Maldives liveaboard MV Sea Queen: Boat Details

The Crew

A good crew and experienced dive team are essential for the successful operation of a liveaboard. With over 15 years experience in the Maldives, our team is able to consistently deliver a high standard of service and care. MV Sea Queen is managed by two European Cruise Directors who are PADI qualified Instructors. They are assisted by a professional crew of Maldivians and Sri Lankans.

On board the main vessel we have a crew of five – captain, deck hand, engineer, steward, chef. On board the dive support vessel we have a crew of two – the captain and deck hand. All are dedicated to ensuring our guest’s comfort and safety.

The Cabins

Sea Queen offers comfortable accommodation for twelve guests in six cabins, four with lower double berths and single upper berth and two with twin berths. Each cabin has a porthole and all are air conditioned by a centrally controlled system as well as having a large wall mounted cabin fan. All cabins have hanging wardrobe and under-bed storage space, en-suite bathrooms, with hot water shower, WC and washhandbasin. The guest cabins are totally separate from the working sections of the boat and are cleaned each day while guests are diving. Check out our boat plan to see the boat layout.

The Saloon

On the main deck there is a large, comfortable saloon which has four separate seating and table areas for comfortable dining and relaxation. The saloon is equipped with a multi-system VHS video recorder with 22 inch AV monitor for underwater video enthusiasts and a music centre with CD player and tape deck. For our guests we have provided a small library of marine identification books and some light reading! For photographers the saloon has ample storage for cameras and recharging points. E6 processing is available on board.

The MV Sea Queen is fully licensed to sell beer, wine and spirits and all are available through the on-board bar which is in the saloon. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available at all times during the day and are complementary.

On Deck

The foredeck of Sea Queen is partially shaded and offers an ideal place for guests to relax between dives. Dinner is generally served around the large oval table so that guests can enjoy the wonderful Maldivian evenings.

On the aft deck there is a large swim platform with ladder giving easy access to the water. There is a fresh water shower, camera wash tank and wet camera storage rack and Nitrox filling station. From the aft deck, steps lead up to the large sun deck above the main saloon where there are comfortable adjustable sun loungers. This is a wonderful place to enjoy a sundowner and discuss the day’s diving.

Electricity

There is a 24 hour supply of 220 volt AC electricity on board and an emergency 12 volt DC lighting circuit. Power is supplied by two soundproofed generators. 110V convertors are available.

Photography & Video

E6 Slide film processing is available onboard. MV Sea Queen has a Sea & Sea MX10 35mm camera with flash available for rental. Videos are produced by the dive staff and include wonderful underwater footage of your dives - these videos are available for sale at the end of the trip.

Water

MV Sea Queen is equipped with a water maker with a capacity for producing three tonnes of water per day. There is plenty of water for use throughout the day and night.

Food and Drink

There is a good variety of both local and European dishes. If guests are vegetarian or have special dietary needs, we will, of course, do our best to cater for them. Breakfast and lunch are normally served buffet style and dinner is generally served seated around the large table on the foredeck.

Safety & Communications

MV Sea Queen carries a mobile phone as well as CB radio and marine VHF. She is in constant contact with the offices in Male and the UK. Both Sea Queen and the dive support boat carry lifejackets for all passengers and are equipped with GPS and echo sounders. The Maldivian Government has a strict policy of safety inspection and all our vessels comply fully with their requirements.

Other Entertainment

On board slide shows are often given. Sea Queen also has a 14 ft tender with outboard engine which is used to take guests to the uninhabited islands. When possible, we arrange barbecues as well as visits to the local fishing islands where visitors are always made very welcome. In addition fishing gear is available for the use of our guests.

On Board Sales

Monogrammed sweatshirts, T-shirts and baseball caps can be purchased on board together with a selection of fish identification and marine biology books and our own guide to Maldivian dive sites.

The Schedule & Itinerary

Sea Queen has no fixed itinerary but will travel through the atolls; we use our twelve years of experience to find the best possible dive sites according to the weather and the prevailing seasons. A typical day on MV Sea Queen might be:-

06.30 Morning tea, coffee and biscuits
07.00 First dive
09.00 Breakfast
11.00 Second dive
13.00 Lunch
17.00 Third dive
19.00 Dinner

Check out our schedules page for sailing dates and prices.

Safari & Island Combinations

If you would like to combine your safari on MV Sea Queen with an island holiday, we would be happy to recommend an island to suit your needs and arrange this holiday for you. Check out our combination pages to make your choice.