Four Seasons Explorer in the Maldives

Have you traveled to the Maldives? That's one place that's still on my must-visit list. There are two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives—Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru—and they also offer cruises aboard their yacht, the Four Seasons Explorer.

Now this is one cruise I'd love to take!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Video courtesy of Four Seasons

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Enter ISLANDS Magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest

One of the reasons I love blogging about cruise travel is because so many readers email me about their getaways. These sidebar conversations are always a joy and many of you have also shared your vacation photos with me. That's why I know there are some very talented amateur photographers among us!

If you fall into the shutterbug camp, don't forget to enter ISLANDS magazine's 22nd annual photo contest by April 15, 2011.

The grand prize is a seven-night Paul Gauguin Cruises Tahitian voyage (including airfare from Los Angeles). Additional prizes are courtesy of the following companies:


Enter today and let me know if you win!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of ISLANDS magazine

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Video: Four Seasons Explorer Catamaran Sails the Maldives

This past September, the 128-foot Four Seasons Explorer 11-cabin, three-deck catamaran was refurbished for three-, four-, and seven-night excursions around the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. While the vessel usually draws those interested in diving and snorkeling, even those who aren't natural water babies enjoy seeing the Maldives from this intimate ship that caters to just 22 passengers.

Accommodations are what you'd expect at any land-based Four Season resort and feature 10 staterooms and one Explorer Suite. The suite includes a king bed, a daybed, an indoor dining area, couch, writing desk, bar, DVD/CD player, telephone, and in-cabin safe. The bathroom features a full bath tub, and separate shower. Regular staterooms can be outfitted with either a king bed or two twins. Staterooms also feature a sofa, desk, DVD/CD player, bar, phone, and safe. These bathrooms have a tub/shower combo.

The catamaran promotes a casual atmosphere and shorts and sundresses are acceptable attire, even during dinner. The casual vibe doesn't skimp on service though...the entire boat is air-conditioned and you'll find an onboard masseuse and a PADI dive center with Nitrox. Laundry service is also available.

As of the first of October 2009, Four Seasons Explorer began weekly itineraries. The first part explores the northern atolls of Baa and Raa and includes a stopover at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. The second part of the cruise expolores the southern regions, which may include Rasdhoo, North Ari, South and North Male atolls.

During the cruise, you'll enjoy water activities like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, waterskiing, and fishing. Other activities include visits to local villages and other island excursions.

Four Seasons Explorer video footage:

Four Seasons Explorer sails until December 20, 2009 and then she goes into dry-dock. She'll be back on the water as of June 8, 2010.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons