South Africa & Madagascar to Mauritius Cruise with NCL
13 nights
07 Dec 24 to 20 Dec 24
Book by 14 Nov 24
Experience the natural splendour and wildlife of Africa and Madagascar, while immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures and traditions. Explore the wonders of Lokobe Natural Reserve, in Nosy Be, where you'll encounter a variety of species such as lemurs and chameleons. During your overnight stay in Port Louis, delve deeper into the region's enchanting beauty and allure. Embark on a scenic tour along the "Tea Route" exploring the fascinating tea trade history, complete with tastings and visits to 19th century plantation houses, or simply lounge around while taking in picture perfect sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Includes
13 nights accommodation on board the Norwegian Sky in an inside cabin
NCL’s Freestyle Dining in many restaurants and Freestyle entertainment in various bars and lounges
Port charges and government fees
Beverage package
Speciality Dining package - 3 meals per person (applicable to guest 1&2)
150 min Wi-Fi package per person
Excursion discount per tour per stateroom (applicable to guest 1)
Excludes
Compulsory daily gratuities of USD20 per person per day, can be pre paid
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Highlights
13 Night cruise on board Norwegian Sky
More At Sea Upgrade incl.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town and surrounding regions are regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The city is a rare cultural gem resulting from the amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.
The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula.
Cape Town boasts a multitude of entertainment, ranging from outdoor activities and adventures in the sun to a roaring night life under neon signs. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes haggling with shopholders at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as breezing through sophisticated and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of restaurants reflects the multicultured history of the Cape and caters for everyone's taste, from fast-food outlets and casual to the chic to the very elegant.
Day 2: Mossel Bay, South Africa
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, beautiful Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route. This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat.
In 1601 the Dutch navigator, Paulus van Caerden, named it Mossel Bay, as he found that mussels were a most welcome addition to the diet of his crew. Today, mussels gathered in Mossel Bay each spring are rated by gourmets among the finest in the world.
Mossel Bay is traditionally regarded as the gateway to the Garden Route and is famed for being the spot where the first European set foot in South Africa. The Portuguese explorer, Bartholomew Dias, came ashore here seeking water after battling a fearsome storm at sea in 1488. The town now commemorates this event with the Bartholomew Dias Museum complex in Market Street, which houses a Maritime Museum and a life-sized replica of the caravel in which Dias sailed.
Cruises are available from the small harbour to view seals, whales and dolphins, and shark cage-diving adventures. The nearby village of Albertinia sports the only Aloe factory in South Africa, and visitors can call in to sample medicinal and skincare products made from this indigenous plant.
Day 3: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
Port Elizabeth is located on the Indian Ocean about halfway between Cape Town and Durban. The city is beautifully set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, making Port Elizabeth a Mecca for all beach and watersport activities. Across the bay is the wonderful Addo Elephant National Park. In and around the city there are scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a warm sunny climate.
Port Elizabeth has a famous oceanarium on the seafront, colourful Edwardian architecture, and a fort, Ft. Frederick, from which no shot was ever fired. The old library, City Hall and Market Square are worth a visit , and there are several other interesting buildings.
South of the city are good beaches, such as King’s Beach and Humewood Beach. The latter features the Apple Express, one of the few remaining narrow-gauge steam trains, which runs on occasion from Humewood to Thornhill.
Day 4: Durban, South Africa
Durban is South Africa's third-biggest city and reflects a mix of cultures, including a large Indian community and a new influx of Africans from countries to the north. Indians were brought out to KwaZuli-Natal in the 1860's as indentured slaves to what was then the Colony of Natal. They have stayed and with them they brought their culinary delights and a variety of spices can be found in this city. In Durban's Victoria Market there are many hawkers selling fine spices.
Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West creating a wealth of influences to entertain and enthrall with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire walkers and colonial heritage.
Traditionally Durban was well known for its conservatism when it came to the erection of public buildings,yet in the 1930's the city threw off this mantle and embraced a new Art Deco. Numerous buildings, especially residential high rises, were erected in this new design. In many ways the art work on the Art Deco Buildings reflect a particular Durban identity with a strong emphasis on the city's maritime background.
Day 5: Richards Bay, South Africa
Situated on KwaZulu-Natal's fertile south coast, Richards Bay started out as a holiday town and has developed into a major port. It is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze river and its potential as a great natural harbour were confirmed in 1897 after a detailed survey was carried out.
Originally, the lagoon provided a home for a vast population of aquatic birds, attracted to the area by a rich supply of fish. Crocodiles, sharks and hippos frequented the lagoon, as did hunters and fisherman in search of trophies.
The town of Richards Bay was laid out on the elevated northern slope of the lagoon, overlooking a fine stretch of water. Today Richards Bay is a thriving industrial port with the surrounding areas offering game reserves, exotic vegetation and native villages providing the real attraction.
Day 7: At Sea
Explore life on board Norwegian Sky.
Day 9: Nosy Be, Madagascar
A small island off the coast of Madagascar, Nosy Bé is known as “the island of perfumes.” Rich in scents of Ylang Ylang, frangipani, coffee, cocoa and vanilla, the breezes that waft over the island’s tropical parks and volcanic lakes will lull you into sleepy contentment.
The beaches of this temperate island are unparalleled with their long stretches of undisturbed pearl-white sand.
Take time to meet the island’s most sociable resident: the lemurs, in their natural lemur reserve.
