Amba

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Liveaboard

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Maldives

Total Rating

  5.2 out of 6
total of 90 Ratings
6 Stars
51%

5 Stars
33%

4 Stars
9%

3 Stars
3%

2 Stars
3%

1 Stars
0%

Rating by questions

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Detailed Ratings

Lutz Torsten Kolbow

Travelled in: April 2024, Rated on 23.04.2024, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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Great leadership from Stefan, guides Amu and Neo 1a!

(Automatically translated from German)

Peter

Travelled in: March 2024, Rated on 26.03.2024, Booked with tourmare
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During our stay on board the Amba,
there was nothing to complain about. From kitchen to room service, dive guide, underwater escort, everything was top notch. Even a technical defect on the propeller shaft was repaired promptly and professionally.

(Automatically translated from German)

Holger

Travelled in: March 2024, Rated on 19.03.2024, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Jörg

Travelled in: March 2024, Rated on 18.03.2024, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Peter

Travelled in: March 2024, Rated on 18.03.2024, Booked with tourmare
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An incomparable diving trip with many experiences

(Automatically translated from German)

Thorsten

Travelled in: February 2024, Rated on 08.03.2024, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Sabine und Nico

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 17.01.2024, Booked with WiroDive
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Simply a great experience and a great boat with a great crew. Extremely friendly and open team and everyone on the crew was really warm and helpful. I don't know how a diving safari in the Maldives could be better.
As far as the diving itself is concerned, there is not much to say about the Maldives. Incredibly great spots, hundreds of sharks and something for everyone. Mostly negative entry when diving and quite fast descent, because there were really strong currents. So it was a bit more challenging, but every dive was actually great.
We'll definitely see each other again. ????

(Automatically translated from German)
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Ina

Travelled in: December 2024, Rated on 15.01.2024, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Heinz

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 14.12.2023, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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I can agree with my predecessor on all points!
Many thanks to the Amba team and keep up the good work!

(Automatically translated from German)

Timo

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 08.12.2023, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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The Amba is a beautiful dive boat that has been lovingly refurbished and maintained by the new owners.
The liveaboard is very well organized, safety is taken seriously, clear and always friendly communication. Wishes are taken into consideration. In short, you feel that you are in good hands.

(Automatically translated from German)
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Herman

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 28.11.2023, Booked with Wirodive (Kommunikation über Martin Lassacher)
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Hello dear Amba team,

I would like to thank you once again for this excellent safari week.
What I would especially like to emphasize are the perfect dive guides :-) The food was excellent but could be a bit more varied. Thank you Stefan it was an honor....PROST

(Automatically translated from German)

Jaqueline

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 25.11.2023, Booked with Wirodive (Kommunikation über Martin Lassacher)
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The team on the Amba is extremely professional, helpful and courteous. Stefan in particular is a very generous and thoughtful leader. The dive guides are excellent and knew how to keep us away from the crowds of divers that have unfortunately started to appear. You can't blame the crew for the fact that there is mass diving tourism here.
What also annoys me is the $6 alleged eco-tax, which doesn't seem to be earmarked for a specific purpose, because the islands are filthy!!! What a pity for the wonderful nature!

(Automatically translated from German)

Martin und Fred

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 25.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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I was on a 9-day diving safari on the Amba together with diving friends in November.
From the booking to the transfer to the diving and food, everything was perfect.
The cabins are spacious and are cleaned spotlessly every day. I have never seen such clean cabins on a safari ship!
Stefan "The Boss" is a wonderful person with always a smile and always has a good joke to tell.
The food was very good and there were fresh sourdough rolls every day.
The crew of the Amba is a very well-rehearsed team, every slope fit.
Jalaal the leader guide is one of the best guides I have ever met in my long diving career. He plans the dives and dives the plan.
Also the service on the dhoni and every trop in was perfect.
The dives were incredible, manta rays by day and by night, nurse sharks while diving and snorkeling at the stern of the Amba, tiger sharks, hundreds of stingrays, eagle rays, etc.
It would go beyond the scope if I were to list everything.
I will definitely be back.



(Automatically translated from German)

Kai

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 23.11.2023, Booked with Wirodive (Kommunikation über Martin Lassacher)
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A very nice and competent Cruw. Food was very good and plentiful. The dive guides were very experienced and always took us to the hotspots. Highly recommended. It was a great safari for us.

