Duration
20 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
12 Ports
28 December
Setting sail from Dubai
For some Dubai, the most famous of the United Arab Emirates, is the ultimate glamorous holiday destination. Amazing high rise buildings, extensive air-conditioned shopping malls, and extraordinary man-made tourist attractions (such as indoor ski-slopes) abound. Some of the most glitzy and expensive hotels in the world can be found here, so for shopping, sunshine and fun for all the family, this is a great choice. For others, this is a cultural desert as barren as the sands which surround it. But if you search hard you will find the old souk-like centre around Dubai Creek - take a traditional dhow and you will begin to understand the magic of Arabia.
Our tip
For an amazing spectacle, go at night to the observation deck on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
29 December
Oman: Khasab
Khasab is the main town on the Musandam Peninsula, a rugged region of fjords and mountains that is sometimes known as the ‘Norway of the Middle East’. Dolphins can often be spotted off the coast, along with the pretty local dhow boats, while on land you can take a jeep safari and visit the 17th century Portuguese fort.
30 December
United Arab Emirates: Fujairah
The port of Fujairah is an important transit point for the oil that has made the Emirates so rich, though the skyline is nothing like as impressive as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Points of interest include an impressive fort and a handful of markets, but this is unlikely to be the most exciting stop on your itinerary.
31 December
Oman: Muscat
Oman’s capital is low-rise and laid back, a far cry from the towering bling of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Take a stroll along the waterfront Corniche promenade, soak up the sun on one of the excellent beaches, or explore the mosques and forts of the atmospheric old quarter.
1-4 January
At sea
5 January
Seychelles: Praslin Island
The island of Praslin is home to some of the Seychelles’ top attractions, including the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest where you’ll see the rare coco de mer, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been compared to the Garden of Eden.
6 January
Seychelles: Mahé
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles, home to the diminutive capital, Victoria, and 90% of the country’s population. It’s the quintessential tropical paradise, a sun-drenched landscape of granite mountains, lush jungle and heavenly white sand beaches.
7-8 January
At sea
9 January
Kenya: Mombasa
Mombasa is a vibrant and colourful city of contrasts, and the gateway to some of the extraordinary national parks of East Africa, as well as being an appealing beach destination with some beautiful hotels.
10 January
Tanzania: Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar evokes images of sultans and spice traders, an island of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters criss-crossed by dhows. It’s also a great place for spotting wildlife, including dolphins, antelope and the rare red colobus monkey.
11 January
Tanzania: Dar es Salaam
Once just a sleepy fishing village, Dar es Salaam has mushroomed into one of the busiest ports in Africa. The rich history of Tanzania is reflected in a mixture of Arab, Indian, African and German architecture, and the National Museum contains the famous fossils of early humans found by Louis and Mary Leakey in the Olduvai Gorge in 1959.
12 January
At sea
13 January
Madagascar: Nosy Be
The island of Nosy Be, just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, remains a laid back locale in spite of its popularity as a tourist destination. The beaches are the main attraction for most visitors, along with the colourful chameleons and tiny frogs hiding in the Lokobe wildlife reserve.
14 January
Madagascar: Antsiranana
Antsiranana, sometimes known by its old name of Diego Suarez, sits at the northern tip of Madagascar on a beautiful natural bay. It’s a pleasant city with pretty colonial architecture, and worthwhile day trips include the lush Montagne d’Ambre National Park and the red laterite rock formations of Tsingy Rouge Park.
15 January
At sea
16-17 January
Arriving in Port Louis
The lovely island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is striking in the contrasts between its mountainous backdrop and beautiful white sand beaches. The capital Port Louis, on the northwest coast, dates back to 1735 and is a busy administrative centre, packed with office workers during the day. Interesting as it is, visitors arriving in Port Louis may well choose to travel immediately to other areas of the island, as it boasts many excellent hotels. Although English is the official language, French is more widely spoken and most Mauritians will also speak Creole in relaxed settings.
Don't miss
The Aapravasi Ghat Immigration Depot, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical depot welcomed over half a million immigrants in the late 19th century and has an extraordinary history.
Your home from home
What we love
Capacity | 698 Guests |
---|---|
Crew | 447 International Staff |
Style |
Regent Seven Seas offers luxury without pretensions - not too dressy, and with lots of focus on the itineraries. So - with their excellent all-inclusive offer - you might get off the ship without having to pay a single further penny! |
Inclusions |
Upgrade to the Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare for an additional cost which includes flights and transfers. |
Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Dubai
So many to choose from! Our current Mundy preference is Al Qasr at the Madinat Jumeirah.
Private tours from Dubai
Head out into the desert for the lush valley of Wadi Hatta and Hatta Village, then travel by four wheel drive across the dunes.
Where to stay in Mauritius
We wouldn’t stay in Port Louis itself - go a little way up the coast to the Angsana Balaclava on Turtle Bay.
Mauritius excursions
Explore Port Louis’s markets with a private guide, visit Fort Adelaide, the National Botanical garden and the Sugar Estate and museum.