Your Ultimate Guide to Maldives Cruises

A Maldives cruise can provide experiences that you will never forget, from amazing sea creatures to beautiful sunsets. This guide gives you all the information for navigating through the experience of cruising in the Maldives – from selecting an appropriate cruise and what to pack, it is designed to make sure your journey remains magical.

Interesting Facts about travelling to Maldives on Cruises

• Cruising the Maldives offers a treasure trove of fascinating experiences:
• The Maldives consists of 99% water and just 1% land, creating a perfect environment for cruising.
• On certain Maldives cruises, you have the opportunity to cross the Equator and gain a special “Equator Crossing Certificate.”
• More than 2,000 types of fish and 200 coral species exist in The Maldives, presenting an unmatched experience for snorkeling and diving.
• Many cruises offer traditional Maldivian “Bodu Beru” drum performances onboard.
• Maldives, being the lowest country on Earth, has an average elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level.
• There are also night fishing trips on certain cruises. You get to catch your own fish and the ship’s chefs will cook it for you.
• The Maldives was the initial nation to arrange a cabinet meeting under water, emphasizing the danger of increasing ocean levels.
• Cruises often visit uninhabited islands, giving you a Robinson Crusoe-like experience.

Reasons for Cruise to Maldives

Opting for a cruise to the Maldives offers numerous advantages:

• Going from Island to Island: Visit many islands and atolls, without needing to organize various methods of transportation.
• Cost-Effective: All-inclusive packages often provide better value compared to staying at individual resorts.
• Variety of Experiences: Enjoy a mix of onboard entertainment and island excursions.
• Comfortable Travel: Unpack once and wake up to new destinations every day.
• Social Atmosphere: Meet fellow travelers and enjoy group activities.
• Unique Perspectives: Witness stunning views of the atolls from the sea.
• Dining Choices for Everyone: Taste various types of food on board while trying local Maldivian dishes when you stop at different islands.
• Easy Planning: The details of your trip are arranged by the cruise line, so you can simply enjoy your holiday.
• Water Activities: Snorkelling, diving and water sports are available directly from the ship.
• Romantic Setting: Best suited for couples who want a romantic escape characterized by sunset dinners and private trips to the beach.

Ideal Duration for The Cruise

The best period for a Maldives voyage relies on your liking and time. Here’s an explanation:

• 3-4 Days: Best for short trips, exploring one or two atolls close to Male. It’s an excellent choice if you’re new to cruising or have only a few days available.
• 5-7 Days: It is the favorite choice, giving a nice equilibrium between rest and discovery. This covers 2-3 atolls, which gives varied experiences without making it feel too hurried.
• 8-10 Days: This length of time is best if you want to thoroughly explore the Maldives, including trips to distant atolls and enough time for water activities as well as leisure.
• 14+ Days: This type is perfect for people who want to explore all aspects of Maldives. It covers many atolls, even the less popular ones, and allows for longer diving or snorkeling trips.

Now, we think about how much time you can spend on your trip. If the Maldives is a part of your journey, then it will take some days to travel there and back home. So if you have less time available, maybe pick a shorter cruise duration. Also think about what activities you want to do during the cruise. Longer cruises provide more chances for relaxation and exploration, while shorter ones may focus on specific interests like diving or fishing.

Finally, consider your budget. Longer cruises usually offer better value per day but require a bigger financial commitment upfront compared to shorter trips which can be more affordable in terms of initial costs. So when deciding how long your cruise should be make sure to include these aspects: travel time from where you are coming from (if it is not already in the Maldives), activities that interest you most and budgeting considerations.

Best time to go on a Cruise to Maldives

The Maldives has a consistent tropical weather all year, yet specific periods can be better for cruising:

High Season (December to April):

• Dry season with sunny weather and low humidity
• Excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving (up to 30 meters)
• Perfect for outdoor activities and water sports
• Higher prices and more crowded ships
• Peak tourist season, especially December to February

Shoulder Season (November and April):

• Transition months with generally good weather
• Occasional short rain showers
• Lower prices compared to high season
• Fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed atmosphere

Low Season (May to October):

• Monsoon season with increased chances of rain and rougher seas
• Higher humidity and occasional storms
• Lower prices and better deals on cruises
• Fewer tourists and more availability
• May to July offers good conditions for surfing
• Increased chances of spotting whale sharks and manta rays

For the best cruising experience, consider:

• December to April for ideal weather and water conditions
• November or April for a balance of good weather and lower prices
• Best deals and fewer people from May to October, except for some rain.