(Automatically translated from German)
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Karl

Travelled in: November 2023, Rated on 22.11.2023, Booked with Wirodive (Kommunikation über Martin Lassacher)
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Communication and motivational genius Stefan was able to create a good atmosphere between everyone on board from the start until the day of departure. The diving is professionally briefed and accompanied. If the support ship "Dhooni" were to be added in the future, it would be the icing on the cake. I am grateful to everyone on the Amba this week for the great teamwork between the crew and the safari guests. I had some great and eventful days under and above the water. I am very happy to recommend a diving safari on the Amba. Good air Karl from Mauterndorf

(Automatically translated from German)

Steppenfuha

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 10.11.2023, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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First things first: I would go on vacation on the Amba again :-)

Cons:
-The dive guides on our trip were personally very nice but of pretty poor quality. But should not be a big factor, as far as I know they are currently being replaced, precisely because of their performance.
-We had the cabin with bunk beds, which is simply always more impractical than normal 2 beds in a room and there is no storage space for books etc. in the upper and lower one.
-On the dinghy, the diving jackets always have to be changed from tank to tank after each dive as they always have to be carried by the Amba and there is no direct filling (complaining at a high level).

Pros:
-Stefan does everything to make the trip as good as possible and really takes care of requests and wishes
-Good food
-They make sure that the dives are done in such a way that you don't dive at the same time as other boats
-Very friendly crew

(Automatically translated from German)

Chris

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 07.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Thomas

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 03.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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Termite infestation a cause for concern.
Planning and logistics have a clear need for optimization.
Examples: Constant changing of the 15-liter tanks and wake-up calls for a 6 a.m. dive that didn't actually take place until 8 a.m.
The crew did their best.

(Automatically translated from German)

Felix

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Matthias

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Markus

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Daniel

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Volker

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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Stefan and his crew provided great service - the safari week was a lot of fun.

(Automatically translated from German)

Bettina und Jochem

Travelled in: October 2023, Rated on 02.11.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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The food was very tasty. The briefings of the dive sites were not applicable. The dive guides were new and did not know the sites.
The organization of the dive boat was chaotic towards the start.

(Automatically translated from German)

Joe

Travelled in: November 2021, Rated on 29.08.2023, Booked with Action-Sport
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no comment given

Michael

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 06.03.2023, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Nemec Ulrich

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 26.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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On the Amba, which is a bit outdated, everything is very clean and cozy. Stefan and his crew have taken the best care of us. The dive sites were also unique overall. It was a great week with competent and friendly people. Many thanks Uli

(Automatically translated from German)

Prodinger Wolfgang

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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I wish every dive group such a nice and competent crew. I felt well and safe in every second of my stay.
Gladly again.

(Automatically translated from German)

Rupacher Wolfgang

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Huber Walter

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Nemec Danja

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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The AMBA is already an older lady, but the crew and the dive sites were sensational.
Stefan and his team took great care of us guests and our well-being. Rarely have I had the impression that a crew makes such an effort to give us an unforgettable vacation. Thank you!

(Automatically translated from German)

Kraßnig Sylvester

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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The ship is older, yet it is in a very good and well-maintained condition. All berths are air conditioned and cleaned daily. The onboard service is unbeatable and the team is very eager and helpful. Towels and beach towels are provided. The food is uniquely good and special requests (allergy sufferers) are addressed immediately. Very experienced and helpful dive guides. Dive sites, very good! Many sharks, turtles, mantas and exciting drift dives. Also the briefing is prepared to the smallest detail and all safety aspects discussed in detail. Offered by the ship's crew without being asked was a social program for a non-smoker, who went along as a companion, with whom you went snorkeling and to lonely sandbanks. The team around Stefan make everything that this vacation becomes a dreamlike vacation. The ship, the crew and the diving area is more than recommendable.

(Automatically translated from German)
Stellungnahme von Daniela Taschwer
Hallo lieber Herr Kraßnig! Aufrichtigen Dank für Ihre Schilderung! Es freut mich außerordentlich, dass Sie einen gelungenen Urlaub auf der Amba hatten. Ich freue mich schon darauf, gemeinsam mit Ihnen Ihre nächste Reise zu planen. Liebe Grüße, Daniela

Sumper Bernhard

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 23.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Koban Robert

Travelled in: February 2023, Rated on 22.02.2023, Booked with Tropical Seas
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Many thanks to Stefan and his crew for the great week.
Sharks, manta rays, moray eels, napoleon's and diving in the aquarium in combination with a camaraderie and excellent cuisine.
Highly recommended!
Lg and all the best Robert

(Automatically translated from German)

Monika Bauer-Herzog

Travelled in: December 2023, Rated on 18.01.2023, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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This was my sixth safari with the Amba. I feel comfortable on the ship because there are many shaded areas. The cabins are big enough for two people who don't know each other to move around. The crew is nice and helps where they can. The with the freshly brewed coffee is unfortunately not implement

(Automatically translated from German)
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Bernd Jacobi

Travelled in: October 2022, Rated on 03.11.2022, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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you really can't complain about cabin 11
Shazeel is a great guide
Food always tasty, nice surprises after the 3rd TG
at the spots a bit unlucky due to lack of current and often poor visibility for which the boat can do nothing

(Automatically translated from German)

Hans-Jörg

Travelled in: October 2022, Rated on 24.10.2022, Booked with tourmare
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Amba crew: friendly and helpful, long-standing and experienced team.
Price / performance very good.
In the words of dive guide Shazeel to all following dive enthusiasts: Nuu...gäämerr taaauuuchen...!

