INDIAN OCEAN PORTS & CITIES
INDIAN OCEAN PORTS & CITIES
| Chennai | Kuda Bandos | Reunion | Male |
| Mangalore | Mayotte | Mombasa | Nosy Be |
| Port Elizabeth | Mauritius | Port Victoria | St Helena |
| Walvis Bay | Zanzibar |
Chennai
Indian Ocean Cruise to Chennai, Famous for its Amazing Temples, Historic Landmarks and Architecture -India
Chennai is India's fourth largest city and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. As a commercial centre, it is the automobile capital of India. Chennai is the gateway to the ancient city of Mahabalipuram. Marvel at the Five Rathas, the magnificent Shore Temple, Parthasarathy temple and the San Thome Basilica. The neighbouring town of Mahabalipuram possesses the area's most significant attractions, with its ancient temples and rock carvings of the 7th century Pallava kingdom. Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a colourful Hindu temple located in Mylapor built by the Pallava Kings in the 7th century. Centres of learning for Tamil culture include Valluvar Kottam, Kalakshetra and Dakshinachitra.
Kuda Bandos
Indian Ocean Cruise to the Gorgeous Turquoise Blue Waters and Unspoiled White-Sand Beaches of the Island of Kuda Bandos - Maldives
Cruise to beautiful Kuda Bandos, an uninhabited islet, surrounded by a coral reef. Arrangements have been made for you to use the facilities of a beautiful island resort. Here, the waves caress your bare feet and your head is filled with the scent of frangipani and hibiscus, you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the resort.
Reunion
Cruise to the Island of Reunion, a Haven of French Culture and Home to a Wildly Mountainous Countryside - Madagascar
Indian Ocean cruise to just east of Madagascar to the island of Reunion. Discovered by the Portuguese, today the population is an interesting mix of ethnic and religious variety, from the French to the Africans, Malays and Indians. Born of volcanic origin the island is popular for an abundance of natural attractions. Highlights include the peaks of the still-active Piton de la Fournaise, and Piton des Neiges, the islands highest point. Southwest of the mountains you will find the collapsed calderas of Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Cilaos and Cirque de Mafate. Visit the capital Saint-Denis and enjoy its brassieres, bistros and continental café culture or swim in the lagoons of St-Gilles-les Bains. Garden lovers will delight in the Domaine du Grand Hazier, an 18th century sugar planters residence displaying a variety of tropical flowers and fruit trees.
Male
Indian Ocean Cruise to Male and the Tropical Paradise Islands of the Maldives
Cruise to the Maldives tropical paradise of countless tiny islands scattered over 34,000 square miles. Tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean, only 199 of some 1190 coral islands are inhabited. The islands form 26 natural atolls, each enclosed by a coral reef cut by several deep natural channels. A protective coral reef and shallow lagoon also surround each island. As most of the islands are no more than 7 feet above sea level, there are no hills or rivers in the Maldives. What you will see are tall palms, white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and crystal clear waters. The protective reefs are home to magnificent underwater gardens, and millions of multicoloured fish, corals and shells. Arrangements have been made for you to use the facilities of a beautiful island resort. Here, where the waves caress your bare feet and your head is filled with the scent of frangipani and hibiscus, you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the resort.
Mangalore
Indian Ocean Cruise to Mangalore and Absorb the Aroma of Spicy Coconut Curries - India
known as Mangaluru in the local language, was once a famous port, known in the sixth century as a major source of pepper. It was mentioned in writings of a 14th century by Arab traveller, who noted its trade in pepper and ginger, and the presence of merchants from Persia and Yemen. Ensconced on the coast, this maritime city makes a pleasant and convenient cruise stop between Goa and Kerala. With narrow, winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, beautiful beaches, temples and churches, and the aroma of spicy coconut curries, it has preserved its old-world charm.
Mayotte
Indian Ocean Cruise to Mayotte, a Sea Horse Standing on its Head Filled with Wonderful Flora and Fauna - Comoros
Shaped like an exuberant sea horse standing on its head, cruise to Mayotte the most southerly and oldest of the Comoros islands, with relatively low, rounded hills and a prominent circling coral reef. A collective Territory of France, its inhabitants are EC citizens. This "island" actually consists of three main islands: Grande Terre, Petite Terre, and the rock of Dzaoudzi, and is a remarkable natural environment filled with birds, lemurs and numerous species of flora and other fauna. The people of Mayotte are known as Mahorais and seem content to be French, showing little or no movement towards reintegration with the Comoros.
Mombasa
Indian Ocean Cruise to Mombasa, the Gateway to Kenya's Safari Country
Cruise to Mombasa referred to by Winston Churchill as ' . . . alluring, even delicious.' Moslem women in bui-buis, tribal people in beaded decorations, and Westerners in safari gear crowd local marketplaces, where the scent of spices drifts on the kaskazi winds. Founded by Arab traders in the 8th century, Mombasa still retains a strong Arab flavour. Colourful bazaars, narrow streets and Old Mombasa Harbour, with its lively traffic of dhows and small trading vessels, create a fascinating backdrop. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593, was overwhelmed by Omani Arabs after a 33-month siege in 1698; it is now a museum. The giant tusks made famous in so many films and photos over the years still stand as a proud symbol of this gateway city, inviting you to explore the fascinating nation of Kenya.
