Boat Cruise
A boat cruise around the atolls in the lap of luxury is the most ecstatic experience that you may ever have. On board there is everything you need. It really feels like paradise as you sail in the middle of the ocean with occasional stops at the resorts, visits to a local fishing village or when you undertake all those adventure sports like snorkelling, diving, windsurfing et al.
Selecting an Ideal Vessel
Choosing the right boat is imperative because it is going to be your cossetted shelter for the next few days. From large cruise liners accomodating 30- 50 people to the smaller ones with room for 4-8 persons, you have a wide range of choices. Your entertainment essentially depends on your selection of the vessel.
There are small vessels which offer private charters only. They accomodate 4- 8 persons and are ideal for family or group of friends. Here you are free to determine your own route. The large cruise liners operate like resorts. There are chances that you may be transferred to such a vessel by a sea plane when the cruise is already underway. On board facilities depend largely on the size and class of the vessel. You can check out the range and quality of entertainment and options for sports before undertaking a cruise.
The Fascinating Life Unleashed On Board
Your life on board is full of fun and bonhomie. You can do what you like, for this is what a perfect life amounts to- diving, snorkelling, visits to local villages and walks on desert islands, you will never know when time flew by you. Boredom and monotony is left in oblivion. If you are a scuba diver you will constantly be in water. You can savour your favourite fiction stories while lying lazily on the bridge. You will be thrilled to enjoy the sun going down the horizon, perhaps with a long cool drink. The evenings are fun-packed with opportunities of getting off at a resort close by and enjoy a drink or two at the bar, or get a break from the relaxation of the day by taking part in the disco. It could also be a fire-lit barbecue under the stars ,on the beach of an uninhabited island. You may find yourself enjoying local music at a fishing village.
The day is over with a such unknown excitement. You rest in the lap of sleep only to wake up with new vistas.
Pack these before the Cruise
If you are on a diving cruise don’t forget to pack your diving gear. Otherwise T-shirts, shorts, wraparound skirts and swimming suits are sufficient. Always avoid rigid suitcases, for they are difficult to stow on board. You can carry your photography equipment if you want to freeze all those fascinating moments.
Cruise Tips
Before undertaking a cruise you should take a look at the technical aspects of the vessels. For instance, you can check out the engine capacity of the vessel which would let you know how much time the vessel will take to travel between stops.
You must have a safety check up such as the availability of proper navigational equipment on boards.
Island Cruise
Minutes after your arrival at the airport you will be ferried by a “dhoni” to your vessel ready to take you on an island cruise. Most of these cruise liners are moored in the Farukolhufushi Lagoon, about ten minutes from the airport island. The cruises generally follow a set itinerary, however, if you are on a chartered cruise you enjoy the freedom of selecting your own route, pre-arrange the atolls you want to visit and set the detailed itinerary with the Captain. But sea travel is often dependent on the weather conditions. Persistence of rough weather will take the itinerary to the discretion of the Captain.
As you cruise along the island form atoll to atoll you will be fascinated by the sight of schools of dolphins playing around your vessel or hundreds of flying fish taking flight as you pass by.
Popular Cruise Destinations
The most popular destination of the island cruisers are located in and around North Male’ Atoll. With 27 resorts in the atoll, it is the hub of the tourism industry. A majority of the resorts are clustered around Male’, the capital, and Hulule, the airport island. The atoll has more than 50 islands out of which only seven are inhabited.
Cruise features
As a part of the cruise you may visit the local villages which would give you a deep insight into the lifestyle of the Maldivian people. Beach barbecues and dinners around bonfires under the starry sky of the night, in the uninhabited islands will remain etched on your memory.
Divers have an exciting time during the cruise. On the southeastern side of the atoll, close to Paradise Island Resort is the famous ‘Manta Point’. An easy dive will give you fantastic sights of the school of young mantas, that has made this site famous.
In the evening the cruise generally takes you to a nearby island resort where you can enjoy a drink or dance to live music or else the cultural programmes.