Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Really enjoyed the trip, in two parts Firstly Sri Lanka highlights Itinery was very good, fitted a lot in to 7 days. Good transfers, reasonable hotels - but wish that more of them were closer to the centre of towns. Kandy one was especially good in that respect. Mixed feelings about "Sam" the Sri Lanka guide. He was a bit grumpy. But mostly he "promised" things eg currency exchange, Sri Lanka to Maldives transfer details but consistently failed to deliver. We had to chase ourselves with local agents to get flight details, which they provided in 5 minutes. Too many "buffet in hotel" meals. Nothing "local" arranged outside. He did "add" Tooth Temple to tour, and arranged for bus to take us all from Kaggola to Galle. Maldives Mahoni trip was wonderful!! Moosa the guide one of the best we have had. A shame he's moving to a rival company. Excellent on board the ship and in the water. Boat facilities excellent, especially the food. But top bunks no safety rail and difficult to get into and out. Provided equipment - seemed fine for people without their own. We only needed flippers and the largest, size 11/12, we're too small for my feet, got blisters on my toes. Really need to reign in your meet/greet bloke at airport ref currency exchange. He was recommending $100 to $150 per person, done via a "bloke with a wallet". Rate was OK BUT... we only changed $100 yet, despite being in Maldives for 3 weeks in total we spent NONE, ZERO, NADDA. And to add insult when we left Maldives the in airport bank couldn't provide £s nor $s nor €s!!! So we are stuck with unusable Maldives currency.

Explore leader: for Sri Lanka only satisfactory. Not easy to understand, didn't seem to feel part of the group, didn't join us for meals, a poor communicator (relative to past explore trips) For the dhoni Maldives cruise: Moosa was excellent in every way.

The highlights of Sri Lanka and the Dhoni cruise in the Maldives was excellent. The only complaint I have is that I could have spent two weeks on the boat instead of the 8 days. The cruise needs to be longer!

Great trip. Sri Lanka probably much as I expected. Maldives exceeded my expectations- magical!