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Splendours of the

An island hopping expedition cruise through the Seychelles aboard the MS Caledonian Sky 18th to 29th November 2020

e find it difficult to imagine a more perfect way to escape the British winter than to SEYCHELLES , , enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the MS Caledonian Sky as Aride & Curieuse Wshe undertakes exactly the type of itinerary which suits her many talents best. In the depth Mahe of winter at home, you can join our all-suite vessel for an exploration of the islands and Island atolls of the Seychelles, one of the world’s most pristine and picturesque archipelagos and a Group Alphonse Islands veritable feast of beauty, the natural world and island culture. Farquhar Islands Our expedition focuses on the remote Outer Seychelles, tiny untouched islands and atolls of the Amirante Islands, Farquhar, Aldabra and Alphonse Groups. These minute dots on an atlas are truly magical places. For many the greatest highlight will be our visit to Aldabra, the world’s largest coral atoll and the last breeding ground of the giant tortoise and in addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures you should also encounter dolphins, turtles and whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. Totally untouched by the modern world, Aldabra was described by Jacques Cousteau as ‘the last unprofaned sanctuary on this planet’. It is one of the most difficult places on earth to access and a lack of fresh water has saved Aldabra from any tourism development. There is no landing strip and the only viable means of reaching this and other Outer Seychelles islands is with an expedition vessel such as the MS Caledonian Sky. With our fleet of Zodiac landing craft we will be able to access wonderful places denied to larger ships and accompanied by our onboard experts you can learn of the marvellous flora and fauna during nature walks along the island trails, experience the underwater world when swimming or snorkelling and discover the sparkling lagoons from the Zodiacs.

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Mahe, Day 3 Mahe. Spend the morning endemic plants which include the explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the Seychelles. Fly by scheduled at leisure enjoying the hotel world famous coco de mer palms. last remnant of the original high indirect flight. facilities, relaxing or exploring Transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky canopied Seychelles palm forest independently before we check in the late afternoon and enjoy and home to the coco de mer. We Day 2 Mahe. Arrive this morning and out of our hotel. After lunch we welcome drinks and dinner as we will walk its paths looking out for transfer to Le Meridien Fisherman’s will make our way to Victoria, sail the short distance to Praslin for the rare black parrot and enjoying Cove (or similar) for an overnight one of the world’s tiniest capitals our overnight anchorage. its natural beauty. Return to the MS stay. The remainder of the day is where we visit the market and the Caledonian Sky for lunch as we at leisure to acclimatise before we Botanical Gardens, home of the Day 4 Praslin & Grande Soeur. This sail the short distance to Grande meet for dinner this evening. giant land tortoises, fruit bats and morning we will land on Praslin to Soeur, an idyllic uninhabited island. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Frigate bird Aldabra Island

