Christmas & New Year in the Indian Ocean
Celebrate the festive season surrounded by the warmth & beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the MS Serenissima
- 21 December 2019
Celebrate Christmas and start the New Year with a voyage aboard the MS Serenissima in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, discovering some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth. Our two week journey combines some fascinating and exotic calls in Tanzania with stunning islands in the Seychelles along with the natural wonders of Madagascar. We know the region well having operated vessels there for the past twenty five years and if ever there was a region perfect for expedition cruising it is here, a timeless world of wonders both below and above the water. Our itinerary is perfectly suited to the MS Serenissima, her small size allowing us access to isolated ports and islands that are off limits to large cruise ships, and with our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we can reach the unreachable, landing on remote beaches, walking through verdant rainforest and national parks and getting close to some unique flora and fauna. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by our expert crew and officers who, along with our expedition team of marine biologists, ornithologists and botanists have many years of experience in the Indian Ocean.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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What To Expect…
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from recent ship logs to provide you with an understanding of what you can expect from such an expedition:
Kilwa Kisiwani - Dhows sailed past us as we waited for clearance and for the scouting party to check everything out. There on the shore was the old fort, still guarding the beach as it had done for half a millennium, with down landing at its foot, as they had done for equally as long. After an early lunch we headed ashore. It seemed that half the children from the village were there to greet us. We were certainly the best entertainment they had had for a while. At the head of the pier were the drummers and singers and dancers. Although the welcome had been arranged for us, the party started several hours before we arrived and looked like continuing for many hours after we left! Our guides led us on our exploration of this ancient trading post. The paths wandered through the village, past houses and goats, dhows unloading cargo among the mangroves, and the ever-present children. We were greeted by dignified men in skullcaps and kanzus returning from Friday prayers and by shy women dressed in bright robes. It was clear we were welcome here. The old fort, first built by the Portuguese, then modified by the Omanis, was impressive. We entered through the iron studded gate, a new one, installed when the gateway was restored. Standing on the broken walls, it was easy to appreciate how this fort could dominate the channel, forcing all passing vessels to come in and pay their taxes. The Great Mosque, dating from the 11th century, was elegant in its simplicity. The rows of columns, arches and domes invited photographs and admiration. Part of the outside wall was covered in the roots of a huge ficus tree, blending wood and stone in a natural sculpture. Further on we came to the small mosque, the palace and after a walk across a salt pan we came to the tombs of the sultans and the great baobab tree that has stood guard over them for centuries. All in all, Kilwa offered something for everyone. For the historians there was plenty of material in this ancient town. For the birders… well there was plenty there! There were sunbirds and cuckoos, kingfishers and coucals. Unseen, but not unheard, the fish eagle cried, the true sound of Africa. Butterflies were equally abundant, ranging from tiny blues to giant mocker swallowtails. Hot, sweaty, thirsty and tired we made our way back to the boats. The drums were still drumming, the dancers gyrating. We had the feeling that that party would continue well into the night.
Cosmoledo - At first light the scout boat set out to the west to search for potential snorkel sites. Within minutes we had spinner dolphins bowriding, but no time to indulge in any cetacean elation as we had a mission, and to return in time for breakfast. The Special Booby Squad set off first with Guy to the far western end of Ile du Sud. Here, in a sheltered bay they could step ashore at the best masked booby colony in the Seychelles: birds everywhere, and these immaculate black and white birds swooping low overhead or sitting tight on the ground on two pure white eggs. Brown boobies were also present, which means we have seen all three species of the Indian Ocean boobies, and, even more remarkably, at their breeding colonies: these seabirds are among the most threatened, slaughtered in huge numbers by passing ships in previous centuries. And to add the mundane to the miracle, there were rabbit tracks along the beach, a species introduced years ago as a future food source for passing mariners. The rest of us set off into the main passage, landing on a mile-long coral sand beach on the inner shore of Wizard Island. Perfect turquoise waters in which to swim, the sun rising in a perfectly clear sky, and to add that little touch of genius, a Zodiac came ashore with kitchen crew, their striped parasol and a cold box containing three different flavours of ice cream! Would Darwin have ever gone home if the Beagle had been as perfectly equipped as our maritime palace? Some walked the length of the beach for exercise, others fell asleep in the shade of beach crest bushes, the energetic castaways explored inland and found two new birds: the Madagascar cisticola and Abbott’s sunbird, the latter gorging on nectar in the high heads of flowering sisal bushes. A view from the high dunes showed turtles mating at sea and numerous turtle nest mounds on the outer shore. Just yards from where we had landed, a hawksbill turtle must have come up early this morning, leaving its tracks up the beach, a hummocky area where it laid eggs above the high tide mark, and fresh tracks back down to the sea. The colours of the lagoon, as seen from the beach were an unforgettable series of intense pastel hues: bright chalky blue high with swirls of cirrus, a milky blue below that, coming down through vivid pale indigo at the horizon. Then a clean horizontal band of the creamy coral strand, and below this, pure turquoise water over the sand bar before us.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Dar es Salaam.
