Carpe Diem Phinisi

Carpe Diem Phinisi is a traditional two-masted Indonesian sailing yacht designed for intimate expeditions across Komodo, Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea. The operator limits accommodation to four guest cabins and a maximum of ten guests, giving both shared departures and private charters a small-group atmosphere.

The main-deck Pala, or Nutmeg, cabin is a spacious double cabin spanning almost the full width of the vessel. Forward-facing windows and a skylight bring in natural light, while a separate private shower and bathroom, individual air conditioning, desk and storage complete the cabin.

On the lower deck, Cengkeh, or Clove, can be arranged with two single beds or converted into one double bed. It has a porthole, a large skylight, individual air conditioning, storage and a private ensuite shower and toilet.

Pandan and Kayu Manis, also known as Cinnamon, are two mirror-image lower-deck cabins. Each can sleep up to three guests with a double and single bunk arrangement, or accommodate two single guests. Both have portholes, skylights, individual air conditioning, storage and private ensuite bathrooms with showers.

Shared spaces include a main-deck saloon with a ten-seat table and library, an open deck for alfresco dining and dive briefings, and an upper deck used for relaxation or yoga. Meals use locally sourced ingredients and combine Asian, Indonesian and international dishes. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

The published cruise inclusion list covers full-board meals and snacks, drinking water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices, cabin service, toiletries, qualified dive guides, dive equipment, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, staff-led excursions and two local transfers. National-park, village and port-clearance fees, flights, pre- or post-trip hotels, insurance, crew tips, alcohol, third-party guides and possible fuel surcharges are excluded.

Carpe Diem began construction with its keel laying in February 2012, completed sea trials in 2013 and was ready to sail in 2014. Current industry specifications describe a 34-metre ironwood-and-teak phinisi that received a major enhancement in 2017.

The operator publishes a sample seven-night Komodo route from Labuan Bajo covering sites such as Tatawa Besar, Tatawa Kecil, Mawan, Shotgun, Batu Bolong, Karang Makassar, Manta Alley, Siaba, Gili Lawa, Padar and Rinca. Routes remain indicative and may change with weather, park rules and diver ability. Seasonal itineraries also cover Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea.

Full-boat private charters can sleep up to ten guests. Some shared booking inventories cap departures at eight guests, but the operator’s current vessel page states that the four-cabin maximum capacity is ten.