(Automatically translated from German)

Christina und Stefan

Travelled in: June 2022, Rated on 26.07.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Monika Bauer-Herzog

Travelled in: June 2022, Rated on 24.06.2022, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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Am a repeat offender on the Amba

(Automatically translated from German)
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Ralph

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 31.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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For my imagination 25 dives in 10 days on a liveaboard are simply too little. Additional dives were incomprehensibly
not possible, reefs unfortunately partly in very bad condition. But big fish was
there and the atmosphere on board was great.

(Automatically translated from German)

Michael

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 16.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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since it was my first dive safari in this form I lack any comparison. Nevertheless, this trip with the Amba , hard to top.
Starting from the total package through the offer via Tourmare everything was great. The stay on the Amba, the ambience, the food, the crew and especially the planned dives under the leadership of Stefan great.

(Automatically translated from German)

uggero

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 15.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Christian Dung

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 15.05.2022, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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no comment given

Heike und Hans

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 13.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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We were very well taken care of on the Amba. From the accommodation to the food and diving, everything was very good. There was always fresh bread baked. The food was very varied. Stefan organized everything very well. The boat is very spacious and you can bring the dive-free time there well around. We could sleep well in the cabin. From time to time a generator was running but there were no unpleasant smells. The drink prices were okay.
The termites were to be endured, the boat is not quite new and barefoot I also laid on the Dhoni long. I can only recommend bathing shoes.
We had sharks on almost every dive. Also mantas were to be marveled at. Especially the night dive with manta rays was unforgettable. We made friends with the reef hooks.

(Automatically translated from German)

Peter und Sybille

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 13.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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For the dive guides we give a 6+.
The 11 days liveaboard on the Amba was very well prepared, we were welcomed on time, friendly, attentive and courteous by the crew at the airport. Very praiseworthy is the German speaking dive guide and tour leader Stefan. At the beginning of the tour, all employees of the ship were personally introduced by Stefan in a pleasant briefing with professional background, age and name, which we found very good. The meals are very varied presented in excellent quality, always served freshly cooked. Highlights were homemade pancakes, apple buns, the always freshly baked bread and the Bavarian Apfelkücherl. Dive planning, preparation and briefing is very interesting and extensive and understandable in German and English. this is also seen in the competence of the two dive guides, Shazeel and Stefan. We especially noticed that briefed highlights such as the manta night dive as well as the shark night dive was experienced one to one as previously briefed. The boat is very well suited for a liveaboard in the Maldives. Only drawback, the non-existent communal toilet on the upper deck to not always go to the cabin below deck. Big plus: low noise pollution from the engine and compressor. The dhoni crew is very professional and pays close attention to where the divers are and how long they have been underwater. We will definitely come back and look forward to seeing Stefan and his crew again. Particularly noteworthy is the great preparation and support by Tourmare, here special thanks to Mrs. Pühler, we will be back.

(Automatically translated from German)

Jörg

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 12.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Mirko

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 11.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Holger

Travelled in: May 2022, Rated on 11.05.2022, Booked with tourmare
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The boat is in great condition, the technical areas can be visited at any time and are in a very neat and tidy condition.
The dive comptessors are in top condition, everything tidy and very clean.
The kitchen made every meal a pleasure, varied, fresh and very digestible.
The briefing, before each dive, was detailed and was carried out for different current conditions.
The dive guides had their dive group in view at all times of the dive.


(Automatically translated from German)

Harald

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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Have done several dive safaris. Never had such good food as on the Amba. The dive sites were great and Stefan led us from one highlight to the next. The dive guides were very attentive. I always got my 15 ltr. bottle. To Stefan again many thanks for this vacation. Any time again and only to recommend. Harry

(Automatically translated from German)

Stephanie

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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The trip was absolutely perfect! The team was very friendly and accommodating, the ship and cabins were clean throughout and in top condition. The food tasted delicious, was varied and available in large quantities. I have never experienced such good food on a safari ship, big praise to the chefs! Also the dives and the support around it (dive guides, helpers, ...) were perfect, individual wishes were always taken into account in all areas (service, food, diving, ...).
Especially big thanks to our tour guide Stefan, to whom you could come with any problem and with any desire and who has made this liveaboard really unforgettable, thank you!!!