Arrive today and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail tonight.
Day 3 - Zanzibar.
Here the colourful harbour will be crowded with dhows, very much setting the scene for our visit to the Arab style city with its long narrow streets, bazaars, houses with overhanging balconies and intricately carved doorways. Out of town there are magnificent brilliant white sandy beaches and lush vegetation with plantations of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg which fill the air with heady aromas. On a morning tour, soak up the timeless atmosphere of Stone Town including Livingstone House, Sultan’s Palace, the slave market and the old Fort. The afternoon is free to relax and explore independently or join a tour to a spice farm to experience the various fruits and spices cultivated on the island where you will find everything from jackfruit to coconuts, turmeric and vanilla to lipstick trees. Alternatively, you may choose to join a tour to the Jozani Forest which sustains a variety of wildlife and birds, including the rare Red Colobus Monkey, indigenous to the island.
Day 4 - Kilwa Kisiwani.
Our last call in Tanzania will be at Kilwa Kisiwani, a site of exceptional historical interest, whose atmospheric ruins represent a wide sweep of East African coastal history, from the heights of the Swahili and Shirazi trading civilisation, to the darker days of slavery and the uprisings against German rule. Once one of Africa’s wealthiest towns, Kilwa Kisiwani is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains the world’s most extensive and best-preserved Swahili ruins. After a morning at sea we have an afternoon walking tour we will see the prominent fort and the Great Mosque which stood at the heart of the ancient city and was once the largest in East Africa. Return to the ship for dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 5 - At Sea.
Enjoy Christmas Day sailing across to the Seychelles. Our lecture programme will continue in the lounge or you may prefer to spend some time on deck. Tonight we enjoy Christmas dinner on board.
Days 6 to 8 - Aldabra Islands, Seychelles.
We have three days to enjoy the Aldabra group of islands and our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible we will hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles are once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on a nature walk or snorkelling. We also hope to reach Cosmoledo where a huge ring of twelve islands circle a lagoon. Many of the atolls are still to be surveyed and we will explore some of them by Zodiac. This is an important bird area with all three species of booby found in the Seychelles including the last breeding site for the brown booby. Also spot sooty terns and great frigate birds. We may also spot the green turtles, skinks and the Madagascar banded lizard. We will also spend time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature’s treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is unique and every time we call at what is believed to be the world’s largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have been made of the extremely rare white throated rail and the atoll is also home to the world’s second largest colony of frigate birds and to the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant land tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the tortoises and numerous robber crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters.
Day 9 - Farquhar Islands.
After a morning at sea we will anchor off Farquhar over lunch where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the sparkling lagoon of this remote atoll ringed island of coconut and casuarina trees. The island is a haven for many species of migratory birds providing us with a delightful afternoon of bird watching or snorkelling. Here we will also find the single administrator of the island who is kept busy by also being the boat master, storekeeper, accountant, postmaster, doctor, policeman and sometimes priest. Return to the ship as we clear customs formalities and make our way to Madagascar.
Day 10 - Diego Suarez, Madagascar.
