Mauritius boasts not only some of the finest beaches in the Indian Ocean, but also enchanting mountain landscapes and a rich and harmonious blend of cultures. The capital, Port Louis, is considered the quintessential multicultural city with its five Hindu, Islamic, Christian, Chinese and Creole districts.

Today you will have the morning to further explore Port Louis. The city has many shopping opportunities which range from lively little street markets to a large shopping area on the seafront with fashionable boutiques. Visit the Blue Penny Museum, the Natural History Museum which exhibits a reproduction of a dodo, and Fort Adelaide, which offers splendid views of the city.

Cruising the Indian Ocean

The Seychelles are considered among the most beautiful islands in the world due to their picture-postcard white beaches and stunning underwater scenery, and also for beautiful landscapes characterised by exotic flora and spectacular mountains.

You will have time to further explore Mahe. The island is home to various bird species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Mahe is covered with dense and lush tropical vegetation, including coconut palms, banana plants, mango and breadfruit trees, and boasts many pure white sandy beaches. Victoria is largely a new city on the island. Its town centre has a National History Museum and Botanical gardens, including an enclosure of giant tortoises and a precious orchid garden.

Cruising the Indian Ocean

Nosy Be is a charming tropical island covered with palm trees and is Madagascar's leading tourist destination. It boasts breathtaking beaches, lush vegetation, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. The most interesting area is undoubtedly the old town near the port, while the Nosy Be Museum is also worth a mention and displays exhibits that belonged to local tribes.

Diego Suarez is built around a bay and has a mixture of modern and colonial aspects. Just 19km to the outskirts of the city you will find a sugarloaf (much like the one in Rio de Janeiro) with a beautiful view of the sea and baobabs that are on the other tip of the bay.

Cruising the Indian Ocean

The port of Toamasina (Tamatave) is Madagascar's most important gateway to the Indian Ocean and to the world. It has wide palm tree lined avenues with good shops and restaurants, and colourful street markets.

Cruising the Indian Ocean

St Denis city centre is home to a fine botanical garden and the National History Museum, where visitors can find out more about indigenous animal species, most of which are now extinct. The varied attractions of the city also include two museums of modern contemporary art and several places of worship, including the handsome church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Deliverance, whose principal attraction is the statue of Saint Expedit, permanently bedecked with red flowers and ribbons.

The ship arrives back in Port Louis this morning where you will disembark before being transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or, why not extend your stay in Mauritius with a stay at a beach resort? Please contact us for availability and pricing.