By: Torben Lonne
The Putri Papua is a wooden liveaboard frequenting the Raja Ampat route. It measures 26.16 meters or 85.83 feet. With a cruising speed of 8 knots and reaching of top speed of 9 knots, it has successfully brought thousands of divers and non-divers alike to their best yacht holidays. Having had the opportunity to cruise during majestic sunrises and sunsets, eyesights of rare marine creatures, encounters with the most diverse marine species imaginable – all of these can be experienced on board the Putri Papua, a comfortable and classy liveaboard that brings more than 30 years of sailing experience together with the crew of the Great Komodo fleet.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people stated that the trip was well planned from the pick up at the airport to the drop off. -
Divers noted that they had a full schedule that maximized diving and everyone was thrilled about that.
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The variety of dive sites chosen were nice and practical for the diving crew.
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The crew was friendly and always ready to help at any given time.
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Many people said it was an intimate experience and they appreciated being on a small boat.
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Some people were happy with the low cost of this liveaboard.
Things we don't like:
A couple of people noted that the liveaboard could only accommodate 5 people at a time and that took away from the liveliness off the cruise.- Some people said that there was not much originality to the dishes being served and it needed that wow factor.
A couple of people noted that the liveaboard could only accommodate 5 people at a time and that took away from the liveliness off the cruise.
Diving on the Putri Papua in Indonesia
Boat Features
The boat features several options for the guests to consume their non-diving hours and make them memorable and productive at the same time. For instance, the fan-cooled saloon serves as a melting pot for most of the guests’ leisure activities. Aside from serving as a common area for conversations, the area is also perfect for the guests to experience the onboard entertainment by listening to music or watching movies – some of which are fresh from their theatrical releases.
The boat’s sun deck serves as an ideal spot for guests who want to tan their skins. There are plenty of spots to receive direct sunlight. Yet, for guests who want to take naps, the sun deck has also shaded portions to serve such purposes in comfortable manners. The place is also ideal to enjoy some of the vessel’s cold beverages.
The boat’s features not only reside in its amenities. It also capitalizes on its crew. Guests can be confident that only the most experienced staff are employed from the Captain, dive masters, up to the cabin attendants – all are professionally trained for their functions. Each one can also impart their knowledge of the local traditions that make the Indonesian archipelago and its waters among one of the most diverse in the world.
The Cabins
Putri Papua comfortably accommodates its guests through its 5 cabins which they can use for rests or reclines in between dives and just when they feel their bodies need so.
Cabins of choices include private single cabins, double cabins with twin or double beds, and double cabins with extra single beds.
The private single cabin measures 5 square meters while the double bed or twin bed cabins measure 6 square meters. The largest of the cabins are the double cabins with extra single bedsand can occupy a maximum of three persons.
All cabins have their individual air condition controls and feature en-suite bathrooms. These features add to the personal comfort offered by the cabins to its occupants.
Food & Beverage
Local food options are among the best offerings in the vessel’s menu. Carefully prepared by the onboard chef, it is assured that only the best-sourced ingredients are used in the food preparation, resulting in the best-tasting dishes that guests have to feast on.
There are also dishes of Western origins, which greatly sample the mouth-watering flavors of the neighboring continent. For those with a strict compliance to their diets, there are options for vegetarians and vegans as well.
The vessel’s crew also makes sure that special dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Guests just have to make advanced notices during booking for this to be complied when they get onboard.
In between the full meals, snacks are served along with some drinks. For some chilling out, some selections of beer can be availed.
Itinerary
Putri Papua offers cruises of the Raja Ampat routes all throughout the year. The average length of the cruise normally takes 10 nights/11 days.
Guests are taken to the best diving sites of the Raja Ampat as well as Sorong, Misool and Banda Sea.
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