(Automatically translated from German)

Christoph

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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My trip was from 12.02.22 to 25.02.22.
I immediately felt "at home" on board, with the crew and with Stefan Käsweber as tour manager. Stefan has his ship and crew well organized, you always knew what the day will bring. The diving was very well regulated, the food always very tasty, fresh and plentiful. I can only fully agree with the comments already made here about my trip.
A word about the ship, the Amba is an "older lady" with "rough edges" this is also clearly shown on the ship's own homepage. This can also lead to a technical defect (as happened to us). For us as guests, however, these problems were fully transparent (Stefan and his crew have regulated everything professionally in the background) and at no point led to a restriction or change in the planned trip / route, the dives, or anything else.
I would go with Stefan, his crew and the Amba again at any time.


(Automatically translated from German)

Günther

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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I OWSI over 1000 TG and already quite around.
Briefly in advance: the diving on the AMBA was great !
In detail:
Everything perfectly organized, the transfers, the briefings, the dives, the organization on the ship. Rarely experienced such an experienced and careful crew. Everything is simply taken care of. The service is great.
The boat: a bit older but still o.k.
The food: just great
The diving:
Demanding and nothing for beginners. Always Nitrox, sometimes strong current, depth mostly between 25 and 30 meters but always well prepared. A guide jumps into the water before every (!) dive to check the conditions.
The best at the end:
Stefan, the tour manager on the boat. The man is just great. Approachable all day, always in a good mood, excellent diver (usually goes as a third guide additionally into the water), and as a trained cook for the one or other surprise good (homemade doughnuts or vanilla buns you have to get on the Maldives first).
Conclusion:
I will be back !

(Automatically translated from German)

Jeanette

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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I evaluate the trip from 12.02.22 to 25.02.22.
There are already comments on this site about this trip and I can fully agree with the statements. I immediately felt comfortable on the ship. We knew that it is an older ship, for this I find in good condition. Only the couch cushions could be replaced times. About the delicious and plentiful food, the excellent dive guides - thanks again to Abdul - has already been reported in detail. Worth mentioning is the tour manager Stefan. Wishes and suggestions were responded to immediately. Technical problems were solved without the guests having a disadvantage, sovereign. I would book the ship with Stefan and your great crew again at any time.

(Automatically translated from German)

Mara

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 01.03.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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The tour with the Amba was really unique. The dive spots were awesome and the crew left nothing to be desired. Options were always discussed with all tour participants and it was addressed to further wishes (dive spots, food, shore excursions). Stefan tried very hard to make it a great trip for everyone!
Anytime again!

(Automatically translated from German)

Marliese

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 28.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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The liveaboard exceeded our expectations in every way.
Although the ship is now getting on in years, we immediately felt at home.
The cabins, bathrooms and common areas are spacious and clean. Termites occasionally flew in some lower deck cabins, but there were none in our upper deck cabin.
The sundeck has many comfortable loungers and plenty of shaded areas.
The food was very varied, delicious and plentiful. For breakfast there were homemade rolls every day. Tour leader Stefan Käsweber often surprised us with sweet treats like doughnuts and apple strudel.
The choice of dive sites, the briefing by our guide Shazeel and with Stefan in German (!) and the guiding of the dives were perfect and executed with the highest safety standards. Stefan gave many tips and made sure that his super crew took good care of us every day.
The underwater world is still very beautiful, we enjoyed the channel dives with the currents there very much.
The compressor, which is located in the back of the AMBA, you can hardly hear and therefore did not disturb.
The diving dhoni offers a lot of space and the dhonicrew was top. However, the small heels on the floor should be marked in color so that you do not trip over them.
Anti-slip mats are recommended.
There were some technical deficiencies on the AMBA due to the age of the boat. However, tour leader Stefan Käsweber solved these immediately and very professionally, so that they did not lead to any restrictions of the vacation.
A big advantage is that with Stefan Käsweber you have a German speaking tour guide.
On other boats there is often no tour guide, but only English-speaking local guides. Here the communication is often difficult.
Since the AMBA will probably be technically overhauled in the near future, we can recommend it together with tour leader Stefan Käsweber and his super crew.
The price-performance ratio is very good.






(Automatically translated from German)
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Dieter

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 28.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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Our expectations were, to say this right away, far exceeded.
The organization and supply of info in advance, the check-in, the reception at the airport and the transfer to Amba was very professional.
Stefan Käsweber welcomed us warmly with his open Bavarian manner and put us all in a very positive mood right from the start.
It is true that the AMBA is already an "old lady", but it is in a decent condition, clean and well maintained. The hygiene in the rooms and bathrooms is also in order.
The crew had been consistently exceptionally friendly and always helpful throughout the safari.
We had some technical problems during the tour due to the age of the ship.
However, due to Stefan's confident, focused and quick actions, these had no effect on our tour.
The selection of the dive sites and the guiding of the dives were always perfect and executed with the highest safety standards.
Every single dive was a pleasure.

