The Best New & Recently Renovated Liveaboards for 2018
Check out the 9 best new (or recently renovated) liveaboards for 2018 and book a scuba diving vacation to the Caribbean, Egypt, Indonesia and beyond.
As the liveaboard diving industry grows, new boats are introduced every year and existing boats are renovated with updated amenities. These wonders of modernity have everything you could ever need on a floating scuba diving vacation – from air conditioning to onboard Jacuzzis. The new liveaboards for 2018 traverse waters around the world, including routes in the Caribbean, Indonesia and Egypt. Grab a spot on one of these well-equipped liveaboards for one of the best scuba diving vacations available in 2018.
1. Cayman Aggressor V
One of the newest additions to the esteemed Aggressor Fleet, the Cayman Aggressor V is the luxury liveaboard the Cayman Islands deserves.
While divers are busy exploring the reefs and wrecks of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Island, the crew are preparing to make the journey smooth and enjoyable. Trips on the Cayman Aggressor V include 4 to 5 dives per day at some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. In addition to diving, guests can enjoy deluxe accommodation, a complete photo editing centre, the Jacuzzi on the sun deck and complimentary beer and wine.
2. Bahamas Master
New to the Master Fleet in 2018, the Bahamas Master has recently been renovated to meet and surpass guests’ needs.
The 35-metre ship boasts comfortable accommodations and plenty of space to relax between dives, but the best feature of the boat is the panoramic windows in all the cabins. Waking up on the water has never been better. And after four dives a day (including plenty of shark diving), guests can enjoy a sumptuous international buffet in the outdoor bar and dining area. A trip on the Bahamas Master is one of the best ways to explore this Caribbean diving paradise.
3. Jardines Aggressor II
Another new addition to the Aggressor Fleet, the Jardines Aggressor II is sailing the most popular scuba diving destinations in Cuba, namely the Bay of Pigs and the Jardines de la Reina.
This shark diving hotspot can be enjoyed from the luxury ship thanks to its 12 well-equipped cabins and full service staff. Onboard, guests will enjoy the Jacuzzi on the sundeck, complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and shore excursions. But the real beauty of the Jardines Aggressor II is its photo centre. Underwater photographers will love the camera table complete with a blow dryer, dedicated rinse bins and an indoor photography room with a desktop computer for photo editing.
4. Vortex
The Vortex joins the Pelagic Fleet in 2018 as the most luxurious liveaboard vessel travelling to the Socorro Islands and Guadalupe in Mexico.
The former Canadian Coast Guard vessel has been completely refitted with the needs of discerning scuba divers in mind. As such, it features complimentary WiFi, complimentary drinks which can be enjoyed at the sky bridge bar, a helipad and even submarine capabilities for deep-sea exploration. Furthermore, guests will enjoy gourmet food and high-quality mattresses in each cabin. This ship was built for adventure but fitted with all the comforts of home.
5. Lighthouse Miracle 1
Originally built in 2005 but renovated in 2018, the Lighthouse Miracle 1 combines years of experience on the Red Sea with modern amenities.
She features 12 oversized cabins, all with separate bathrooms and adjustable air conditioning. Free internet is available throughout the ship. Furthermore, the food onboard is outstanding thanks to the experienced chef, and draft beer and wine is available for order each evening. As a final note, safety is of utmost importance on the Lighthouse Miracle 1, and the boat has been fitted to the highest standards.
6. MY Samira
The second recently renovated liveaboard on our list that’s cruising the Egyptian Red Sea, the MY Samira received an update in 2018.
The 37-metre ship is a beautiful wooden vessel designed for the comfort of scuba divers. There’s plenty of space in the 11 double cabins and the communal areas for everyone to relax between dives. Plus, free WiFi is available throughout. In addition, the diving facilities on the MY Samira are top-notch and Nitrox is available free of charge for certified divers.
7. MV Mermaid II
With a spacious dive deck and gorgeous accommodations, the newly renovated MV Mermaid II shuttles divers to the finest dive sites in Indonesia.
One of the best features of this boat is the ease of diving. Nitrox and rental equipment is available, and there are plenty of dive guides on the boat. The average dive guide to diver ratio is three to one. Plus, the MV Mermaid II boasts an amazing amount of leisure space. In addition to the main saloon with its panoramic windows, most of the cabins now have large windows for beautiful ocean views. A trip on the MV Mermaid II is truly an escape both above and beneath the surface.
8. Ratu Pelangi
In 2018, the Ratu Pelangi went from being any old Phinisi liveaboard to being a beautiful ship full of modern amenities.
A trip to Indonesia on this sailing ship will open your eyes to the beauty found above and below the waves. The ship was made using a method perfected over several centuries in Indonesia. Materials include Borneo solid teak wood planks and an iron wood hull that keeps this ship strong and sturdy. However, inside this traditional construction, you’ll find modern luxuries like great accommodations, air conditioning and a huge upper deck full of sun beds and a shaded sofa.
9. The Phinisi
Traversing Thailand’s Andaman Sea, the Phinisi is a gorgeous liveaboard.
Extensively renovated in 2018, this boat, which is now officially known as Cheng I Sao, is a traditional, Indonesian, gaff-rigged Phinisi style yacht with 7 sales. She boasts 7 en-suite cabins that can comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests. The main deck features a spacious lounge area with a full multimedia system, while the large sun deck is half-covered and has plenty of cushioned sun loungers for relaxation between dives. In addition to being newly renovated, the Phinisi will add an additional dive destination in 2019. From February to April, this liveaboard will be offering trips to the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar.
If you’d like any more information about these new liveaboards or you’d like to book a vacation on one of them, PADI Travel would be happy to answer all your questions.