At M/V OKTAVIA we see our social responsibility as a vital part of our business. We continuously work on improving and increasing our efforts, because this is an area where the job is never done.
Below you can find a few examples of how M/V OKTAVIA works with issues relating to corporate social responsibility.

Environmentally Friendly Cruises
Conducting environmentally friendly business is a top priority at M/V OKTAVIA. For example, we recycle batteries and aluminum cans; we equip all guests with refillable instead of disposable plastic water bottles; we don't allow anything to be thrown overboard; and our toilets flush into a large septic tank located on engine deck. It goes without saying that we don't allow fishing in protected areas or the handling of any marine life what so ever. While in the Similan and Surin Islands National Marine Parks, we take nothing but photographs, and we leave nothing but footprints.

In order to minimize our diesel consumption, we make an effort to carefully plan our cruise routes so the captain never needs to drive at high speed and can run on low RPMs. And, we regularly maintain and service our engines. This greatly improves gas mileage. In addition, we organize pick-ups and carpooling to bring our guests from their hotels to the boat.

At our office location, we minimize the use of electricity, water and paper. And we recycle!

Business Ethics
At M/V OKTAVIA we believe in an ethical approach to business. That means we follow not only laws and regulations, but also adhere to ethical business principles. For example, we pay our employees and suppliers on time; we take all possible measures to avoid corruption; and we fulfill our obligations and promises to partners and guests. When we make mistakes, we act forcefully and swiftly to remedy the situation. We expect the same from our partners and suppliers.

Community Contributions & Charity
M/V OKTAVIA aims to help improve the local community and people's lives. We create employment for a number of people, helping them support their families; we pay taxes, adding to the income of the local government; and we support local commerce by purchasing goods that are locally produced.

Each year we also donate a portion of our profits to local charity.

Employee Relations
At M/V OKTAVIA we work hard to offer a workplace that is safe and based on principals of mutual respect. We carry out frequent inspections of the boat and its equipment and facilities in order to prevent employee injuries and health hazards. The working hours and the salaries of the employees are kept in line with the legal requirements and local industry standards. Every year new salaries are negotiated. M/V OKTAVIA also pays social security contributions for all Thai staff, giving them access to free health care.

CAN YOU BRING KIDS ON BOARD M/V OKTAVIA?
Absolutely!
We have had many kids - of all ages - on board. The youngest one was little Klara, 9 months. She cruised with us for three days. The Thai crew was totally crazy about her. They carried her around and played with her all the time, giving her parents, Therese and Richard, lots of time for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation.

SAFETY AND COMFORT
Naturally, on board a boat, kids - depending on age - need extra supervision as well as specific consideration. On board M/V OKTAVIA there are life jackets for children - in childrens' sizes! We recommend that kids use these also while swimming and snorkling, as the life jackets help them stay afloat and have a bright orange color making them highly visible - even from a distance.

M/V OKTAVIA cruises in a climate that is warm and sunny! Kids, being a bit more sensitive to the sun, must use more sunscreen lotion. Apply the lotion several times a day, as swimming wears it off. Making kids wear t-shirts, hats and sunglasses is recommended.

Being in a tropical climate also means that you need to drink more water. On board M/V OKTAVIA everyone - also children - receives their own refillable water bottle.

As all parents are painfully aware, kids can sometimes be a bit fussy about the food. But this is usually less of a problem on the boat. At each meal we serve three or four different dishes, and kids can always find something they like. If not, we'll fix something up! And, not to forget, playing and swimming all day make most kids very hungry - and, as we say in Swedish, "hunger is the best spice". In between meals, toast, fresh fruits, and snacks are always available.

What about seasickness? Normally, kids don't get affected too much. And the best way to avoid seasickness is to treat it before it happens by staying hydrated and making sure you don't wait too long in-between meals. We also have pills on board, should nothing else work.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
At M/V OKTAVIAthere are plenty of things to do for kids during a cruise. The obvious activities are swimming, snorkeling (yes, we have childrens' size snorkeling equipment), and island excursions to play on the beach, walk nature trails, or do a treasure hunt. On board we have various games and board games as well as a computer packed with music and movies. If you really want to be on the safe side, bring the kids' favorite toys - even electric ones. We provide 220 volts electricity 24 hours each day.

The slightly older kids are often a bit more "independent" and need a little more "space". Luckily, M/V OKTAVIA is a big boat with lots of room and places for girls or boys talk!

Safety on Board
On board M/V OKTAVIA safety is a top priority. After boarding you will receive a thorough presentation of the ship and the safety routines and procedures on board. We will of course show you were all the different safety equipment is located as well as give you tips how to make your cruise extra comfortable as well as safe.
In the unlikely event that an emergency situation would arise, on board there are life rafts with space for everyone, first-aid trained personnel, a well stocked first-aid box, life rings, oxygene, plenty of fire extinguishers, life vests - also in childrens' sizes, dinghy, satellite telephone, mobile phone, and radio. In addition, each crew member is equipped with a walkie talkie, enabling quick and effective intra-crew communication.

High water alarm siren. On board M/V OKTAVIA the dive deck and dive platform is CCTV-monitored from the bridge, the cooking gas bottles are placed outside for maximum safety, and our scuba diving and snorkeling equipment is in very good shape and serviced regularly. The doors to the cabins are sliding doors, which offer more space and less risk for obstructions should an evacuation be necessary.

All scuba diving is done in buddy pairs and led by an experienced guide. We do a 5m safety stop on every dive. The closest re-compression chamber is in Patong Beach, Phuket, approximately 120km south of Khao Lak.

CRUISE OPTIONS
We offer primarily three different cruise options:

2 days/2 nights: Departure with M/V OKTAVIA, 2 days/2 nights cruise among the Similan Islands, and a return trip with speedboat. Perfect for guests with less time available, but still want to experience the Similan Islands. See the detailed itinerary in the table below.

3 days/2 nights: Departure with speedboat, 3 days/2 nights cruise to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock. Return trip with M/V OKTAVIA. Perfect for guests who want to dive and snorkel the slightly more "exotic" and "wild" sites as well. See the detailed itinerary in the table below.

5 days/5 nights: Departure with M/V OKTAVIA, 5 days/5 nights cruise among the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock. Return trip with M/V OKTAVIA. Perfect for guests who want the full experience. See the detailed itinerary in the table below.

Note! The itinerary is subject to water and weather conditions.

4 days/4 nights: Note! The first three as well as the last four cruises of the season are to the Similan Islands only. Departure with M/V OKTAVIA, 4 days/4 nights cruise among the Similan Islands. You will have plenty of time to experience the Similan Islands - above as well as below the surface. Return trip with M/V OKTAVIA.

The cruise price includes: Transfer between your hotel in the Khao Lak area and M/V OKTAVIA, tank, air refills, weights, weight belt, U/W torch with batteries, full room and board, drinking water, coffee, the, toasts, fresh fruits, diving and snorkeling guide, and beach runs and island excursions.

MASTER SUITES
Add THB 2 000 per person and day to the cruise price listed above.

SINGLE CABIN SUPPLEMENT
For single cabin reservations, a supplement of 33% is charged.

GROUPS, DIVE CLUBS
A special quote is offered to groups booking 10 or more people on the same cruise.

TAXI TRANSFER PHUKET
Taxi transfer to/from Phuket is THB 500 per person, one way. Taxi transfer within the Khao Lak-area in connection with a cruise is included in the cruise price.