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Island Hopping in the An expedition through the beautiful Seychelles to Tanzania aboard the MS Serenissima 7 th to 23rd December 2019 Giant Tortoise,

Exploring Aldabra by Zodiac

oin us aboard the delightful MS Serenissima as we explore the bountiful

islands of the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles offers the visitor a tropical SEYCHELLES J TANZANIA INDIAN OCEAN Praslin, , beauty that is difficult, if not impossible to match anywhere else in the world. Aride & Curieuse Spread out over a vast area of the Indian Ocean, they offer everything from Zanzibar Mahe quiet sophistication and enchanting scenery to wild and uninhabited nature Dar es Salaam Mafia Island reserves, where the very remoteness of the islands has protected them from the Aldabra Alphonse worst excesses of mankind. We know the region well having operated vessels Kilwa Kisiwani Farquhar here for the past twenty five years, and those who have sailed with us through these extraordinary waters have experienced the magic of dropping anchor off a remote atoll at first light and venturing ashore by Zodiac, landing on a deserted beach to discover the rich bird and marine life, the exotic flora, nature reserves and working estates. If ever there was a region perfect for expedition cruising it is here and the MS Serenissima is the perfect size and equipped vessel for our voyage. Our journey will include all aspects of this extraordinary island nation from the developed Inner Seychelles with staggeringly beautiful islands such as Praslin and La Digue to the less known and rarely visited Outer Seychelles. Here we will sail all the way to Aldabra, the world’s largest coral atoll and a World Heritage Site. Being one of the most difficult places in the world to access and having a lack of freshwater has savedAldabra from any tourism development and only small vessels like the MS Serenissima are allowed to visit. It is therefore a great privilege to be able to land on the untouched beaches of Aldabra, the breeding ground for thousands of giant tortoise and home to some of the rarest birds in the Indian Ocean. To explore the abundant crystal clear waters of the vast lagoon and to set foot on atolls which have never been exploited by the hand of man is a rare experience. What to Expect Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; their time passing up the shore, allowing plenty waiting for their feathers to grow so that they sometimes the whole day’s schedule will of bird photos to be taken. We then found could fly. Seychelles fodies were everywhere be changed to maximise your experience, little patches of beach to land on and to have a while common moorhens ran around in something that would not be possible on a small walk about or a little swim or paddle. All the undergrowth, far away from water. This large cruise ship. Each day holds something the while the tide was quickly dropping and the afternoon we were back in our trusty Zodiacs new and below are some extracts from recent beaches were becoming larger and larger. Soon for a short ride to a very civilised landing ship logs to provide you with an understanding it was time to head back to the ship and set sail on a floating pontoon inside the busy little of what you can expect from such an for the of islands. Once back harbour at La Digue. Here we boarded our expedition: aboard we enjoyed lunch, followed by great camionettes, converted trucks with seats in talk all about the biology of coral reefs. the back, for our tour of the island. The more : Today we had another day in adventurous among us boarded bicycles and the this time to the island Aride & La Digue: Aride is a nature reserve headed off to explore independently. We of Cosmoledo. Like the other islands of the famed for its birdlife. The intrepid birders set drove through the little village of La Passe, Aldabra group this is an uplifted coral island. It out early and were rewarded with the sight of full of weaving bicycles, to the l’Union Estate was an early start due to the tide times and at birds that were totally unafraid of man, many where we were shown all the processes used 7:30am the flotilla of Zodiacs made the journey of them at very close range. The birds were in exploiting the coconuts, from dehusking into the mouth of the atoll, across the lagoon to certainly friendly as were the two species to the copra kiln and the coconut oil mill, the eastern shore. Once we arrived the site was of skink. White-tailed tropicbirds swooped powered by a very patient and placid bull. We wondrous. Thousands of nesting birds sitting through the woodland and crash landed in were also taken to the original old plantation on the coral rock. They were mostly boobies, the shrubbery on their way to their nests, their house. We clambered back aboard our both red footed and masked, but there were landing technique a stark contrast to their camionettes for a short ride to the beach at also species of herons, terns, noddies, frigate grace in flight. The fairy terns sat on their L’Anse Source d’Argent for a swim. The beach birds and tropic birds. The sea was also full of branches and met us eye to eye. Most people is famous, much photographed because turtles. There seemed to be hundreds darting got to see the fluffy little chicks, hatched of the dramatic contrast of rugged granite about in the shallow water. The Zodiacs took on a bare branch and now moving around, boulders, white sand and clear blue sea. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Fairy Tern

