By: Torben Lonne
Formerly known as the Maldives Master, the Blue Voyager goes to the best dive sites in the Maldives, which include the far north atolls, deep south and the famous dive sites of Rasdhoo, Ari and Male Atolls. Sister ship to the Sea Spirit and the Sachika, the Blue Voyager, was built explicitly for divers and initially went on a cruise in the Red Sea. The boat was renovated in 2015 before it changed course to the waters of the Maldives. Known for comfort and luxury as found in most boats which go on a cruise in the Maldives, guests are guaranteed to get a pleasant and unforgettable experience diving with the Blue Voyager.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Many people were happy with the comfortable cabins that had their own A/C and TV. -
Divers said the diving itinerary was well planed and executed.
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Some people stated that the food prepared by the chef was some of the best dishes out of the Maldives.
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The liveaboard was well equipped with modern trimmings.
Things we don't like:
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Some divers said there wasn't enough equipment for all of the divers. -
Some people were taken back by the condition of the wooden deck.
Diving on the Blue Voyager in the Maldives
At 37meters/121 feet, the Blue Voyager can accommodate 26 guests in 13 well-designed cabins. The 13 cabins include three spacious double suites and ten twin cabins. The itineraries offered by the boat range from 7-12 nights and take you to the best dive sites in the Maldives.
Designed to be a home away from home, this unique liveaboard has an indoor area, a bar, a sky lounge, and a Jacuzzi. The boat has four different sundecks which include a viewing deck located at the front of both the mid-deck and upper deck, an open-air deck on the top deck and an ocean deck at the stern of the boat, all providing comfortable seating and loungers. There is a shaded outdoor lounge area on the middle deck.
Boat features
Guests going on a cruise aboard the Blue Voyager can make a choice from 9 Standard double/twin bed cabins and four superior double/twin bed cabins. Two superior twin bed cabins are located on the upper deck. There are 2 superior twin bed cabins and 1 standard double bed cabin on the main deck while there are 8 standard twin bed cabins are on the lower deck. Cabins on the lower deck have portholes.
All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, HD TV, DVD player, and music system, reading lamps and bedside cabinets, private bathroom with built-in hot water shower cubicle, hand basin, toiletries and towels, and a comfortable seating area.
Three of the four decks on the Blue Voyager include multiple seating options, where guests can chill between dives. The sun deck affords magnificent 360-degree views of Male, Ari or the southern or northern atolls. Recline on one of the sun loungers, relax in the shade or sip a cocktail while luxuriating in the Jacuzzi. The air-conditioned bar and lounge area are the places to unwind or relive your manta ray encounters on the flat screen TV. There are also several more intimate outdoor lounge options if you would like some quiet time to yourself.
All meals are served-buffet style in the dedicated air-conditioned dining saloon on the main deck. Meals are a mix of western and local cuisine and include soft drinks, water, coffee, and snacks.
Amongst the Blue Voyager’s best features is the custom-built dhoni (diving support vessel). This brand new 19m dhoni is spacious, fast, and equipped with all the modern conveniences that divers want. There is enough space for divers to store their dive gear and kits. Nitrox is also available.
With safety a priority as in most diving boats, the Blue Voyager is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, first aid kits, life rafts, fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.
Best time to go
While diving is possible in the Maldives 12 months a year, the best time to go diving is between December and May, where weather conditions are good with improved visibility.
Logistics
The MY Blue Voyager departs from Male or sometimes from Koodoo for southern trips. Guests are transferred from the airports or hotel rooms on the departure day and are returned upon the trip’s completion. Guests are briefed and checked into their cabins once aboard the boat.
Itinerary
The itineraries offered by the MY Blue Voyager varies depending on the number of days and nights scheduled by the guests. A 7-night itinerary provides for 18-20 dives, while during our 10-night itineraries, up to 30 dives would be possible.
No diving is done on the arrival date. There are about four dives per day with the 4th dive sometimes substituted for a night dive when the boat is anchored within an atoll. The last dive takes place around 11:00 am on the day before departure as no diving takes place on the departure date.
All diving is supervised by dive guides, and guests are advised to wait at least 18 hours to go diving after their flight.
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