By: Torben Lonne
A part of the Princess fleet, the Princess Rani Liveaboard caters to divers, non-divers and families alike. The Princess Rani takes guests to the best dive sites in the Maldives in comfort and style as the boat is equipped with stabilizers and ultra-silent engines for comfortable navigation on the Indian Ocean. Diving safaris of 8-10 days are scheduled to all the interesting sites of the Maldives (including the northern, central and southern atolls), choosing the best itineraries each time of the year.
A diving holiday on the Princess Rani Maldives liveaboard is one you wouldn’t want to miss out on as it’s a fantastic and unforgettable adventure.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers reported that the location they went for diving was secluded and they got the opportunity to see the elusive tiger shark. -
Many divers said that the experience was thrilling and the Princess had a old medieval feel to it with modern trimmings.
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Some people stated that the crew were helpful and accommodating.
Things we don't like:
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Some divers said that they were the only diveboat in the area and it caused them to fear for their safety. -
Some people were taken back by the secluded nature of the dive.
Diving on the M/Y Princess Rani in Maldives
The MV Princess Rani is a sleek and substantial Maldives yacht. At 35 meters/115feet long, the Princess Rani is more than capable of accommodating a maximum of 22 guests in comfort.
The liveaboard has 11 cabins. 4 upper deck large doubles, five lower deck triples and two lower deck doubles for all 22 passengers. All cabins are fully air-conditioned, have portholes, ensuite bathrooms with hot water shower, TV/DVD Player, minibar/fridge, towels, 24-hour 220v electricity supply.
Boat features
The yacht has a vast and central indoor lounge which also doubles as a dining room. There is a well-stocked bar where guests can get refreshment all through the day, as well as a choice of cocktails, beers, and wine after the day’s diving is completed. Guests can also relax in the loungers and use the entertainment areas with HD TV, music and DVD players located at the center of the lounge.
Guests can also relax outdoors as it offers an opportunity to socialize. The top sun deck is huge and features plenty of cushioned loungers, cozy bean bags, and even a Jacuzzi.
There is an outdoor dining area where guests can bask in the sun as they enjoy their meals. The meals prepared by the chef are a fusion of Asian and Italian delights, served as delicious buffets. The special pastry chef spoils the guests with sweet and savory in-betweens, fresh bread and great pizzas. A barbecue on a deserted tropical island can be part of the culinary fun. Children and vegetarians will have plenty to feast on. People with special diets can be catered for with prior notice.
Diving is done from a dhoni where equipment and compressors are located. There are three expert dive guides assigned to supervise all diving to ensure the safety of divers. Nitrox is also available
To ensure the safety of guests for the duration of the cruise, the Princess Rani is equipped with the necessary safety equipment such as first aid kits, life jackets, fire extinguishers, emergency alarms, smoke detectors, life vests, etc.
Best time to go
While divers and non-divers can go on a cruise aboard Princess Rani all year round, the best time to visit the island is between December and May.
Logistics
Guests are picked from the Male International Airport on the arrival date and transferred to the boat. The check-in time on the arrival date is noon and guests are provided dinner on board. They are briefed on safety, and other schedules and then diving begins on the 2nd day.
They are provided with a light breakfast and checked out by 12:00 pm on the departure date and returned to the airport.
Itinerary
The Princess Rani Liveaboard goes on an 8 days/7 nights diving trips to the best dive sites in the Maldives. No diving is carried out on the arrival day. There are three dives per day (usually 2 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon).
No diving is done all the departure day, and all diving is supervised by dive experts.
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