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Home , Alphonse Group, Amirante Islands, Assumption Island, Farquhar Group, Picard Island, Providence Atoll

Stepping Stones A voyage from South to the including magnificent aboard the MS Island Sky 30th January to 13th February 2016 Mozambique Island Exploring by Zodiac

Giant Tortoise

Amirante Islands Mahe SEYCHELLES The Itinerary Alphonse Day 1 London to Richards Bay, Fund. These pristine islands feature Aldabra South Africa. Fly by scheduled flight tranquil beaches, translucent Assumption Providence Island via Johannesburg. turquoise waterways, a varied Quirimbas Anjouan population of birds and a rich Archipelago Day 2 Richards Bay, South Africa. marine life. Dolphins and over 2000 Mozambique Arrive this afternoon and transfer to types of fish are found in the placid Island the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome waters including parrot, angel and drinks and dinner as we sail this butterfly fish. Return to the ship for MOZAMBIQUE evening. lunch and enjoy an afternoon at sea. Bazaruto Archipelago Day 3 Inhaca Island, Mozambique. Day 6 At sea. Enjoy a relaxing Inhambane Situated in Maputo Bay, we visit day as we cruise the Mozambique subtropical Inhaca Island which is Channel. Inhaca Island home to hundreds of coral species, Richards Bay fish, dolphins and up to three Day 7 Mozambique Island, hundred bird species. Today you Mozambique. Undoubtedly oin us aboard the MS Island Sky for an expedition cruise can choose to either snorkel over one of the country’s highlights, the coral reefs where we hope to Mozambique Island, a UNESCO Jthrough the bountiful islands of the Indian Ocean. Our small find scorpion fish, butterfly fish and World Heritage Site, was the ship allows us access to wonderful places denied to larger ships parrotfish or alternatively join our Portuguese capital in east Africa and with our onboard experts you can learn about and enjoy naturalists as we search for greater from the 16th to the 19th centuries. sand plovers, lesser crested tern The town’s narrow alleyways are encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely and kingfisher. lined with evocative colonial rich and timeless corner of the Indian Ocean. With our purpose buildings, some of which have built Zodiacs we will land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, Day 4 Inhambane, Mozambique. survived from the earliest days Inhambane is accessed through a of the Portuguese occupation. explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter some of deep waterway. It was an important Spend the morning exploring this the most extraordinarily beautiful tropical scenery to be found trading post for Arab merchants and atmospheric island and visit several anywhere in the world. sailors as early as the 11th century. of its landmark buildings including Vasco de Gama called here in the the Fort of Sao Sebastiao. Return to One of the many highlights of our voyage will be our call into late 15th century, paving the way the ship for lunch before we sail this for the Portuguese traders and in afternoon. Aldabra, the world’s largest coral atoll and a World Heritage the 18th century they were joined site. Totally untouched by the modern world, Aldabra has by Indian traders. The mixture of Day 8 Quirimbas Archipelago, been described by Jacques Cousteau as ‘the last unprofaned African, Arab, European, and Indian Mozambique. Our last call in sanctuary on this planet’. Being one of the most difficult places influences are still present today. We Mozambique is the Quirimbas will enjoy an afternoon to exploring National Park, one of the country’s in the world to access and a lack of fresh water has saved the town including the 200 year most biologically diverse regions. Aldabra from any tourism development. There is no landing old Cathedral of our Lady of We hope to make an expedition strip and the only viable means of reaching this untouched Conception and Governor’s Palace. stop to view extensive reef and islet complexes offering outstanding region is by ship. Be one of the few who have explored this Day 5 Bazaruto Archipelago, snorkelling amidst 400 species ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, the last breeding ground Mozambique. Spend the morning of fish whilst the coastline of of the and in addition to seeing some of these exploring the spectacular Bazaruto spectacular dunes provides nesting Archipelago, a tropical paradise and feeding grounds for turtles and endearing creatures we should encounter dolphins, turtles and of five main islands that are migratory birds. Or we may also whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, protected as a national park under visit Ibo, a former Portuguese island the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. the auspices of the World Wildlife of once-elegant palatial mansions. Quirimbas Archipelago Wild Flower, Seychelles

