DestinationsMaldives · Choose your liveaboard
Same ocean. Different ways to stay.
Start with the cabin, route and diving package that fit you. This comparison brings together verified boat specifications and dated fare examples, so you can ask better questions before reserving your berth.
Which boat belongs on your shortlist?
| Boat | Capacity | Why compare it? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Voyager | 20 guests / 10 cabins | A smaller Emperor guest group; Nitrox included | Obtain a matching cabin quote |
| Emperor Serenity | 26 guests / 13 cabins | Suites and a broad choice of decks | A larger guest group than Voyager |
| Carpe Novo | 22 guests / 12 cabins | Two Single Suites and a separate camera room | Single cabins have their own availability |
| Blue Force One | 24 guests / 12 cabins | Sea-view suites and two outdoor Jacuzzis | Confirm Nitrox and all mandatory extras |
| Sachika | 22 guests / 10 cabins | Lower-deck rooms and upper-deck suites | Check fuel, service and environmental charges |
For a cost-focused trip, begin with our budget Maldives liveaboard guide. For cabin upgrades and life aboard, see luxury Maldives liveaboards.
More current Maldives boats to compare
The extended fleet below has current departure or operator evidence. Capacity is not a quality score. Where sources disagree, obtain the current cabin plan. The two Adora review URLs refer to the same boat and are counted once.
| Boat | Guest capacity | Cabin choice | Why compare it? | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adora | 21 guests · 11 cabins | Standard, Ocean View Suite and Superior Single | Dedicated single accommodation and ocean-view upgrades | Current source |
| Amba | 20 guests · 10 cabins | Air-conditioned ensuite cabins | A smaller group and longer itineraries | Current source |
| Carpe Diem | 20 guests · 10 cabins | 6 lower Standard; 2 main-deck; upper Deluxe and Suite | A smaller Carpe fleet option with several deck choices | Current source |
| Carpe Vita | 20 guests · 10 cabins | 6 lower Standard; 2 main Superior; 2 upper VIP Suites | Upper-deck suites and a 20-guest capacity | Current source |
| Conte Max | Request the current cabin plan | Double, twin and triple options | Wellness facilities alongside a diving holiday | Current source |
| Duke of York | Request the current cabin plan | Cabins on lower, main and upper decks | Italian hospitality and a separate dive dhoni | Current source |
| DUNE Theia | 20 guests · 10 cabins | Standard 1–5; Deluxe 6; Premium 7, 8, 10; Superior 9 | A range of room categories and a Sky Bar | Current source |
| Emperor Leo | 24 guests · 12 cabins | 8 lower cabins; 3 upper double/twin; 1 upper Executive | Included Nitrox and upper-deck cabin choices | Current source |
| Emperor Virgo | 18 guests | Double/twin cabins across three decks | A smaller Emperor guest group | Current source |
| Blue Maldives | Confirm guest allocation for your departure | 11 cabins on the partner listing | A dedicated camera room and dive dhoni | Current source |
| Horizon 3 | 25 guests · 12 cabins | Standard, Deluxe and Master Deluxe | A boat refurbished in summer 2025 | Current source |
| Maldives Aggressor II | 22 guests · 11 cabins | 6 lower Standard twins; 4 Deluxe; 1 Suite | A choice of lower-deck twins and view upgrades | Current source |
| Nautilus Two | 24 guests · 12 cabins | Spacious double-plus-single cabins | Roomier cabins and a traditional wooden-boat atmosphere | Current source |
| Ocean Divine | 16 guests · 8 cabins | Air-conditioned ensuite cabins | A smaller guest group with several relaxation areas | Current source |
| Princess Dhonkamana | 20 guests · 9 cabins | Double, twin and triple arrangements | Three sundecks and a separate dive dhoni | Current source |
| Princess Rani | 22 guests · 10 cabins | Double and triple cabins | Four-poster beds, Italian cuisine and outdoor living | Current source |
| Soleil II | 28 guests · 14 cabins | Ensuite, air-conditioned accommodation | A larger boat with a hot tub and dive dhoni | Current source |
| Seafari Explorer 2 | Up to 26 guests · confirm cabin plan | Lower twin/double and single options; upper doubles | Single-cabin options and upper-deck accommodation | Current source |
| Scubaspa Yin & Yang | Yang listing: 36 guests · maximum 26 divers | Yang: 5 Manta, 3 Dolphin, 1 Cowrie, 8 Sea Star | Diving and spa packages for mixed-interest couples | Current source |
Current alternatives and private charters
Maldives Master now describes a vessel built in 2024 with 26 guest places and two single cabins. Do not transfer the old Blue Voyager hull specifications to it. Honors Legacy offers upper-deck suites and lower-deck Superior cabins; request dated availability. Manthiri has a current operator-representative programme; confirm the trip length and joining details.
