Diving on the Emperor Harmoni
At first sight, the Emperor Harmoni looks different. Traditional Indonesian liveaboards are built in phinisi-style, with masts ready to take sails. The Harmoni’s designers and builders used a more modern design to customize it for Indonesian waters, but still opted for Indonesia’s ironwood as the main material.
As a result, Emperor Harmoni is perfectly placed to navigate some of Indonesia’s prime diving areas, including Komodo, known for strong currents and adrenaline dives; Raja Ampat with its pristine soft coral reefs and schooling fish; and the ever-more-popular Banda Sea.
No matter which itinerary you choose, you’ll be surrounded by pristine reefscapes and abundant marine life. Schooling reef fish are not the only species to look out for. Komodo, for example, offers excellent opportunities to see pelagic species such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks. Some of the dive sites around Alor are excellent for spotting macro critters, too.
Emperor is renowned for in-depth dive briefings that give divers peace of mind and allow them to get the most out of their dives. Briefings take place in the lounge before divers gear up and move to two dedicated tenders.
Highlights:
- One of the newest liveaboards in Indonesia
- A huge variety of marine life and dive environments
- In-depth, informative dive briefings
- Choice of 7-, 9-, and 12-night itineraries
Onboard the Emperor Harmoni
The most recent addition to the Emperor fleet in Indonesia, the Emperor Harmoni was launched in September 2022. This purpose-built, brand-new liveaboard is one of the larger vessels in the area, with space for 24 divers in 12 cabins. And, this 157-foot (48 m) yacht is one of the few liveaboards in the area that is equipped with two engines.
With 12 cabins, Emperor Harmoni is ready to welcome 24 divers. The upper deck features four cabins, two of them with a double bed and two that are adaptable from twin cabins to doubles. On the lower deck, there are two cabins with twin beds, four cabins with a double and a single bed, and another two cabins with a double bed.
If you’re traveling with a group, check out Emperor’s group discounts. If you’re flying solo, the operator also guarantees same-sex cabin sharing. If they can’t room you accordingly, you get your cabin to yourself. If you’d rather not share at all, you can secure one of the double bed cabins for yourself for a small fee.
Aside from diving and sleeping, the Emperor Harmoni also has excellent spaces to relax or look after your camera gear. Kick back in one of the comfy sofas in the air-conditioned lounge and pick a movie from the digital library to enjoy on the massive screen.
You’ll also find a dedicated camera charging area here. Need an adapter? Just ask the crew—there are usually plenty available to accommodate all divers.
On the upper deck, relax in true Indonesian style on a beanbag or take in the stunning scenery from one of the sun loungers. If you do need to work or connect to the outside world, WiFi is available at an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Great choice of relaxation areas
- Dedicated camera charging space
- Same-sex cabin share guarantee
- WiFi available for an additional charge
Dining on the Emperor Harmoni
Food is important when you’re diving several times a day in challenging conditions, and the Emperor Harmoni doesn’t disappoint.
Ample meals are served buffet-style three times a day, and the kitchen crew is happy to accommodate different dietary requirements. The boat can cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, and they’re able to offer halal and kosher food, too. As always, inform the operator of specific requirements as soon as you make your booking.
The menu features Indonesian and Western dishes, allowing you to discover some of the mainstays of Indonesian cuisine without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Should you feel hungry in between meals, help yourself to snacks throughout the day.
Hot and cold soft drinks are also included in the liveaboard price, as is local wine. If you’re not a wine drinker, check out the fully-stocked international bar.
Highlights:
- Three buffet-style meals
- Vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher food options available
- Wine included with your dinner
- Fully stocked international bar with drinks available at an extra charge