(Automatically translated from German)
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Christopher

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 28.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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Excellent organized tour with friendly, flexible and competent crew.
Concerns and wishes were always addressed.
Technical problems that were not the responsibility of the crew were solved immediately so that no negative consequences were felt.
The diving was super planned, organized and carried out by great guides.
The food was very good and varied.
The rooms were clean and well maintained.
Like everything else, the arrival and departure were super organized and prepared by the tour manager Stefan.
With this crew gladly again!
Christopher Popp

(Automatically translated from German)

Ricardo

Travelled in: February 2022, Rated on 28.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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I refer to the north tour from 12.2.-25.2.2022 with my remarks.
I myself dive since 1974 and was for the fourth time on a Maldives safari.
That the Amba is a wooden boat and offers comfortable wide single beds due to its extra width is very pleasant. That the brood of termites flies out now and then is not to be avoided and was rather rare. The filling of the diving tanks on board is not noticeable and the filling pressure stes at 220bar.
That the Amba is getting on in years is noticeable, but appropriate to the price.
The always friendly and competent organizer and dive guide STEFAN, knows with carrot and stick his 11-man crew everything that serves the welfare of his guests to demand. I have not yet experienced a better crew.
STEFAN also has the talent and the ability to quickly find solutions to any problems with the technical equipment, on which we depend and which is sometimes defective, in order to make the planned diving program possible for us guests without failures.
The combination of STEFAN as organizer, experienced dive guide and cook is unique and ingenious.
I can only say thank you and gladly again at any time.
Ricardo Suter

(Automatically translated from German)

Monika und Reinhard

Travelled in: January 2021, Rated on 04.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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Chef Stefan has a really great crew.
You feel like at home, with the difference that you are spoiled.
The ship impresses with sufficient sun and especially shade places.
The diving is very well organized. The only small weak point is the tank change after each TG, because the tanks can not be filled at the place in the dhoni.
About the dives: There were some real highlights with many manta rays, (whale) sharks and even more trusting rays. The reefs are mostly in a sad state, but the Amba can't help that.

(Automatically translated from German)

Pia und Ingo

Travelled in: January 2021, Rated on 02.02.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Manu

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 02.02.2022, Booked with Aquaventure Tauchreisen
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A safari, which you do not need a 2nd time. Out of 10 days safari we were in port area off Male for 6.5 days. We made it from Male to Alimatha Jetty and back. 70km straight down, 70km with a slight offset back up. The nitrox membrane was defective, the main fuse box had water damage. Internal communication was poor.
Even though the boat has almost 20 years on the keel, it deserves more care. The cabins are spartanly furnished. The bathrooms moldy, there was no hot water. The outdoor seat cushions have had their best days and are torn/worn in places. The interior is struggling with termite infestation.
Communication between boat manager and crew and captain at times very alienating. Dealing with the guests is also not very much to his liking. From kindergarten to Klamauk fair, the range leaves nothing out. You have to like that or be able to endure it.
The crew does their best and tries to do the best they can with the resources they have. The kitchen makes an effort. The fresh brioche rolls were the daily highlight. The rest is not really worth mentioning. If you like spinach noodles, canned mushrooms and peas, you'll get your money's worth here. Every school hostel can keep up well here.
The diving was not a highlight either. Out of 23 TG, 3 dive sites were really great. The rest were more "why did we jump here?" or troop training areas. The diving dhoni has no compressor on board. The bottom is very slippery.
I was glad when it had an end and I could change the boat and enjoy again 7 days the beautiful dive sites.


(Automatically translated from German)

Monika

Travelled in: January 2022, Rated on 20.01.2022, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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I was allowed to spend two weeks on the Amba at the end of 2021. Actually, I had initially no desire to do so, because the original route with the Baa Atoll was canceled due to the unsafe domestic flight and "only" the Central Atolls approached. But it was really worth it, because this time we also had there manta rays satt

(Automatically translated from German)
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Maria

