Emperor Voyager Liveaboard Overview

diver with an underwater camera rig facing a manta rayDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sally Lockman
diver with an underwater camera rig facing a manta ray
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Born and raised on a tiny island in the Middle East, Sally has always been passionate about the ocean. After finally leaving the corporate and banking...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Emperor Voyager liveaboard dive yacht anchored in open blue water
The Emperor Voyager is a 100-foot (30 m), modern liveaboard built in 2004 and refurbished in 2014.
The Emperor Voyager liveaboard cruising under a blue sky
Every aspect of the Emperor Voyager’s design, from cabins to itineraries, dives, and food menu, was customized for the ultimate liveaboard experience.
The Emperor Voyager liveaboard sitting on calm blue water under a partly cloudy sky
One of the best-known operators in the Maldives is the Emperor fleet, with five vessels in the water.
A diver approaches a large orange sea fan on a coral wall
Mesmerizing manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles and schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna abound.
Two nurse sharks rest on the sandy seabed during a night dive
The Maldives' unique underwater geography makes this archipelago nation of almost 1,200 islands—only 198 inhabited—an incredible choice for an unforgettable dive experience.
A liveaboard and its dive tender anchored in turquoise water near an island
Don't miss the opportunity for a night dive.
A coral-encrusted shipwreck attracts reef fish and divers
A year-round tropical climate and warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions for an unforgettable dive trip.
A simple twin cabin with white bedding and wood trim aboard the Emperor Voyager
Guests can count on up to 17 dives in total on the Emperor Voyager, including the possibility of visiting some wrecks.
An outdoor dining table set for guests on the upper deck of the Emperor Voyager
A dining area on the upper deck features comfortable sofas and tables where guests can sit back, relax, and socialize.
A crew member prepares food in the covered dining area of the Emperor Voyager
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available from the internationally stocked bar at an extra cost.
The MV Emperor Voyager liveaboard with crew members on deck
The boat can accommodate 20 guests in 10 ensuite air conditioned cabins with a variety of sleeping configurations.
A diver signals okay while a manta ray swims overhead
Free nitrox is also available for certified divers, as well as PADI courses for those looking to advance their certifications.

The Maldives’ unique underwater geography makes this archipelago nation of almost 1,200 islands—only 198 inhabited—an incredible choice for an unforgettable dive experience. Visitors should expect clear blue water, white sandy beaches, and incredible visibility. When it comes to dive spots, there is no shortage of locations, as 26 natural coral atolls offer some of the most stunning underwater scenery and marine life variety in the world.

The Maldives are the perfect destination for both seasoned and amateur divers, with the many dive operators and agencies providing tours and classes. One of the best-known operators is the Emperor fleet, with five vessels in the Maldives and more in Egypt and Indonesia. Of those five vessels, the Emperor Voyager is popular for its value, exceptional diving atmosphere, and the comforts of home.

This modern, spacious liveaboard was built in 2004 and underwent a total overhaul in 2014. It can comfortably accommodate 20 guests in 10 ensuite cabins. Every aspect of the Emperor Voyager’s design, from cabins to itineraries, dives, and food menu, was customized for the ultimate liveaboard experience.

So, keep reading as we dive into our review of the Emperor Voyager.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Maldives

Things we like:

  • Helpful and attentive crew
  • Dive guides are knowledgeable and thorough
  • Great food variety and quality
  • Amazing overall experience

Things we don't like:

  • Lower deck cabins can be noisy due to proximity to the engine room

Diving on the Emperor Voyager

A twin cabin aboard the Emperor Voyager with neatly made beds and folded towels
A dive tender boat cruises near a palm-lined shore in the Maldives
Orange anthias fish swarm a vibrant coral reef wall
A twin cabin aboard the Emperor Voyager with floral curtains and turndown towels

Diving in the Maldives means crystal-clear water, incredible visibility, and a wide variety of marine and coral life. Mesmerizing manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles and schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna abound. All this plus abundant macro life make the Maldives of the best diving destinations in the world.

