Your Ultimate Guide to Cruising the Indian Ocean & East Africa

Modern travellers to the Indian Ocean therefore find remnants of these ancient trade routes and the influences of so many different nations. In addition, they can visit remote islands boasting indigenous wildlife, spectacular scenery and marine landscapes of ethereal beauty, making East Africa and the Indian Ocean a magical destination to explore by ship.

In recent years, the classic approach to the region, sailing from the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea and beyond has obviously become unsafe, which has resulted in ships repositioning around the Horn.

Itineraries take you to remote islands, paradise beaches and bustling coastal towns, and because of the distances involved, you will probably also find you have several days at sea to learn more about the region with expert lecturers on board, and to relax and enjoy the comfortable ship you have chosen.

Nearby Mauritius is a tropical paradise boasting a range of top name hotels, gloriously located on beautiful beaches alongside luxuriant vegetation to create a picture perfect setting for a total R&R break. Settlers cultivated a range of products here including sugar, indigo, cloves, nutmeg and other spices. The island was ceded to Britain in 1810, and whilst the French influence is still strong, this is a multicultural nation, primarily Indo-Mauritian and Creole.

From the beaches of Mauritius to those of the Seychelles, the marine life in this region is extraordinary. The Seychelles archipelago is comprised of over 115 islands, and whilst visitors may fly into the biggest, Mahé, they are likely to explore further afield. Amazing granite boulders, verdant growth, pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear seas combine with unique flora and fauna make this a very special region to explore.

Some ships will explore the coastal settlements of Tanzania and Kenya, in particular Zanzibar and Mombasa, with plenty of Portuguese influence. These ports serve as the gateway to the great National Parks such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, or the vast plains of the Serengeti. For those embarking or disembarking here, there are so many options, from exclusive safaris to the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or go gorilla trekking.

Depending on the geo-political situation at the time, travellers by ship may have the opportunity to visit the Persian Gulf, calling at Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the gentle nomadic lifestyle and extraordinary desert scenery contrasts with the most cutting-edge modern architecture including soaring skyscrapers, spectacular buildings of glass and steel and amazing man-made islands.

Just a short hop from here and you are in Mumbai, the gateway to India. Formerly known as Bombay, this amazing city amazes you with its lavish Victorian edifices housing the railway station, the museum and the university, whilst in contrast you might visit a peaceful Jain Temple, an ancient sacred cistern, or the bustling outdoor laundry which amazes all who see it. From here you can fly to Delhi for a magical Golden Triangle tour including magical Agra and the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, or even a hunt for tigers in Ranthambore National Park.

To the south of India, you will find the teardrop island of Sri Lanka, rich in culture, or for total relaxation the magical atolls of the Maldives, a perfect honeymooners paradise.