Whale shark, Mafia Island

Aldabra

Castle ruin, Kilwa Kisiwani

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Mahe, restored 19th century colonial house. Days 8 to 10 Aldabra Islands. We Day 11 At Sea. Our lecture Seychelles. Fly by scheduled Rent a bicycle, relax or swim from have two and a half days to enjoy programme continues as we spend indirect flight. one of the beaches. the Aldabra group of islands the day at sea sailing towards and our itinerary will be in the Tanzania. Day 2 Mahe. Arrive today and Day 5 Amirante Islands. The 28 hands of our Expedition Leader transfer to the MS Serenissima for islands in the Amirante Group and Captain who will monitor Day 12 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. embarkation. Enjoy welcome drinks of islands were discovered by the local conditions to ensure we Our first call in Tanzania will be at and dinner as we remain moored Vasco de Gama in 1501 and are maximise our time here. Whilst Kilwa Kisiwani, a site of exceptional overnight. considered to be some of the most our itinerary is flexible we hope historical interest, where the pristine and untouched islands to reach Cosmoledo where a atmospheric ruins represent Day 3 Aride & Curieuse. Sail in in the world. We hope to spend huge ring of twelve islands circle a wide sweep of East African the early morning to Aride one time on Desroches, the largest a lagoon. Many of the atolls coastal history, from the heights of the finest and most important of the islands, although still only are still to be surveyed and we of the Swahili and Shirazi trading seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. measuring six kilometres by 1.5 will explore some of them by civilisation to the darker days of Over one million seabirds breed kilometres. Enjoy nature walks Zodiac. This is an Important Bird slavery and the uprisings against on the island including tropical with our onboard naturalists and and Biodiversity Area with all German rule. Once one of Africa’s shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate the island’s conservation team three species of booby found wealthiest towns, Kilwa Kisiwani is birds and roseate tern in addition observing the flora and fauna and in the Seychelles including the now a UNESCO World Heritage to five species unique to the in particular the giant tortoises and last breeding site for the brown Site and contains the world’s most Seychelles such as the Seychelles nesting turtles. Keen snorkellers booby. Also spot sooty terns extensive and best preserved warbler and Seychelles magpie will have the chance to swim over and great frigate birds. We will Swahili ruins. On a morning walking robin. The island is largely covered the outlying coral. also spend time on Aldabra, the tour we will see the prominent in native woodland, including the island referred to by Sir Julian fort and the Great Mosque which endemic Wright’s gardenia, a shrub Day 6 Alphonse Islands. There are Huxley as “One of nature’s stood at the heart of the ancient with beautifully scented flowers three islands in the Alphonse group treasures and should belong city and was once the largest in found nowhere else in the world. which is located directly south of to the whole world”. Aldabra is East Africa. Return to the ship for We will sail over lunch to Curieuse, the Amirantes. As we approach unique and every time we call at lunch and spend the afternoon a rugged island which was once the islands over lunch you will what is believed to be the world’s at leisure or join members of the home to a leper colony and now understand why they are regarded largest atoll we find something expedition team on one of the houses an eco-museum and visitor by many to be the most beautiful new of interest. Sightings have nearby beaches. centre. The island is an important of the 115 islands in the Seychelles been made of the extremely rare nesting site for hawksbill turtles archipelago. On the main island white-throated rail and the atoll is Day 13 Mafia Island. Once a and boasts endemic vine and the circular lagoon offers good also home to the world’s second prominent stopover for ships on mangroves which we will explore snorkelling and there are a number largest colony of frigate birds and the trade routes from East Africa, on an island walk. of tracks across the island to enjoy to the largest crab, the coconut Mafia Island has not seen the same island walks. crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac development as nearby Zanzibar Day 4 Praslin & La Digue. From our it is difficult to know in which and remains relatively unknown overnight anchorage we will land on Day 7 Farquhar Islands. After a direction to look. The clear blue and off the major tourist trail but Praslin to explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, morning at sea we will anchor off seas abound with life, the skies is a wonderful spot to spend the the last remnant of the original high Farquhar over lunch where we will are alive with varied birdlife and day. There will be a choice of tours canopied Seychelles palm forest and use our Zodiacs to explore the ashore giant land tortoises forage today. Take a dhow across to the home to the coco de mer. We will sparkling lagoon of this remote as they have done for millions of charming islet of Chole with its walk its paths looking out for the rare atoll ringed island of coconut and years. We hope to explore Picard small community where we will visit black parrot and enjoying its natural casuarina trees. Hawksbill and Island with a short walk to see the the sanctuary for Comoros flying beauty. Return to the ship for lunch green sea turtles come to the atoll tortoises and numerous robber foxes, the 12th century Arabic as we sail the short distance to La to nest, and several of the Farquhar crabs or swim in the lagoon, a ruins overgrown by vines, and a Digue where huge granite boulders Group’s islands are Important vast 17 mile stretch of shallow traditional boat yard after which we lie like giant sculptures on the Bird and Biodiversity Areas. The clear water. From our Zodiacs can enjoy a cooling refreshment at brilliant white beaches of the island. island is a haven providing us we can watch the ever-changing the Red Herring bar. The village is Tour the forested nature reserve with a delightful afternoon of bird undersea world and snorkel in traditionally famous for its weaving and the L’Union Estate, a superbly watching or snorkelling. colourful coral waters. of the date palm fibres (ukindu) to Stone town, Zanzibar Christmas in Selous - Post-Cruise Extension 22nd to 27th December 2019