In the end, the Maldives’ pleasant weather all year long makes it a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. Each season offers different experiences for people traveling on cruises.

How Much Does A Maldives Cruise Trip Cost From India?

The cost of a Maldives cruise from India varies widely based on several factors:

• Duration: Three to four day cruises begin at ₹50,000 for every individual, and luxury cruises lasting from seven up until fourteen days might surpass ₹5,00,000 per person.
• Season: During the peak season (from December to April), prices are higher, while during the monsoon season (from May to October), they tend to be lower.
• Cruise Line: Cheaper choices usually range from ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 per person. Medium-priced cruises could cost about ₹1,00,000-₹2,50,000 and high-end ones might be in the range of ₹2,50,000-₹5,00 , 000 + per person.
• Cabin Type: Interior cabins are cheapest, while suites with balconies are most expensive.
• Inclusions: All-inclusive packages may have higher upfront costs but offer better overall value.

Extra expenses to remember are the flights you need for getting to the departure port, which usually range from ₹15,000-₹40,000 round trip from main Indian cities to Male. Also, consider travel insurance, shore trips and extras on board like spa treatments or special dining experiences.

Best Cruises To Maldives

1. Costa Cruises – Costa Victoria

Average price: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 per person for a 7-night cruise

Route: Mumbai – Cochin – Male – Mumbai

Recommended Cruise: 7-Night Maldives Discovery

Capacity: 2,394 passengers

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, entertainment, some onboard activities

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities

Costa Victoria, a grand way to begin your experience of cruising in Maldives, mixes the charm of the Indian Ocean with warm Italian welcome. On this ship, you can choose from many places to eat such as the fancy Fantasia Restaurant or Buffet Vittoria which is more relaxed. There are plenty of things for fun and enjoyment like watching nightly shows at Festival Theatre or listening to live music while dancing in Concorde Plaza. The ship has many bars, a casino and fitness center. For relaxation there is Pompeii Spa and pools to lie near. In the schedule one whole day is kept for Male, where people can go around the Maldivian capital or visit nearby resort islands with trips.

2. Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Millennium

Average price: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per person for a 14-night cruise

Route: Singapore – Colombo – Male – Cochin – Mumbai

Recommended Cruise: 14-Night India and Sri Lanka Cruise

Capacity: 2,138 passengers

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, select beverages, entertainment, some onboard activities

Exclusions: Premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities

Celebrity Millennium gives luxurious cruise experience, mixing travel to Maldives with visits to other interesting places. The ship was updated not long ago and now has modern facilities and elegant style. Eating choices have main Metropolitan Restaurant and also special places like Qsine for new kind of food and Tuscan Grille for Italian dishes. The ship has big theater where you can watch Broadway-type shows, a casino, and many bars and lounges. The Canyon Ranch Spa has many kinds of treatments, and the Solarium for adults only gives a calm place to relax. In Male, visitors can see the city or go on trips to nearby islands where they can snorkel and enjoy beaches.

3. Cordelia Cruises – Empress

Average price: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per person for a 3-4 night cruise

Route: Mumbai – Lakshadweep – Male – Mumbai

Recommended Cruise: 4-Night Maldives Delight

Capacity: 1,800 passengers

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, entertainment, some onboard activities

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities

Cordelia Cruises, a cruise company from India, gives a cheaper way to see the Maldives. The boat named Empress has both Indian and international foods for you to try in places such as Starlight restaurant and Cafe Royale. Entertainment choices have Marquee Theater for live performances and Dome Nightclub for late-night enjoyment. The ship also has a casino, many bars, and nice fitness center with lots of equipment. In Male, visitors can wander around the city’s markets and mosques or go on trips to nearby islands for snorkeling and beach fun. This cruise is a great option for people wanting a shorter visit to the Maldives with some Indian hospitality included.

4. MSC Cruises – MSC Splendida

Average price: ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 per person for a 7-night cruise

Route: Dubai – Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island – Male – Mumbai

Recommended Cruise: 7-Night Emirates and Maldives

Capacity: 3,900 passengers

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, entertainment, some onboard activities

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities

MSC Splendida has special route that mixes Maldives with stops in UAE. This big ship has many things to enjoy, like several pools, a water park, and even a 4D cinema. Eating choices go from the fancy La Reggia restaurant to special places like Tex Mex and Sushi Bar. The ship has a big theater for nightly performances, a Formula 1 simulator, and a sports arena. The MSC Aurea Spa has many kinds of treatments and a special thermal area. In Male, visitors can see the city or go on trips to close islands for snorkeling, diving, or just resting on perfect beaches.

