A day on board
A day on the Princess Sara is not just a succession of dives, but a different rhythm of life, marked by the sea, the sun, and the passion for the underwater world. It’s falling asleep lulled by the waves and waking up with the sunrise over the ocean, sharing the same passion with travel companions who are or will soon become friends, amidst laughter, briefings, and enthusiastic tales after each dive. It’s the feeling of freedom and adventure in exploring remote and still pristine places, and immersing yourself – literally and metaphorically – in a different world, marked only by the rhythms of nature. It’s an experience that gets under your skin and that, once tried, becomes addictive. An experience that engages all the senses, amidst unique emotions and continuous discoveries.
6:00 AM Wake-up and coffee
The alarm goes off early, usually around six. But don’t worry: it’s not six o’clock European time! In the tropics, the days start much earlier, and it’s already quite light. In the dining salon, a small snack is already laid out – coffee, tea, biscuits… – to start the day with the right boost of energy; I, for example, never skip a good Italian espresso. Obviously, diving isn’t mandatory, and if you prefer to rest, you just need to let the guides know in advance. No one will come to disturb you, although you’ll miss out on a wonderful sunrise.
6:30 AM Briefing and first dive
The sound of the bell gathers us in the salon for the first briefing. The guide, using a map projected on the TV, explains the dive to us in detail: key parameters such as maximum depth and time, entry and exit procedures, but above all, the underwater route to follow and what we might expect to see. Then, everyone onto the dhoni and off to the chosen site! One of the great advantages in the Maldives is precisely the dhoni, where all the dive gear is left, making it “almost” impossible to forget anything. This allows me, before each dive, to focus primarily on preparing my GoPros.
8:30 AM Breakfast
Relaxing between dives
After the first dive, some take a quick shower, others hang out their swimsuits… I immediately download the videos to my PC! Suddenly, the bell rings: breakfast is served. On the boat, it’s an incredible moment because it’s eaten at the large table on the stern, outdoors, with a sea view and a small island in the background. From sweet to savory, there are European and Asian specialties; you always leave the table full and satisfied. Afterwards, a couple of hours of relaxation before the second dive. The possibilities are many: some sunbathe on the sundeck, some read in the shade, while others, like me, start editing some Instagram stories. Often, the crew takes us by tender to a deserted islet or a sandbank: a swim in an enchanted lagoon, where the green of the water blends with the blue of the sky and the white of the beach… moments you don’t forget.
Relaxing between dives
An afternoon on a deserted island
10:30 AM Second dive
An afternoon on a deserted island
The bell rings: briefing for the second dive! Now, everyone is more awake and “warmed up”; things move more quickly. For me, this dive is always my favorite: the sun is high, the light penetrates well, and the underwater colors are vivid and bright—perfect for the GoPro. I wouldn’t skip it for anything in the world! Upon returning, it’s the usual half hour to rinse off and relax (or download the clips!).
1:00 PM Lunch
Nurse sharks came to visit us under the boat
When I hear the lunch bell, sometimes I wonder if it isn’t already dinnertime: the morning has been so full of activities that time seems to fly. Life on board is like that: intense, rich in experiences, very different from days spent on the beach under an umbrella.
Lunch is always abundant and delicious; the onboard cook is excellent, even for a picky eater like me (and those who know me know it!), and it’s really easy to put on that extra kilo in a week. Many prefer to have lunch inside the air-conditioned salon, and it’s understandable: midday temperatures are higher, and a bit of air conditioning is welcome.
Nurse sharks came to visit us under the boat
3:00 PM Third dive
Briefing and back in the water: by now, we’re like well-oiled machines, nothing stops us! A glance at the dive computer to check residual nitrogen levels and carefully plan the depth and bottom time for this final dive, which, once a week, could also be a night dive.
On the Deep South itinerary, however, there are no night dives, which I personally appreciate because, with a GoPro without lights, the footage wouldn’t be at its best.
6:00 PM Cocktail hour
Aperitivo sulla lingua di sabbia
After the post-dive shower, our crew spoils us with an aperitif: it could be freshly baked pizza, sweets, fresh fruit, or sometimes local or oriental specialties, which I’m super fond of! One of the most beautiful and characteristic experiences of these cruises is the evening organized on a deserted island, which usually happens once during the week. The crew prepares everything meticulously: we transfer by tender to a pristine white beach at sunset for an unforgettable aperitif with our feet in the sand, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars, near a small bonfire that creates a magical atmosphere. It’s a moment of great conviviality, relaxation, and direct contact with untouched nature, which makes the week even more special.
Cocktails on the sandbar
An evening with a whale shark under the boat
7:30 PM Dinner (and possible surprises)
An evening with a whale shark under the boat
Dinner is served on the stern, outdoors. It’s wonderful to feel the sea breeze cooling you down after the heat of the day, as we share stories about the dives we’ve done. And then, a crew member might excitedly call us over because, at the stern, under the lights, manta rays or perhaps even a whale shark have appeared! These lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts these gentle giants. And in the South, they can be truly huge… a spectacular end to the day!