Zegrahm's Indian Ocean Odyssey

Small-ship voyages are definitely a major trend for 2014, and it is interesting to see the wide array of cruise ideas rolling in from a great range of operators (be sure to see our Adventure Cruise News section in the new edition of World of Cruising, which is out this month, for a full look ahead).

 

The latest is from Zegrahm Expeditions, who are featuring two exclusive cruises to the Seychelles and Madagascar in 2014.

Titled Ultimate Aldabra and Voyage to Madagascar, the two journeys—which can be taken in combination—take travellers to the lesser-visited islands of the western Indian Ocean aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Island Sky (above).

Departing November 16, the 17-day Ultimate Aldabra, is a voyage to explore the remote islands of the Seychelles, which have remained largely untouched due to their inaccessibility, and offers the unique opportunity to witness a pristine natural environment. A highlight of the expedition is spending four full days at the magnificent Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is priced from $12,970 per person, double occupancy.

Then, departing November 28, the 19-day Voyage to Madagascar includes Zanzibar, Comoros, Réunion and Mauritius, with a fascinating combination of natural history and East African culture. Highlights include discovering the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar—photogenic lemurs, 32 species of reptiles, and over 100 species of birds--and wandering a labyrinth of serpentine alleyways in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is priced from $13,980 per person, double occupancy.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 628 8747 or visit www.zegrahm.com.

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Take A Voyage of Discovery To India & South-East Asia

Boutique cruise line Voyages of Discovery are inviting bookings for their Autumn Sale, offering big savings on two major cruises to India and south-east Asia. 

The 16-day "Treasures of Asia" tour departs February 17 and showcases the highlights of Asia, from the frenetic capital of the Philippines to the beautiful temples of Cambodia. Other highlights on this itinerary include the opportunity to take in the world’s largest orang-utan sanctuary in Borneo, the stunning beaches in Cebu and The Temple of Dawn in Bangkok. As part of the Autumn Sale offer, prices for this cruise start now from £1,899 per person for an inside cabin. 

On the 20-day "Colours of the Indian Ocean" voyage departing March 4, guests will experience the magnificent temples and palaces of Bangkok and the colonial charm of Singapore before exploring the beauty of Malaysia and India. Highlights of this stunning itinerary include the opportunity to explore the breath-taking beauty of Kerala’s world-renowned backwaters, the tranquillity of the idyllic Andaman Islands and the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. Prices start from £2,118 per person for an inside cabin.

Prices for all cruises include return flights to/from the UK, gratuities onboard and ashore, all relevant overseas transfers, meals, a comprehensive series of Guest Speaker talks and selected shore excursions.

More info: visit  www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk or call 0844 488 0893.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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An Asian Odyssey With Voyages To Antiquity

Boutique line Voyages to Antiquity have crafted a fabulous tour through the Indian Ocean to south-east Asia in their new brochure for winter 2014/15, with 12 cruises from November to March combining the most breathtaking natural and man-made sites in the world, from the remarkable beauty of Africa’s big game parks to architectural treasures such as Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal. 

As with every Voyages To Antiquity cruise, shore excursions are included, pre and post-cruise land stays in major cities are in deluxe hotels and every sailing features outstanding guest speakers.

Key highlights are:

• Inaugural visits to East Africa, each featuring an included 3 day (2 night) safari to Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks
• Inaugural calls to the Indian Ocean Islands of Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mayotte and the Maldives.
• City centre mooring in Yangon (Burma), Bangkok (Thailand) and Ho-Chi Minh City (Vietnam) where the size of the ship enables cruising upriver to the heart of some of Asia’s most fascinating cities.
• A chance to explore Bali, Borneo and the islands of Indonesia – including visits to the stunning temple of Borobudur and the dragons on Komodo
• A return to the fascinating sights and sounds  of South-east Asia: Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam
• Cruising India’s historic Malabar Coast, before passengers disembark to enjoy the included 5-day Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Brochure prices start from £3,150 per person for an 18-day cruise-tour, including scheduled flights and transfers on arrival. Prices also include free domestic flight connections via London from seven regional airports, shore excursions where available, Quietvox headsets to enhance the sightseeing experience, gratuities to cabin and restaurant staff on-board and wine with dinner on board.

Guests can save up to £5,000 per cabin when booking by December 31 and several itineraries feature special rates for single travellers. 

More info: visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com or call on 0845 437 9737.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link! 

                                           

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Celebrate India Day With Voyages of Discovery

Celebrate India’s independence on India Day (January 26) and book a cruise to Asia from a bargain £2,019 per person with Voyages of Discovery.

Passengers on board the 17-day "Tales of India & Arabia" voyage will be able to visit the birthplace of Ghandi in Porbandar and explore the UNESCO listed Elephanta Caves near to the colourful city of Mumbai before sailing to Sri Lanka.

Tales of India & Arabia departs from Dubai (UAE, overnight), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Porbandar, Mumbai (overnight), Marmagao, Cochin (overnight), Tuticorin and Colombo (Sri Lanka, overnight).

Price is based on a December 3 UK departure and includes return flights from a major UK airport, all overseas transfers, all on board gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board.

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Up-Close Voyages Through Madagascar

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering expedition trips through Madagascar and Southern Africa in December 2012 and December 2013 onboard the purpose-built expedition duo MS Hanseatic and MS Bremen, with maiden calls on both itineraries.

An exotic flora and fauna has developed on Madagascar that does not exist anywhere else on earth. There are more than 12,000 species of plants recorded on the fourth largest island in the world and guests will experience lemurs in pristine nature, animals in the wild, and wonderful beaches on romantic coasts.

Winter 2012: Hanseatic will make stops at six new ports along her tropic adventure, including Maroantsetra, Nosy Hara, Morondava, Nosy Ve and Toliara, as well as a first-time stop in Mozambique, at the picturesque city of Ilha dos Portugueses.

Optional shore excursions include hiking in Masoala National Park to see lemurs in the rainforest; canoeing to Lokobe Nature Reserve; zodiac landings on Nosy Lakandava and Nosy Hara for swimming between coral reefs and rock formations; a safari in Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa; and a visit to the Addo Elephant Park, also in South Africa. This 16-day itinerary is from Dec 3-19, from Port Louis/Mauritius to Cape Town/South Africa. Rates start at $7,750 per person for an outside cabin.

Winter 2013: Guests will join Bremen as she calls on the west coast of Madagascar for the first time. New ports of call in Madagascar include Nosy Hara, Mahajanga, Morondava and Nosy Be.

Optional shore excursions include hiking in Lokobe Nature Reserve to admire gigantic trees and go bird-watching; a boat ride to Nosy Komba, also know as “lemur island;” snorkelling on Nosy Lakandava and Nosy Hara; a visit to the Zulu village of Kwabhekithunga in South Africa; and a safari to view the “Big Five,” also in South Africa. This 17-day itinerary is from Dec 1-18, from Port Louis/Mauritius to Cape Town/South Africa. Rates start at $7,020 per person for an outside cabin.  

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise experts.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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