Nosy Be is a centre for local craft in particular the famous Madagascar tablecloths Other excellent buys include basket ware and semi precious stones.
Day 10: Antsiranana, Madagascar
A portal to the north of Madagascar, Antsiranana, previously known as Diego Suarez, embodies both vibrancy and tranquility. Locals typically indulge in siestas from noon to 3 pm, leading to a temporary quieting of the usually lively streets, with shops and eateries taking a brief break. Nevertheless, even during this time, one can marvel at the city's architectural gems and natural wonders. Despite enduring numerous cyclones throughout its history, remnants of exquisite French-style buildings stand as poignant reminders of the past. Beyond the urban confines lie pristine beaches and lush forests awaiting exploration. Madagascar stands out as one of Africa's most ecologically diverse regions—keep your eyes peeled for its unique wildlife!
Day 11: At Sea
Explore life on board Norwegian Sky.
Day 12: Pointe Des Galets, Reunion
Pointe des Galets, Réunion, captivates with its abundant rainforests and pristine beaches hugging vibrant coral reefs. Situated in the Indian Ocean, this island is a French department, famed for its iconic Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano standing at 8,635 ft. Beyond trekking the Bélouve Forest or lounging on l'Hermitage beach, explore attractions like the Aquarium of Réunion or the historic Jardin de l'Etat, a botanical garden established in 1773.
Day 13: Port Louis, Mauritius
Capital and main port of Mauritius, Port Louis was founded by the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. The harbour lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains.
The town has plenty of character, and shows off its past elegance. Off the Place d'Armes main square, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially the Government House (eighteenth century) and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same time. There are two Cathedrals, Anglican and Catholic, a Mosque, a Chinese Casino, a fine Supreme Court, some 18th century Barracks, and a Natural History Museum.
The Central Market is one of Port Louis most memorable attractions. The restaurants in Port Louis and throughout Mauritius are quite diverse and the new Caudan Waterfront is considered by many to be the main tourist attraction in Port Louis. It has become the hub of the city with plenty of trendy shops, cinemas, restaurants and a casino.
The Chinese quarter has plenty of little restaurants and food stalls on the street corners. It's probably the most colourful part of the city with its remedy shops and spice sellers. You'll also find the island's most beautiful mosque in this area. The Jummah Mosque was built in 1853 and has some fabulous teak doors and decorations, but it is only open to visitors at certain times.
Day 14: Port Louis, Mauritius
Disembark.
Ship info
Norwegian Sky
The Norwegian Sky cruise ship is a remarkable vessel, renowned for its outstanding features, comfortable accommodations, and its diverse array of exciting destinations. Measuring 848 feet in length and having a capacity for over 2,000 passengers, it offers an exceptional cruise experience with something for every traveler. One of the most prominent features of the Norwegian Sky is its fantastic dining options.
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. All savings mentioned has already been applied to advertised price and refers to total savings per cabin, not per person. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. High season supplements and block out dates may apply. *More at Sea™ (MAS) Upgrade charge is per person, mandatory for all guests of applicable age in the same stateroom, varies based on sail length and is subject to mandatory consumer protection law. Additional costs apply for onboard service charges and/or optional package selections. Daily service charges of USD20.00 per person per day (Club Balcony Suite and below) are NOT included in advertised price, and can be pre-paid, applicable to ALL guests in cabin (guest 1,2,3,4). The MAS Upgrade of $199 per person is based on cruises of 3-4 days and rises by cruise duration. For example, $299 per person for cruises of 7-8 days, $349 per person for cruises of 9-10 days, and more. Offer is applicable to all stateroom categories except IX, OX, BX and MX (Sail Away Categories). MAS Upgrade charge applies to guests 1-8 sharing the same stateroom, and upgrade packages varies by guest and are mandatory to all guests in the same stateroom. The MAS Upgrade packages include Premium Beverage Package (More at Sea™ Beverage Package) consisting of a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines, draft beer, juice and soda. Age restrictions apply to drinks package. Speciality Dining Package is applicable to guests 1 and 2 on the reservation. Internet (Wi-Fi) package is applicable to guests 1-8 in the same stateroom and usage is limited to number of minutes. Guest 1 receives a non-transferable $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit per tour. Guests 3 and 4 sharing the same stateroom as guests 1 and 2 pay taxes only on select sailings instead of applicable cruise fare when guests 1 and 2 on same booking pay applicable full cruise fare. On this basis, guests 3 and 4 will receive the More at Sea Beverage and Internet (Wi-Fi) Packages as part of their MAS Upgrade charge. Offer is non-transferable, non-refundable (subject to mandatory consumer protection law), has no monetary value and cannot be substituted. Other terms, limits, conditions, and exclusions apply to all MAS offers. The offer and its combinability are subject to change at any time prior to booking. Limits, conditions, restrictions, and exclusions apply. Anything consumed above the promotional benefit will be the responsibility of the guest at prevailing rates. EFT payments only to qualify for this offer. Can be withdrawn or amended without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Offer is subject to availability; however, offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. Airport to port and port to airport transfers are not included. Visas are not included. Flight credit offer: Flight credit can only be utilised once full payment has been received. EFT payments only to qualify for flight credit offer. Flight credit mentioned is per cabin, and not per person. Further terms & conditions may apply. Offer can be withdrawn or amended without prior notice. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.
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