Robber Crab

Fairy Tern

The colony owed its wealth to crabs. Our programme ashore low tide. The coral reefs here are Post Cruise Mahe Extension 18th-century slave and ivory trading. will be determined by weather spectacular whilst the coconut The battlements of the pentagonal conditions but one thing is for palms and indigenous vegetation main fortress house renowned sure, you will not be disappointed is home to a population of blue silversmiths today. by these extraordinary islands and heron, greater frigate birds, lesser , which are arguably the most noddies and fairy terns. We we Day 9 Anjouan, Comores. pristine and untouched in the Indian will enjoy either snorkelling or Awake this morning in Nzwani, Ocean. nature walks and if conditions better known by its French name permit we hope also to sail to St of Anjouan. It is an incredibly Day 12 , Seychelles. Joseph. This is an ideal spot for picturesque island with forested After a morning at sea we arrive some beachcombing, nature walks hillsides and rivers tumbling down at the of islands. and bird watching. In the islands Before returning to London we to the sea. A morning island drive Providence Atoll consists of three lagoon there is a huge population are offering a two night optional will include some of the beauty islands Providence, St Pierre and Ile of stingrays, healthy numbers of extension on the island of Mahe. spots including Mount Ntingi with Cerf. These islands are well off the turtles and giant blue mud crabs. Our stay is based at the Fisherman’s its wild orchids. Return to the ship tourist route as a lack of fresh water There is also a large colony of Cove Resort (or similar) on a bed and for lunch and enjoy an afternoon has prevented any development of frigate birds, blue heron and breakfast basis. Over the course of cruising. hotels whilst access is only possible crested terns. two nights, enjoy the facilities of the by sea in calm conditions. We hope hotel, relax on the hotel’s beach or Days 10 & 11 to use the Zodiacs to land on one Day 15 Mahe to London. enjoy some water sports. and Aldabra, Seychelles. Our first of the islands where we may snorkel Disembark after breakfast and call in the Seychelles will be the tiny on the reefs or enjoy beachcombing transfer to the airport for our Prices per person Twin: £545 Single: £895 coral island of Assumption. Early and nature walks through the scheduled indirect flight to in the 20th century the island was coconut palms with our on board London. ruthlessly plundered for its vast naturalists. deposits of guano. Happily, peace has returned to the islands and the Day 13 Alphonse. There are three wildlife of rare birds, the endemic islands in the Prices per person Assumption island day gecko and which is located directly south of Based on double occupancy green turtles are once again in the Amirantes. As we approach abundance. We will have a chance the islands at first light you will Deck Suite Category Price to walk on the white sand beaches, understand why they are regarded Magellan Standard Forward £6795 swim in the crystal clear waters or by many to be the most beautiful Magellan Standard £7095 join our naturalists as we search for of the 115 islands in the Seychelles Columbus Superior £7295 wildlife. We will then sail the short archipelago. Beautiful white sand Marco Polo Premium £7495 distance to Aldabra where we have beaches line the edges of the Marco Polo Corner £7995 a day and a half to explore. We will forests whilst the circular lagoon Erikson Deluxe Balcony £8195 include as much as possible with our offers perfect snorkelling. On an Explorer Owner’s Balcony £8395 time on Aldabra hoping to land on island walk we hope to spot the Magellan Standard for sole use £10695 South Island or into the lagoon, a extremely rare magpie robin, Columbus Superior for sole use £10995 vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear ambling tortoises and scurrying water. From our Zodiacs we can crabs. Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 13 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner watch the ever-changing undersea- onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia Expedition Team, transfers, port taxes, world and snorkel in colourful coral Reaching Day 14 . gratuities onboard the ship and whilst on excursions. waters teeming with marine life. On the Amirantes in the morning we will Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. we will enjoy a short make a call at Poivre, a wonderfully NB. Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the walk to see some of the thousands lush island which is split in two and itinerary may change on their release. Ports and itinerary subject to change. Zodiac of tortoises and numerous robber joined by a natural causeway at landing craft will be used daily to transport passengers ashore. a memorable day. We had been Log Extracts We enjoyed an early lunch before extremely fortunate in that the We have operated many successful preparing for the next activity, a weather and tides could not have voyages in the Indian Ocean and drift snorkel for guests who felt cooperated better, and the staff’s below are extracts from past ship comfortable in deep water and knowledge and expertise had logs to provide you with an idea were confident with snorkelling made best use of the conditions of what a typical day on such a activities. The snorkellers climbed to give us a wonderful experience. voyage involves: out of the Zodiacs into the lagoon Dinner conversations that night Aldabra is and discovered that there was were dominated by the exchange no need to kick, unless someone of various experiences from the magnificent, wanted a closer look at some day. special fish or coral underwater: the the clear blue current of the water draining from Mozambique Island – 10 March the lagoon as low tide approached Ilha Moçambique was another seas abound meant that it was only necessary highlight of our journey amongst to float and look at the underwater the jewels of the Indian Ocean. with world passing by. Once at the Full of history, set in magnificent colourful life, mouth of the lagoon, Zodiacs scenery, UNESCO World-Heritage- picked us up and brought us back Site, Mozambique Island offered the skies are into the lagoon, so that we could us a voyage back in time. Three repeat the exercise. We discovered kilometre long by half a kilometre alive with Aldabra Atoll, 15 March unbelievable fish-life: a huge wide, the island developed thanks We were able to cross to the variety of fish, of many different to its superb natural harbour and varied birdlife island in the Zodiacs as the sun sizes and colours, were to be in spite of the absence of fresh was rising above the sandy beach. seen, as well as more immediately water. Mozambique Island was a and ashore The sea was extremely calm and arresting sightings of turtles, black- boat building centre, trading with giant land the morning was still and beautiful tipped sharks, various rays and Persia, Arabia and Madagascar as we made the crossing of the even a barracuda were sighted. long before the Europeans arrived tortoises reef. We landed on one of the Not only was the underwater life in the area. four main islands of the atolls, spectacular, but when we took a forage as they called Picard Island, which is the moment to raise our heads and base of the small settlement of look around us, views within the have done for fourteen permanent inhabitants lagoon were breath-taking, with and the research station. Aldabra the well-vegetated limestone millions of Atoll is 400 kilometres from the cliffs overhanging the water, and years nearest mainland, and is the only various species of bird, particularly ecosystem in the world today egrets and herons, standing still where the dominant herbivore is a on the banks or in trees nearby. reptile – the giant tortoise. It is also This proved a marvellous two-three one of the world’s largest atoll, and hours for all who participated, with has survived relatively unscathed many people agreeing that the We were driven ashore in by human activity because of experiences at Aldabra Atoll thus Zodiacs, a long ride around the its isolation, its inhospitable far were among the best nature Portuguese fort and we landed environment and the dedicated experiences ever enjoyed, without on the lee side of the island, not efforts of research scientists over doubt of the sort that would be far from the bridge that now links the past few decades; it has indeed remembered forever. it to the mainland. We spent achieved World Heritage Site the afternoon on the island, status in 1982. We had a reception exploring its museum and narrow committee on the beach, in the streets, enjoying a cold drink form of a couple of tortoises – so in one of the cafés and talking we were immediately able to to the kids playing around. The make their acquaintance! Once faded, crumbling buildings with everyone was ashore, we were their clear Portuguese style of organised into groups to go on architecture create a charming longer and shorter walks, while a centre to stroll around and few of us opted to remain in the explore, and the whole island vicinity of the research station and is like a time capsule where life the landing spot, which in itself seemed to have halted and offered good wildlife viewing everything left in state over a besides the tortoises: we could Our expedition staff and zodiac quarter of a century ago. watch large rock crabs, as well as drivers had not finished the day, The most determined of us walked various species of bird, including however. The weather and the to the north end of the island the rail, plovers, coucal and heron, tides were perfect for the final where the fort stands majestically; without moving too far at all. The excursion of the day, a Zodiac others chose the south side of swimming and snorkelling proved ride into the lagoon. Each Zodiac the island towards the church and very popular, particularly as the had unique experiences, but all cemetery. Most ventured in the morning was warming up rapidly. of us saw various birds, including little shops too. As we returned to Various smaller species of fish numerous red-footed boobies, the ship, humpback dolphins were could be seen, but what proved and sea life at very close quarters. playing in the water and followed most exciting was numbers of When the drivers switched off the wakes of the zodiacs. Lots of black-finned sharks, as well as one engines, the sense of peace was little dhows were around, fishing, or two lemon sharks (larger than overwhelming, the silence broken trading and ferrying people to their black-finned cousins). Towards only by bird cries and calls, or and back from the island. We felt the end of the morning, some by fish occasionally breaking the we had plunged in history this rays also made their appearance. surface of the water. The last afternoon, at the crossroads of What a privileged introduction to zodiacs returned to the Island many influences and interests. Aldabra Atoll we had had! Sky at dusk, bringing to an end MS Island Sky

