Atoll Explorer, Maldives
(All Inclusive Ship)
The Vessel. Atoll Explorer Maldives has been especially designed for inter-island Maldives cruising Holiday; the Atoll Explorer Maldives is the first ship to offer first class cruising in the Maldives. The atmosphere on board the Atoll Explorer Maldives is that of an exclusive, well-run, floating family hotel. Expect no pretension - only dedication - to seeing that guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves. The Atoll Explorer ship's ambience is “laid back.” there is no dressing up for dinners, or entertainment. Dress code is shorts and swimwear during the day and casual dress in the evening, both on board and in the islands. With its diving activities and different dive sites and visits to resorts, village and uninhabited islands, Atoll Explorer Maldives provides a unique and fun-filled way of getting to know the best that Maldives has to offer. A friendly crew, attentive service and All Inclusive on Board, this has all the ingredients for an outstanding Maldives Cruise Holiday, and unsurprisingly many guests repeat the Maldives Atoll Cruise experience year after year.
Dining. Dining throughout the Maldives cruise mirrors the relaxed and laid back atmosphere on board. A high standard is maintained throughout with the food matching that of Universal resort islands in both quality and variety. Served to you either on deck under an awning during the day, in the ships main dining area or on a deserted island under the stars. Expect to be amazed as you enjoy the variety of a daytime island picnic, a fresh fish BBQ dinner and the Captain's hosted dinner on your final night.
Atoll Explorer Maldives All Inclusive:The All Inclusive on board the Atoll explorer includes All Meals: full breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, The All Inclusive also inlcudes All Drinks: beer, house spirits, wine, soft drinks (except champagne) by the glass (alcohol may be substituted for diving, see below), tea and coffee. The All Inclusive also includes Watersports: Snorkelling, windsurfing, indoor games. NB: Food and beverages consumed on resort islands are not included in the All Inclusive package. USD 10 per person per dive for the dive boat will be charged locally.
Excursions. The Special Atoll cruise itineraries not only ensure that you experience the beauty of the Maldives but also the diverse islands that are scattered across the Indian Ocean. On each cruise you will have the opportunity to visit resorts and local islands, a spa and the capital city of Male' The resorts that you visit encapsulate the concept of laid back luxury where you are able to enjoy the soft white sandy beaches soaking up the beautiful surroundings and pleasant atmosphere of the Maldives.
Atoll Explorer Maldives: There is the opportunity to be pampered in one of the spa pavilions under the palm trees whilst experiencing traditional herbal treatments and beauty therapies. The snorkeling is the best within the atoll with its protected house reef housing stingrays, reef sharks are many varieties of vibrant coral.
Atoll Explorer Maldives: A trip to the local islands of the archipelago helps you to gain an insight into the lives of the Maldivian people. As the guide shows you the main sights of the villages including the mosque, schools and residential areas the local people will welcome you at every corner making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Atoll Explorer Maldives: The capital city of Male' will be the final excursion of the cruise and offers you the opportunity to experience the history and culture of this island nation. Apart from observing interesting monuments and museums, you will also have an enjoyable shopping experience in the craft shops, local bazaar and markets as you pick up souvenirs to strengthen the memories of the previous week.
Atoll Explorer Maldives Activities. Whether you are searching for a holiday with lazy days relaxing in the sun or a more active stay in paradise, Atoll Explorer offers a variety of activities for you. With optional activities taking place both day and evening the choice is left up to you for how much or how little you would like to do. During the day on visits to the islands you will have the opportunity to simply lie back and soak up the sun with a chilled drink or enjoy a variety of water sports including diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. In the evenings the laid back atmosphere on board encourages a social atmosphere. Enjoy an underwater slideshow, night fishing, traditional Maldivian boduberu dance show, and with a live band playing under the clear starlight skies on the last night it truly makes the perfect finale to a perfect week.
Atoll Explorer Scuba Diving. Atoll Explorer has a fully equipped and professionally run Scuba Diving base on board the ship. Operated by Eurodivers and exacting the high standards of PADI, the base welcomes both beginners and experienced divers. The diving is extremely varied as the ship cruises through the atolls, giving you the opportunity to dive in some of the most celebrated and famous dive sites in the world. Whale sharks, turtles, morays, lobster, octopus and stingrays will be your company as you discover the magnificent underwater world.