Travelled in: December 2021, Rated on 19.01.2022, Booked with tourmare
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I was allowed to be a guest on the Amba from 29.12.-12.01.2022. In fact, the boat is no longer new, but everything worked and I must say that I liked the style of the room distribution and the subtleties (carvings, Western style) better and better over the 14 days. I like that they stuck to the style and didn't put in any modern uncomfortable chairs. It just all fits together the way it is. In my cabin there was enough storage space for me and thanks to German electrics I could also charge my cell phone there. Comfortable is the shadow deck with a good view behind the boat. Unlike many other ships, you don't smell any diesel fumes there either. The sundeck has enough shadow places.
Food: yes, there is always German food to eat. If you are looking for Maldivian haute cousine, you should book that as well. I always liked the food super, praise to the kitchen and to the wall with my scale!
Diving: The dhoni should be provided with a non-slip flooring. Unfortunately, the current flooring is too slippery and you have to watch out like hell. Stefan has this on his mind and will take care of it at the next opportunity.
The 19 guests were divided into two groups, but without coercion. Experienced divers were able to break away. Our guide was excellent! He knows the dive sites like the back of his hand and was always able to assess the conditions (mostly quite strong current) well and make decisions accordingly.
We saw all the BIG FIVE: Whale shark, Manta, Hammerhead, Nurse shark, versch. Rays). Other shark species and also otherwise the abundance of fish was enormous. The corals, we all know, have suffered a lot and I saw very few quite intact reefs or areas.
Organization: contact by mail, pickup at the airport, transfers (also to the PCR test for many on board before the return trip) worked smoothly. Stefan has an open ear for everyone and makes possible what is possible.
I can definitely recommend the Amba. Not everything is perfect, but who wants to complain will find something on every ship.

(Automatically translated from German)
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Max

Travelled in: December 2021, Rated on 09.01.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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The safari ship Amba is a bit in the years, but still maintained and it corresponds to the honest description on the ship's own homepage.
The entire crew both on the dhoni and on the Amba itself did their job conscientiously and satisfactorily.
The crew is top.
Nevertheless, there have been some aspects which make my evaluation rather bad.
During the 10-day tour there were about 23 dives.
Of these, 3 dives really thrilled me subjectively, I came out of the water with a big smile on my face.
On many of the other dives I wished I had gone diving in Germany.
On the one hand the visibility was very bad in the first 3 days, whereby this is nature and of course no one can be blamed.
Secondly, my dive buddy and I were just unlucky with our "dive guide".
She was a guest or a friend of the boat manager and has us opposite the tone often taken and put us as incompetent beginners.
I will leave her skills as a guide uncommented.
This brings me to a point that has ruined the vacation for me and many other guests.
The boat manager's treatment of his employees was poor. Surely he has the right as a boat manager to point out mistakes to his employees or to give instructions, but then please crewintern and not in front of the guests.
The interaction with the guests was often borderline. It is not appropriate to openly make fun of guests of the previous and current tour just because they dared to address grievances.
Because of the crew and the ship itself, I am sorry, but I would never book this ship again.




(Automatically translated from German)
Stellungnahme von Stefan von der Amba
Lieber Max,
vielen Dank für Deine ausführliche Bewertung. Ja das Wetter hat leider nicht immer so mitgespielt, wie es sollte, aber wie Du schon richtig angemerkt hast, steckt man da leider nicht drin und kann somit auch keinem angelastet werden.

Julia, die wie Du richtig erkannt hast ist eine gute Bekannte von mir, und kennt das Gebiet gut. Sie hat sich angeboten diese Tour mitzufahren und mitzutauchen um eine höhere Sicherheit bei den anspruchsvollen Tauchgängen zu gewährleisten da wir einige Taucher an Bord hatten die solche Konditionen noch nicht getaucht sind.

Julia greift auf über 8000 Tauchgänge und mehr als 15 Jahre Erfahrung als Tauchguide und Tauchlehrer zurück und gilt in der Branche als eine sehr sichere und professionelle Tauchlehrerin, die aber wenn notwendig auch mal Klartext spricht. Und das war wie ich bestätigen kann auch dringend notwendig da Du und Dein Tauchpartner als alleiniges Buddyteam leider nicht funktioniert habt und somit beim Guide bleiben musstet.

Ich gebe Julia Recht! . Eure Sicherheit war in Gefahr, auch wenn Du das so eventuell nicht sehen möchtest, und somit hat Julia das einzig richtige getan und durchgegriffen. Mehrfach hat, wie Du weißt Julia Dich sowie Deinem gewählten Tauchpartner darum gebeten im Buddy System zu tauchen, einen vernünftigen Abstand zu halten und gemeinsam wieder aufzutauchen. Leider habt ihr Euch mehrfach nicht darangehalten. Julia hat so meine ich, glücklicherweise eine sehr direkte, klare auch bayrische Art Dinge zu sagen. Das mag manchmal ein bisschen hart sein aber dafür unmissverständlich. Ich verstehe das, denn auch ich bin rauh-bayrisch und trotzdem liebevoll gestrickt.

Natürlich kann man das auch ein bisschen indirekter und nicht so klar bayrisch wie sie nun mal ist sagen aber ihr Job ist es nicht den Clown zu spielen, sondern die Taucher sicher wieder zurück zum Boot zu bringen. Du begibst Dich mit 300 Tauchgängen Erfahrung in einem Gewässer, dass Du nicht kennst und bei unter anderem sehr starker Strömung in eine hohe Gefahr, wenn Du ohne Tauchpartner tauchst. Dies ist leider mehrfach geschehen und dabei habe ich volles Verständnis, dass es mal zu einer etwas direkteren Ansprache kommt.

