Once a 52-meter (171ft) steel-hulled merchant vessel, our flagship, the MV Solitude One, has upheld steadfast standards in liveaboard hospitality and service since embarking on journeys in Palau in 2013 and the Philippines in 2016. Following an internal refresh in 2023, the vessel embodies enhanced comfort and design. Tailored for our guests, it seamlessly integrates intelligent design and functionality, fostering a welcoming atmosphere with subtle touches of indulgence. Our attentive staff, adept in personalised service, greet guests by name, anticipating their individual needs for an exclusive “home away from home” experience. MV Solitude One stands as a distinguished retreat, offering guests an unparalleled blend of comfort and convenience on the open seas.
COMFORT AT SEA
Solitude One offers ample spaces aboard for guests to discover their own serene moments on the Solitude Liveaboard. Relax on the expansive sun deck, cool off in the bow-side jacuzzi, or unwind in our open-air dining area. The stern, home to the dive deck, provides another retreat.
Indoors, our air-conditioned saloon boasts a 55″ TV with a vast library of movies and series. Enjoy complimentary soft drinks from one fridge, and alcoholic beverages from another post-dive. For a caffeine fix, our coffee machine and hot & cold water dispenser are readily available. Additionally, the attached camera room allows for camera adjustments or editing sessions in a comfortable setting.
DINING EXPERIENCE
Indulging in delicious meals is a vital part of a memorable holiday, and aboard Solitude One, we take care of your culinary experience. Savor a total of 5 meals daily: from a light breakfast to a substantial one, followed by lunch, afternoon cooked snacks, and a fulfilling dinner. Additionally, complimentary biscuits and instant noodles are available round-the-clock.
Our major meals are served buffet-style, ensuring a variety of warm options through under-tray heating, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about it getting cold. With multiple choices available, you have the freedom to select your preferred dishes at each sitting. Experience the ultimate culinary indulgence with our diverse and delectable menu options.
SCUBA DIVING
Both Palau and the Philippines boast exceptional diving experiences.
Palau is renowned for its WW2 wrecks, crystal-clear turquoise waters, the unique Jellyfish Lake, and holds the distinction of being the world’s inaugural Shark Sanctuary. With numerous cleaning stations and diverse spawning sites, a journey to this remote paradise is undeniably worthwhile.
The Philippines is globally esteemed for its exceptional travel and diving opportunities, attributed to its remarkable biodiversity. From the mesmerising Whale Sharks in Tubbataha Reef, the majestic Thresher Sharks in Malapascua, to the exceptionally rare Melibe colemani in Romblon – the country caters to divers of all skill levels with its rich variety of marine life. Dive into the Coral Triangle and discover a variety of dive sites teeming with life, from colorful coral gardens to encounters with manta rays.
Cabins
The MV Solitude One features eleven (11) cabins, providing accommodation for up to 24 guests. These cabins are meticulously designed, considering experience, practicality, and valuable guest feedback from the hospitality sector. The design process prioritised the specific needs and desires of divers, resulting in well-thought-out living spaces that combine aesthetics with functionality.
Guests of taller stature can appreciate the ample headroom available in most guest areas. Moreover, every cabin category offers mattresses measuring 190cm (6.2ft) in length, ensuring a comfortable and restful experience for all guests.
Itineraries
Departures
Solitude ONE Departure Schedule for All Itineraries
More Information
Safety
From the very beginning, safety has always been the most important aspect of Solitude and at the forefront of all decision making. Given the remote areas we operate in, it is vital to us that our crew are well trained and we are equipped to handle any scenario should it occur.
During your stay onboard we provide our guests with a complimentary Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS to provide that peace of mind when out diving in the remote parts of the Philippines and Palau.
Our Features & Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipped with:
- Emergency Position-Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)
- Life Rafts
- Emergency Survival Packs
- Semi-Automated Fire Suppression Sprinkler System
- VHF/SB Radios
- Garmin inReach mini II with 2 way satellite text messaging and SOS distress
- Inmarsat-C
- Local Navigation Maps with Furuno GPS Chart Plotter
- Radar (Long/Short)
- Weather Plotter
- Depth Sounder
- 6,000L Water Storage with On-board Water-Maker capable of producing 15,000L of fresh water per day.