Lion cub, Selous Game Reserve

Wild Flower, Seychelles

Dhow near Zanzibar Clownfish

Curieuse

make brightly coloured baskets, up the timeless atmosphere placemats and floor mats which we of Stone Town including will have the chance to purchase. Livingstone House, Sultan’s Alternatively, for the more intrepid Palace, the slave market and and agile, there will be the chance the old fort. Visit a spice farm to embark local boats to search to experience the various for whale sharks, and if conditions fruits and spices cultivated allow we may also be able to swim on the island where you will The Selous Game Reserve is home to over 1,000,000 large animals alongside them (please note this find everything from jackfruit and over half of Tanzania’s elephant population and one of the major tour is weather dependent and to coconuts, turmeric and attractions is the mighty Rufiji river, with one of the largest crocodile numbers are limited). vanilla to lipstick trees. There and hippo populations in Africa. The river has also formed several large will also be the opportunity lakes on its northern bank, navigable by boat Siwandu Camp is situated Days 14 & 15 Zanzibar. Here the to visit the Jozani Forest on one of these lakes, sheltered in a grove of one of Selous’ many colourful harbour will be crowded which sustains a variety of beautiful palm forests. Our stay coincides with the perfect season for with dhows, very much setting the wildlife and birds, including bird and plant lovers, flowers will be in abundance and the deciduous scene for our visit to the Arab style the rare red colobus monkey, trees are starting new growth. It is also the main reproductive time of city with its long narrow streets, indigenous to the island. year so a good time for seeing young animals. bazaars, houses with overhanging balconies and intricately carved Day 16 Dar es Salaam to doorways. Out of town there are London. Disembark this The Itinerary magnificent brilliant white sandy morning and transfer to the Day 1 Dar es Salaam to Selous. Disembark after breakfast and transfer beaches and lush vegetation with airport for our scheduled to the airport for our 45 minute scheduled flight to Mtemere Airstrip in plantations of cloves, cinnamon, indirect flight to London. the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival transfer to the Siwandu Camp and vanilla and nutmeg which fill the this afternoon enjoy your first game experience with a boat safari on air with heady aromas. We have Day 17 London. Arrive this the Rufiji River or on a nearby lake looking for hippos, crocodiles and two days on the island offering a morning. birdlife. This evening enjoy dinner at the camp. number of touring options. Soak Days 2 to 4 Siwandu Camp, Selous Game Reserve. Enjoy two full days in the Reserve with included game drives each day. Maybe enjoy a full day game viewing in Selous Game Reserve with a picnic lunch or a half Prices per person day walking safari through the bush with a ranger. Alternatively join Based on double occupancy another boat safari or simply relax in your tent. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the camp. SPECIAL OFFER – Save UP TO £1500 per person for a limited time only Day 5 Selous Game Reserve to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy breakfast in the Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price hotel and a final safari option before transferring to the airstrip for your 2 Standard Stateroom £7995 £6495 flight to Dar es Salaam where we connect with our onward flight to 3 Classic Stateroom £8295 £6795 London. 4 Superior Stateroom £8495 £6995 5 Deluxe Stateroom £8795 £7295 Day 6 London. Arrive this morning. 6 Junior Suite £8995 £7995 7 Owner’s Suite £9795 £8795 8 Serenissima Suite £10495 £9495 Prices per person 10 Standard Single £7995 £7595 Based on double occupancy Twin: £3995 Single: £4995 PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer & Price Includes: Four nights accommodation at Siwandu Camp on a full board soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard basis, internal flights between Dar es Salaam and Selous Game Reserve, gratuities, transfers, taxes. team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, Tanzania visa. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 ms serenissima

Harald Jarl Lounge Andrea Lounge The Restaurant

The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.