Zu den Tauchgängen muss ich sagen, dass wir ausschließlich Top Tauchplätze angefahren sind, die von allen bekannten Safarischiffen bei der Best of Maldives Tour ebenso angefahren werden. Falls dann nur 3 Tauchgänge dabei waren die Deinem Geschmack entsprachen finde ich das sehr schade.

Es verwundert mich sehr, wie Du dazu kommst zu sagen, dass der Umgang mit meinem Personal schlecht ist. Wir halten jeden Tag um 6:30 Früh eine halbe Stunde vor dem Gästeweckruf ein Crew Meeting, welches sehr straff organisiert ist.

Wir sind 13 Mann Besatzung und Anweisungen werden knapp präzise und klar gehalten damit jeder Bescheid weiß und seinem Job vernünftig nachgehen kann. Der Ton, der von mir und auch den Kapitänen angeschlagen wird, klingt oftmals sehr rauh. Ist er aber wenn man die Sprache spricht und versteht nicht wirklich. Die Crew ist mit diesen klaren knappen Kommandos auf Notfallsituationen bestens vorbereitet und das wissen und schätzen sie.

Unsere Crew arbeitet größtenteils seit über 13 Jahren auf diesem Schiff und Crewmitglieder werden händeringend auf den Malediven gesucht. Wenn die Behandlung schlecht wäre, dann würde ich allein dastehen. Wir leben hier Alle 10 bis 11 Monate auf engstem Raum und arbeiten im Schnitt 18 Stunden am Tag ohne freie Tage und ohne Privatsphäre. Wenn da kein klarer Weg aufgezeigt wird bei durchschnittlich 20 Gästen und 3 Tauchgängen am Tag dann würde auf einem Safarischiff dieser Größe ein Betrieb schlichtweg nicht möglich sein.

Was Du damit meinst, dass ich mich oder anderes Personal über Gäste lustig macht kann ich nicht nachvollziehen, werde aber gerne nochmal genauer in mich und auf meine Kollegen hören.

Es ist schade, dass wir Dich nicht wieder sehen dürfen. Jedoch wünsche Ich Dir im Namen der Crew weitere großartige Tauchabenteuer in der großen weiten Welt.

Beste Grüße
Stefan

Lilian und Stephan

Travelled in: December 2021, Rated on 08.01.2022, Booked with WiroDive
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The Amba is a beautiful ship, but it is also getting on in years. Here and there it creaks, the paint is peeling a bit and it can happen that something gets broken. But she has her charm. The termites are a bit annoying, but in our (deluxe) cabin they were not overly present.

The food was absolutely okay in terms of quality, unfortunately a bit unimaginative. "Gut-bürgerliche-Küche" may please one or the other even on vacation, but on our other safaris, the chefs have always included the regional flavors. Too bad.

Crew and guides were always friendly and helpful - nothing to complain about and many thanks! One star deduction for the dive guides, because many were also quite new and knew the dive sites partly not so well themselves.

On the subject of safety: the actual diving operation deserves full marks! Crew and guides pay attention to you and safety is written large. One star deduction, because the dhoni is so slippery that not only we have laid long. There must be mats or similar!

The tour guide was friendly and helpful, but sometimes has a crude expression and entertainer ambitions. Is a matter of taste - our case was not and we found that partly already unpleasant.

To the most important - the diving. We had some of the best dives ever on the Amba (I have >300 dives), but also some of the most boring dive sites. I don't know if we were always unlucky or if the dive sites were not well chosen for the time of day/year. In sum, a mixture of "wow!!!" and "what was that?".

In summary, we had a very relaxed vacation and have recovered well; compared to our other safaris was price-performance O.K., but again we would not book the Amba.


(Automatically translated from German)

Moritz Schmidt

Travelled in: December 2021, Rated on 03.01.2022, Booked with Reisecenter Federsee
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With a heavy heart not to recommend at all
The boat was a great surprise, an old lady, clean, relatively well maintained, unfortunately the mold in the bathroom is not fully whitewashed, but honestly: In sum: A good surprise. No mega modern fancy-schmancy, which we as divers do not really need....
The crew, one word: Super. Mega accommodating, helpful. A pleasure to have been on board with them. Thank you!
Unfortunately, the management was completely overwhelmed with the task of running the boat and was responsible for spoiling the enjoyment of the holiday for me and many other guests on board. It has no positive customer attitude at all and even makes fun of individual guests. The details are omitted here and would be too much to list in total. But I have never encountered such disputes between guests and management in my life.
Not because of the boat, not because of the wonderful crew, I still have no choice but to strongly advise against booking on the Amba.