Dhoni Stella I, Dhoni Stella II and Over Reef are private-charter options, rather than directly comparable shared-berth cruises. Confirm whether diving, guide, tanks and support boat are included. Over Reef has a shared bathroom arrangement for two of its guest cabins. Voyages Maldives markets boats including Gurahali, Kethi, Gahaa and Koimala for charter; ask for a scuba-specific proposal. Maavahi also has charter marketing, which does not establish an open shared-berth departure.
Older reviews: availability not established
During this check, the partner showed no current calendar for boats including Maldives Princess, Fun Azul, Stingray, Azalea, Princess Haleema, EcoPro Moonima, Seafari Explorer I, Emperor Orion, Emperor Atoll, Princess Handy, Manta Cruise, Ocean Sapphire and Yasawa Princess. A missing calendar does not prove retirement. The remaining historical fleet reviews need direct operator confirmation before they can be used as booking recommendations. Older Blue Force Two Maldives material must not be confused with the separate Red Sea vessel.
Compare the room you will actually sleep in
| Boat | Deck | Layout | Booking detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Voyager | Lower deck | 3 doubles + 4 twins | Portholes; some twins convert to doubles. |
| Emperor Voyager | Main deck | 1 twin | Confirm the assigned cabin before paying. |
| Emperor Voyager | Upper deck | 2 twins | Can be converted to doubles on request. |
| Emperor Serenity | Lower deck | 7 cabins | 5 double + single layouts; 2 double-only cabins. |
| Emperor Serenity | Main deck | 2 suites | King bed plus single bed. |
| Emperor Serenity | Upper deck | 4 cabins | 2 suites; 1 double + single; 1 double-only. |
| Carpe Novo | Lower deck | 6 Standard | 4 queen + single; 2 twin cabins. Portholes. |
| Carpe Novo | Main deck | 2 Single Suites | Queen bed, windows; sold for one guest. |
| Carpe Novo | Upper deck | 4 Junior Suites | King beds; two suites can be split into twins. |
| Blue Force One | Lower deck | 6 Deluxe + 1 Master Cabin | Deluxe double + single; Master double. |
| Blue Force One | Main deck | 2 Master Suites | Sea views and double beds. |
| Blue Force One | Upper deck | 2 Junior Suites + 1 Deluxe | Suites double + single; Deluxe has twin beds and sea views. |
| Sachika | Lower deck | 6 Standard + 1 Junior Suite | Twin/double arrangements; confirm the particular bed layout. |
| Sachika | Upper deck | 3 Suites | Windows and sea views; check the assigned cabin. |
Travelling on your own?
Carpe Novo’s two dedicated Single Suites are a useful place to start. Compare their fare with sharing or sole occupancy elsewhere. Emperor offers same-sex cabin sharing on Voyager and Serenity; a double-bed preference is not a private-cabin booking. Ask the seller to state your arrangement in writing.
Couples, friends and photographers
Couples should confirm the actual double bed; friends should check whether beds sit side by side or use a double-plus-single arrangement. Carpe Novo has a dedicated camera room; Emperor boats provide camera facilities on their dhonis. Compare the space and power provision for the kit you plan to bring.
