From time to time, I hear a whisper or two about a boat. I was interested to find a boat represented by Dive Booker that I had heard about from someone that had, unfortunately, been on it earlier this year. I suspect that Dive Booker does not listen to feedback from customers and neither does it appear to do much QC. Caveat emptor
According to Dive Booker:
"Boat Interior
Maldives Princess has 11 cabins that can welcome 22 divers. Two of cabins are suites, they are larger than other staterooms and has a big window with the view of the crystal blue waters of Indian Ocean. 9 cabins are standards, it’s a comfortable way to discover Maldives.
A comfortable large salon that combined to the dining area is perfect to relax in between dives or in the evening. Lounge zone of Maldives Princess has a bar and the coziest couches that can be. Though the big salon portholes passengers can observe Maldives scenery. Plus, there are some sun loungers on the main deck and on the sun deck of the boat. It is ideal to enjoy ocean sunsets. Also, Maldives Princess guests can use jacuzzi placed on the top deck."
There are two reviews of the boat on the Dive Booker website. These are quoted below:
"d bobby
2017-11-06
4.75
great crew and diving, but....
I have to say that that was some of the best diving I've done. The sites picked by the crew were phenomenal, the staff was exceptional, and the food was very good. My problem was the condition of the boat. My air conditioning in my room was almost non existent. The boat has not been kept up at all, there were leaks in many places. There were also bugs in some of the rooms, which prompted 2 rooms moving to other rooms. It was very evident that the upkeep was not being done. wall paper was peeling in spots, and a lot of water spots on the ceilings of the lower decks. The itinerary was awesome! lots of diving and great dive masters. all the staff were exceptional, and friendly and helpful"
"Seguin Jennifer
2017-11-02
6
Shocked at the boats condition! Staff is wonderful!!
The pictures barely resemble what you will see on this boat. The electrical system is in need of serious repair. The AC in the lower cabins is terrible/ if it worked at all. The bugs have also taken over in several of the rooms. If you don't have bugs, you will most certainly have mold. It is hard to believe this boat is only 5 years old. Wall paper is peeling, the furniture in the Salon is trashed. I never saw any of the decorations on the walls that are in the pictures on line. My video equipment for the TV in our room was just a jumbled mess in a cabinet. We booked when they said they had WIFI, and they didn't, but I see know that they say they don't. The bar is far from fully stocked; no wine, only 1 brand of beer. I feel sorry for the workers on the boat. They do everything they can to accommodate you but their hands are tied by the lack of maintenance that should have been done to this boat on a regular basis. The crew is fantastic, the diving and the deck hands on the dive boat where the best I have had. If you speak english only, it is difficult at times to know for sure you are understanding each other. Celina, who appeared to be the cruise director, was in my opinion "top notch" . She took us on some very exciting dives and always checked with me and she always wore her Maldive Princess shirt. Crew uniforms would have really classed this boat up!! hint hint crew. As I said, we had a great time because of the crew, but the constant power failures, lack of AC and the physical condition of the ship, the salon, the furniture in the salon the bar the lighting in the rooms if very very sad indeed."
