Luxurious over-water villas, turquoise waters, soft sand beaches, lush greens, and blah blah blah. Tired of such cliched descriptions about Maldives? What if we tell you we found a better way to make your trip to the Maldives more interesting? That’s right! We’re talking about exciting Maldives tour packages that include a cruise to Maldives which is beyond the blue skies, shore excursions, and the deep waters.
Maldives cruises 2023 offers something really amazing to all the Globetrotters planning to holiday here! As exciting as it may sound, we’re pretty sure that not all your queries have been resolved yet. Hence, whether you’ve been procrastinating your cruise trip or are planning to embark on one, here’s an exhaustive list of FAQs that often baffles all travelers, when it comes to a cruise, especially when it is a cruise from India to Maldives.
Interesting Facts About Travelling In Cruise To Maldives
People will get to enjoy holidays in the Maldives which will be memorable for a lifetime because of its magical 1000 islands. Visitors will experience the stay on a cruise that defines the real sense of luxury and adventure. Discovering the idyllic islands with stunning underwater marvels and sand breaks on a cruise to Maldives will be another stunning experience for the visitors of the Maldives.
Reasons For The Cruise To Maldives
Before planning for it, you must surely know that what’s exclusive about Maldives cruise trip? No! But because it is the best way to get around Maldives indeed, and undoubtedly the best way to explore the hidden treasures of this tropical paradise. It is not only economical, but also save on a lot of time and energy for the travellers. Whether you choose for a luxury cruise, or a catamaran, the best way to get to the heart of Maldives, is via waterways. It is certainly one of the most amazing fun things to do in Maldives.
Must Read: The Best Of Cruise Travel Around The World, Inclusive Of All Luxuries!
Maldives Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Ideal Duration For The Cruise
To be on a safer side, it is for the best that travelers do not stay on a cruise for more than 5 days which is pretty much enough for exploring Maldives. Including all the shore excursions, and the time spent at the sea, a maximum of 4 to 5 days would suffice for a cruise ship to Maldives, in order to avoid any kind of sea sickness and to return home without burning a hole in your pockets. (just kidding)
Whether looking for a Maldives honeymoon plan or interested in a perfect getaway with family and friends, these awesome cruises in Maldives will surely make your vacation the most memorable one!
Suggested Read: 6 Male Island Resorts That’ll Make You Fall In Love With This Maldivian Gem At First Sight
Best Time To Go On A Cruise To Maldives
Are you looking for the best time to visit Maldives? Maldives enjoys a tropical climate which comprises of a dry season, and a wet season. Out of the two, the dry season which spans from November to April, is considered to be the best season to witness the true charm of Maldives as well as to take a Maldives cruise from India. To enjoy a cruise to the core, the dry seasons happens to be the best one as the humidity is relatively less, with hardly any rain. Hence, the weather remains clear for shore excursions and smooth sailing and visiting Maldives by cruise during these months would be great! So pick from our list of cruises packages from India to Maldives during these months only.
Suggested Read: 50 Pristine Places To Visit In Maldives For An Amazing Vacay!
How Much Does A Maldives Cruise Trip Cost From India?
The prices of cruise packages from India to Maldives are based on the destination of origin, a number of days a traveler spend on the cruise, and the kind of cruise he or she has opted for. The Maldives cruises mainly originate from either Mumbai or Kochi, which are the major ports in India. So you can either plan cruise to Maldives from Mumbai or from Kochi. Ranging from luxury to budget, an average price for a package from India to Maldives cruise starts at INR 31, 000 per person. This excludes taxes, port fees, and other additional charges for personal expenses which are not included in the package.
Suggested Read: 10 Ultimate Destinations For Boat And Cruise Vacations In India!
Best Cruises To Maldives
There are two ways to explore Maldives on a cruise. Either take a cruise directly from India to Maldives, or take a flight to Maldives and then get started with your picked cruise packages from India to Maldives. In any of these cases, you can either choose to board a big-size cruise which are the most preferred for international destinations from India, or, you can also choose to board a catamaran cruise which is the most convenient to explore Maldives at its best, and for island hopping. However, make your cruise experience in Maldives, an unforgettable one with some of the best India to Maldives cruise are as follows:
- Costa Cruise Lines – Costa NeoClassica
- Noble Caledonia – MS Island Sky (ZE)
- Louis Cruise – MV Aquamarine
- Jalesh Cruise
1. Costa Cruise Lines – Costa NeoClassica
Luxury on budget is what Costa Cruise Lines offers with its fleet of amazing ships. Offering the best of shore excursions across the world, unique experiences, and eco tours, Costa Cruise Lines is one of the best cruise lines to enjoy a cruise to Maldives as well. The cruise line of Costa neoClassica offers three routes to Maldives: Kochi to Male for 3 nights, Mumbai to Male enroute New Mangalore and Kochi for 7 nights, and Male to Mumbai enroute Colombo and Mormugao for 7 nights.
Average Price: Starting from INR 24,800 per person on double-sharing basis
Recommended Cruise: 8D/7N Mumbai to Male – priced at INR 49,300 per person on double-sharing basis
Route: Mumbai – New Mangalore – Kochi – Male
Capacity: 1,308 passengers
Inclusions: Accommodation in luxurious cabins, food and beverages, snacks and special menus at culinary events created by Chef Bruno Barbieri, onboard entertainment, access to pools, jacuzzis, and special arenas, gym and aerobics with an instructor, port taxes, and more.
Exclusions: Additional room services, spa and wellness, casino on-board, shore excursions chosen by travelers, special beverage packages, onboard gratuity, other services such as photographer, laundry, and more.
Suggested Read: 13 Maldives Resorts For A Luxurious Vacation With Your Loved Ones!
2. Noble Caledonia – MS Island Sky (ZE)
Specializing in small-sized cruise ships, Noble Caledonia offers one of the best cruising experiences from the Arctic to the great waters of French Polynesia. For those whore looking forward to making their cruise trip to Maldives experience a rewarding one, will undoubtedly be greeted with the warm hospitality of the well-experienced staff on one of the famous vessels of MS Island Sky (ZE). Being small in size and offering just 59 spacious suites designed to perfection, Island Sky offers ultimate privacy minus the crowd.
Average Price: Starts from INR 3,00,000 per person on a double-sharing basis
Recommended Cruise: 16-day Mumbai to Male – price on request
Route: Mumbai – Goa – Mangalore – Kochi – Trivandrum – Colombo – Kandy – Galle – Uligamu – Baa Atoll – Olhahali Island – Male
Capacity: 114 passengers
Inclusions: Accommodation, food and beverages, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, room service, spa and wellness, additional services, port taxes, and more.
Exclusions: Travel insurance, onboard gratuity, and other taxes.
Suggested Read: Romance Aboard A Catamaran Cruise On Your Mauritius Honeymoon For Memories Of A Lifetime
3. Louis Cruise – MV Aquamarine
The next one our list is the best cruise from Cochin to Maldives 2019. With an experience of more than 70 years in tourism, Louis Cruises is the Indian arm of the European organisation Louis Group. Other than a fleet of 12 luxury cruises, Louis Group also comprises of more than 20 luxury hotels in Cyprus and Greece. With the launch of the luxury cruise MV Aquamarine, Louis Cruises offers great holiday experiences between Kochi, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Lakshadweep. Book their cruises to Maldives for an amazing vacation.
Average Price: Starts from INR 20,000 per person on double-sharing basis
Recommended Cruise: 4D/3N Cruise From Kochi To Maldives
Route: Kochi – Maldives – Kochi
Capacity: 1,200 passengers
Inclusions: Stateroom accommodation, 05 complimentary meals a day at designated restaurants, Avalon Dining Room, Bistro Buffet, Lido Buffet, Swimming pool & Fitness facilities, Gala evening shows & Disco, Entertainment on board, and Library & Card room.