Take a closer look aboard
20 guests · 10 cabins · 30 m
Emperor Voyager
Emperor Voyager is a practical choice for divers who prefer a smaller guest group to a large resort-style yacht. Compare the exact cabin and departure rather than assuming the oldest published starting price is still available.
Ask for the same-sex cabin-share arrangement or a private-cabin quote; a double bed supplement is not a private-cabin supplement.
Explore cabins, photos & diving →
Photo: Emperor Voyager — operator photo via LiveAboard.com
26 guests · 13 cabins · 40 m
Emperor Serenity
Choose Serenity for its cabin choice and spacious social areas. The current operator specifications describe the replacement vessel, so the older photos and the previous 8/2/3 cabin split have been replaced in this guide.
The observed departure quoted a 50% private-occupancy supplement. Confirm the current amount; Emperor also offers a same-sex share arrangement.
Explore cabins, photos & diving →
Photo: Current Emperor Serenity — Emperor Divers via LiveAboard.com
22 guests · 12 cabins
Carpe Novo
Carpe Novo is particularly worth comparing if you want a dedicated single cabin or a separate camera room. The operator’s own page gives both 42 m and 43 m lengths; we do not use that small discrepancy to rank the boat.
A dedicated Single Suite is different from sole use of a twin cabin. The observed departure quoted 60% for private occupancy, while its Single Suites were full.
Explore cabins, photos & diving →
Photo: Carpe Novo from above — Carpe Diem Maldives
24 guests · 12 cabins · 42 m
Blue Force One
Blue Force One suits travellers who put outdoor living and a sea-view cabin high on their wish list. The current operator lists 24 guests in 12 cabins, replacing this review’s old 20-guest, 10-cabin description.
The observed departure quoted a 70% supplement for sole occupancy. A private-cabin price is not the same as one berth in a shared cabin.
Explore cabins, photos & diving →
Photo: Blue Force One — Blue Force Fleet
22 guests · 10 cabins · 33 m
Sachika
Top Class Cruising operates Sachika on Maldives diving cruises. Its ten cabins give a choice between lower-deck accommodation and upper-deck suites. Compare the final package rather than treating the old EUR 1,574 fare as a current starting price.
Request a quote stating shared berth or sole occupancy and the assigned cabin category. An upper-deck Suite can cost more without providing a different diving itinerary.
Explore cabins, photos & diving →
Photo: Sachika — Top Class Cruising
Compare fares on a matching basis
These examples were checked on 6 October 2026. They are per person, with cabin occupancy stated below. Dates and currencies differ, so the table is not a cheapest-boat ranking. Cruise fares are not complete holiday totals.
| Boat | Nights | Departure / cabin | Fare | Important context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Voyager | 7 | 31 October–7 November 2026 · cabin quote needed | Request quote | A departure was listed; obtain the exact room and complete payable amount. |
| Emperor Serenity | 7 | 22–29 November 2026 · lower-deck twin sharing | EUR 2,233 | Promotional fare. Main-deck suite twin EUR 2,478; upper-deck suite twin EUR 2,541. |
| Carpe Novo | 7 | 22–29 November 2026 · Standard sharing | GBP 2,196 | Cabin quote switched to GBP. Single and Junior Suites were full when checked. |
| Blue Force One | 7 | 17–24 October 2026 · Deluxe sharing | EUR 1,767 | Promotional fare. Junior Suite EUR 1,945; Master categories were full. |
| Sachika | 7 | November 2026 Central Atolls · cabin quote needed | Request quote | Published November departures; no matching cabin fare verified. |
Compare the upgrades that really match
For the same Serenity departure and shared-twin basis, the main-deck suite difference is EUR 2,478 − 2,233 = EUR 245 per person; the upper-deck suite difference is EUR 308. On the Blue Force One departure above, Junior Suite versus Deluxe is EUR 178. These are cabin-fare differences, not full-trip costs.