A year-round tropical climate and warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions for an unforgettable dive trip. That said, divers can enjoy the Indian monsoon currents sweeping the islands and flowing through the atolls, with water temperatures ranging from 80 to 86 F (26 to 30 C).

From December to March, the water currents flow from east to west through the atolls, creating fantastic visibility of about 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 m) along the eastern atolls, while on the western side, the visibility ranges from about 49 to 65 feet (15 to 20 m). On the other hand, August to November may be the best time of the year to see whale sharks and manta rays.

Because there are so many excellent, far-flung dive sites, a liveaboard’s varied itinerary allows guests to explore some of the most iconic, including those at North Male, South Male, Ari, and Vaavu Atoll. However, the Emperor Voyager doesn’t follow a set itinerary, so guests can delight in the surprises the Maldives has to offer every day. Certain dive sites and areas are subject to change due to weather conditions, but guests can count on up to 17 dives in total.

With three dive guides and a 65-foot (20 m) diving dhoni fully equipped with oxygen, compressors, and a first aid kit, the Emperor Voyager provides an excellent diving atmosphere and experience. Free nitrox is also available for certified divers, as well as PADI courses for those looking to advance their knowledge and certifications.

Highlights:

  • Incredible marine life and iconic dive sites
  • Pristine visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
  • Up to 17 dives
  • Free nitrox
  • Well-equipped diving dhoni and three guides

Onboard the Emperor Voyager

Twin beds in an Emperor Voyager cabin with an overhead fan and wall art
A cozy lounge area aboard the Emperor Voyager with blue sofas and a games table
An outdoor dining table set for guests on the upper deck of the Emperor Voyager

The Emperor Voyager is a 100-foot (30 m), modern liveaboard built in 2004 and refurbished in 2014. The boat can accommodate 20 guests in 10 ensuite air conditioned cabins with a variety of sleeping configurations.

Shared spaces include the main deck’s lounge, equipped with an entertainment system, flatscreen TV, stereo, speakers, computer, DVD player, and a mini library with books and movies. The lounge also has board games, music, a dining area, and an internationally stocked bar. Another dining area on the upper deck features comfortable sofas and tables where guests can sit back, relax, and socialize.

Both lower and upper sun decks are partially shaded and equipped with an entertainment system, bean bags, deck chairs, and sunbeds for guests to enjoy some sun between dives. With diving generally done from the dhoni, guests have plenty of room to move freely and safely.

The dive dhoni is spacious, with plenty of space and all the facilities needed for both divers and non-divers. Divers will love the large storage boxes, wetsuit hanging area, charging ports, and freshwater showers. 

Highlights:

  • Refurbished in 2014
  • Air conditioned cabins
  • Book, music, and movie library with entertainment system
  • WiFi packages available for purchase onboard

Dining on the Emperor Voyager

A well-stocked bar with liquor bottles and stools aboard the Emperor Voyager
A crew member prepares food in the covered dining area of the Emperor Voyager
The Emperor Voyager liveaboard at sunset with calm seas

The Emperor Voyager boasts the ultimate alfresco dining experience with large windows in the dining room offering panoramic views of the Maldivian blue waters. With a varied menu including freshly prepared seafood and vegetables, as well as Western cuisine, food is served buffet-style. A memorable BBQ on a deserted beach is planned during the trip and special dietary requests can be made at the time of booking.

Guests can enjoy complimentary wine served with dinner. In addition, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available from the internationally stocked bar at an extra cost. Complimentary light snacks and beverages are also served throughout the day.

Highlights:

  • Caters to dietary needs
  • Complimentary wine with dinner
  • Alternative alcoholic drinks are available at extra cost

Things we like:

  • Helpful and attentive crew
  • Dive guides are knowledgeable and thorough
  • Great food variety and quality
  • Amazing overall experience

Things we don't like:

  • Lower deck cabins can be noisy due to proximity to the engine room
Key facts
Year built: 2004
Max divers: 20
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes (free)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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