MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Seychelles - Idyllic Island in the Indian Ocean - Dubai to Port Louis 
MS Europa - November 7-25, 2012

They are among the dream destinations on our planet - the Seychelles with their bright white beaches fringed by palm trees and a pleasant tranquillity. Madagascar is home to the famous lemurs: little proboscis monkeys with rather large eyes. And Mauritius is simply considered the epitome of paradise. On board, an up-and-coming generation of singers from the best opera houses in the world prove to have magnificent voices. Add to this a hint of Oriental flair - and wonderful days are perfect.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: Vallée de Mai National Park*
• Arabian flair: Teatime at Emirates Palace* and Grand Mosque in
  Muscat*
• Stella Maris - International Vocal Competition on board (classical
  music)
• Tales from 1,001 Nights - Oriental fairytales on board
• The secrets of the Orient: spice workshop on board
• Biologist Brigitte Fugger on board
• New port of call: Grand Baie/Mauritius

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Dubai/United Arab Emirates
Desert safaris and falconry, camel riding and archery - travel to Dubai a little earlier and experience the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort with our pre-cruise programme*.
Abu Dhabi/United Arab Emirates
A futuristic skyline and a life between tradition and modernity await you on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The impressive Emirates Palace Hotel* where you will experience a stylish teatime seems to have emerged from 1,001 Nights. At the falcons' hospital*, you have the opportunity to encounter a highly appreciated status symbol of the sheiks - this is where the sophisticated and precious birds are treated.

Khasab/Musandam/Oman
At the Strait of Hormuz, the Musandam peninsula with its deep fjords juts into the sea - an impressive panorama you will be able to admire during a relaxing dhow trip*. The little fort of Khasab* dates back to the time of Portuguese rule. In the past, it was used for defence purposes. Today, you will enjoy the beautiful view from up here.

Muscat/Oman
The sultan's palace is a distinctive feature of the harbour bay, and in the old district Mutthra, the hustle and bustle at the souk exudes an Oriental flair - experience the capital city of Oman. The magnificent Grand Mosque in Muscat was a gift given by the sultan to his people to mark his 30th anniversary as the country's ruler. The colourful rock formations of the Wadi Dayqah* are the highlight of your all-terrain vehicle tour to the hinterland.

Praslin/Seychelles
Off the east coast of Africa, around 115 idyllic islands jut out of the ocean: the Seychelles. On the picturesque granite island Praslin , even the coconuts outgrow themselves - Vallée de Mai National Park* is home to the "coco de mer". The "queen of palm trees" grows to heights of up to 30 m and her seeds weigh up to 12 kg.

La Digue/Seychelles
White sandy beaches, mighty granite rocks and blue lagoons: welcome to La Digue. Here, ox carts serve as taxis, enabling you to explore the enchanting little island on your own. You could ask to be taken to Source d'Argent, for instance - one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Curieuse/Seychelles
A small, uninhabited paradise for snorkelling and swimming - experience a time of relaxation in the picturesque bays of Curieuse.

Victoria/Mahe/Seychelles
From the former seat of the British colonial government, your travels will take you to the lush landscape in the south of Mahe*. En route, you will be charmed by the scent of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg at the spice garden Jardin du Roi. The dense forests and remote bays of the island reveal their full glory from a bird's eye view - on the occasion of a helicopter flight* over the island

Desroches/Seychelles
The heavenly white beach fringes the entire isle, lined with the dense green of the tropical vegetation. The only coral island of the Amirantes which can be accessed by visitors will fulfil all your dreams - a tranquil, idyllic island of the Seychelles that augurs wonderful hours of sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling.

Mamoudzou/Mayotte/Comores/France
Between Madagascar and Africa lie "El Komr", the little Islands of the Moon which Africans, Madagascans, Persians and Arabians have left their mark on. Ile Mayotte* is a French overseas territory. Distinctive Mount Choungui, an old diatreme you will have a fantastic view of from the pass, towers in the air in the south of the island. Enjoy fascinating views across the east coast during the hike to the Dziani crater lake*.

Nosy Be/Madagascar
For millions of years, Madagascar lay isolated in the Indian Ocean. This allowed for unique animal and plant species to develop on the fourth largest island in the world. Primary tropical rainforest grows to impressive heights at the Lokobe Nature Reserve*. There, gigantic up to 40 m high trees provide the habitat of many birds and the extraordinary lemurs. Proboscis monkeys are also at home on the little island Nosy Kombo*, which you will reach by boat. A walk across the island provides you with the opportunity to gather insights into the day-to-day life of the inhabitants and get to know the local flora and fauna.

Antsiranana/Madagascar
The former "Diego Suarez" lies in a gorgeous bay and tells of bygone days with its old colonial buildings. In the beautiful nature park of Domaine de Fontenay*, you will be delighted by the sight of the waterfalls and orchids during a walk. With a bit of luck, you will also see some of the lemurs and chameleons that live here.

Port Louis/Mauritius
Following one last overnight stay on board, you will embark on your return journey. Those who would like to experience Mauritius - Dream Island in the Indian Ocean a little longer will enjoy the post-cruise programme*.

5% early booking discount if booked before April 10, 2012! ²