Exclusions: Duty Free & Travel Value Shops, Shore excursions, Bar Drinks, Beverages of any type, Spa & Massage, Beauty Salon, Telephone, Personal expenses
Suggested Read: Maldives Honeymoon: An Guide For An Exquisite Romantic Escapade!
4. Jalesh Cruise
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If you wish to experience a world-class Cochin to Maldives cruise which pampers you endlessly and includes lavish meals, then you can opt for the Jalesh Cruise tours. You’ll be spending 7 nights at sea and docking at Mangalore and Kochi before setting off for Malé in the Maldives and honestly, your Maldives cruise from India couldn’t get better! Other than all meals, you can enjoy this enormous vessel’s excellent facilities like casino, two fabulous restaurants, seven bars, two pools, jacuzzis, a mega shopping centre, as well as a theatre, all for a very affordable price. You can also opt for the Mumbai to Maldives cruise route in this category that is available via Colombo and Goa.
Average Price: Starting from INR 25,000 per person on double-sharing basis
Recommended Cruise: 8D/7N Mumbai to Male – priced at INR 25,000 per person on double-sharing basis
Route: Mumbai – Mangalore – Kochi – Male | Mumbai – Goa – Colombo – Male
Capacity: 1,300 passengers
Inclusions: Accommodation in luxurious cabins, all meals, onboard entertainment, access to pools, jacuzzis, bars, shopping centre, theatre, port taxes, and more.
Exclusions: Additional room services, tips and gratuities, spa and wellness, shore excursions chosen by travelers, special beverage packages, other services such as photographer, laundry, and more.
Suggested Read: 14 Fun Things To Do In Maldives For A Thrilling Holiday
Where Does The Cruise To Maldives Leave From?
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Planning to have an awesome experience of cruise in Maldives? There are two major ports in India from where the cruise ships depart for the international cruise tour to Maldives, i.e., Mumbai, and Kochi. Which means that these cruises also give you a great chance to see all the places to visit in Mumbai and Kochi other than taking you to the tropical heaven of Maldives. The other ports are that of Chennai, and Visakhapatnam but as for now, only two ports serve as the departing port for an international cruise to Maldives:
- Mumbai to Male: This route may include other places such as Goa, New Mangalore, Trivandrum, Colombo, Uligamu, until the cruise reaches Male.
- Kochi to Male: This route may include other places such as Kochi Fort, Trivandrum, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Uligamu, Baa Atoll, and Olhahali Island.
Suggested Read: Avalon River Cruising – Redefining The Way You Cruise
Major Attractions On The Cruise From India
Some of the major attraction on a cruise to Maldives from India are Cave temples of Elephanta Island, Mumbai city tour, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens, churches in Goa, Panjim city tour, coffee plantations, and Jain temple tour in Mangalore. Other attractions include Kumbalangi village tour, Cinnamon Island Dhonveli, churches and waterways of Kochi, rubber plantations in Trivandrum, elephant orphanage in Kandy, forts and museums in Galle, and more.
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Maldives: Top 15 Places To Enjoy The Life On The Island At Night
Experiences To Have On A Cruise To Maldives
One of the best and must experiences for a traveler on a cruise to Maldives from India are heritage walk in Mumbai, city tour of Udupi, backwater cruise in Kochi, and elephant ride in Kandy. Other best experiences include beachcombing in Maldives, sightseeing in Male, snorkeling in Uligamu, exploring the rich coral reef at Baa Atoll, and strolling on the soft white sand beaches of Olhahali Island. Cruising to Maldives is the best way for couples to explore the best islands in Maldives for honeymoon. Cruise in Maldives is one such excursion that must surely not miss out on while holidaying here!
