Think of a tropical paradise in conjunction with luxury holiday travel; chances are, your mind immediately lights on an image of the Maldives, whose pearl string of atolls are surrounded by alluring aquamarine seas and white beaches fanned by swaying fronds of palm. With its myriad of inland and sea-bound attractions, it’s hard for a traveller to find the best way to squeeze the cultural and natural diversity of the islands into one picture-perfect holiday.

Enter the luxury and adventure cruises of Maldives, which is one of the most popular holiday options among tourists to the picturesque isles. The Hamathi, Sea Coral, Kiris, Triton Diving Cruiser, Seafarer and Wattaru are only a few of the popular and well-reputed cruise liners, most of which are usually centred around a particular atoll as this assures the companies of the most number of potential customers.

These vessels are equipped with all the facilities and amenities of a small star-class hotel, from air-conditioned rooms with private balconies to TV, mini-bar and telephone facilities. The bigger cruise boats are also replete with sundecks, swimming pools, lounges and game rooms – even boutiques. The boats usually accommodate up to 12 passengers per trip, although some of the bigger ones can stretch this number to 15. Guests are offered friendly service and meals on board, which feature both Continental and traditional menus.

Water sports such as snorkelling, diving and sailing are among the popular recreational activities passengers can engage in, while card and carom rooms are available for those who elect to stay on board. Diving enthusiasts will especially delight in easy diving spots such as “Manta Point”, which affords lovely views of young manta shoals as well as other exotic sea creatures. Of course, one cannot forget the opportunities for whale and dolphin-watching; with over 20 species of these mammals on record as being found around these waters, the Maldives is one of the best waters in the world from which to observe them. Hundreds of flying fish leaping in the early sunlight is also one of the amazing sights one may look forward to.

You may also visit the local villages of the islands and learn about their colourful culture and customs, or enjoy beach barbeques in stretches of soft sand under star-studded skies. Cruises may also take you to nearby tourist resorts from where you can enjoy the more cosmopolitan aspects of the country’s nightlife.

Most island cruisers are clustered around the North Male Atoll, moored in the Farukolhufushi Lagoon. Considered the hub of the tourist industry, the atoll is home to nearly 30 resorts and comprises over 50 islands, most of which are free of human habitation.

Although most liners follow a set itinerary, those who decide to charter a cruise may select their own route with the captain’s approval.