Vessels
Dewi Nusantara
Dewi Nusantara (Dewi Nusantara)
Dewi Nusantara at 43 metres is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent liveaboards in Indonesia. Constructed from wood she is a three masted motor schooner and is designed with the interior style, they say, of a ‘floating boutique resort’. Dewi Nusantara carries a maximum of 18 passengers in 9 independently controlled air-conditioned staterooms each with private head and shower. All the staterooms are larger than traditional liveaboard staterooms. The Master and Commander Suite at the stern of the boat and on the Main Deck features a king sized bed, private head and shower and picture window views. This top of the range stateroom also has a separate seating area with sofa, table and chairs, designed to evoke the captain’s quarters of US Schooners circa 1800. Eight Deluxe Staterooms on the Lower Deck each have either two twin beds or one king-sized bed, private head and shower and picture window views. Each cabin provides a quiet and elegant space for relaxing, reading or sleeping. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. The crew offer superb service at all times, from morning coffee in your room to taking your tank at the dive platform on your return to the boat or providing hot towels at the end of a night dive.
The dive centre is where the compressor is kept, but guests do not have to handle their tanks and equipment. All diving is done from tender boats and dive gear remains on the tender boats, other than when Dewi Nusantara is moving. Spacious benches on the main deck provide an area for putting on wet suits. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated in the dive centre. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. There are two showers on the main deck for that rinse down after the dive. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Dewi Nusantara offers Nitrox facilities at an extra charge and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water, IANTD, TDI and PADI Nitrox certification, Rebreather certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.
After diving most people relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Two computer stations are available in the lounge area for those who have digital cameras. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner and after dinner drinks are always offered.
Dewi Nusantara operates out of the harbour at Sorong in West Papua for 11 nights cruises in the Raja Ampat Archipelago departing between September and April.
Example cruise itineraries:
RAJA AMPAT (11 NIGHTS)
Day 1: Arrive at Sorong airport and transfer to Dewi Nusantara. As soon as all divers have arrived on board Dewi Nusantara sets out for Misool. Days 2-3: These two days are spent diving the Misool area and exploring the island’s labyrinths. There will be opportunities to enjoy a walk to some native tombstones and some spectacular caves (look out for bats!). Day 4: Dewi Nusantara then heads north towards Mansuar then northwest to Jef Fam for another spectacular day of diving. Days 5-6: The following two days are spent exploring Kawe and Wajag. Days 7-11: Return to Sorong via Uranie, Waigeo, Wafak and Kri, with many dives en route. Day 12: After disembarking in Sorong you will be transferred to the airport.
Price from $4990.
Includes: Airport transfers, 11 nights cruise on Dewi Nusantara on a twin/share basis with full board, including all meals, snacks and beverages (not including wine and spirits), 9 full days of diving (up to 4 dives per day) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights, Land excursions on some days.
Supplement to upgrade to the Master & Commander Suite: $1175.
Single occupancy supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a Deluxe cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 65% supplement applies. For the Master Cabin the supplement is 100%
Reductions for divers 65 or over, non-divers and extra cruises.
In addition, there is a port tax and National Park Fee of $215 (subject to change) which has to be prepaid.