PISCES is a US$2 million catamaran that has the Phuket sun written all over it.
Summer is fading in Hong Kong, but the Andaman is just getting going. PISCES, the new luxury catamaran from Phuket operator Cape Odyssey, is heading into its first dry season, and with a 45-guest cap, a floating ocean pool and complimentary cocktails, it’s perfect for those looking for a weekend escape with some time on the water.
The boat — at 26 metres long and 10.8 metres wide, with a cruising speed of 15 knots — was built from the keel up for US$2 million and is among the largest catamarans working out of Phuket. The biggest draw is all that space. There are little corners for everyone, from shaded tables and lounges for impromptu card games to sunpads on the teak flybridge for working on your tan.
When you find a suitable anchorage, the crew roll out the toys, from a floating pool and paddleboards to a jet surfboard and sea scooter. And as the sun begins to dip, gather the troops within the air-conditioned saloon, which features an integrated sound system and DJ booth, with the onboard music curator keeping the playlist on the sundowner side of party.
You’ll also be able to sate that appetite with menus that span Mediterranean, Thai and European dishes as well as sushi hand rolls, while the bar keeps the inclusive rosé, sparkling wine and cocktails flowing.
Shared voyages run from 11 am to 7 pm out of Ao Po, and free transfers from your Phuket hotel or the airport keep things simple. The route takes in Naka Island, James Bond Island (Khao Tapu), Koh Phanak and Koh Hong, and the day ends with sunset over the Andaman, the calm-water season of which runs roughly November to April, meaning weekend dates are likely to go quickly.
Our take: bigger groups should run the numbers. A private charter starts at THB 250,000 (HK$58k) for 30 guests, which works out to roughly THB 8,300 (HK$1,900) each. That’s only a little more than the VIP shared ticket, and for that, you get the whole boat, pickup from your own beach or pier, and your choice of Phi Phi, Khai or Racha.
So if you’ve been staring at the computer screen a little too long or your tan is starting to fade as the tempreture drops, maybe you need a cruise on the Andaman.
