MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Encounters - The Soul of India - Rangoon to Dubai
MS Europa -  March 23 - April 6, 2012

A symbol of eternal love made of marble, a megametropolis between colonial architecture, Shiva and Bollywood or gorgeous beaches: India will fascinate you in a number of ways, captivating you with the sight of the Taj Mahal, life in Mumbai and the tranquillity of small Andaman Islands. On board, you can activate your body's self-healing powers with the traditional art of healing ayurveda. Finally, a modern fairytale from 1,001 Nights provides the setting of our leave-taking - experience Dubai and the desert.

Highlights of this cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the Taj Mahal* and the
  Red Fort in Agra* as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus*
• Visit to the SOS children's village in Cochin*
• Indian night on board
• "Sari and silk“ – workshop on board

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

Rangoon/Burma (Myanmar)
Experience the fascination of Burma with our pre-cruise programme*. After you have embarked on the EUROPA and spent your first night on board, the former capital city* awaits you with cultural treasures such as the royal barge, the reclining Buddha of the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and the national emblem, the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Its huge marble platform is a place of meditation and of amazement at the magnificent stupa, many small temples and countless statues of Buddha. Alternatively, you can enjoy the tranquillity of rural Burma* and stroll across a local market.

Port Blair/South Andaman Island/Andaman Islands/India
From the largest town on the Andaman Islands, you will set out on a boat trip to little Ross Island*. This was where the British colonial masters were based until 1942. However, nature has long since taken command again and impressively overgrown the ruins

Havelock Island/Andaman Islands/India
An idyllic little island with snow-white beaches and colourful coral reefs is your refuge for some wonderful hours ashore. Snorkelling in the crystal-clear water, swimming, squinting at the sun - feel free to do sweet nothing.

Neill Island/Andaman Islands/India
Early in the morning, the EUROPA sets sail for the next island paradise. Let the Zodiacs take you to the beach and enjoy a very relaxing morning.

Cochin/India
With the famous Chinese fishing nets in sight, the EUROPA reaches the second largest city of the state of Kerala, and you can gather further experiences in India until the following evening. In the historic district of Cochin, for instance, you will come across the oldest European church on Indian soil: St. Francis Church with the tombstone of Vasco da Gama. Mattancherry Palace was presented to the then Raja by the Portuguese in the 16th century - a gift that earned them generous trade privileges. The Dutch later enhanced the pretty palace and also rebuilt the synagogue in Cochin. Or would you like to admire a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture in the interior of the country? In that case, why not fly to Delhi and visit the fairytale-like Taj Mahal* in Agra. The mausoleum made of marble was built by Shah Jahan as a monument of eternal love for his deceased favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mughal emperor also converted the nearby Red Fort into a magnificent fortress. The tall red sandstone walls provide shelter for imposing palaces, mosques and gardens - a legacy of the times when the Mughal emperors resided here.

Mumbai (Bombay)/India
Awake off the coast of the megametropolis Mumbai and go ashore to experience the fascination of Lakshmi, Ganesha and countless images of other Gods or the sacred cows in the city. On your city tour*, legacies of the British colonial era such as the Gateway of India or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - formerly Victoria Terminus - as well as the sight of Dhobi Ghat, the huge public washers' area, await you. By the way, the construction of the legendary Taj Mahal Hotel was commissioned by the Parsi industrialist Jamshedji Tata. After being refused access to an exquiste hotel, he simply opened his own luxury hotel in 1903.

Dubai/United Arab Emirates
Towards the end of your cruise, the boomtown will impress you with breathtaking skyscrapers and a romantic experience: enjoy dinner in a desert camp* as well as a speedy jeep ride through the dunes. Following an overnight stay on board, exciting days come to an end. Unless, of course, you take some time to join our post-cruise programme* and relax beside your private pool at the Al Maha Desert Resort.