MV Virgo is one of a few stellar liveaboards from the Emperor fleet operating diving safaris around the best sites of the Maldives central atolls. Most trips are 7 nights out of Male Town, taking in North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll.
Up to 15 divers are comfortably accommodated on this 31m motor yacht where a crew of 12 will cater to your every need. You can relax in the middle deck's air conditioned saloon with TV, DVD and music system and library of books. There is also Wi-Fi available for those with their own devices (signal varies from place to place). Otherwise the sundeck is a popular spot for taking it easy between dives. There is a Jacuzzi for you to bubble away the strain of having done several beautiful dives in paradise.
Cabins are double or twin and are shared across the lower, middle and upper decks. All cabins have air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms as well as minibars, TVs and DVDs. The MV Virgo has all the facilities of a boat from a much higher price range and represents great value for money.
Diving is done from the accompanying dhoni and with free nitrox and CO analysers. Photographers will appreciate the camera rinse tank and camera table on the dhoni, and everyone welcomes the post-dive fresh fruit that adds a touch of class to Virgo's cruise service.
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, 15 litre tanks (US$ 101 per week), Wifi use on your device (US$ 22 per week). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there: The MV Virgo liveaboard usually departs from Male, except for some southern trips that depart from Kadhdoo or Kooddoo. The first and last nights of the cruise are spent in the harbour. Your flight can arrive in Male at any time on the first day. There are 3 complimentary transfer timings from the airport to the boat on embarkation day; 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00 hrs. Guests taking the 11:00 hrs transfer from the airport to the boat have to accept that the boat will not be fully cleaned or ready for boarding until 13:00 hrs. A light sandwich style snack will be provided for lunch. Any other transfers required on embarkation day, other than the 3 stated above, can be arranged at a charge of approx. US$ 15 per way, this charge will be added to your booking. Group or full charter bookings with a minimum of 8 guests arriving on the same flight will not be charged the US$ 15 per person if an alternative transfer is required on embarking day (after 11:00 hrs).
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 6 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise in a Standard cabin free of charge (total 7 guests). Pay for 12 guests and 2 additional persons can join the cruise in a Standard cabin free of charge (total 14 guests).
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Low Season: US$ 4,890. High Season: US$ 5,190.
The MV Virgo has a total of 8 cabins: 1 Main deck twin/double bed cabin, 5 Standard twin/double cabins on the lower deck and 2 Upper deck twin/double cabins. All twin bed cabins can be converted to doubles. All of the cabins feature an ensuite bathroom, TV, DVD and minbar.
All the diving in the Maldives onboard Virgo liveaboard safaris is done from an accompanying 17m long dhoni. This boat carries all the guests' dive equipment, the compressors and scuba tanks. There is a toilet and fresh water shower on board, rinse tanks and a camera table. The dhoni also carries the emergency breathing oxygen.
MV Virgo takes great pride in the quality of cuisine served to its guests. The dining experience usually begins with a light lunch on the day of arrival. Each day the 2 cooks prepare a light pre-breakfast, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are buffet style and you can expect a range of international dishes mixed with local Maldivian specialties. Each trip features a candle-lit barbecue on a local island.
First meal served is lunch or dinner on the first day of the safari, depending on your time of arrival.