Many visitors to the Maldives hire these watercraft, known as “Liveaboards” in order to take advantage of the best diving spots, but there are far more activities available on them than just diving. While seeing the exotic undersea life would be a highlight of your vacation aboard, you could also choose other water activities such as water or jet skiing, as well as scuba diving, fishing, open sea swimming, surfing or simply sunbathing.

Your choice of liveaboards is broad, from intimate small group carriers with a maximum of 12 guests sharing 6 cabins, to a large 40 metre vessel capable of hosting 26 guests comfortably. Expect modern and spacious accommodation, a relaxing air conditioned saloon and deck space both covered and open to enjoy the view of the endless ocean.

The options for wining and dining aboard have also been designed to bring you memories that will last a lifetime. Expect full board with three meals a day, as well as afternoon snacks. If the weather plays along, you may just be able to have dinner on the beach at an uninhabited island, with the stars twinkling overhead, and the sea lapping at your feet. Most of these liveaboard vacations include equipment and diving options for both day and night. Some have restaurants, highly trained chefs, a concierge service, a bar, library, Jacuzzi and other facilities to make your stay even more enjoyable.

The itinerary varies in both destination and length, so before choosing, inquire about where the liveaboard will take you and how long your stay will be. You may want to choose your cruise from December to May when the water is calmer and warm –  between 26 & 29 degrees Celsius. Most cruises are between 7 & 10 days, but longer options can be negotiated. Popular cruising destinations include the Ari Atoll where, in a radius of 40km, there are 105 islets to explore. Marine life is abundant here and your liveaboard will give you access to some of the more remote and less visited waters. Ask if you can visit Maaya Thila or Donkalo Thila  where mantra are plentiful and whale sharks common. Another useful destination to know about is Baa Atoll, which includes the less congested atolls of Lhaviyani, Noonu and Raa.

Whatever you choose, the crew will be sure to go out of their way to make your visit a tropical vacation to remember.

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Yacht Charter Broker

When it comes to yacht selection, you are spoiled for choice – from luxury catamarans, smaller sail yachts and explorer vessels to both super and mega yachts. By using a Yacht Charter Broker, you will be able to identify the right vessel for your needs, taking into account the size of your party, your exact desires and itinerary plans. A Yacht Charter Broker takes away the headache of the behind-the-scenes paperwork including legal requirements such as insurance and contracts. Acting very much as a travel agent would, they are the intermediary between you and the service provider.

What To Expect

As a discerning holiday maker desiring peace and tranquility away from holiday crowds, chartering a private yacht for your New Year cruise will ensure the privacy and special attention you appreciate. The experienced crew will plan your itinerary according to your requirements, be it a little fishing, swimming, snorkeling or surfing. When you take the family, they can embrace their favorite pastimes while you enjoy the on-board luxury of your cooled en-suite cabin. Alternatively you may want to read and relax in the air-conditioned lounge or saloon. If you want to watch the world go by, the on-deck lounge and dining area is ideal. Undercover with ocean breeze, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular view and reflect on the year that has passed.

Scheduled Yacht Tours

If you are not chartering a private yacht for your New Year holiday, you can select a pre-planned package, make new friends and see the New Year in in style. This option often includes airport transfer, accommodation on a luxury cruise yacht for seven nights and full board. There may be some added extras when it comes to island excursions. The itinerary enjoys planned stops and while anchored, you will have the opportunity to swim, dive, snorkel or simply sit and enjoy watching the activities. For New Year, the yacht may anchor and a New Year’s Eve beach dinner is enjoyed. With this option, guests may be offered the opportunity to sleep under the stars on the beach, depending of course, on the weather.

The Menu

On-board your New Year vessel, expect the menu to match the occasion. From breakfast to celebratory dinner, your needs are accommodated. Mid-morning delicacies and afternoon snacks are available, with your chef and hostess providing excellent service.

Cruising the Maldives for New Year certainly is a unique way to cross from one year to the next. Relaxing and memorable, it’s a vacation you will never forget.

The post Cruising on a luxury yacht during your Holidays in the Maldives appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.