Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts launches luxury cruise vessel

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa presents an exciting new dimension in late 2002 for guests bound for the property's popular 12-acre private island. In addition to enjoying the Resort, adventurers can explore the untouched reaches of these exotic atolls aboard the Resort's new 39 meter/128 foot Four Seasons Island Explorer by selecting from three, four and seven night cruise options. 

The Four Seasons Island Explorer allows avid divers, water enthusiasts, nature lovers and 21st century explorers to discover remote shores and rarely visited dive/snorkelling sites enjoying the same service, comfort, and style offered at its award-winning resort.

Built to the highest standards, the sleek three-deck catamaran currently under construction in Perth, Australia by Image Marine features ten spacious state rooms and one beautifully-appointed Explorer Suite, two sun decks with Jacuzzi, restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, bar, lounge and library. This 39 meter/128 foot catamaran with a beam of 12 meters and a draft of 1.90 meters cruises at 14 knots with twin MTU diesels and fixed pitch propellers. A Sea State Motion Control System further enhances the innate stability of the vessel. 

Ensuring guests view the most spectacular scenery and sites in the remote waters, the Four Seasons Island Explorer will stop at pre-selected sites daily. Along the journey guests can select to partake in dives to remote regions seldom seen by locals or tourists; snorkel and play in the turquoise waters teeming with neon-coloured sealife; indulge in amazing Four Seasons lunch breaks or dinner celebrations on the private shores of tropical white sandy beaches; or relax in solitude under the shade of a coconut palm like Robinson Crusoe. Limited to 22 passengers, this unique cruise experience is for people who enjoy their privacy and are seeking a holiday that takes them beyond the normal beach escape.

The Four Seasons Island Explorer's Dive Centre will be managed by an international staff of dive instructors and be equipped with Nitrox Air, scooters and a comprehensive selection of dive gear. Distant sites will be accessed by dive tenders and a traditionally-crafted dhoni boat. Sunrise, wreck, night dives as well as PADI specialist and educational dive courses will be offered to divers.

Guests will be entertained by the numerous cruise activities. Watersports activities will include snorkelling, water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing. The Four Seasons Island Explorer's marine biologist will lead snorkelling trips and present fish talks for guests wishing to learn and understand more about this fascinating aquatic environment. Non-divers can also join a discover scuba diving course or snorkelling excursions, Island site seeing, beach games and sports, cultural presentations and parlour games are planned. On-board massage service will also be available daily.

There are two seven-night route options that guests can select from: the Northern Passage or the Southern Cross. Guests who select one of the three or four day options will embark or disembark the Four Seasons Island Explorer enroute its journey by seaplane.

Northern Passage - Visit: Male Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Baa Atoll
Southern Cross - Visit: Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, Felidhoo Atoll, Ari Atoll

All ten staterooms are bright and airy with large windows, and measure 20 square meters/215 square feet. The mood of the interior is contemporary with teak wood grain complemented by cool, subdued tones and soft goods from the subcontinent. All state rooms are air-conditioned and feature twin beds that can convert to a king bed, couch, writing desk, mini bar, satellite TV, VCD and music system, telephone, in-cabin safe and en-suite bathroom with large bath tub/shower, wc and double vanity. The elegant Explorer Suite with expansive panoramic windows measures 45 square meters/484 square feet. It also features a king bed, daybed and indoor dining area. 

Rates for a stateroom start at US$340 (Shoulder Season - May 12 to July 14), US$380 (High Season - July 15 to December 21, December 2 to May 11) and US$470 (Festive Season - December 22 to January 4). The Explorer Suite is available for US$700 (Shoulder Season), US$880 (High Season) and US$950 (Festive Season). All rates are priced per person per night and based on twin share basis, including full board, all excursions plus diving and equipment. Alcoholic beverages are excluded. These rates are subject to a US$20 service charge and a Government Bed tax of US$16 per person per night. A single supplement of US$200 is applicable. Children over the age of 10 years old are welcome. 

With a history spanning four decades and a portfolio that now extends around the world, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the world's leading operator of luxury hotels, currently managing 55 properties in 25 countries. In February 2002, the company opened its first Four Seasons branded property in China- Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, and continues to expand, with over 20 projects in development stages in choice locations around the world.