We know that time and investment in holidays are valuable and you want to dive as much as you can. We fully understand that, as we take diving holidays too! Be assured that we are committed to providing you with as many dives as we safely can. Besides the obvious reasons why we would not let you go for a dive (stated in your registration form declaration), being well-rested and rehydrated for your first dive is a good first step.
This is why we need to ensure that you have at least 6 hours of proper rest after your arrival before making your first dive. We know you learned about safety during your scuba course(s) but sometimes the excitement and anticipation of a diving holiday can get the better of us and we tend to overlook our own condition for a dive.
Our commitment to safety also includes our crew which is why we limit a maximum of 4 dives (including a night dive) in a day so that they too get ample rest to minimise fatigue, ergo minimise the risk of working on a vessel.
As always, itineraries are subject to weather, logistics, and also, importantly, where sites are better during the week of your cruise. Your cruise directors will constantly be updating you on the schedule/plans on board during your cruise.
For more information or clarification, please do not hesitate to write to emailus@solitude-liveaboards.com
FAQ
Enriched Air Nitrox
Enriched Air Nitrox is exclusively offered to certified divers. Our proficient dive team will determine the blend, approximately between 28-32%, considering the MOD, dive site, its profile, and target species, ensuring the best opportunity for a safe and optimised diving experience.
EANitrox prices are as follows: USD$8 per dive OR USD$135 for 8 days/7 nights and 7 days/6 nights itinerary, with subsequent additional use USD$20 per day, in Palau and Indonesia.
DIN or International?
We have both.
15L/100cuft Scuba Cylinders?
Yes, we have. It is an additional USD$10 per cylinder per diving day.
Side-mount Diving?
+ Additional 12L/80cuft cylinder with air: USD$10 per cylinder per diving day.
+ Additional 12L/80cuft cylinder with EANitrox: USD$28 per cylinder per diving day. Whole Trip Use discount applies. Please check with your cruise directors or our sales and reservation staff.
Rebreather Diving? Twins?
No, We do not have support for Rebreather or Twin Tank Configuration.
Dive Insurance
At Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts, we prioritise the safety of our guests above all else, recognising that a secure diving experience is paramount to an unforgettable adventure. Our commitment to dive safety is unwavering, and we implement rigorous measures to ensure the well-being of every diver exploring the depths with us.
While we go to great lengths to provide a secure environment, we firmly believe in the importance of personal responsibility. Hence, it is mandatory for diving at both our Liveaboards and Resorts that all guests possess appropriate dive insurance before embarking on any underwater excursions. This requirement is not just a formality; it is a crucial step towards safeguarding yourself and your fellow divers against unforeseen circumstances.
In the unpredictable world of underwater exploration, having reliable dive insurance is a prudent decision. To assist our guests in making informed choices, we recommend two reputable and specialised dive insurance providers – DAN WORLD and DIVE ASSURE. These organisations are renowned for their comprehensive coverage and dedication to diver safety.
We encourage you to carefully review the offerings of DAN WORLD and DIVE ASSURE to find the insurance plan that best suits your individual needs. Choosing the right coverage ensures peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking underwater experiences that our Liveaboards and Resorts offer. Remember, your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you in making the right decisions for a secure and memorable diving adventure.
Additionally, we want you to know that if we receive any affiliation commission upon your selection to purchase cover from either of these companies, the funds will be reinvested to continue to educate, train, and provide the necessary and much-needed personal equipment to our dive guides at our various locations. Your decision to prioritise safety not only benefits you but also contributes to the ongoing improvement of our diving programs, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone involved. Remember, your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you in making the right decisions for a secure and memorable diving adventure.
Floorplan
Technical Information
General
Type and Year Built: Steel Mono-Hull 2013 – Rebuilt (Originally Built in 1979)
Port of Registry/Flagged: Batangas, Philippines
Cruising Itinerary Routes: Palau and the Philippines
Engine & Propulsion: Main 2698HP (2013kW) with Auxiliary Propulsion Engine
Length: 52m (171 ft) • Beam: 8.6m (28ft) • Draft :5m (16.4ft)
Cruising Speed: 8 Knots (Top Speed 12 Knots)
Diesel Capacity: 150,000L (39,473US Gal.)
