Okay! We are all excited because we are about to take the longest cruise ever … longest for us anyhow. The map above shows our route. We start in Singapore and end up in South Africa. I’m going to try and update this post every day in case we get lost or captured, the search parties will know where to start.
We begin our journey by driving from our home in Tannum Sands to Brisbane where we we will catch a flight to Singapore. Singapore is where we board the VIKING SKY and begin our long sail. We are spending a couple days in Singapore just to see a couple places that are new and then we will be on our way on the first of March. As is our custom, we drive down the day before our flight so we don’t have to leave at midnight to catch a morning flight. As is also our custom, we are creatures of habit, we try to have a superb Italian meal at Geno’s in Brisbane. This trip we split a pepperoni pizza and a veal dish. Both were delicious and we left happy and content.
The next morning we boarded our Quantis flight from Brisbane to Singapore. A seven hour flight. Nancy had a nap and I, as I can’t/don’t sleep on airplanes, caught up on my movies. I watched Dead Pool, Dead Pool II, and Dead Pool Wolverine. I am now a Dead Pool expert! We landed and slipped right through Customs and Immigration, picked up our bags, and took a cab to our hotel. We actually only had one day available in Singapore between arriving late in the day and getting our stuff over to the ship on the day we sailed. One day is enough. We walked from our hotel to a newer Bayfront area that featured a large park and several impressive buildings that hosted displays of flowers and plants. It was quite interesting and we spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon walking around seeing things … as expected, I took a bunch of pictures so now you get to see them!
To finish up our time in Singapore. We continued our exploring the Botanical Exhibit which included a rainforest mountain. An elevator took you to the top then you walked this winding path, called the Cloud Walk, around and down the mountain. Very beautiful. This was located in the smaller but taller bubble you see in the opening pictures.
From there we went to another high walk amongst the metal trees they had there in the park. It provided a unique view of the area, the city, and the plants they had growing along the walk. A bit redundant but still interesting.
That pretty well wrapped up the day for us. As I may have noted, it was VERY HOT so we just chilled in the hotel, had a nice dinner, and enjoyed the opportunity to rest.
1 March – We took a taxi to our ship and boarded it. As the ship is on a world cruise from Ft Lauderdale to New York going west (180 days) we are on it for just a portion of the route (35 Days). Because of that, the boarding process was much easier and only a hundred or so people got on. The rest were all there on the ship waiting for us. We got settled in fairly quickly and felt right at home because the ship was identical to the one we sailed around the southern tip of South America (see menu if interested). It was like coming home … everything was the same, except the people. More on that later. We left Singapore and set sail for Malaysia where our first stop will be in Kuala Lumpur. We have been to KP before but only to the airport enroute to Indonesia. This time we will spend at least a day there and get to see some of the highlights. Here’s some shots of the ship:
2 March – To get to Kuala Lumpur we sailed through the Strait of Malacca. This narrow passage between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra was a major route for early traders shipping glassware, precious stones, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. Today, it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Along this historic waterway, the lush shores of Sumatra grace the horizon to the south, stretching out to lowlands, mangroves and swamps. The more urban skylines of Malaysia—George Town and Kuala Lumpur among them—shimmer in the distance to the north.. We spent the entire night, the next day, and the following night to get to KP from Singapore. I think the Captain was taking it easy as the visibility was fairly low and there were so many ships around us.
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Starting here I use description of our stops that were provided by Viking. The words are not mine but do better explaining what we are to see or saw. I did this during the time I was not able to upload photos. The photos have been added now and the captions in the photos are my words.
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3 March – Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was built by Chinese tin prospectors in the mid-1800s. Since then, the city of KL, as the locals call it, has grown into a stunning mix of colonial, Moorish, Tudor, neo-Gothic and Grecian-Spanish architecture. The two-story shophouses of Old Market Square, with storefronts below and residences above, reveal the lives of merchants. The magnificent Petronas Towers are the centerpiece of this fascinating city; the side-by-side twin spires resemble a pair of rockets, connected by a two-story sky bridge that spans the 41st and 42nd floors. We found ourselves docked at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur. We booked a shore excursion where we saw the Blue Mosque, and spent some free time in the city’s Golden Triangle. Then we rode from port past impressive new developments, enjoyed a photo stop at the landmark Blue Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, it can hold 24,000 worshippers. Next, we saw the National Monument, a bronze statue honoring soldiers who died during the Communist Insurgency in the 1950s. It was designed by Felix De Weldon, who also created the Iwo Jima monument. After lunch we saw Independence Square, had a stop for a photo of the world’s tallest twin skyscraper, Petronas Towers. Near the Golden Triangle, we had time at the Karyaneka Handicraft center to shop for pewter, crystal, glass, and textiles, or to watch a batik painting demonstration. Before returning to port, we rode to the top of the needle-like Kuala Lumpur Tower for 360-degree views.
4 March – George Town, Malaysia. Capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town has long been a crossroad. Today, it is a glorious celebration of culture, one of Asia’s most colorful corners. Malays, Indians and Chinese all share a past here, as a ride around town via a pedaled trishaw will show. George Town’s unique cityscape features shops from colonial days, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and kongsi, brightly painted clanhouses that traditionally open their doors to all who share a surname. The town’s rich literary past includes residents such as Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Noël Coward.