| Boat / operator | Verified inclusion or distinction | Still check |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor Voyager / Serenity | Nitrox included for certified divers; partner states port, park and fuel charges included | Final tax treatment, rental kit, internet, personal spending and travel costs. Do not add included fees again. |
| Carpe Novo | A separate dive dhoni and camera room; three dives per day described as standard, subject to conditions | Current Nitrox cost and all taxes, fuel and service charges. An expired 2019 Nitrox promotion is not a current inclusion. |
| Blue Force One | A diving dhoni and Nitrox system | Exact Nitrox charge, green tax, service/fuel/park charges and solo supplement. |
| Sachika | Partner package lists Nitrox as included | Listed extras include environmental tax USD 12/day, fuel USD 65–175/week, service USD 150–255/trip and applicable park charges up to USD 45/activity. Confirm what applies to your sailing. |
For every boat, add flights, domestic connections where needed, hotels, travel/dive insurance, rentals and personal spending. Where a mandatory amount is unknown, the total remains incomplete. Ask whether tax is based on nights, calendar days or another basis; do not quietly multiply unlike units.
The itinerary matters as much as the boat
| Operator / vessel | Verified point | Before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor Voyager / Serenity | Computer, SMB and reef hook required; torch for night dives. Dive and travel insurance required. | Emperor’s Deep South programme requires 100 logged dives and the appropriate advanced/deep qualification. Check the actual route and recent-experience criteria. |
| Carpe Novo | Three dives per day described as standard, subject to programme and conditions. | Obtain route-specific certification, logged-dive, Nitrox, equipment and insurance requirements. |
| Blue Force One | Central and southern itineraries are different products. | Request the actual route’s requirements; do not assume a central-atoll threshold applies to Deep South. |
| Sachika | Central, northern and southern programmes are offered. | Confirm minimum experience and compulsory equipment for your exact sailing. |
Malé–Malé itineraries simplify many travellers’ connections. A one-way southern route may need domestic flights and different joining and leaving points. Emperor recommends at least 24 hours between the final dive and flying. Confirm flight timing with your own operator before buying tickets. Use the Maldives liveaboard planning guide, diving guide and travel guide for the wider trip.
Before you choose
Which boat is best for a solo diver?
Start with the cabin arrangement, not just the boat name. Compare a dedicated Single Suite on Carpe Novo, Emperor’s same-sex share policy and written sole-occupancy quotes.
Are these the only Maldives liveaboards?
No. The first five boats have detailed cabin comparisons; the extended table and charter section cover further current choices. The Maldives has many other vessels; historical Divezone reviews do not by themselves prove present availability.
Can I compare the lowest advertised daily prices?
Only after matching currency, duration, season, room occupancy and compulsory extras. An eight-day/seven-night listing can also use a different daily divisor from a seven-night calculation.
Does a more expensive cabin change the diving?
Usually the cabin upgrade changes the room and deck position. Ask separately about private guides, special itineraries and extra services.
Is Nitrox included everywhere?
No. Included, available and required mean different things. Emperor includes fills for certified divers; confirm the policy on each other boat and departure.
What if a boat has no dates online?
Ask the operator about its current schedule or charter programme. No dates on one booking site do not establish that it has stopped operating.
Can I rely on the photos alone?
Use the current cabin plan and the assigned category with the photos. Ask about any refit that changes layout or facilities.
Where are the most useful sources?
Use the operator specifications linked below for cabins and the actual departure quotation for price, extras, experience requirements and joining instructions.
Found your shortlist?
Compare the same dates and ask for the final payable amount before reserving.
Booking links are affiliate links. Divezone may earn a commission.
Editorial check: 6 October 2026. Researched comparison, not a new firsthand inspection or live availability feed. Operator sources: Emperor Voyager, Emperor Serenity, Carpe Novo, Blue Force One, Sachika, Emperor FAQ. Fare observations: Emperor Voyager, Emperor Serenity, Carpe Novo, Blue Force One, Sachika. Photos are credited with each boat.
