India & Indian Ocean Cruises

The splendour of the Indian Ocean does not only lie within India itself but spans over various continents and cities:

• Perth (Fremantle), Australia
• Durban, South Africa
• Mumbai, India
• Singapore

The Indian Ocean is vast and versatile. It contains some of the most paradise-like islands on the planet:

• The Seychelles
• The Maldives
• Mauritius

Popular Destinations

India

India’s majesty is a result of its auspicious past, steeped in spirituality and rich culture. India has thrived by repeatedly adapting and reshaping itself. It is constantly producing new forms of culture and absorbing new influences.

India is home to numerous beautiful port cities that are frequented by the most renowned cruise lines:

• Mumbai (or Bombay), where Bollywood comes alive and energy pervades the streets. This bustling metropolis is both multicultural and traditionally Indian.
• Cochin, a natural harbour, that was once the focal point for the Indian spice trade. Explore the stunning palaces, museums and forts as part of an exciting shore excursion.
• Goa with its fantastic beaches and quaint fishing villages attracts millions of tourists every year. You’ll be able to spot dolphins and enjoy a great variety of water sports.

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries on the continent. There is so much to see and do here, its no wonder South Africa welcomes over 16 million tourists every year.

The country is full of history, not always light-hearted but absolutely fascinating and inspiring. Once on shore, you can:

• Go on a spectacular safari and discover the wildlife that populates South Africa’s numerous national parks and cities.
• Embark on an outdoor adventure like rock climbing, night hiking, desert walking or wildlife reserve trekking.
• Explore some of the country’s dramatic landscapes including the cities, the canyons, the mountains and the coast.

The Maldives

The paradise-like country that is the Maldives, consists of around 1200 islands and is an absolute magnet for people seeking a beautiful tropical getaway. Some of its main attractions are more obvious, others less so:

• The unique white-sand beaches that are plentiful here – literally every island is home to a beach that is perfect.
• The luxurious hotel resorts attract the rich and famous of the world. Each hotel will try to outdo the other in the level of exclusivity it offers: private pool villas, butlers, in-room massages and much more are the norm here.
• A lot of the islands that are inhabited by the locals have now been opened up for tourists. Plus, the locals have been granted permission to set up their own guest houses, meaning the Maldives paradise can now be explored on a budget and in an authentic, local way.
• The rich underwater world allures those that are enthused by snorkelling and diving. The unique and beautiful marine life will be the highlight of your stay here.

Cruise Lines

Since the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular cruising destinations out there, most of the cruise lines offer itineraries around it. The only difficulty you may have is selecting which one to go with:

• Cunard
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Azamara
• Silversea
• Oceania
• Royal Caribbean

If you prefer cruising away from the comfort of a home port near you, consider the following options:

• – Princess Cruises sets sail from Perth (Fremantle) and Brisbane and offers itineraries that include:
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka
  • United Arab Emirates
• – Cunard will depart from Perth (Fremantle) and take you on stunning voyages halfway around the world, including the Indian Ocean.

The Best Time to Visit

The countries and continents of the Indian Ocean can really be visited any time of the year – the climate is mild here, and the temperatures average around 23-30°C.

We recommend, however, that you consider the following months for booking a cruise to the region:

• March to May
• September to November

There are a couple of reasons behind that recommendation:

• The weather isn’t too hot or humid
• The peak season is over, so no crowded beaches and sites