Cruising Range: ± 9000nM (16,668KM)
Electricity: 1x 250kVa, 2 x 125kVa and 1 x 15kVa (Total 4 Units) providing24 Hours 200V to 240V-50Hz
Navigation: Local Navigation Maps with Furuno GPS Chart Plotter, Radar (Long/Short), Weather Plotter and Depth-Sounder
Communication System: VHF/SB Radios, VSAT Satellite Phone & Internet, Inmarsat-C
Ship Safety System: GMDSS with EPIRB, AIS, Life Rafts, Emergency Survival Packs, Semi-Automated Fire Suppression Sprinkler System
Fresh Water Capacity: 50,000L (Storage) with On-board Water-Maker capable of producing 2000USG/7600Lfresh water per Day
Diving
Air Compressors: 3 x Bauer HP Compressor IK120 with Bauer B-Kool680-s Air Cooler Filtered by P41 Centralized System
Nitrox Membrane System: LP450 Nitrox Membrane
Enriched Air Nitrox Diving**: EANx28 to 30% Only (This is to provide a more suitable M.O.D for sites in Palau)
Scuba Cylinders: Aluminium 100cuft (19 units), 80cuft (80 units), 63cuft (4units), 40cuft (12 units) & 19cuft (4 units) with DIN Valves (Yoke/A-Clamp Adapters available) – Twin Tanks Not Available.
Solo Diving not allowed (even if certified)
Rebreather Support**: Only on Full Charters with Rebreather Divers. Scrubbers can be organised with advanced notice (preferably 60 days or more) but no guarantee or your can order and send it to us. N.B. Oxygen supply in Palau is limited as well and expensive
Dive Equipment Rental: Available (including Dive Computers but excluding U/W Cameras)
Nautilus Lifeline GPS: Provided complimentary if you do not own one and accept the replacement liability if lost or damaged.
Dive Skiffs: 2 x 11.5m (37ft) Fiberglass Purpose-Built Boats (one with Twin 200HP and the other Twin 150HP) 4-stroke Outboard Engines
Support Skiff: 1 x 8.3m (27ft) Fiberglass Monohull with single 60HP 4-Stroke Engine
Dive Guides: Ratio 1 to 6 Divers (Private Guide Service available**150USD per Diving Day)
Surface Marker Buoy(SMB), Lead Weights & Belt: Complimentary
Available for purchase on-board (Advance Order is recommended): Surface Marker Buoy (OPV,SOLAS Reflector),Nautilus Lifeline GPS/VHF Radio(with Pouch),Spools, Dive Pointers, Drift Hooks, O-rings, Hoses and other common replaceable spares.
Medical Oxygen and comprehensive First Aid Kits are Available
All guests participating in SCUBA activities MUST be equipped with a Dive Computer as well as an Audible and Visual Signalling Device (e.g. Whistle and SMB)
Hospitality
Reading Library: Loan & Exchange Program
Entertainment: In-Room and lounge play-on-demand Audio-Video system with Entertainment Library, Card and Board Games.
Type of Coffee available: Fully Automatic (self-service) pressed coffee machine, local and instant coffee.
Type of Tea available: Ceylon, Chamomile, Green and Chinese
Drinking Water: Free Flow from Reverse Osmosis Water Dispenser
Alcoholic Beverages**: Beer, Red/White/Rose Wine, popular liquors (BYO Policy: no corkage charge)
Non-Alcohol Beverages: Popular selections including light and zero options (if type is available)
Self-Serve Snacks & Munchies: Available24 hours
Ice Maker: Available
Special Dietary Requests: We can accommodate vegetarian and selective non-meat diets. Vegans will require advanced notice with a specific list of allowable ingredients for their meal preparation.
Solitude Souvenirs & Apparels**: Solitude One apparels are still in progress however, local souvenirs can be purchased when we take you to the local shopping mall.
On-Board Guest Services**: Starlink Internet and Laundry
* are subject to additional costs
Promotions
Please see our Promotions page for any offers.