Maldives cruise: when to go, prices and itinerary

The Maldives are a dream, with their endless expanses of white sand and turquoise sea... one of those destinations that many aspire to!
Sailing between the atolls and the fascinating islands, with their coral reefs, overwater bungalows and lush vegetation, allows you to wake up every day in a different place and experience various activities: from simple relaxation to diving or snorkelling. Here are a few tips on how best to organise your Maldives Cruise, with useful information on when to go, prices and itineraries.

When to go? The best time for a cruise to the Maldives

• Best period: January to mid-April, the least rainy and sunniest. However, some afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially on the southernmost islands.

• Period to avoid: tropical cyclones can form between April and December, with two peaks in May and November.

• Tips: there are many activities on offer during the cruise, so be prepared for events and galas. Since excursions and diving are planned, prepare snorkelling equipment.
  Keep in mind that companies organise different excursions, some of them very popular, and availability cannot always be guaranteed, so it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
  If you want to travel in summer, it is best to choose the islands located to the south, which are less exposed to the south-west monsoon and therefore less windy, sunnier and sheltered from tropical cyclones.

Climate, Average Temperatures and Precipitation

TheMaldives have a tropical climate that is warm all year round, and influenced by the monsoon.
The driest period is from January to April, especially in the atolls in the north.
Temperatures are stable, with highs in the 30s and lows around 25 for most of the year, as is the humidity, which is very high. Mainly in the northernmost atolls, there is a slight increase between February and May, with highs rising to 31/32 degrees and lows to 26/27.

Rainfall in the Maldives takes the form of a shower or thunderstorm, short and intense. They are heaviest in the southern atolls and, in the capital Malé, the rainfall is even heavier. Here, there is a rainy season from May to December and a dry season from January to March.
For swimming, the sea is warm all year round: 28 to 30 degrees.
Here are the average temperatures in the capital Malé.
ALSO SEE: Climate in the Maldives - best time and months to avoid

How much does a cruise to the Maldives cost? Prices, tips and itinerary

• Price: from €2,000.00 to a maximum of €5,000.00 per person, including intercontinental transfers, full board, cabin and any excursions

• Recommended duration: the minimum is 8 days, the ideal duration is at least 10 days

• Companies organising cruises to the Maldives: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Silversea, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Ponant, Seaboarn, Oceania Cruises

Cruise Itinerary

There are different types of itineraries, and they generally also touch ports in the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Sea circuit, such as India and Sri Lanka. The one below is just one of the many cruise itineraries that include the Maldives islands among their stops.

1. Departure from Rome Fiumicinoairport and expected arrival in Malé in about 9 hours.

2. Accommodation on the cruise and departure from the port of Mal é with first stop at the North Malé atolls, where you can dive at Vaadhoo Kandu and explore the sea on board a submarine. Surfers will enjoy the Gaafaru Falhu atoll, while walkers can visit the fish market, enjoy the calm and lush Sultan's garden, or relax on the beaches.

3. Departure for Colombo (Sri Lanka) - Navigation.

4. Arrival in Colombo where you can visit numerous monuments representative of the various local cults, such as the Buddhist temple of Gangaramaya or the temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil. You will get to know the'Tear of India', a mythical and lively place with its overcrowded streets.

5. Departure for Mormugao (India) - Navigation.

6. Arrival in Mormugao where you can appreciate the fine sandy beaches and clear waters, an unmissable tourist attraction. Don't miss the superb Bom Jesus basilica, a visit to the capital Panaji and the picture-postcard waterfront of Gao. Departure for Bombay in the evening.

7. Arrival in Bomb ay (Mumbay, India) where you will see the Elephanta caves, the Bandra Worli Sea Link viaduct, the hanging gardens, Kamla Nehru Park and the Gateway of India.

8. You will return fromBombay Airport (Mumbay) and then organise your return flight.

Where to find

The Maldives archipelago is a tropical country that is part of the Asian continent. It is located in the Indian Ocean 595 km from India to the north, 550 km from the Chagos Islands to the south and 670 km from Sri Lanka to the northeast. The Maldives has 26 ring-shaped atolls made up of more than 1,000 coral islands.
The capital of the Republic of the Maldives is Malé and the natural atolls are grouped into 19 administrative atolls, each run independently by a council elected by the population.
SEEALSO: Maldives Islands - where they are and what to see

What to pack?

Pack light, casual and comfortable clothes for both summer and winter, light sweatshirt or jacket, scarf for the breeze, swimming costume; elegant clothes for galas. Bring both comfortable and elegant shoes.
For excursions, do not forget sunglasses and a hat, sunscreen and after-sun lotion, light mackintosh or umbrella (depending on the time of year, but they can always be useful).
Also, beach towel, snorkelling equipment for the reef (if you have enough space), water shoes or rubber-soled shoes, underwater camera.
Don't forget first-aid medicines (antibiotics, disinfectant, plasters, dysentery product), insect repellent, documents, universal adaptor, backpack to take off-ship during excursions.

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: 417,492

• Capital: Malé

• Languages: The official language is Dhivehi. The second language is English

• Local currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa MVR (€1.00=18.00 MVR / 1 MVR=€0.056)

• Climate: tropical climate, always hot. Temperatures are stable: highs around 30°C and lows around 25°C for most of the year

• Vaccinations: no vaccinations required. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B recommended

• Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of six months, return ticket, tourist visa valid for 30 days, granted directly at the airport upon entry into the country

• Distance from Italy: 7,749 km (9 - 11 hours flight time)