Suggested Read: 15 Exciting Water Sports In Maldives For Your Adrenaline Fix
Planning your holiday in Maldives but confused about what to do? These Maldives travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
What All Should I Pack For A Cruise To Maldives?
Looking for the Maldives Travel Tips? Here are some important suggestions, you must surely keep in mind before heading to Maldives on your next vacation!
You should include the following things in your luggage when you are going for the exciting cruise from India to Maldives.
- Passport (a valid one)
- Light clothes – preferably cottons
- A dress or two for ladies and a pair of formal wear for men
- Lots of sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Flip flops, a pair of heels for ladies, and a pair of formal shoes for men
- Camera
- Swimwear
- A shawl, or a light jacket
- Prescribed medicines
- Cash for shore excursions, shopping, or additional expenses
Suggested Read: The Kuramathi Island Resort: A Detailed Guide To An Enchanting Paradise!
Tips For Taking A Cruise To Maldives
- Choose well. Do a thorough research and look for all the options. You must keep in mind the size of the cruise you wish to be on, the ports you wish to visit and the activities you want to participate in.
- Pack wisely and according to the weather you are planning a trip for and as per the amount of time you plan on spending on the India to Maldives cruise.
- Relax and rejuvenate. Indulge in a spa experience or maybe get a day pass that will give you access to the various facilities on the cruise.
- Don’t pay extra for drink packages. More often than not these packages are very highly priced and not worthy.
- Visit the specialty restaurants. They are worth it! They offer an incredible dining experience and the delicacies offered are scrumptious!
Further Read: 8 Best Cruises To Andaman: Guide To Fares And Ferries From Kolkata, Chennai And Vizag!
Hope we’ve resolved your queries to the brim. In case, you still think we missed something here? Let us know your questions regarding a Maldives vacation in the comments below, and we’ll answer them in the best possible way! Don’t forget to book a cruise to Maldives to ensure a perfect vacay!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise To Maldives
Are there any cases of Coronavirus in Maldives?
Hardly any positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in the Maldives till now. Though, a case turned up in January which was tested negative. The country’s government has taken preventive measures since then.
Do you need a visa for Maldives cruise?
Generally, there is no need for travelers to apply for a pre-arrival visa, as for the Maldives, a visa on arrival for 30 days is being granted to all travelers from all over the world. On the contrary, make sure you check the expiry date of your passport and get it sorted in case the date falls within 30 days of your arrival in the Maldives.
Is there a mobile network and internet connection on board?
It actually depends on which cruise you’ve decided to cruise on. Some of the islands where the cruises dock in, do offer WiFi services whereas the others don’t. For those who plan to go to the Maldives first, stay at a resort, and then head towards the cruise, can ask their resort staff to arrange for a WiFi card. Also, it is much better to buy a WiFi card from the airport itself. In case you’re traveling to the Maldives by flight first, then you can purchase a local network card (that works on board too) from one of the counters at the airport itself.
What is the food on cruise like?
Changing menus, creative drinks, and seafood in excess is something you can look forward to on a cruise to the Maldives. Food is the most exciting part of a cruise to the Maldives which will certainly not let you down. Ranging from the traditional dishes to the influences of authentic Asian, Indian, and European cuisines, relish the best of dining experiences along with the selected list of wines on your Maldives cruise tour.
Can I bring my pet along?
Unfortunately, man’s best friends are strictly prohibited on the island of Maldives. There are literally no dogs on the island because of which, travelers planning for a cruise cannot bring their pet dogs on a cruise to the Maldives. On the contrary, cats are normally welcomed only if you have a valid pet passport and a veterinary health certificate issued not more than 30 days prior to visiting the Maldives.
What cruise lines go to Maldives?
Louis Cruise, Costa Cruise Lines, and Noble Caledonia are some of the cruise lines that go to the Maldives and are definitely worth a shot. So whenever planning a trip to the Maldives, do keep these cruise lines in mind.
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