To see the islands up close and personal, take advantage of one of the many immaculately organised shore excursions from your ship, allowing you maximum time ashore to the see the islands in their full glory. Enjoy a truly authentic experience in every place that you visit.
Mauritius
The stunning island of Mauritius plays host to the beautiful Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens where you can marvel at the magnificent Giant Amazon Water Lily. Be sure to take a 4 wheel drive to the Domaine les Pailles, natural habitat to fascinating deer, mischievous monkeys and stunning bird life. Why not board a catamaran for a different perspective of this beautiful island from its quiet peaceful reef-sheltered waters. The breathtaking Tamarin Falls (pictured left) will complete your long lasting memories of this stunning island.
Madagascar
For the chance to see a unique mix of plants and animals, many seen nowhere else in the world take a shore excursion onto this charming island. Nosy Be plays host to some stunning beaches, lush vegetation, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to visit the old town near the port, while the Nosy Be Museum is also worthy of a mention as it displays exhibits that belonged to local tribes.
Maldives
The Maldives is a glittering archipelago of some 1190 islands and is one of the finest collections of some of the finest picture postcard desert islands that the world has to offer. Take a trip to Male, the busy capital, bizarrely with no beaches and see panoramic views of the city from the sky. Or take to the underwater world and marvel at the amazing rainbow coloured fish and coral formations. Spend some time on the beach on Chaaya Island Dhonveli and enjoy a cool refreshing drink whilst soaking up some sun overlooking the amazing bungalows built on stilts straight out of the clear aquamarine waters. Or visit Kuda Bandos for the ultimate uninhabited desert island.
Reunion
Off the beaten track lies the stunning island of Reunion, just to the East of Madagascar. Volcanic in its origins, this almost pristine island still plays host to two active volcanoes. For a once in in a lifetime adventure, take a trip to the peaks of Piton de la Fournaise and Piton des Neiges. If you are looking for a slightly more civilised experience, then watch the world go by from the comfort of one of the colourful selection of brasseries, bistrots and vibrant cafes in the lively town of Saint Denis.
This group of tropical paradise islands that make up the Seychelles are home to various bird species, not found anywhere else in the world. A shore excursion to the island of Mahe will reveal a stunning landscape covered with lush tropical vegetation; including coconut palms, banana plants, mango and breadfruit trees, and a myriad of pure white sandy beaches. The beach at Anse Royal is reputedly the best for snorkelling whilst that in the Beau Vallon Bay is the best for soaking up some well earned rays. Take a trip into the capital city of Victoria for the National History Museum and breathtaking Botanical gardens where you can also enjoy the colony of rare giant tortoises.
Sri Lanka
A sight seeing tour around Colombo will reveal a bounty of treasures and enable you to get a very good feel for this unique island over the course of a day before returning to the comfort of your ship. See the beautiful Cinnamon Gardens, the awesome Conference Hall, the Buddhist temples and the National Museum for a fascinating insight into the history of this fascinating island. The ancient ruins of the city of Polonnaruwa (shown right) date back as early as the 12th Century and are an absolute "must see".