2011

Your crew are very helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, competent and attentive and safety conscious. Spirit of Freedom vessel is clean, well organized, well kept and safe! The meals excellent and plentiful. Unsurpassed diving for fish and coral and reef life - instructors always available to dive with, making new divers like ourselves feel totally safe! Highlights: Cod Hole, Lighthouse Bommie, Garden's Edge in Coral Sea - unexpected surprise!. The entire experience was fantastic. Really well organized and efficient to maximise the dive experience.

Jim & Ann - United States

Trip Departure Date: Monday 14th February 2011

Crew are fantastic! Don't ever let them go!! Spirit of Freedom vessel is a great boat with great facilities and nice big dive deck. The meals - really, really good!! 11 dives and I probably still gained a couple of kilo's! The diving is brilliant - exceeded all expectations. It was all just awesome - I'LL BE BACK!!!

Ruben - The Netherlands

Trip Departure Date: Wednesday 9th February 2011

The crew are fantastic, extremely helpful, friendly and professional. Loved each one! Sprit of Freedom is a beautiful boat, very comfortable. Matty was wonderful - the meals were well cooked, tasted great and most importantly gave us enough energy for all the dives. And the DIVES were magnificent and by far the best diving I have done. So much marine life and gorgeous walls. The shark feed my highlight!! Admiralty site and the swim thru's also a highlight. I absolutely loved this trip and look forward to coming again.

Carly - Australia

Trip Departure Date: Monday 24th January 2011

All Great!! The crew was absolutely perfect, I suggest you give them all a big pay rise $$$!!
Thanks a lot for this wonderful week - it is well worth the 24 hour flight!

Simona and Romain - Italy

Trip Departure Date: Wednesday 12th January 2011

Hello Trina!

I just wanted to let you know that it was very nice to meet you on Dec. 2nd as we were getting ready to go out on the Spirit of Freedom! We had a fabulous time! The crew was absolutely wonderful, the boat was amazing, and the diving was unbelievable! We truly had the trip of a lifetime and are having quite a time trying to readjust back to home time and getting back to reality! We were especially impressed my Mattie

Sonya - USA

Trip Departure Date: Monday 3rd January 2011

Just starting the logging of footage from the video camera.
Cod hole feed in the sun was the first tape to go in, and is really spectacular. I'll let you guys know when I have an edit done.

Thanks to Captains Tony and Cameron for getting us to the safest and best parts of the reef for this footage.

Am missing the crew.

Pete

Peter - Melbourne