(Automatically translated from German)

Klaus

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 26.11.2021, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Carsten

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 16.11.2021, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Dietmar Ehrlich

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 11.11.2021, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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The ship is almost 20 years old. This you can see him in many areas also.
But the price-performance ratio is absolutely OK. Who wants more luxury must also pay more. The food was always plentiful and good. Dive spots not always well chosen.
Dive guides not always on the job.
To make the ship more attractive again a lot of work is necessary.
The ship is OK and cheap and if you look over some things also recommended.







(Automatically translated from German)

Andreas und Stephanie

Travelled in: November 2021, Rated on 02.11.2021, Booked with tourmare
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The ship is getting on in years:
Nitrox system defective,
Main fuse box under water,
Ship not suitable for heavy weather (wave/wind), only cold water shower, WC flushing very slow (filling up the cistern),
defective deck cushions, no bottle filling possible on the Doni, ...
Delicious food, friendly crew, nice holiday!


(Automatically translated from German)

Frank Uwe Wagner

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 01.11.2021, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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The ship is no longer the newest, but we have treated ourselves to a luxury cabin and it was great. You don't find something like this everywhere. The dive sites were from unforgettable to could have been saved, so here are 4 stars. Overall it was a great experience and we were very happy, especially with our restless manager Stefan.

(Automatically translated from German)

Seebaernd

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 21.10.2021, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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The star rating is one thing, the reality is another. The Amba is getting on in years and you can see that in many places. In addition, there is a everywhere noticeable termite plague.
The address of boat manager Stefan ranges from false to very unfriendly. The food is not bad but rather boring. Fish, chicken, minced meat - the end. Despite everything, the crew does a great job. Currently, the Amba makes on me the impression, it is fast and easy money to be earned.


(Automatically translated from German)

Christoph Hruschka

Travelled in: September 2021, Rated on 19.10.2021, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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I spent a wonderful liveaboard on the Amba from September 19-26, 2021. The crew as well as the dive guides were very accommodating and very helpful. I would book another holiday with the crew and boat anytime.
Christoph

(Automatically translated from German)
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Jörg

Travelled in: October 2021, Rated on 19.10.2021, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Martin

Travelled in: September 2021, Rated on 29.09.2021, Booked with Aqua Active Agency
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no comment given

Travelled in: September 2021, Rated on 21.09.2021, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Dagmar Thoma

Travelled in: March 2021, Rated on 09.08.2021, Booked with SELEGER SportsTravel
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We have enjoyed the trip with the Amba very much. Everything was super organized, a super nice competent team. Insanely delicious food.
Unfortunately, the corals in the Maldives are in very poor condition, but there are many fish.

(Automatically translated from German)

Holger

Travelled in: June 2021, Rated on 05.07.2021, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given

Marion

Travelled in: May 2021, Rated on 26.06.2021, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Wieser Klaus & Wieser Edith

Travelled in: May 2021, Rated on 22.06.2021, Booked with Tropical Seas
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A beautiful German led safari ship. Despite excellent renovation you can see here and there but already the "years". Nevertheless, beautiful and clean cabins. Always fresh and varied food.

(Automatically translated from German)

Maria und Erich

Travelled in: May 2021, Rated on 15.06.2021, Booked with WeDive
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Dive spots - were OK - unfortunately the weather threw a spanner in the works - we would say 50%/50%.

(Automatically translated from German)

Andreas

Travelled in: May 2021, Rated on 27.05.2021, Booked with tourmare
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Now, at the end of the season, the Amba is crying out for extensive repairs and embellishments.
The mood within the crew is also not quite as great as it was in March.
But it was once again a very homogeneous group of guests who simply smiled away the one or other low-season problem.
Let's see what the summer break will bring

(Automatically translated from German)

Andreas

Travelled in: March 2021, Rated on 30.03.2021, Booked with tourmare
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no comment given

Daniel

Travelled in: March 2021, Rated on 22.03.2021, Booked with tourmare
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An absolutely fantastic and unforgettable week. Wonderful group and the two German speaking guides: just top, also humanly apart from the diving! And the food! Every day there was freshly caught fish! I can unreservedly recommend to everyone!

(Automatically translated from German)

Christian

Travelled in: September 2019, Rated on 24.08.2020, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Markus Schlatter

Travelled in: November 2019, Rated on 17.07.2020, Booked with WeDive
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no comment given

Judith Galter

Travelled in: March 2020, Rated on 07.07.2020, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Christian Decker

Travelled in: March 2020, Rated on 01.07.2020, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Maximilian Kohmaier

Travelled in: March 2020, Rated on 01.07.2020, Booked with Tropical Seas
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no comment given

Francois

Travelled in: January 2020, Rated on 21.02.2020, Booked with WiroDive
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no comment given