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Diving the Atolls

Shining jems that scatter around the equator surrounded by turquoise blue sea, are the islands for dreamers, romantics and sun-basking beach devotees. The Maldives have become synonymous with tranquility, an easy life, peaceful surroundings, snorkeling in turquoise lagoons and diving to explore breathtaking reefs. It epitomizes beauty beyond one’s imagination – a paradise. A group of seductive islands ringed by magnificent beaches topped with sand like those in an hour glass, translucent warm water homed to brilliant variety of colourful fish amidst the tropical castaway qualities of tall swaying coconut palms and sunset horizon.

Blessed with warm temperature of 28-32 degrees Celsius all year round, the Maldives have become one of the most popular holiday destinations attracting hundred of thousands of new and returning visitors. Sanctuary for the new jet-setters includes incognito wealthy and celebrities who come in search of a fashionable and stylish vacation. The island resorts and crystal clear lagoons tickling with majestic and luxury cruisers become home to those who embrace serene isolation amongst the comfort of natural beauty.

The Maldives forms an archipelago of 26 natural atolls comprising 198 inhabited and 991 uninhabited islands stretching over 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west. The islands are small and low-lying with neither rivers nor mountains. That being said, its plain geographical features appear like bubbles on the ocean horizon. Each island perpetually covered with fine pristine white sand. Each with a shallow lagoon, a harem for another mystical life beneath the water surface, surrounded by reefs of coral that danced under the warmth of the sun’s embrace, and glowing with perfection as it plunges into an infinite abyss. Even for poor swimmers, the lure of the calm waters becomes irresistible to behold.

The MV Orion is a brand new super cruiser situated the the cool waters of the Maldives offering a wide range of courses to suit all needs... On board MV ORION, we bring paradise to your doorstep.

On a typical trip, the ORION anchors at night and cruises only for a few hours in the wee mornings, but this is enough to discover real cast-away desert islands, unblemished inhabited islands and remarkable dive spots. Expect at least one day of leisure fun on a deserted island playing beach volleyball, beach soccer or sea-kayaking or visit an interesting inhabited spot where some cultural entertainment night prepared by island dwellers will leave you giggling with amusement. Halfway through the cruise expect a barbeque on a desert island; other evenings include a Maldivian dinner and bodu beru dancing display by the crew, and dinner dance with a live band. Spend another evening night fishing, sitting in a dhoni with baited line dangling over the side, waiting for a bite… and the list goes on.

Passengers are usually a good international mix of young and old, divers and non-divers, and a house-party atmosphere swiftly develops. This is helped by the lack of formality in dress code that preaches nothing more than shorts by day and casual outfits at night. And the heart of camaraderie on ORION – an air-conditioned bar offering cocktails, tea and coffee, soft drinks, spirits and a good collection of wine and champagne.

Meals on board ORION are buffets with breakfast cooked to order, lunch and dinner with soup, salad, fruits, a choice of main courses and dessert. Fresh catch of seafood options will make you beg and crave for more and fresh vegetables flown in weekly from Sri Lanka will tickle your appetite. Catered special dishes can also be arranged on request.

If you seek more than basic comfort, guaranteed good food and companions, cruising around the islands of the Maldives is the perfect idea for a holiday

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