This morning we will enter dramatic Diego Suarez, a stunning natural harbour with a cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Comorans and Arabs. Choose from a city tour visiting the Commonwealth Cemetery and Place Joffre, or a tour to Le Domaine de Fontenay from where we will discover the primary forest, home to lemurs, and a great variety of orchids, most of which are endemic to the Diego Suarez region. Alternatively visit the Malagasy Rain Forest at the Mount Amber National Park. Dividing into short and long walk parties we will go in search of lemurs and chameleons as we explore the rain forest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot several species of lemurs and chameleons as well as endemic birds, including parrots.
Days 11 & 12 - Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe.
We see in the New Year with a day and a half in Antongil Bay. Here we find Madagascar’s largest protected area, the Masoala National Park which comprises coastal rainforest, flooded forests and marsh and mangroves. Mammal species encountered include the red-ruffed lemur, the red-fronted brown lemur and the ring tailed mongoose. The park is also home to various species of brightly coloured Mantella frogs and all manner of extraordinary chameleons. Masoala is also a refuge of the endangered Madagascar red-owl and Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. We will run a series of walks for all levels during the day whilst you also have the option to swim off the beach or perhaps visit the local village. Also visit Nosy Mangabe, a 520 hectare island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rain forest in Madagascar which has also been an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and lemurs were released into the forest. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the beach next to the forest and organise a series of nature walks looking at the varied trees, plants and ferns and also hope to spot chameleon, lizards and black and white ruffed lemur. For the birders we will keep an eye out for Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher and paradise flycatchers.
Day 13 - At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
Day 14 - Reunion.
We arrive at breakfast in Reunion where we have a choice of excursions. On a full day tour we will visit the central highlands where spectacularly rugged peaks of dormant or extinct volcanoes cradle huge amphitheatres known as cirques, where mountains tower to over 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls plummet hundreds of feet. The rich soil and mellow climate produce a lush and verdant landscape which is dotted with villages and towns with a uniquely French atmosphere. Fields of sugar cane and plantations of tropical fruits, vanilla and all manner of spices perfume the air. We will enjoy views from the Nez des Bouefs and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. After enjoying a creole lunch in a local restaurant we will visit the “Cite du Volcan” museum. Alternatively enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in St Andre where we learn about the history and culture of this integral part of Reunion’s heritage. We will also enjoy some free time in St Denis before returning to the MS Serenissima for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 15 - Mauritius to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 16 - London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 21 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £7295 | |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £7495 | |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £7695 | |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £7995 | |
| 6 Junior Suite | £8095 | |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £8795 | |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £9295 | |
| 10 Standard Single | £7295 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE211219
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 13 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Expedition Team • Shore Excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
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For your comfort
For your comfort
There are so few ships of this generation still cruising and MS Serenissima is a great testament to her present and previous owners that they have seen fit to invest considerable sums over the years to keep her in top form and complying with the stringent health and safety requirements. There is a doctor onboard and during your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the bridge.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and she is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her on top form. At the end of 2018 she underwent a refurbishment which included both of the lounges. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features is her unique style.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018
Registered: St Vincent and GrenadinesAIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE
Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all staterooms feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins/suites, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701 – 704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony.
Facilities include: • Air conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning) • Dressing table with chair or stool • En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) • Hairdryer • Mini Bar (Serenissima Suites only) • Balcony (Serenissima Suites only) • Robe and slippers • Safe • Flat screen television • Telephone (charges apply) • Wardrobe • Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by Email: cruise@msserenissima.com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject).
The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication:
Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge.
Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine.
DISABLED FACILITIES
The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director will provide you with disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a Welcome and Farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events, for example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
FIELD STAFF
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia Cruise Director/Expedition Leader and an experienced team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please be on time for the organised excursions, so as not to keep others waiting. If you do not wish to participate in an excursion, please let your Cruise Director know.
GOING ASHORE INDEPENDENTLY
When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitizers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
LANGUAGE
All members of the crew speak English.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 0900. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service onboard.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MASSAGE
Please contact reception (charges apply for massages).
