Madagascar to Mauritius on Serenissima

Trip Overview

This is an extraordinary cruise for those who love the natural world and all its wonders. The star is Madagascar, a thousand-mile island boasting an impressive variety of spectacular landscapes from pristine coral reefs and coastal mangroves to virgin rain forests and native groves of Baobab trees. Geographically isolated for millions of years, nearly all of Madagascar’s intriguing animals and plants are found nowhere else on Earth, including nearly 100 varieties of lemurs. Madagascar’s people are also unique, having descended from Malay-Polynesian mariners, slaves from Africa, as well as traders from Arabia, India, and Portugal. To maximize the time in Madagascar, this expedition begins with a private charter flight from Johannesburg to Tulear, Madagascar, thus avoiding the two-day crossing of the rough Mozambique Channel by ship.

Led by a team of expert naturalists, enjoy 10 full days of exploring Madagascar’s numerous marine reserves and national parks from the comfort of the newly refurbished, 95-passenger MS Serenissima. Leaving the wonders of Madagascar behind, arrive at Reunion Island, a paradisiacal French outpost, to explore its white-sand beaches, spectacular dormant volcanoes, and Creole character. Disembark on the island of Mauritius, the perfect ending to your voyage, taking in this island’s cultural riches or geologic wonders before transferring to the airport for flights to the U.S.

Schedule by Day

• Jan 15: Depart U.S.
• Jan 16: Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
• Jan 17: Tulear, Madagascar / Embark Serenissima
• Jan 18: Tulear
• Jan 19: Morondava
• Jan 20: At sea
• Jan 21: Mahajanga
• Jan 22: Nosy Tanikely
• Jan 23: Nosy Hara National Park
• Jan 24: Diego Suarez
• Jan 25: Masoala National Park
• Jan 26: Nosy Mangabe
• Jan 27: Ile Sainte-Marie
• Jan 28: At sea
• Jan 29: Port Est, Reunion Island
• Jan 30: Port Louis, Mauritius
• Jan 31: Disembark Serenissima / Return to U.S.

Pricing

Double Occupancy:

• Standard Cabin, Deck 3: $12,990 per person
• Classic Cabin, Deck 3: $13,990 per person
• Superior Stateroom, Deck 4: $14,990 per person
• Deluxe Stateroom, Decks 4, 5, and 6: $15,490 per person
• Junior Suite, Deck 6: $16, 490 per person
• Owner's Suite, Deck 6: $16,990 per person
• Serenissima Suite, Deck 7: $17,990 per person

Single Occupancy:

• Standard Single Cabin, Decks 3, 4, and 5: $14,490 per person

Accommodations

• One night at the 54 on Bath Hotel in Johannesburg
• Fourteen nights aboard MS Serenissima

Extensions

Optional Pre-Extension: Greater Kruger National Park
January 12-16, 2020
Spend a memorable two nights at Ngala Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa, to search for the “Big Five” and other wildlife on game drives aboard open-top safari vehicles.

$3,890 per person double occupancy / $4,880 single occupancy

Optional Pre-Extension: Cradle of Humankind
January 12-16, 2020
A visit to the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Center in the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind anthropological site near Johannesburg, joined by Dr. Ian Tattersall.

$1,990 per person double occupancy / $2,490 single occupancy

Optional Post-Extension: Discover Mauritius
January 30-February 2, 2020
Extend your stay for further exploration of the lush rainforests and white-sand beaches of Mauritius. During your three-day stay, discover Íle aux Aigrettes, one of the last sanctuaries for rare Mauritian wildlife, including the giant Aldabra tortoise and the ornate day gecko. Also learn about the island’s long colonial history and enjoy snorkeling in the crystal blue water. 

$1,890 per person double occupancy / $2,350 single occupancy