Similan Islands Liveaboard Recommendation

[Ringo]

Yup the Liveaboards will all allow smoking outdoors. Also there is no way that they would completely ban smoking on the boats for fear of losing customers who do smoke. So the solution for them is to have certain areas outdoors where smoking is allowed as well as non smoking areas.

 

[Zippsy]

MissDoo, regarding the Black Manta, as others have pointed out, the best cabin is on the bottom deck with only port holes for natural light. IMHO, the second and third best cabins are also on the bottom deck with the same light issue. I have never minded it but if you want the ocean view cabins, there are two on the main deck that are very close to the second/third best cabins. These main deck cabins have an extra bunk above the double bed in case the two cabin mates are not a couple or if they want to share three to a room (such as for a small family).

Like every other boat I know, we do not allow smoking inside any enclosed area, the dive deck or upwind from wherever other people are. Occasionally we do have a dive guide or two on the boat who smoke but they are required to follow the same rules. I think some of our boat crew smoke but they better not get caught doing it during a trip!

Another option might be the new White Manta. It is now being built in Thailand and will be ready by year end. Based on other customers' similar feedback, all ensuite cabins will be on the main or upper deck and include large enough windows to light up anyone's day. The ship will be a good bit larger and more luxurious than the Black Manta but carry the same number of guests. Other improvements include more spacious camera tables, a larger eating area, and roomier toilets. The schedule is not up yet but you could check with Naffa or Vincent to get an early booking (info@whitemanta.com). For the fun of it, you can also follow the progress of the work on the boat here: The New WhiteManta .

 

[Batfish]

Looking forward to the new White Manta, there is a space reserved on our website!