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Exploring by Zodiac

Spend the afternoon walking the and casuarina trees. Hawksbill are still to be surveyed and we will world and snorkel in colourful coral island trails which link the island’s and green sea turtles come to explore some of them by Zodiac. waters. white sand beaches and maybe the islands to nest and several of This is an important bird area with catch sight of some of the giant the ’s islands are all three species of booby found Day 9 At Sea. Enjoy a relaxing day Aldabra tortoises or enjoy our Important Bird and Biodiversity in the Seychelles including the last at sea as we head back to the Inner first snorkelling opportunity in the Areas. We will spend the morning breeding site for the brown booby. Seychelles islands. Our lecture turquoise waters. either snorkelling over the coral Also spot sooty terns and great programme will continue or maybe reef or exploring the island’s past frigate birds. Additionally we will find a spot on deck. Day 5 Amirante Islands. Arrive over wandering around the settlement spend time on Aldabra, the island breakfast at the 28 islands in the which once housed a thriving copra referred to by Sir Julian Huxley Day 10 Alphonse Islands. There are Amirante Group of islands which and fishing industry. Return to the as “One of nature’s treasures and three islands in the were discovered by Vasco de Gama MS Caledonian Sky for lunch as we should belong to the whole world”. which is located directly south of in 1501 and are considered to be continue our journey through the Aldabra is unique and every time the Amirantes. As we approach some of the most pristine and Outer Seychelles islands. we call at what is believed to the islands in the early morning, untouched islands in the world. If be the world’s largest atoll, we you will understand why they are conditions permit, we will spend Clownfish find something new of interest. regarded by many to be the most the morning on Desroches, the Sightings have been made of the beautiful of the 115 islands in the largest of the islands, although still extremely rare white throated rail Seychelles archipelago. On the only measuring six kilometres by and the atoll is also home to the main island the circular lagoon 1.5 kilometres. Enjoy nature walks world’s second largest colony of offers good snorkelling and there with our naturalists and the island’s frigate birds and to the largest are several tracks across the island conservation team observing the crab, the coconut crab. Whilst to enjoy island walks. Spend the flora and fauna and in particular exploring by Zodiac it is difficult morning exploring before returning the giant tortoises and nesting to know in which direction to look. to the MS Caledonian Sky for lunch turtles. Whilst keen snorkellers will The clear blue seas abound with and an afternoon cruising. have the chance to swim over the Days 7 & 8 Aldabra Island Group. life, the skies are alive with varied outlying coral. Return to the ship We have two days at the Aldabra birdlife and ashore giant land Day 11 Aride & Curieuse. We for lunch and a relaxing afternoon group of islands. Our itinerary will tortoises forage as they have done will use our Zodiacs to land on at sea. be in the hands of our Expedition for millions of years. We hope to Aride, one of the finest and most Leader and Captain who will explore with a short important seabird islands in the Day 6 Farquhar Islands. This monitor the local conditions to walk to see some of the thousands Indian Ocean. Over one million morning we will arrive at the ensure we maximise our time here. of tortoises and numerous robber seabirds breed on the island Farquhar group of islands. We will Whilst our itinerary is flexible, we crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast including tropical shearwater, use our Zodiacs to explore the will hope to reach 17 mile stretch of shallow clear lesser noddy, frigate birds and sparkling lagoon of this remote where a huge ring of twelve islands water. From our Zodiacs we can roseate tern in addition to five atoll ringed island of coconut circle a lagoon. Many of the atolls watch the ever-changing undersea species unique to the Seychelles Coconut crab

Fairy tern

such as the Seychelles warbler nesting site for hawksbill turtles and Seychelles magpie robin. The and boasts endemic vine and Pre-Cruise Mahe Extension island is largely covered in native mangroves which we explore on 16th to 19th November 2020 woodland including the endemic an island walk. This evening we Wright’s gardenia, a shrub with will return to Mahe and moor beautifully scented flowers found overnight. Mahe If you would like to spend nowhere else in the world. We some time in the Seychelles will sail over lunch to Curieuse, Day 12 Mahe to London. before embarking the a rugged island which was once Disembark this morning and MS Caledonian Sky we are home to a leper colony and now transfer to the airport for our offering a two night pre- houses an eco-museum and visitor scheduled indirect flight to cruise extension staying at Le centre. The island is an important London. Arrive this afternoon. Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Hotel which overlooks Beau Vallon, the largest and most popular beach on Mahe. Prices per person Based on double occupancy

SPECIAL OFFER – Save £500 per person The Itinerary for a limited time only Day 1 London to Mahe, Seychelles. Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price Days 2 & 3 Mahe. Arrive this morning and transfer to Le Meridien Castle Standard £6995 £6495 Fisherman’s Cove for a two night stay. You time is free to enjoy the hotel Caledonian Superior £7195 £6695 facilities, relax on the beach or explore independently. Promenade Premium £7395 £6895 Bridge Deluxe Balcony £8395 £7895 Day 4 Mahe. Your fellow travellers arrive today and we follow the main Promenade Premium Balcony £8595 £8095 itinerary from Day 2. Promenade Owners Corner Suite with balcony £9795 £9295 Castle Standard for sole use £8695 £8195 Caledonian Superior for sole use £8895 £8395 Prices per person Based on double occupancy Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel Twin: £795 Single: £1395 accommodation in Mahe with breakfast • Dinner on Day 2 • Nine nights aboard MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Mahe with breakfast, drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers. expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 ms caledonian sky

