There’s a rare tranquility only offered by the open ocean, after the anchor lifts and the coastline fades away. As the air grows softer and the horizon opens up, the calming sound of gentle waves and distant calls of seabirds relaxes you. Aboard the Princess Maani, that feeling lingers every day. This liveaboard is more than a vessel; it’s a retreat into the heart of the Maldives, where turquoise waters conceal coral kingdoms, mantas, and a vast expanse of marine life. Launched in October 2024, the Princess Maani is the newest liveaboard designed for divers and ocean lovers looking to experience the Maldives in comfort and style. With space for 28 guests, supported by 17 crew members and five dive guides, this vessel blends attentive service with world class diving opportunities.
Offering 14 ensuite cabins spread across three decks, Princess Maani is designed with privacy and comfort in mind: Lower Deck (Superior Cabins): These cabins come in double, single or twin formats, and offer spacious, comfortable retreats for guests. Air conditioning, mini-safe, ensuite bathroom, shower and wardrobe are included with all cabins on this level. Main Deck (Deluxe I Cabins): These cabins are among the most spacious on board, featuring double beds, large windows and elegant private bathrooms. Deluxe I cabins offer a superior forward view and are on the same level as the restaurant. Upper Deck (Deluxe II Cabins): Situated on the upper deck, Deluxe I cabins offer an enhanced sea view with exceptionally large windows. All 8 of these suites feature double king size beds and private bathrooms.
Princess Maani has a European chef who brings together international flavors with regional influences, served buffet-style so you never have to make hard decisions. Snacks, fruit, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are always available, and dinner is often enjoyed on the open deck under the stars. The dining program is complemented by a curated bar selection, including cocktails, wines, and spirits, perfect for an evening toast as the sun dips below the horizon.
At the center of every voyage is the diving. The Maldives is known worldwide as a meeting place of marine giants and delicate reef systems, and the Princess Maani is designed to bring you into the heart of it all. The cruise offers up to three dives per day, plus optional night dives. Guests dive directly from spacious dhonis, with equipment storage, tanks, and compressors onboard, with Nitrox available for certified divers. Dive guides are experienced in Maldivian waters, ensuring safe and memorable experiences. The ship offers nitrox for EAN-certified divers but does not support rebreathers or tec diving.
The itineraries read like a diver’s dream journal. In the central atolls, with channels and pinnacles teeming with life, jacks, barracuda, patrolling reef sharks and manta rays may surround you so close they blot out the sun. In Ari Atoll, whale sharks make their seasonal appearance, sometimes shadowing the boat as if to greet its guests. Further north, the journey becomes more remote, and the reefs more pristine. Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for Hanifaru Bay, where mantas gather in the hundreds to feed. It is one of the most extraordinary underwater spectacles on Earth. The southern itineraries bring another kind of thrill, venturing into Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Huvadhoo. Here divers may cross paths with hammerheads or tiger sharks, explore historical wrecks, and drift over coral gardens that few have ever seen.
When not underwater, guests can enjoy island visits, beach barbecues, snorkeling, and opportunities to spot dolphins or manta rays from the deck. The cruise blends diving with relaxed exploration of the Maldives’ natural beauty. The crew is known for their hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels cared for. From dive support to meal service, the team goes above and beyond to make the journey enjoyable.
What makes this ship special is not simply the diving, though the Maldives offers some of the best on Earth. Voyages aboard Princess Maani offer the rare chance to live at sea without ever feeling disconnected from the luxuries of land. This cruise blends comfort, world-class diving experiences, and authentic Maldivian hospitality, with luxurious cabins, a world class crew and adventure mixed with relaxation. For those seeking comfort and thrills, this is the trip for you. Princess Maani offers the kind of journey that lingers long after you return home.
Narrative text and photographs courtesy of Top Class Cruising.