In Maldives, we call it a "Safari"! No desert in sight, but with tropical islands galore, stopping at some, enjoying a swim off one, while going ashore on another to visit a fishing village or to explore an uninhabited island, and almost always coming back to a berth or cabin on board in the evening is the Maldivian tropical "Sea safari".

A cruise in the Maldives bears exception to the rather erroneous misconception that life on the move must necessarily mean putting up with a few hardships. The pun not withstanding, it must be said that a cruise in the Maldives can be just what the connoisseur of life at sea needs.

Cruising vessels specially commissioned to cater to tourists in the Maldives come in all shapes and sizes. Vessels catering to small groups of six to eight guests and those large enough to offer forty individual cabins fall into the two extremes of the continuum in this area. The common factor here would probably be the relatively high standard of service on offer.

Most cruising vessels offer air-conditioned cabins, restaurant and bar facilities, sun decks, diving equipment and instruction, excellent communication services, fishing tackle, etc., Itineraries often include stopping over for varying lengths of time at favorite diving, snorkeling or fishing points, in addition to visits to various islands.