Atoll Explorer Accommodation. There are just 20 Cabins on board the Atoll explorer which small and simply furnished with either a double bed or two single beds. All are outside cabins with a picture window, air conditioning, telephone. Shower and limited wardrobe space. Cabin Sizes vary:
C cabins are located on either the upper or lower deck
B cabins are on the upper deck with a small balcony and double bed
A cabins are slightly larger, on the upper deck with double bed & balcony overlooking the stern
Atoll Explorer Maldives Itinerary The Atoll explorer can be combined with any island in the Maldives
Day 1 London/Maldives: Depart on Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow.
Day 2 Male/Cruise (Kurumba) Arrive Male’ and transfer 20 minutes to the Atoll Explorer for lunch. (NB: Anyone who arrives on earlier flights may be taken to Kurumba first, before boarding Atoll lunchtime.)
Day 3 Cruise (Kurumba/Kuda Bandos) An early departure for the uninhabited island of Kuda Bandos. Time to relax on the sundeck or go ashore to relax on the beach. Evening underwater marine slide show.
Day 4 Cruise (Kuda Bandos/Kuramathi/Rasdhoo) Sail to Kuramathi crossing the Ari channel. Afternoon visit to Rasdhoo, a local fishing village for shopping. This evening enjoy a night fishing excursion.
Day 5 Cruise (Kuramathi/Madivaru) Visit Madivaru, a desert island for snorkelling or windsurfing. Stop overnight at Maayathila. In the evening be entertained by Bodu Beru – local dancing on board the ship.
Day 6 Cruise (Madivaru/Dhiggiri) Visit the island of Ali Koi Rah, then depart for the beautiful island of Dhiggiri for snorkelling, swimming and a picnic lunch. In the evening enjoy a beach barbecue at Dhiggiri, against the flickering flames of a wood fire.
Day 7 Cruise (Dhiggiri) Snorkel, dive or sunbathe off the tranquil desert island of Dhiggiri all day with a picnic lunch. This evening, the captain officially ‘hosts’ dinner.
Day 8 Cruise (Dhiggiri/Kurumba/Male) In the afternoon, return across the Ari Channel to Kurumba and then on to the capital island of Male’, for shopping and sightseeing. A live band will play on board the ship for the evening.
Day 9 Kurumba Disembark the Atoll Explorer and transfer to Kurumba for one night or six nights in a superior room or your chosen resort.
Day 10 Kurumba/Halule/London SriLankan Airlines flight arriving Heathrow later the same day. Alternatively extend your stay on the beautiful resort of Kuramathi Cottage Maldives in a Beach Bungalow or chosen hotel, from Day 9 for six or more nights.
Kuramathi 4 night Extension:
Atoll Explorer 1: 7 nights
Kuramathi Cottage Club: 6 nights If time is short, yet you still wish to try the Atoll Explorer cruise combined with a stay on a resort island, it is possible to do this during an eight night stay.
Kuramathi Extension
Atoll Explorer 1: 7 nights
Kuramathi Cottage Club: 6 nights Day 9 Atoll Explorer/Kuramathi Cottage Club Disembark the Atoll Explorer and transfer to Kuramathi for six nights in a Beach Bungalow.
Day 15 Kuramathi/Male/London Fly Sri Lankan Airlines arriving at Heathrow later the same day..
Important Notes: - Safety is the prime consideration If due to weather conditions a change of schedule is required then no refund can be given if islands are omitted.
- The Atoll Explorer may be combined with any island in the Maldives.
- The Atoll Explorer may be combined with any island in the Maldives.
- N.B: Your week stay on a resort island may be taken before or after your cruise. Alternatively extend your stay with a second week aboard Atoll Explorer.
- ATOLL EXPLORER DIVINGThe ship has a fully equipped diving dhoni serving as a base for diving, snorkelling and swimming in the middle of nowhere. In addition there is a fully equipped dive school run by the professional Euro-Divers and you can learn to dive or if you are certified, allows you to dive in several different locations. Charges for diving and equipment hire on request. Alternatively you may take up to 2 free dives per day (plus one night dive per week) as an alternative to alcohol and soft drinks. If diving option is taken, alcohol and soft drinks will be at an extra charge locally. NB The diving option must be prebooked for the full duration of your cruise and must be included for both persons sharing a cabin. A charge of US$12 per person per dive for the dive boat will be paid locally.