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros,British Pounds or US Dollars) • Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) • Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa) Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
As a result of Russian ownership, please note that credit/debit card payments will be charged in Russian Rubles. The debited amount shown on your bank/building society statement in British Pounds will be based on the relevant exchange rates on the day of the transaction. You may need to make your bank/building society aware that your card payment will be authorised ‘in Russia’ so that payment is not declined, and also to ascertain if any additional charges will be applied. Unfortunately, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service onboard, as this would be contravening official regulations.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore.
POST
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can the ship be held liable for such occurrences.
PUBLIC AREAS
• Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 09.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX
During our excursions, we use a whisper system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Beware of petty crime and pickpockets whilst ashore. A money belt worn underneath clothing is useful. Do not take all your money with you when out sightseeing. We advise utmost caution at popular tourist spots. Please do not leave any luggage unattended at any time.
SAFETY AND LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SEA SICKNESS
As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon weather, season, etc. It is recommended that you bring anti-motion sickness medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. Please consult your Doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or local pharmacist regarding which medication is appropriate and its side effects. To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or lying down with their eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help. SHOP The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOILETS
The ship is fitted with a sensitive vacuum system. Please do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
We recommend that you do not drink the tap water in your cabin. The tap water in your cabin is not potable. Complimentary bottles of mineral water will be placed in your cabin daily and near reception before an excursion.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
Please Note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.5 May 2019
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What To Expect…
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from recent ship logs to provide you with an understanding of what you can expect from such an expedition:
Kilwa Kisiwani - Dhows sailed past us as we waited for clearance and for the scouting party to check everything out. There on the shore was the old fort, still guarding the beach as it had done for half a millennium, with down landing at its foot, as they had done for equally as long. After an early lunch we headed ashore. It seemed that half the children from the village were there to greet us. We were certainly the best entertainment they had had for a while. At the head of the pier were the drummers and singers and dancers. Although the welcome had been arranged for us, the party started several hours before we arrived and looked like continuing for many hours after we left! Our guides led us on our exploration of this ancient trading post. The paths wandered through the village, past houses and goats, dhows unloading cargo among the mangroves, and the ever-present children. We were greeted by dignified men in skullcaps and kanzus returning from Friday prayers and by shy women dressed in bright robes. It was clear we were welcome here. The old fort, first built by the Portuguese, then modified by the Omanis, was impressive. We entered through the iron studded gate, a new one, installed when the gateway was restored. Standing on the broken walls, it was easy to appreciate how this fort could dominate the channel, forcing all passing vessels to come in and pay their taxes. The Great Mosque, dating from the 11th century, was elegant in its simplicity. The rows of columns, arches and domes invited photographs and admiration. Part of the outside wall was covered in the roots of a huge ficus tree, blending wood and stone in a natural sculpture. Further on we came to the small mosque, the palace and after a walk across a salt pan we came to the tombs of the sultans and the great baobab tree that has stood guard over them for centuries. All in all, Kilwa offered something for everyone. For the historians there was plenty of material in this ancient town. For the birders… well there was plenty there! There were sunbirds and cuckoos, kingfishers and coucals. Unseen, but not unheard, the fish eagle cried, the true sound of Africa. Butterflies were equally abundant, ranging from tiny blues to giant mocker swallowtails. Hot, sweaty, thirsty and tired we made our way back to the boats. The drums were still drumming, the dancers gyrating. We had the feeling that that party would continue well into the night.