Nosy Be
Indian Ocean Cruise to the Sweet Smell of Nosy Be - Madagascar
Cruise to Nosy Be, 'the scented isle,' the largest of Madagascar's satellite islands. The powerful fragrance of ylang-ylang, patchouli and other distinctive flora fills the air, for much of the island's agriculture is devoted to plants used in the perfume industry. Beautiful beaches invite you to stretch out and relax or take a dip in their warm waters.
Port Elizabeth
Indian Ocean Cruise to Charming Port Elizabeth, Gateway to Addo Elephant National Park - South Africa
Cruise to Port Elizabeth the third largest port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. Covering the steep hills overlooking Algoa Bay, the sites of PE, as it is commonly known, includes its charming countryside, the old port, the seafront and the beaches. The main attractions lie inland, including the game reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park, the most famous and popular destination for visitors to Port Elizabeth.
Mauritius
Indian Ocean Cruise to Port Louis and go Dodo Spotting in Mauritius, you may be There a While
Cruise to Mauritius an island nation in the south-west Indian Ocean off Africa, about 900 kilometres east of Madagascar. It is famous as the only known home of the extinct giant bird, the Dodo. This serene oasis has experienced a recent boom in tourism, and areas such as Grand Bay, in the north, now teem with shops, eateries, bars and nightclubs. Aquatic enthusiasts make a beeline for the island's beaches; Grand Bay for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. La Cuvette beach or lovely Pereybere cove and south-easterly Blue Bay beach are ideal for bathing, windsurfing and sailing. Le Morne and Tamarin are popular for surfing and swimming. Flic en Flac, its white-sand beaches fringed with filaos and casuarinas, is perfect for sunbathing.
Port Victoria
Indian Ocean Cruise in to Pretty Port Victoria and Discover the Seychelles Stunning Flora and Fauna
Cruise in to Port Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, which lies on Mahé, the largest island in the chain. Explore lush tea, coconut and tropical fruit plantations and enjoy great beaches. One of the world's smallest capitals, Port Victoria is a pretty town with fine colonial Law Courts and a silver clock tower, erected in 1903 and modelled on the tower at London's Vauxhall Bridge. Visit the sensational botanical gardens – home to fruit bats, giant tortoises and a host of rare and exotic plants including the native Coco de Mer palms. At the open-air bazaar, you can buy locally-grown tea and spices, exquisite coral jewellery and intricate wood carvings. Famous for its beaches, Anse Royal is best for snorkelling, while Beau Vallon Bay is the most popular with sunbathers.
St Helena
Indian Ocean Cruise to the Remote Tropical Island of St Helena and say "Hello" to 200- Yr-Old Jonathan
Napoleon could hardly have been exiled to a more remote place than the tropical island of St. Helena. A British dependency for more than 330 years, the island is 700 miles from its nearest South Atlantic neighbour - Ascension Island. Cruise to a genuine away-from-it-all destination, where there is no shortage of places to visit, historic sites to explore and dramatic scenery to admire. In the capital, Jamestown, there is a 17th century castle and an 18th century church (St. James) which is the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere. But the best-known site is the 699-step, 180-metre-high Jacobs Ladder which was built in 1829 and now has the Jamestown Museum at its foot. You can even say "hello" to the islands oldest resident, 200-year-old Jonathan the Tortoise at the Governors residence (Plantation House) as well as visit Napoleons original tomb and his last residence, Longwood House, now a museum.
Walvis Bay
Indian Ocean Cruise to the Deep Waters of Walvis Bay and it's Fabulous Array of Bird Life - Namibia
Cruise to pretty Walvis Bay which only returned to Namibia's control in 1995, after years spent as part of the South African Union. It was a welcome return for the Namibians due it being the only deep-water harbour on their coast, and also a major fishing town and prime production area for sea salt – its 3,500 hectares of salt flats produce 400,000 tons every year. Though the town is well-endowed with restaurants, bars and shops, nature is the big attraction here; Walvis Bay's lagoon, salt flats and sand dunes are home to a fabulous array of bird life including pelicans and flamingoes. You can see the bay at its best from the top of Dune Seven – the highest in the region.
Zanzibar
Indian Ocean Cruise to the Exotic Island of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lying in the warm waters off the coast of Tanzania is the exotic island of Zanzibar. The mere mention of this spot conjures up images of intrigue and mystery. Zanzibar's history is whispered on the tropical breezes that cool the island. They tell of the slave trade which flourished here, and of a building called the ``House of Wonders.' They tell of a time when Christian missionaries lived and worked under difficult conditions.





