Your Cabin/Suite Accommodating no more than 95 passengers, there are eight available. Dinner is served a la carte and is four courses, except at the different grades of cabin arranged over five decks, and all feature Captain’s Dinner, which is a six course affair. Where possible, local produce either windows or portholes. The cabins are attractively designed is sourced for an authentic dining experience. A choice of red or white for comfort and convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned wine, beer, soft drinks, and water is included at lunch and dinner. In good with an en-suite bathroom with shower (please note cabins 601 - 605 weather there are al fresco dining facilities available and tea and coffee are and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) and a selection of available around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. toiletries in addition to a hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit Your Space box and other thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling The facilities on board include two lounges – the larger Andrea Lounge water are replenished daily. Due to the very nature of the ship, the is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Jarl Lounge is more cabins vary in shape and size, adding to the vessel’s overall charm. intimate. There is also a small library and Wi-Fi is available at an extra cost throughout the vessel. The outside areas really are something Your Dining special. A spacious observation deck allows 360 degree views of the The free seating Venice Restaurant passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with Jacuzzi accommodates all guests in one sitting and, and outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of Deck 6 is ideal with its Deck 5 location, all of the tables for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and benefit from great views. The picture windows loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit also make the restaurant wonderfully light in Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers and airy. Breakfast is served buffet-style with to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century cooked dishes available and eggs to order influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this by the ship’s accomplished chef. Lunch is also vintage, providing intimacy and a classic nautical sensibility often lacking served buffet-style with hot and cold dishes in larger vessels. MS SERENISSIMA DECK PLAN & CABINS

DECK 7

702 BRIDGE DECK 7 704

703 BRIDGE DECKDECK 7 7 704 701702 BRIDGE 702702 BRIDGE 703 704704 DECK 6 COVERED SEATING AREA 701 703703 TENDER ZODIAC 701701 604 602 DECK 6 COVERED SEATING AREA COVERED SEATING AREA PRIVATE DECK 6COVERED SEATINGTENDER AREA ZODIAC DECK 6 605 603 601 WALKWAY TENDER 604 602 TENDERTENDERZODIACZODIACZODIAC Serenissima Suite 604604 602602PRIVATE (25 square metres) WALKWAY 605 603RECEPTION601 PRIVATEPRIVATE DECK 5 TENDER ZODIAC 605605603603 HARALD JARL 601601 WALKWAYWALKWAY TENDERTENDER ZODIACZODIAC LOUNGE ANDREA LOUNGE RECEPTION BAR DECK 5 VENICE RESTAURANT RECEPTIONRECEPTIONHARALD JARL

DECK 5 LOUNGE DECK 5 HARALD JARL HARALD JARL ANDREA JACUZZI FITNESS LOUNGE 507 505 503 501 LOUNGE BAR LOUNGEANDREAANDREA VENICE ROOM LOUNGELOUNGE RESTAURANT BARBAR DECK 4 VENICEVENICE RESTAURANTRESTAURANT 507 JACUZZI FITNESS 505418 503 501 412 410 408 406 ROOM FITNESS 424 507507 414 JACUZZIJACUZZI FITNESS

422 505 503 501 404 402 420 505 503 501 ROOMROOM DECK 4 DECKDECK 4 4 421 419 407 417 412 410 401 418 409 405408 406403 424 418 414 412412410410 422 418 408404406402 424424420 414414 408 406

422 404 402 422

420 404 402 420

421 419 407 417 401 316 314 312 409310 403 Owner’s Suite 419 318 308

421 419 407 DECK 3 421 322 320417 407405 401 417 409 306 401 409 405304405 403403 (22 square metres) 302 H 301 DECK 3 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 DECK 3 322 320 318318 316316314314312312310310308306308 304303 DECK 3 321322319320 307 305 306306 304 317 315 313 311 309 304 302 302302 H H H 301 301 303 301 STANDARD STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM 305OWNER’S 303SUITE303 321 319321 319 311 309 307 307 305305 321 319317 317315317313315315313313311311309309307 CLASSIC STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE STANDARD SINGLE

STANDARDSUPERIORSTANDARDSTANDARD STATEROOM STATEROOM STATEROOM STATEROOM SERENISSIMADELUXEDELUXEDELUXE STATEROOM STATEROOMSUITE STATEROOM SERENISSIMASERENISSIMASERENISSIMA SUITE SUITE SUITE

CLASSICCLASSICCLASSIC STATEROOM STATEROOM STATEROOM JUNIORJUNIOR JUNIORSUITE SUITE SUITE STANDARDSTANDARDSTANDARD SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE

SUPERIORSUPERIORSUPERIOR STATEROOM STATEROOM STATEROOM OWNER’SOWNER’SOWNER’S SUITE SUITE SUITE Junior Suite NB. Please note cabin sizes vary in each category and measurements shown are approximate. (21 square metres)

Deluxe Stateroom Superior Stateroom Classic Stateroom (15 to 25 square metres) (11.5 to 18 square metres) (14 to 19 square metres)

During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. STANDARD Stateroom STANDARD SINGLE (10 to 11.5 square metres) (7 to 12.5 square metres)

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

Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: La Digue Island, Seychelles 060319_S