Asia: Thailand & Seychelles from Port Louis, Cruise

Day 1 - Port Louis, Mauritius

Arrive: Fri 20 December 2024

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.

Day 2 - Port Louis, Mauritius

Depart: Sat 21 December 2024

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Nosy Be, Madagascar

Arrive: Mon 23 December 2024 / Depart: Mon 23 December 2024

Immerse yourself in Madasgascar's largest and most popular destination, Nosy Be. This "Big Island" off the northwest coast is famous for its natural splendor and Ylang Ylang trees that make up a major part of the local economy. Spend the day hanging out with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve. Indulge in local cuisine like the diverse and delectable variations of Laoka. Then brave the highest peak on the island at Mont Lokobe or relax on the beaches of Befotaka Bay.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Port Victoria, Seychelles

Arrive: Wed 25 December 2024 / Depart: Wed 25 December 2024

Take a sabbatical in the Seychelles capital of Victoria. Located on Mahé Island in the Indian Ocean, it's famous for its exports of vanilla and coconut oil. Take a stroll through the Seychelle National Botanical Gardens full of flora, fauna and fruit bats. Stop by the Selwyn-Clarke Market for some street shopping. Try some local Ladob, a dish that can be served either sweet or savory. Then settle in for some sun at Beau Vallon Beach or visit the Navasakthi Vinayagar hindu temple.

Day 7 - La Digue, Seychelles

Arrive: Thu 26 December 2024 / Depart: Thu 26 December 2024

La Digue is an island in the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. It’s known for its beaches, like Anse Source d’Argent, dotted with granite boulders, on the west coast. To the south, isolated Anse Bonnet Carré Beach, with calm, shallow water, is accessible only on foot, as is Anse Cocos Beach, in a protected bay on the east coast. La Digue’s diverse wildlife can be seen in the Veuve Nature Reserve.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Male

Arrive: Sun 29 December 2024

Malé, the capital of the island nation of Maldives, is known for its colourful buildings and being one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Visit the Malé Friday Mosque, built in 1658, to experience its ornate architecture. Scuba dive among the many atolls that surround the capital. Stop at the many restaurants and shops along Majeedhee Magu. The harbour houses a fish and produce market where visitors can taste the daily catch or try the local fruit.

Day 11 - Male

Depart: Mon 30 December 2024

Malé, the capital of the island nation of Maldives, is known for its colourful buildings and being one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Visit the Malé Friday Mosque, built in 1658, to experience its ornate architecture. Scuba dive among the many atolls that surround the capital. Stop at the many restaurants and shops along Majeedhee Magu. The harbour houses a fish and produce market where visitors can taste the daily catch or try the local fruit.

Day 12 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Arrive: Tue 31 December 2024 / Depart: Tue 31 December 2024

Sri Lanka's capital offers a wildly contrasting mix of beautiful mansions, gardens and boutiques and wonderfully frenetic roads and street markets. Explore the museums and temples or head to Galle Face Green for a cricket match. If the pace of the city becomes too much, enjoy high tea overlooking the Indian Ocean. Check off your entire gift list with a visit to the Pettah bazaar district for everything imaginable. Just make room in your luggage, or find a new suitcase at the bazaar.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Phuket

Arrive: Fri 03 January 2025 / Depart: Fri 03 January 2025

Experience the many facets of Phuket, from its gorgeous beaches, to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning Buddhist temples. Wat Chalong with its lovely pagoda, and Wat Phra Thong, revered for its huge golden Buddha statue, are must-sees. Explore the breathtaking Phang Nga National Park, made famous by the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. If it is shopping you seek, bright silks, teak carvings and trinkets will satisfy many a shopping list.

Day 16 - Penang

Arrive: Sat 04 January 2025 / Depart: Sat 04 January 2025

Known as "The Pearl of the Orient," this island's rainforest and waterfall-clad mountains form the backdrop to its beautiful, sandy beaches. The capital's George Town Historic District, a wonderful mix of elaborate colonial homes, Chinese heritage buildings and temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sprawling Kek Lok Si Temple, with a 100-foot pagoda and gardens, overlooks George Town, and is a great spot for photos. Penang's abundant street eats will tempt foodies.

Day 17 - Kuala Lumpur

Arrive: Sun 05 January 2025 / Depart: Sun 05 January 2025

The diverse capital of Malaysia blends colonial, Islamic and modern architecture, from the soaring Petronas Towers to the beautiful Masjid Jamek, once Kuala Lumpur's main mosque. Get a bird's eye view of the city from the open-air observation deck of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the highest point in the city open to the public. Head to the air-conditioned Central Market to browse its stalls and shops for all kinds of souvenirs, with no bargaining necessary.

Day 18 - Singapore

Arrive: Mon 06 January 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 06 January 2025

Explore a compact, fascinating city-state that's truly global. A onetime British trading post, its diverse past is reflected everywhere, from its old Chinese quarter and colourful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers and common language, English. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River or a pedicab ride through town, or enjoy the quiet at the National Orchid Garden. Interested in Asian medicine? A special medicinal restaurant can prescribe just the menu to help you feel your best.