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Tides of the Indian Ocean (Caledonian Sky)

Tides of the Indian Ocean (Caledonian Sky)

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Description

Tides of the Indian Ocean Small Ship Cruise aboard Caledonian Sky – 13 Day Expedition.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Personalise your holiday with a choice of included sightseeing options sure to leave you with lifelong memories

Trip Name
Tides of the Indian Ocean (Caledonian Sky)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive Mahé, Embark Ship
Mahé, the tropical capital of the Seychelles, welcomes you today. There’s hardly a more beautiful place to begin the adventure. We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to the ship, moored in the island’s spectacularly blue waters. Toast to your amazing setting, before tonight’s dinner on board.Stay: 12 Nights, MS Caledonian Sky
Day 2 - Day 2 Praslin, Grande Soeur
Wake this morning at the island of Praslin, the second-largest island of the Seychelles. Explore World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve via its winding paths through high canopied palm forests, home to the extremely rare coco de mer palm. Meet back at the ship and enjoy lunch as it sails to Grande Soeur. This idyllic uninhabited island boasts white, sandy beaches and flourishing tropical forests. You may like to spend your time meandering along some of the many walking paths, looking out for giant tortoises, or making the most of the warm turquoise waters with a swim or snorkel.
Day 3 - Day 3 Amirante Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCESpend time on Desroches Island enjoying nature walks with your onboard naturalist and the island’s conservation team in search of giant tortoises and nesting turtles.The 28 islands in the Amirante group were discovered by Vasco de Gama in 1501 and are considered to be some of the most pristine in the world. On Desroches Island, enjoy your first Signature Experience. Snorkellers have the chance to swim over vibrant coral gardens.
Day 4 - Day 4 Alphonse Atoll
Directly south from our last stop are the three islands in the Alphonse group, where dazzling white beaches are lined with vibrant green forest. Here you might see tortoises, scurrying crabs and an array of bird species. Wander sugary sand beaches. Go snorkelling or swimming in the circular lagoon and walk across the island’s meandering tracks.
Day 5 - Day 5 At Sea
Head to the sun deck to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery as your ship makes its way to the stunning Aldabra Atoll.
Day 6 - Day 6 Aldabra Atoll
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEDrifting around the atoll by Zodiac, you’ll be amazed by the clear seas bursting with life. You’ll most likely be able to see right to the ocean floor.Awake just off Aldabra Atoll today. Here you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Once your feet are on the sand, stroll along the shoreline looking out for frigate birds, coconut crabs and giant tortoises which are a common sight here. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the extremely rare white-throated rail, the last surviving flightless bird in the western Indian Ocean.
Day 7 - Day 7 Cosmoledo
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEA real highlight is the opportunity to plunge into the warm water from the edge of your Zodiacs for an exciting snorkelling adventure in the open water.Open your curtains to Cosmoledo, where a ring of twelve jungle-covered islands circle a spectacular lagoon. Today you will have the chance to explore a number of the islands via Zodiac. As an important bird and biodiversity area, you might be able to spot the three species of booby found in the Seychelles. Also look for sooty terns and great frigate birds. Enjoy a Signature Experience. After lunch, your ship heads towards Madagascar, while you can relax back on board.
Day 8 - Day 8 Diego Suarez
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - SightseeingWalk through Mount Amber National Park, weaving through the humid rainforest looking for lemurs, chameleons and endemic birds including parrots. Or, you may prefer to discover the port city of Diego Suarez with a guide, from its colonial-style architecture to regional Malagasy cuisine.It’s the wildlife that brings travellers to Madagascar. And with good reason. The island is home to some truly unique species, a result of Madagascar breaking away from Africa more than 80 million years ago. At Diego Suarez, choose your sightseeing.
Day 9 - Day 9 Nosy Mangabe
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEScan the foliage carefully for chameleons and lizards, and look towards the treetops for black and white-ruffed lemurs. There are some interesting bird species to spot, including the Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher and paradise flycatchers.Arriving at the tiny island of Nosy Mangabe, you have 520 hectares of virgin rainforest to explore. The area has been an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and lemurs were released into the forest. Thanks to the Zodiacs, we are able to land on the beach from where we will set off into the forest. Your time in the forest is enhanced by a Signature Experience.
Day 10 - Day 10 Masoala National Park
Step ashore at Antongil Bay to reach Madagascar’s largest protected area, Masoala National Park. Push through a tangle of vines, ferns, orchids and towering palisander trees on the trail of chameleons, the red-ruffed lemur, the red-fronted brown lemur and the ring-tailed mongoose. Frogs are abundant and will be easy to spot, especially the brightly coloured mantella frogs. Afterwards, cool off with a dip back at the beach before meeting your ship.
Day 11 - Day 11 At Sea
As your ship sails away from Madagascar, you have time to rest and enjoy time on board your ship.
Day 12 - Day 12 Le Port
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEChoose to descend into the central highlands. Enjoy views from the Nez des Boeufs mountain and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. Sample creole fare at lunch before visiting La Cité du Volcan museum. Or, explore a vanilla plantation in St Andre and enjoy some free time in St Denis.Arrive at Réunion Island, officially a part of France. Interestingly, if you were to make the 11-hour plane trip here from Paris, you would enter the country as a domestic passenger. Shape your day with your choice of sightseeing.
Day 13 - Day 13 Disembark Ship, Depart Port Louis
Your adventure comes to an end in the capital of Mauritius. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Search for rare wildlife on the Amirante Islands with the island’s conservation team
    • Look for giant tortoises in the crystal-clear waters of the Aldabra Atoll
    • Aboard a Zodiac, head out to the perfect snorkelling spot in Cosmoledo

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