Why We Like Working with Emperor
Emperor have been running liveaboards across the Indo-Pacific for years, building a reputation for:
- Consistent, diver‑centred operations
- Good, practical layouts for photographers
- Solid safety standards
- Friendly, international crews who understand what travelling divers actually want from a week on board
They’re not floating nightclubs; they’re proper dive boats run by people who care about the day‑to‑day details: briefings, fills, tender runs, food between dives, camera rinse, and so on.
With Bluewater, that makes life easier. We know what to expect on board, and we can match the right guests to the right itinerary – and make use of some very competitive specials along the way.
We’ve paired three Emperor Liveaboards here that cover a big swathe of the Indo‑Pacific:
All three are part of the Emperor fleet, each reflecting the same “serious diving, relaxed boat” ethos.
Indonesia: Big Reefs, Big Fish, Big Country
Emperor Harmoni is a purpose‑built Indonesian phinisi, designed from the keel up as a modern dive boat dressed in traditional timber. She’s comfortable without being over‑the‑top, and aimed squarely at divers who want to tick off some of Indonesia’s headline regions in comfort.
Typical routes include:
- Raja Ampat – soft corals, fish schools, mantas, vibrant reefs
- Banda Sea – dramatic walls and volcanic islands, seasonal hammerhead sharks, pelagic fish action, and pristine reefs rarely visited by other boats
- Forgotten Islands – extremely remote reefs with steep walls, caves, and strong currents that attract large schools of fish and passing pelagics
- Other seasonal Indonesian hotspots depending on the schedule
On board you can expect:
- En‑suite cabins with air‑conditioning and plenty of storage
- Large shaded dive deck and camera‑friendly set‑up
- Multiple tenders to keep entries and exits efficient
- Nitrox is FREE for all Nitrox certified divers
Harmoni is a good fit if you:
- Prefer big, varied itineraries – reefs, walls, pinnacles and some macro
- Don’t mind currents and want a bit of adrenaline with your colour
- Like the idea of a newer phinisi built specifically for diving, not retro‑fitted later
Bluewater Travel features regular Emperor Harmoni specials, which can make a serious dent in the overall trip cost once you factor in the length of Indonesian itineraries. It’s worth checking current dates and discounts if Harmoni is on your radar.
Ask us which Emperor Harmoni itineraries line up with mantas, best weather or your holiday window – we’re happy to compare routes and seasons.
Maldives: Channels, Drifts and Big‑Animal Classics
If you close your eyes and picture a Maldivian liveaboard, you’re probably picturing something very much like Emperor Serenity. She’s a large, modern vessel with big social spaces, a comfortable sun deck and a dive dhoni alongside – purpose‑built for the Maldives’ style of diving.
Typical itineraries focus on:
- Central atolls – think North and South Malé, Ari and Rasdhoo, with their classic channels and pinnacles
- Sharks and mantas – white‑tips, grey reefs, eagle rays, plus cleaning stations and seasonal manta aggregations
- Easy‑to‑love reefs – hard‑coral blocks, soft‑coral covered thilas and lots of fish
On board highlights:
- Spacious cabins with en‑suite and A/C
- A separate dive dhoni, keeping the main boat clean and quiet
- Plenty of lounge and sun deck space for surface intervals
- Typically three dives a day, with night dives where the schedule allows
Serenity is a natural choice if you:
- Want a classic Maldivian shark and manta week with well‑run logistics
- Prefer clear, warm water and manageable drifts over heavy current work
Bluewater Travel has Emperor Serenity special packages that regularly include discounted departures and added value on selected dates. For anyone targeting the Maldives, they’re well worth a look.
Not sure whether to book a “Best of the Maldives” route, central atolls or something more advanced? Drop us a line and we’ll talk you through the options on Emperor Serenity
Solomon Islands: Remote Reefs and Old‑School South Pacific Charm
Emperor Bilikiki is part of the Emperor Liveaboards family, bringing decades of experience in the Solomon Islands. She sits naturally alongside Emperor Harmoni and Serenity, offering the same “serious diving, relaxed boat” ethos in a very different corner of the Indo-Pacific.
The Solomons are a very different proposition from Indonesia or the Maldives:
- Far fewer visitors
- No big‑resort infrastructure
- Proper “expedition‑style” limestone islands, lagoons and remote villages
- Excellent for both divers and non-divers, with opportunities for cultural visits to local islands, snorkeling on many sites, calm lagoon waters, and stops at small museums and local markets
- Beautiful hard‑ and soft‑coral reefs, often in superb condition
- Plenty of schooling fish and pelagics, especially on points and passes
- Historic WWII wrecks, both aircraft and ships
- Healthy macro and critter life tucked into the reef
Bilikiki’s strengths include:
- Long experience in the region and strong local relationships
- A practical, diver‑centric layout with skiffs for easy access to sites
- A relaxed, friendly atmosphere – serious diving without fuss
Bilikiki delivers excellent value through the quality and variety of its diving. It’s ideal for divers who have explored the more common routes and are seeking a truly remote, adventurous experience.
Thinking about taking the leap to the Solomons? We can talk honestly about how Bilikiki compares with Indonesia and the Maldives, and whether it’s the right “next step” for you.
Three Boats, Three Very Different Trips
Pulled together, Harmoni, Serenity and Bilikiki nicely illustrate how varied liveaboard diving can be, even within the Indo‑Pacific:
Indonesia – Emperor Harmoni
Big itineraries, mixed reef and big‑fish diving, serious colour, some current
Maldives – Emperor Serenity
Warm, clear water, sharks and mantas, relaxed central‑atoll classics
Solomon Islands – Emperor Bilikiki
Remote South Pacific, reefs plus WWII history, fewer boats and fewer bubbles
All three are boats we’re happy to send our own friends and repeat guests onto, because we know the combination of crew, diving and price point works. Harmoni and Serenity also come with Bluewater‑featured Emperor specials, which can shift the cost/benefit equation quite a bit if your dates are flexible.
Choosing the Right Boat for You
A few quick pointers if you’re trying to decide where to go next:
First liveaboard or newer diver?
The Maldives on Emperor Serenity is often the easiest step – warm, clear, user‑friendly, with iconic “this is why we dive” moments.
You’ve done the Maldives and want more?
Look at Indonesia on Emperor Harmoni for bigger variety, more complex sites and a mix of wide‑angle and macro.
You’re already on trip three or four and want something remote?
Emperor Bilikiki in the Solomons is a very natural progression – still comfortable, but more expedition‑style in feel.
Travelling with non‑divers?
Emperor Bilikiki is excellent for both divers and non‑divers, offering cultural visits to local islands, almost‑every‑dive snorkelling, calm waters, museums, and local markets.
If you’re not sure where you fit on that scale, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Talk to a Bluewater Travel advisor about Emperor Harmoni, Emperor Serenity or Emperor Bilikiki – we’ll help you line up seasons, specials and routes, and match you to the boat and region that fits your diving style best. Our trip‑planning service comes at no extra cost:
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