Maldive Aggressor or Manthiri Liveaboards?

[jablakely]

We are making a last minute decision between these two ships for an upcoming trip. The prices for the trip in question are just about equal.

I've read several reviews on this board about Manthiri but have not read a single one about the relatively new Maldive Aggressor other than people saying they've "heard it is good".

Anyone out there who has actually done a trip on Maldive Aggressor? How about anyone who has talked directly to someone who has done a trip with them?

Okay, how about any reliable double hearsay about the ship?

 

[cuban]

Curious about the response as well since I will be traveling there in April (fingers crossed)...

 

[beautybelow]

http://www.divetheblue.net/pdf/141Maldives.pdf

Written by a nice Australian guy.

 

[vladimir]

I have no specific knowledge about either operation, but my prior experiences with Aggressor's quality control would give me a lot of comfort, especially on issues of safety.

 

[OnTheSpot]

We get very positive feedback from guests on both boats.

Which do you prefer? The more the merrier or an intimate gathering?

Maldives Aggressor, built in 2009 comofortably accommodates 20 divers on her 35 meters. Unusually for an Aggressor liveaboard, this Maldives vessel can also go under sail so it combines the practicality of an Aggressor-style dive liveaboard with the sailing tradition of the archipelago. All diving is done from a traditional-style dhoni, meaning noise and equipment is kept off the mother ship.


The smaller Manthiri has a maximum of 12 guests onboard, attended to by 11 crew so high service levels can be added to the spacious feel, meaning a comfortable and uncramped experience on board.

 

[vladimir]

Unusually for an Aggressor liveaboard, this Maldives vessel can also go under sail so it combines the practicality of an Aggressor-style dive liveaboard with the sailing tradition of the archipelago.

Cool. Do they actually sail it, or are the sails for decoration and photo ops? That was my experience on the last sail/motor vessel I was aboard.

 

[beautybelow]

They usually put the sails up once a week or so. It is not practical to sail inside the atolls where they spend most of the week.