5. Silversea Cruises – Silver Spirit

Average price: ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per person for a 10-night cruise

Route: Mumbai – Cochin – Colombo – Male – Several Maldivian Atolls – Male

Recommended Cruise: 10-Night Maldives Expedition

Capacity: 608 passengers

Inclusions: All-suite accommodation, gourmet meals, premium beverages, butler service, gratuities, shore excursions

Exclusions: Spa treatments, some premium shore excursions

For people looking for top luxury, Silversea’s Silver Spirit gives a cozy and sophisticated cruise experience. This ship has only suites with lots of space, ocean views, and personal butler service. There are eight places to eat, with different kinds of food. You can try international dishes at The Restaurant or enjoy Asian fusion meals at Indochine. On the ship, you will find a pool deck for swimming, a fitness center for exercise, and the fancy Zagara Beauty Spa for relaxation. Entertainment has live music in Panorama Lounge and shows in Venetian Lounge. During Maldives part of trip, there are visits to different atolls so people can explore the islands more deeply with things like snorkeling, diving, and seeing local islands.

6. Costa Cruises – Costa Serena

Average price: ₹70,000 – ₹1,30,000 per person for a 7-night cruise

Route: Mumbai – Mangalore – Cochin – Male – Mumbai

Recommended Cruise: 7-Night Jewels of the Indian Ocean

Capacity: 3,780 passengers

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals in main dining rooms, entertainment, some onboard activities

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, gratuities

Costa Serena gives one more great choice for discovering the Maldives, mixing Italian elegance with Indian Ocean charm. This big ship has many places to eat, such as the fancy Ceres Restaurant and the relaxed Vesta Buffet. Many entertainment choices are available, like the Giardino Isolabella Theatre where there are shows every night and Cupido Disco for enjoying nightlife. The ship has five swimming pools; one of them even has a roof that can open or close, making it good to use no matter the weather. The Samsara Spa gives many kinds of treatments and has a thalassotherapy pool. In Male, visitors can see the main places in the city or go on trips to close islands for snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing on very clean beaches.

Every one of these cruises allows different ways to enjoy the Maldives, fitting various tastes and spending plans. There are cheaper options with shorter trips and also fancy journeys that visit many atolls. So, there is a cruise in the Maldives for all kinds of travelers. When picking your cruise, think about things like how much money you want to spend, the level of luxury you prefer, what activities and services are available on the ship, and where the cruise will take you. These points can help you find the best option for your ideal Maldives holiday.

Where does the cruise leave from?

Maldives cruises start from several different ports, giving travelers many choices. The most usual places to leave from include:

• Male, Maldives: Many cruise ships begin their journey right from the capital of Maldives. This allows people to quickly enjoy and experience the beautiful islands.
• Mumbai, India: Very famous starting place for Indian travelers, with many cruise companies giving trips from Mumbai to the Maldives.
• Cochin (Kochi), India: Another Indian port city acting as starting place for some Maldives cruises.
• Singapore: Some itineraries that are longer start in Singapore, mixing a trip to the Maldives with visits to other places in Southeast Asia.
• Dubai, UAE: Cruises starting from Dubai usually have stops in the Maldives as a part of a larger trip around the Indian Ocean.
• Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sometimes cruises start from Colombo, letting people enjoy a bit of Sri Lankan life before traveling to the Maldives.
• Goa, India: During winter season time, some cruises maybe start from Goa.

Picking the port to start your trip from can really change how you enjoy everything and plan things. Things you should think about are:

• Ease of reaching the departure port from your location
• Visa requirements for the departure country
• Additional destinations included in the itinerary
• Duration of the cruise
• Your preference for pre or post-cruise stays in the departure city

Always look carefully at the specific itinerary details when you book a Maldives cruise, so you can be sure that you are happy with where it starts and the full travel route.

