We find it difficult to imagine a more perfect way to escape the British winter than to enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Island Sky as she undertakes exactly the type of itinerary that suits her best. Join us in the tropics as we journey from the islands and atolls of the Indian Ocean to India’s Malabar Coast.
Our journey to Mumbai first allows us to explore the idyllic islands of the Seychelles and Maldives, two of the world’s most pristine and picturesque archipelagos. Using our purpose built Zodiac landing craft, we will land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, witness the magnificent bird and marine life, explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter some extraordinarily beautiful tropical scenery. Our small ship, the MS Island Sky is the perfect means of discovering the region, allowing us to enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquillity of the islands, after all, it would be disappointing to find yourself in the company of hundreds on what was a deserted beach or whilst exploring remote atolls.
Contrasting well with this natural world exploration, our itinerary then takes a more cultural focus as we reach the Indian state of Kerala. Our first port of call is Cochin, an ancient city of islands which has for centuries attracted traders and adventurers from Europe and the far Orient and from here we can explore the serene ‘backwaters’, a network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Continuing west, we spend two days in the beautiful and serene Lakshadweep Islands with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the atoll’s shallow waters abundant with marine life and corals. Finally, we will spend time in Goa with its interesting blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures and Mumbai, the perfect city in which to observe the colourful day to day life and the general hubbub of India.
This unusual itinerary will appeal to those looking for something different, incorporating explorations of the natural world with a more expedition focus, followed by a fascinating look at southern India. With the MS Island Sky as our base and travelling with just over 100 fellow passengers and our expert onboard team, we can enjoy great food, good company and a convivial atmosphere.
- Inner Seychelles Exploration: Discover the diverse wildlife of Aride, the hawksbill turtle nesting sites on Curieuse, and the unique palm forests of Praslin's 'Vallee de Mai.'
- Maldives Adventure: Experience the stunning atolls, lagoons, and coral reefs of the Maldives with guided walking tours and snorkelling excursions led by the expedition team.
- Mumbai's Heritage: Explore Mumbai's iconic landmarks, including the Gateway of India and Mani Bhavan, or visit the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Island caves with their ancient temples and sculptures.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky for embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail the short distance to our overnight anchorage.
Spend two days exploring the islands of the Inner Seychelles group. We hope to include time on Aride which is one of the finest and most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. Over one million seabirds breed on the island including tropical shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate birds and roseate tern in addition to five species unique to the Seychelles such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin. The island is largely covered in native woodland, including the endemic Wright’s gardenia, a shrub with beautifully scented flowers found nowhere else in the world. See Curieuse, a rugged island which was once home to a leper colony and now houses an eco-museum and visitor centre. The island is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles and boasts endemic vine and mangroves which we explore on an island walk. Maybe relax on Grande Soeur, an idyllic uninhabited island. Walk the island trails which link the white sand beaches and perhaps catch sight of some of the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises or take a swim in the turquoise waters. Our last call in the Seychelles will be at Praslin where we explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the last remnant of the original high canopied Seychelles palm forest and home to the coco de mer. We will walk its paths looking out for the rare black parrot and enjoying its natural beauty. This evening we will clear custom formalities as we start our journey to the Maldives.
Relax on board, enjoying our time at sea sailing between the islands of the Seychelles and the Maldives. Watch out for the bird and marine life and listen to the intriguing talks by our expedition team. We are assured of warm weather so make the most of the fresh air and enjoy all the comforts of the MS Island Sky.
We spend four days exploring the whole archipelago. This vast area of ocean is scattered with staggeringly beautiful dots of land surrounded by a cerulean sea. It offers some of the finest lagoons, beaches and coral reefs in the world. Our day to day schedule will be left in the capable hands of the Captain and Expedition Leader and we hope to include visits to a number of atolls as we sail from the southern islands to the north. Our expedition team will be on hand to lead guided walking tours to explore the birds and wildlife on land whilst our Snorkel Master will take us to some stunning reefs to view the wonderful coral and marine life.
Our lecture programme continues as we make our way across the Laccadive Sea to India.
Our first call in India is Cochin, an extraordinary city with strong influences of Portuguese, Chinese, Arab, Dutch and British cultures still much in evidence today. From our berth you can choose to visit the serene Kerala backwaters at Alleppey where we will board a local boat for a cruise past colonial warehouses and coconut thatched houses. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland of Kerala and the port towns along the coast. Even today, traditional barges, or kettuvallams, haul coconut, pepper, rice and other goods along the waterways. Alternatively stay in Cochin to explore the diverse mix of cultures and religions that together, with its strong trading past in spices and silks, make for a fascinating city. Discover Mattancherry Palace with its ornately decorated rooms including some marvellous ancient murals and also see the oldest European church in India, St Francis, and the ruins of the fort.
Situated about 200 miles east of Cochin, the idyllic Lakshadweep archipelago comprise the smallest Union Territory of India, totalling just 11 square miles of land. Stunning lagoons, colourful birds, profuse marine flora and fauna, swaying palms and pristine beaches make these an island paradise. During our day and a half here we will stroll along lovely, unspoiled beaches and explore the underwater realm. Weather and tide conditions will determine our course but we hope to land for walks as well as explore the clear waters that surround these pristine islands which are perfect for swimming and witnessing the colourful hard and soft corals which teem with many marine species.
In the 15th century Goa was the largest trading centre on India’s west coast and when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century they planned to set up a colony to seize control of the spice trade. Goa remained a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Whilst famous for her beautiful beaches Goa also offers wonderful architecture with a mixture of Hindu and Catholic styles, unique history, rich culture and pretty natural scenery. Arriving over lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Old Goa with its fine Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Neo-Classical Church of St Cajetan. Afterwards choose to return to the ship or continue to a spice plantation where the cultivation of cardamom, chilli, cloves and coriander can be seen. We will enjoy the smells and tastes whilst we learn about their uses in Indian life.
Relax on board as we make our way to our final destination of Mumbai.
This morning we sail into Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the ‘Koli’ fisherman, who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. Mumbai was derived from ‘Mumba’ the name of the Hindu goddess ‘Mumbadevi’ and ‘Aai’ – mother in the local Marathi language. First ceded to the Portuguese, the British Government took possession of the islands in 1665 before leasing them to the East India Company who founded the port and saw the city grow in size and importance. Choose to explore the city and see the prominent landmarks visiting the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934 and Dhobi Ghat where we can observe the vast open air Indian laundry. Alternatively, travel to Gharapuri Island, better known as Elephanta Island and view the remarkable caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This labyrinth of cave temples features courtyards, shrines, remarkable statues and vibrant sculptures that date from the 5th to 7th century AD. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