The much loved MS Island Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 114, 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.

nboard there is a high ratio dinner, informative port briefings of crew to passengers. and presentations from our Our friendly crew of 75 expedition team and of course Oare mainly Filipino and Eastern good food which may be enjoyed European and our Scandinavian leisurely in the attractive dining captains are experienced mariners, room, all contribute to making any having been in service aboard voyage aboard the MS Island Sky large 2000 plus passenger vessels a memorable experience. After a and who now prefer a less frantic day ashore you will return to the Premium suite Library life aboard a small ship. If, like comfort and peace of a well run them and us, you prefer a more and exceedingly comfortable ship. peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect Your Space ship. When choosing the vessel The spacious and finely decorated for your next voyage of discovery, public rooms include a large lounge you can select a ship with endless where daily briefings and talks will entertainment and impersonal be provided throughout the voyage service or come with us where and an elegant bar where a pianist peace, high quality service and plays periodically throughout the attention to detail are the order of day. The onboard library is the the day. perfect place to relax with a book. Daily newspapers and magazines are There will be no organised placed in the library depending on entertainment, fancy dress, deck local availability. Outside there is a games or any of the usual big ship rear sun deck, a bar and comfortable experiences. The atmosphere deck furniture for sun bathing or onboard is more akin to a private relaxing with a book. On the top yacht or country hotel. A little deck there is a forward looking Lounge music in the lounge or bar after observation platform and sun deck. Restaurant