Cosmoledo - At first light the scout boat set out to the west to search for potential snorkel sites. Within minutes we had spinner dolphins bowriding, but no time to indulge in any cetacean elation as we had a mission, and to return in time for breakfast. The Special Booby Squad set off first with Guy to the far western end of Ile du Sud. Here, in a sheltered bay they could step ashore at the best masked booby colony in the Seychelles: birds everywhere, and these immaculate black and white birds swooping low overhead or sitting tight on the ground on two pure white eggs. Brown boobies were also present, which means we have seen all three species of the Indian Ocean boobies, and, even more remarkably, at their breeding colonies: these seabirds are among the most threatened, slaughtered in huge numbers by passing ships in previous centuries. And to add the mundane to the miracle, there were rabbit tracks along the beach, a species introduced years ago as a future food source for passing mariners. The rest of us set off into the main passage, landing on a mile-long coral sand beach on the inner shore of Wizard Island. Perfect turquoise waters in which to swim, the sun rising in a perfectly clear sky, and to add that little touch of genius, a Zodiac came ashore with kitchen crew, their striped parasol and a cold box containing three different flavours of ice cream! Would Darwin have ever gone home if the Beagle had been as perfectly equipped as our maritime palace? Some walked the length of the beach for exercise, others fell asleep in the shade of beach crest bushes, the energetic castaways explored inland and found two new birds: the Madagascar cisticola and Abbott’s sunbird, the latter gorging on nectar in the high heads of flowering sisal bushes. A view from the high dunes showed turtles mating at sea and numerous turtle nest mounds on the outer shore. Just yards from where we had landed, a hawksbill turtle must have come up early this morning, leaving its tracks up the beach, a hummocky area where it laid eggs above the high tide mark, and fresh tracks back down to the sea. The colours of the lagoon, as seen from the beach were an unforgettable series of intense pastel hues: bright chalky blue high with swirls of cirrus, a milky blue below that, coming down through vivid pale indigo at the horizon. Then a clean horizontal band of the creamy coral strand, and below this, pure turquoise water over the sand bar before us.
Tour Extensions
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17th to 22nd December 2019
The Selous Game Reserve is home to over 1,000,000 large animals and over half of Tanzania’s elephant population and one of the major attractions is the mighty Rufiji river, with one of the largest crocodile and hippo populations in Africa. The river has also formed several large lakes on its northern bank, navigable by boat, Siwandu Camp is situated on one of these lakes, sheltered in a grove of one of Selous’ many beautiful palm forests. Our stay coincides with the perfect season for bird and plant lovers, flowers will be in abundance and the deciduous trees are starting new growth. It is also the main reproductive time of year so a good time for seeing young animals.
Giraffe, Selous Game Reserve
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Dar es Salaam. Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Dar es Salaam. Arrive today and transfer to the Serena Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Dar es Salaam to Selous. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our 45 minute scheduled flight to Mtemere Airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival transfer to the Siwandu Camp and this afternoon enjoy your first game experience with a boat safari on the Rufiji River or on a nearby lake looking for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. This evening enjoy dinner at the camp.
Days 4 & 5 Siwandu Camp, Selous Game Reserve. Enjoy two full days in the reserve with included game drives each day. Maybe enjoy a full day game viewing with a picnic lunch or a half day walking safari through the bush with a ranger. Alternatively join another boat safari or simply relax in your tent. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the camp.
Day 6 Selous Game Reserve to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and a final safari option before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam where we transfer to MS Serenissima.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
17 to 22 December 2019 Category Price Twin £3295 Single £4195 PRICE INCLUDES: Overnight accommodation in Dar es Salaam on a bed and breakfast basis • Three nights at Siwandu Camp on a full board basis • Internal flights between Dar es Salaam and Selous Game Reserve • All soft drinks, tea & coffee and non-premium alcoholic drinks • Selous National Park entry and permit fees • Excursions at the camp • Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Tanzania visa.
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Extend your stay in Mauritius after your cruise with our three night extension at the Tamassa Resort (or similar).
Chamarel falls
The Itinerary
Day 1 Mauritius. Disembark the MS Serenissima and join an island tour including the Trou-aux-Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake and Black River Gorges. After lunch we will make a visit to one of the island’s rum distilleries to learn about production techniques and to have a taste. Check in to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is in the hotel this evening.
Days 2 & 3 Mauritius. Enjoy time at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or make independent arrangements to explore the island. Dinner will be provided at the hotel each evening.
Day 4 Mauritius to London. Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 5 London. Arrive this morning.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
4 to 8 January 2020 Category Price Twin £1295 Single £2195 PRICE INCLUDES: Three night hotel accommodation at the Tamassa Resort (or similar) with breakfast • Half day island tour • Lunch on day 1 • All dinners • Gratuities • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000