Major Attractions on a Cruise to the Maldives from India

A cruise to the Maldives from India offers a plethora of attractions:

• Male City Tour: Discover the busy capital city with visits to Grand Friday Mosque, Fish Market, and Local Market.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Explore lively coral reefs filled with bright sea creatures in different atolls.
• Island Hopping: Visit multiple Maldivian islands, each with its unique charm and beauty.
• Eating at Underwater Restaurant: Some cruises give chance to go on trips to underwater restaurants, where eating is special and different.
• Sandbank Picnics: Enjoy private picnics on secluded sandbanks surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
• Dolphin Watching: Witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat during special excursions.
• Traditional Fishing Trip: Try your hand at Maldivian night fishing techniques.
• Spa Treatments: Indulge in luxurious spa treatments, often incorporating local ingredients and techniques.
• Water Sports: Engage in activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
• Cultural Shows: Enjoy the traditional Maldivian “Bodu Beru” drum performances either on the boat or when visiting local islands.
• Sunset Cruises: Experience the stunning sunsets over Indian Ocean right from your ship’s deck or on special trips designed for this view.
• Underwater Observatory: Some cruises give chance to see underwater observatories for special view of sea creatures.

These attractions mix nature’s beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure to make Maldives cruise unforgettable.

Experiences to Have on a Cruise to Maldives

A Maldives cruise offers a wealth of unique experiences:

• Swim with manta rays and whale sharks in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a romantic dinner on a private beach under the stars.
• Take a seaplane tour for a bird’s-eye view of the atolls.
• Visit a local island to experience authentic Maldivian culture.
• Indulge in a couples’ spa treatment with ocean views.
• Try your hand at traditional Maldivian cooking classes onboard.
• Snorkel or dive in bioluminescent waters at night.
• Participate in coral reef conservation activities.
• Enjoy a sunset dolphin-watching cruise.
• Experience sleeping under the stars on the ship’s deck.
• Take underwater photography lessons to capture the vibrant marine life.
• Attend astronomy sessions to learn about the Southern sky constellations.
• Enjoy a floating breakfast in your private pool or the ship’s infinity pool.

These experiences combine luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion, creating unforgettable memories.

What all Should I pack?

When packing for a Maldives cruise, consider the following essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate
• Formal attire for elegant dinners onboard
• Swimwear and cover-ups
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats
• Reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment
• Insect repellent
• Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
• Sandals or flip-flops for beach visits
• Snorkeling gear (if not provided by the cruise line)
• Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
• Motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness
• Light rain jacket or umbrella for occasional showers
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Power adapter for electronic devices
• Day bag for shore excursions
• Essential medications and a basic first-aid kit
• Cash for tipping and purchasing souvenirs on local islands

Remember to check your cruise line’s specific packing recommendations and dress codes.

Tips for taking a cruise to Maldives

To make the most of your Maldives cruise:

• Book shore excursions in advance to secure your spot.
• Bring local currency (Maldivian Rufiyaa) for purchases on smaller islands.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting inhabited islands.
• Stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
• Try local Maldivian cuisine both onboard and during island visits.
• Participate in onboard activities to enhance your cruise experience.
• Consider purchasing a drink package if you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages.
• Be mindful of your environmental impact; avoid touching coral or disturbing marine life.
• Take advantage of early booking discounts or last-minute deals.
• Consider extending your stay in the Maldives pre or post-cruise.
• Learn a few basic Dhivehi phrases to connect with locals.
• Keep your passport and cruise documents easily accessible.

These tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Maldives cruise experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I visit multiple Maldivian atolls on a single cruise?

Yes, many cruises in Maldives make stops at different atolls. This way you can see various parts of the island group. The plans for each cruise are not always same, so look closely at details when you book trip.

Q: Can I see bioluminescent plankton during a Maldives cruise?

Some cruises give trips at night to see glowing plankton. This event can be seen better when there is a new moon and in some places of the Maldives.

Q: Are diving certifications available on Maldives cruises?

Many cruise companies giving PADI certification classes while onboard. But, it is a good idea to ask your chosen cruise line if they have this option and book in advance if you want to join.

Q: Can I extend my stay in the Maldives after the cruise?

Most cruise lines provide choices to stay before or after the cruise. You can also plan extra days by yourself. Ensure your visa allows for the additional stay.

Q: Are there adults-only Maldives cruises available?

Mostly, Maldives cruises welcome people of all ages. However, some fancy cruise lines provide sailings only for adults or have special areas on the ship meant just for adults to enjoy peaceful time.