We were delighted recently to welcome industry legend Peter Hughes as a guest on board Emperor Harmoni.
Renowned worldwide as a pioneer of the liveaboard experience, Peter has been diving since the 1950s and has received numerous awards and accolades – not least a place in the DEMA Hall of Fame.
His decades of experience and indepth knowledge of what makes a good diving holiday, put him high up the list of people whose opinion you trust.
And that was why we were incredibly happy to find out what a good time Peter had as a guest on Emperor Divers’ newest boat.
He sailed our Alor & Banda Sea itinerary towards the end of last year and had nothing but good things to say about his time with us.
“It was a great trip in many ways; awesome vessel, awesome shipmates, for the most part awesome diving and especially awesome to be back underwater after a three-year-plus hiatus!” Peter explained.
“Dealing with Emperor was a breeze but I must, must also mention Above n’ Below (formerly Segara Marine Travel). Their VIP service was absolutely tops in every respect and I would highly recommend them to any Emperor guests but most especially for any coming from the USA.
“Emperor Harmoni is all she claims to be – a work of ancient shipbuilding art combined with every modern convenience anyone could possibly want! The thought that went into the building of this vessel for its intended purpose was obvious and evident wherever you looked.”
Peter Hughes, on board Emperor Harmoni, with his ‘four ladies’ Janet, Charo, Jennifer and Cindy along with dive guide Dani
When you have access to the thoughts of someone with decades of experience in the liveaboard industry, it would be foolish not to get his assessment of what makes a great trip – and what makes Emperor Divers stand out.
He said: “Many things go into this – starting, of course, with the vessel. The days of tiny, dark cabins and shared ‘facilities’ are long gone and, as Emperor Harmoni so elegantly delivered, the market wants larger rooms, adequate ambient light, excellent reading lights, en-suite, plenty storage space etc.
“With this all being said; the captain and crew make a trip and make the difference in so many ways. Competence, of course, must be ‘number one’ but courtesy, patience and the willingness to listen are of equal importance.
“A well-managed crew showing respect for the process reflects in a happy crew and this gives off to happy guests. The Harmoni crew excelled at this from the willing assistance they provided on the dive deck both pre- and post- dive, to the assistance boarding the tenders, accessing gear on the tenders and then entering/exiting the water. Their smiling assistance was always on hand before you ever realised you needed it.
“This positive attitude prevailed throughout the vessel – on deck, at the bar, in the dining room, service, wherever! Also, the crew’s willingness to spend their private/off time with the guests on board, sharing song and dance with the guests, added to the overall ambiance of the trip in a most special way.”
So what were the highlights of the trip – and are we likely to see him back on an Emperor Divers’ boat soon?
“The diving, as might be expected in indonesia, was excellent. The 12 nights on board were an excellent experience topped off by our visit to shore to experience some local custom and get lots of information we would never have otherwise learned.
“It was great to spend time with old friends for such an extended period and also to have my “four ladies” – Janet, Charo, Jennifer and Cindy – plus other guests I had not met before, join me on our trip. I enjoyed spending time with them and getting to dive with them all while at the same time, meeting and making new friends from Asia, the UK, Germany, France… An eclectic gang indeed!
“I had said one thing I was looking forward to was a quiet G&T in the evening after the dive day. The bar tender, once he learned of my desire, always ensured he had one waiting for me within seconds of my stepping up from my room and into the lounge – what a delight that was!
“In reference to seeing me again on another Emperor vessel, I would certainly like to think so. I would love the opportunity to sail aboard the Emperor Harmoni again, maybe at Komodo National Park if she heads back down there or alternatively Raja Ampat.
“I am not as young as I used to be, and it is a long trip coming from the east coast of the USA, but I could never say never! Indonesia has held a fascination for me since my first visit there in the very early 1980s and I can think of no better way to enjoy diving Indonesia than aboard a vessel such as Emperor Harmoni.”
