Liveaboards

Mermaid I

Mermaid I (Mermaid Liveaboards)

Mermaid I is a 28-metres, double-engine, steel motor yacht that offers superb hotel-style accommodation. Their slogan is ‘Mermaid liveaboards – Asia’s Premier Liveaboard Fleet’. The boat can take up to 15 guests. The eight air-conditioned cabins comprise one Master Staterooms with king bed, four Deluxe Cabins with one double or two single beds, two Budget Cabins both in the lower deck which have either one double or two single beds, and a Single Cabin. All cabins have en suite bathrooms and refrigerators with the Master, Deluxe and Single Cabins having superb panoramic sea views. The beds in these cabins are ‘normal’ sprung mattresses on real bed bases. Each cabin has a TV so you can review your pictures or take advantage of the DVD access. The Master and Single have their own DVD player in the cabin. Duvets. throw cushions, bed runners, bathrobes, slippers, fluffy pillows, loads of luxurious towels, and lovely toiletries all conspire to make those moments of relaxed luxury so enjoyable. A total of 14 crew are available at the service of 15 guests. The divemaster to diver ratio is usually 1:4 or 1:5 at most.

Both Thai and western menus are served in the Sawasdee Restaurant, which is air-conditioned and has large windows so you don’t miss any panoramic views while enjoying your meals. On several occasions during the week Chef works at the outdoor barbecue and produces delicious meals ‘al fresco’. The food is fabulous! A great way to relax at the end of the dive is to enjoy your favourite music on the music centre, peruse the fish and identification guides available from the library, or watch a DVD. There are two outdoor decks, one shaded with outside seating and a fabulous sundeck with plenty of wooden sun loungers with comfy cushions under a white canopy for shade, or in full sun for those who want to sunbathe.

There is a wide stern diving platform with two exit ladders and freshwater showers. Four camera rinse tanks and a large camera table are also on the dive deck. There are several power points in each cabin and also throughout the salon for charging and each table in the salon has electrical outlets for laptops. Usually the crew will have a laptop available for your use, if you don’t have your own. There is a DVD burning service for those who want to save images to disc.

The boat offers satellite phone, fax and e-mail facilities. Other facilities on board include a small boutique shop selling books, tee-shirts, hats and souvenirs. For those in the mood for serious relaxation, you may also like to make use of the massage and spa service. A pressing service is also available. The chef prides himself on presenting a full range of local and international dishes and is happy to provide vegetarian meals, as long as they are previously requested.

Divers enter the water from the main boat or from one of the two ribs, and dives are usually ‘go with the flow’ with an easy climb up one of the ladders on return. Everyone has their own dive station and box to place equipment. The crew is fully trained to look after your gear either as much or as little as you wish. They will assist you to remove your wetsuit and rinse it for you after every dive, if you wish, and will wash and dry your gear at the end of the cruise. There is an on board videographer who will produce excellent quality DVDs. Complimentary photo advice is a popular service too. Nitrox is available on every cruise. Please note that individual computers are mandatory for each client. Although most of the tanks available are 12 litre steel tanks, there are a few 15 litre tanks available for those who might need them.

Operates In:  Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda Sea, Lembeh, Ambon

Schedule:  Varies throughout the year.  Please contact us for departure dates.

Price: From about £3565 (about US$4920, €4100)

Includes:

• 9 nights cruise on Mermaid I in a Budget Cabin on a twin/share basis
• Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) daily, including tea, coffee, soft drinks and drinking water
• 8 days diving (28 dives in total, including night dives where the location is suitable); escorted shore excursions where appropriate.

Cabin Upgrades:  Available.

Please note: 11 and 15 night charters are also available.

Please note: A port/national park fee of €60 (subject to change) is payable on board.

Reduced Rates: Available for non-divers.

Single Occupancy Supplement: Please contact us.

Air Travel: Our in-house IATA ticket agency can arrange your air travel in connection with your holiday from a departure point anywhere in the world, or you may arrange your own air travel if you prefer. We can tailor-make your itinerary to your personal requirements, so if you would like to make a stop-over or two, make a side trip to some other destination, or travel business class rather than economy, we will be happy to assist. Please contact us about your air travel requirements.