Deluxe Balcony Suite On Deck The Restaurant

The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three 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 Caledonian Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

Your Suite Your Dining On board there are 57 exceptionally With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the spacious and well designed suites. The cuisine on board the MS Caledonian Sky is of a consistent superior quality passenger accommodation is arranged that befits such a vessel. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on over four decks and all suites have board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements outside views. All feature a sitting area and choice of restaurants at your leisure; whether that be joining a table and some have private balconies. Each of four to six other passengers in the elegant à la carte Restaurant or affords considerable comfort with en- outside buffet-style on the Lido Deck in the evening sunshine. In the main suite bathroom featuring a country style Restaurant, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked wash basin, heated towel rail, vanity unit to order on request. Lunch and dinner menus offer plenty of choice, and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. often reflecting the daily catch and local delicacies. The Welcome and Facilities in the suites also include walk-in Farewell dinners are a sumptuous five course affair. To enhance your or spacious wardrobes, dressing table dining experience further a selection of wines is included with both meals. with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place in either the comfort of telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Refillable water bottles, and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. for with sufficient notice. Standard Suite Caledonian Lounge The Library

Your Space MS CALEDONIAN SKY DECK PLAN The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where briefings are given by the onboard team and talks from Guest Speakers take place. Also in the Lounge is a 24-hour tea and coffee station along with an elegant bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. In addition there is the Lounge on the Panorama Deck which has a bar, library and further spacious seating arrangements, ideal for watching the world go by as you cruise to your next destination. The Travel Library is the perfect place to relax with a good book and is well stocked with reference Panorama Deck books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting. A selection Panorama Deck of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite Panorama Lounge can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via Panorama Lounge your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). Outside there is a rear Lido Bridge Deck Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the Bridge Deck Hotel top deck there is a further observation and Sun Deck with bar service Buffet Pantry Manager’s 511 509 507 505 HoOffteicel Buffet Pantry Manager’s 511 509 507 505 and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a Office Chief 512 510 508 Engineer Captain book. There is also a small beauty salon with appointments made 506 Chief Captain 512 510 508 506 Engineer on request. Promenade Deck Promenade Deck Your Comfort Hairdresser 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Hairdresser 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 The MS Caledonian Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation WC

WC and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer you the Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check Caledonian Deck the vessel’s progress by charts and learn more about your journey. Caledonian Deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 On board you will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 all decks. When at anchor our nimble Zodiacs will ferry you ashore Reception Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 or, on select cruises, enjoy Zodiac cruises getting you closer to the 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 natural world. Castle Deck Castle Deck

261 259 257 255 Hospital Your Life On Board Doctor 261 259 257 255 Hospital The atmosphere on board is warm and convivial and more akin to Doctor a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 the wonderful destinations you are visiting in the company of like- 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 minded people. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will Standard Suites Premium Suites Premium Balcony Suites Standard Suites Premium Suites Premium Balcony Suites be no “black tie” evenings. On board there is a high ratio of crew to Superior Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Owner’s Corner Suites with Balcony passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern Superior Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Owner’s Corner Suites with Balcony Please note that all suites on Castle Deck feature a minimum of two portholes. European and our Scandinavian Captains are experienced mariners. Please note that all suites on Castle Deck feature a minimum of two portholes. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well- run and exceedingly comfortable ship where peace, high quality of service and attention to detail are the order of the day. A little music During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way in the Lounge after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac good food, all contribute to make any voyage aboard this wonderful landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more vessel a memorable and joyful experience. adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world.

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Praslin

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