Dining on deck

Deluxe Balcony

Explorer Deck Deck Plan Balconies Your Dining OOwnerwner’s’s BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess 603 601 Another benefit of a small ship is over five decks and all suites Explorer Deck the quality of the cuisine. With only have outside views. Each affords Erikson Deck Jacuzzi Marco Polo Deck LIFT Hair dresser STAIRS & Beauty one sitting and a maximum of just considerable comfort with en-suite ColumbusCenter Deck604 602 OOwnerwner’s’s BalBalconycony SuiteSuitess over 100 passengers, the galley is bathroom featuring marble-topped Magellan Deck Balconies able to provide delicious meals. vanity unit with sink and walk-in Erikson Deck Where possible and when it meets shower, large wardrobes, dressing Balconies Explorer Deck Balconies his high standards, the chef will table with large mirror and stool DDeluxeeluxe BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess Radio Chart Hotel room room Buffet Pantry Owner’s Balcony Suites managerOwner´s ’s Balcony511 Suites 509 507 505 Office r office obtain local produce in markets and excellent storage. There is a STAIRS 603 601 Bridge Lido Open or buy the catch of the day from a mini-fridge, flat screen television Deck Deck Hair dresser STAIRS LIFSTT AIRS LIFT & Beauty Chief Captain Center 604 602 Engineer passing fishing boat. In the main with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a OwOwnerner’s’s BBalconyalcony512 SuiteSuitess 510 508 506 DDeluxeeluxe B Balconyalcony SSuiteuites

Balconies elegant dining room, breakfast is telephone in each suite. Bottled Balconies

served buffet-style, with certain water, Molton Brown toiletries, EriksonMarco DeckPolo Deck Balconies

Promenade deck DelDeluxeuxe BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart items cooked to order and lunch towelling dressing gowns and room room Buffet Pantry Hotel manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite office Staff STAIRS Cabin Bridge and dinner is à la carte. When slippers are also provided for your Lido Open Deck 427 425 423 421 Deck419 417 415

The STAIRS LIFT weather permits, breakfast and a comfort. Other facilities include Chief Captain Club 512 510 508 506 Engineer DelDeluxeuxe Balc Balconyony SSuiteuites buffet-style lunch are also served a programmable electronic safe, Library STAIRS LIFT Staff Balconies Coffee Cabin 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 on deck. To enhance your dining hairdryer, assorted toiletries and Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Marco Polo Deck Promenade deck Promenade deck experience even further a selection air-conditioning and heating. Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Staff Columbus Deck Cabin of wines are included with lunch and 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 PromenadeThe deck Club Cruise dinner. Afternoon tea is served in Cruise Director Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Library STAIRS LIFT office Staff Coffee Cabin 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 the lounge and tea and coffee are Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Promenade deck Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms available 24 hours. Hall Reception Columbus Deck STAIRS LIFT STAIRS Promenade deck Cruise 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Cruise Director SuperiorPurse Suiter’s s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s Superior Suites office Office Your Suite Promenade deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms Onboard there are 57 Hall Magellan Deck Reception STAIRS LIFT exceptionally spacious and well This cruise visits out of the STAIRS 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Purser’s Standard Suites Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior SuitesHospital Promenade deck designed suites. All feature a way destinations. You will be Galley 261 259 257 255 Doctor sitting room area and some have accompanied by an expedition Magellan Deck Restaurant Standard Suites Hospital private balconies. The feeling team and landings ashore will often Galley Doctor STAIRS LIFT 261 259 257 255 Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites of luxury is enhanced by the be made by Zodiac landing craft. Standard Suites Standard Suites Restaurant (forward) wood panelling and brass, which Cruises such as this will appeal to STAIRS LIFT Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites predominates throughout the the more adventurous and those Standard Suites Standard Suites (forward) vessel conveying the atmosphere who enjoy the natural world. of a private yacht. The passenger StandardStandar Suitesd Suites (For (Forwarward) d) PremiumPremium Suite sSuites Single SDeluxeuites Balcony Suites accommodation is arranged StandardStandaStandar Suited SuitesSuitess (Forward) PrDeluxeemiumPremiumsingleStandardw) arCornerd S uBalcony iteSuites SuitesSuites Suites (For SuiteS s DeluxeCorner Balcony SuitesOwner’s Suites Balcony Suites Standard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCorner Suites SuitesBalcony Suite Suite Owners Balcony Suites SuperiorSuperior Suite Suitess Owners Balcony Suite s Superior Suites OwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite

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All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Giant Tortoise and MS Island Sky in background. 090115_K