Vessels
M/V Orion
M/V Orion (Orion)
The MV Orion, built in 2009 and now part of the Divencounters Alliance, is a vessel that certainly contradicts the saying ‘all that glitters is not gold!’ She is one of the Maldives biggest, most luxurious and stylish purpose built diving super yachts. At 39 metres in length and with her golden exterior, she cuts an impressive sight as she cruises in search of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, famous to the underwater world of the Maldives.
A maximum of 22 passengers can be accommodated in her nine cabins, plus 2 suites, all tastefully decorated with subtle colours, soft white linens and gorgeous hardwood floors. All the cabins have either one Queen sized bed or two twin beds, individual air conditioning; mini bar, plasma TV, electronic safe and en-suite bathroom. The Junior Suite has a bathtub while the Executive Suite has its own private external section, complete with private open air Jacuzzi – perfect for honeymoons!
With a crew ration of 1:2 and a 24-hour concierge service, your every need is catered for on this vessel leaving you able to just dive, dive, and dive!
MV Orion has a purpose built “diving dhoni”. The dhoni is a locally built boat, equipped with compressors, dive storage areas and sun protection. Her shallow draft allows access to many more dive sites that could not be reached by a large vessel and in addition the dhoni is distanced from the main vessel during tank filling sessions so you can enjoy the tranquillity of the Maldives free from any noise of compressors! Your diving will be conducted by 4 divemasters who are multi lingual and Nitrox is included in the trip price if you have the relevant certifications.
During surface intervals you can escape with a book to any of the MV Orion’s spacious interiors, take a massage with the onboard masseuse or relax up on the sun deck. Once the diving day is over why not enjoy a sun downer (from one of the 2 bars on board) in the Jacuzzi while watching the sunset over the atolls?!
Meals on board Orion are served in the contemporary diving room. Breakfast is cooked to order and lunch and dinner are buffet style with an array of soups, salads, fruits and a choice of delicious main courses to tempt just about everybody.
Nautilus Lifelines are issued to every diver free of charge for the duration of the cruise.
MV Orion anchors in the waters of Male Lagoon close to Male International Airport and operates 7 night cruises, departing on Mondays, throughout the year. MV Orion offers two itineraries: Best of Maldives from November through to May when she will visit the Baa, North Ari, South & North Male atolls, and Manta Madness from August through to October where she will visit North & South Ari and North & South male atolls. Please contact our offices for details of which itineraries are offered on which cruise dates or check out our liveaboard calendar.
DIVENCOUNTERS ALLIANCE
Orion is a member of the Divencounters Alliance, a fleet of independently owned and operated liveaboard dive boats whose mission is ‘ to provide guests with exceptional diving encounters while providing luxury accommodations and amenities on board – at all times.’
Guests who sail on Alliance vessels, are, after their first cruise on an Alliance vessel, able to take advantage of a number of ‘Alliance Awards.’ These include a 5.49% discount on another Alliance cruise, free nitrox and a $50 on board credit. To find out if any of these benefits apply to you, please contact the Divequest office.
Price from $2016 for 7 nights. Includes: 7 nights cruise on M/V Orion in a Standard Cabin; full board; tea, coffee, drinking water & fresh fruit; 17 dives on air or nitrox. Supplement to upgrade to an Upper Deck Mini Suite: from $196. Supplement to upgrade to a Junior Suite: from $399. Supplement to upgrade to an Executive Suite: from $602.