On our tour we explored the melting pot of cultures that have helped create Malaysia’s oldest city. George Town is where East meets West and old meets new, with an intriguing blend of British and Southeast Asian influences. We took a scenic tour by motor coach through the city. Our guide explained how George Town developed as a trading post in the 18th century. We also saw snapshots of old England at Downing Street—which, as in London, was once a seat of government—and the whitewashed facade of St. George’s Church. Later, we took a guided walk through the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the whimsical street art. Finally, we boarded our coach for a scenic drive past Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and the eye-catching State Mosque. We also passed the sacred Hindu Waterfall Hill Temple, Botanical Gardens and Fort Cornwallis en route to our ship.
5 March – Our second day in Georgetown we visited some of the island’s most notable temples, discovered traditional handicrafts and visited lush market stalls. First off was the Thai Buddhist Temple (Wat Chaiyamangkalaram), which houses one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the world. Across the way, the Burmese Buddhist Temple hints at Penang’s cultural diversity. We continued to the Batu Ferringhi region, stopping to visit a batik factory, where colorful cloths are patterned with a centuries-old wax and dye process. We then continued past fruit orchards and plantations growing clove and nutmeg, pausing at a farmer’s fruit stall, a burst of color and fragrances. Lastly, we explored the legendary Temple of the Azure Cloud, or Snake Temple, dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong. The god’s disciples included pit vipers, tamed by incense smoke. After escaping that, we returned to the ship.
Tonight we were invited to a Captain’s Reception for all the folks who came aboard in Singapore. It was a nice affair, got to meet the Big Guy and most of his key staff. All nice folks.
6 March – Phuket (Patong Beach), Thailand. The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Around 1545, one Portuguese explorer called the island Junk Ceylon, and the name stuck for decades. Later, the French, Dutch and English competed for the island’s tin trade; the French East India Company won and played a role in local politics until 1688. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.
Our tour today we went to see Phuket’s stunning viewpoints, beaches framed by ribbons of blue water, and colorful temples, cafés and crafts. We stopped at Promthep Cape on the southernmost tip of the island to enjoy spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and picturesque Nai Harn Bay. To the north, we took in expansive panoramas along the length of the coast. Promthep also boasts a shrine depicting the god Brahma as a “Four Face Buddha,” surrounded by more than fifty colorful elephant statues, each one draped with garlands of flowers. From tHere we went to Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most sacred temple. Inside its tall spire lies a splinter of bone believed to belong to the Buddha, and around the complex were three gold-leaf-encrusted statues of former abbots. At the Sriburapa Cashew Nut Factory, we observed the process of extracting Cashew nuts from their shells and browsed the on-site shop. Afterward, we returned to our ship.
7/8 March – At sea sailing the Gulf of Bengal in the Indian Ocean, from Phuket, Thailand to Colombo, Sri Lanka. These “Sea Days” are restful, educational, and interesting days as we sail across the longer stretches of ocean. We normally get up a little later, go to one of the dining rooms and have a light breakfast, then back to the room to clean up and plan our day. There are lectures available by local experts who talk on subjects related to places we have been or are going. Sometime we play cards, sometimes I work on my website, then lunch at the pool cafe/bar. A cozy place where burgers, wings, and hot dogs are available along with salads and deserts, and, of course, your choice of beverage. The afternoon is spent sunning, walking (four trips around deck two is one mile), napping, or some of the same activities as the morning. We then get ready for dinner, preceded by a toddy in the Explorers lounge. There is also a piano bar we occasionally have our afternoon toddy at. It is smaller but more cultured with classical music by a pianist or string musicians. Which one we go to depends on how we feel. On the days before we have an excursion there is a briefing late in the afternoon where highlights, schedules, logistics, customs and protocol, etc are discussed. After that we normally eat dinner in a sit down restaurant that has a new menu each day. If you are not into that, there is another dining room that is buffet style with a varying menu. There are two much smaller dining rooms that are specialty meals; one Italian and the other is the other is a Chef’s Table where a paired meal is presented. We don’t frequent those two very often but occasionally, a special meal is nice. The dining room we usually eat at is very nice with attentive table service, and excellent selection of beverages, and great food. We usually wind up the evening back at the explorer Lounge for a nightcap and some companionship with folks we have met. We like the Explorer Lounge because the front of it is also the front of the ship and has large windows so you can see where we are going.
9 March – Colombo, Sri Lanka. Brimming with old-world charm, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s cultural epicenter. With its large harbor and strategic seaside location, Colombo quickly earned favor among ancient traders. The island was first colonized by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, then the English, who ruled until the country gained independence in 1948. Still today, evidence of all three nations is clear in the cuisine, language and architecture. Within the city’s 19th-century fortress stands the neobaroque Old Parliament Building, and the city’s streets carry the names of former British governors.
We arrived late in the day so we chose not to go off ship on a short tour. Instead we just hung out and watched all the activity in the harbor and listen to Allen on the guitar in the Explorers Lounge
10 March – Today we visited a Dutch Colonial Fortress, the largest remaining fortress in Southeast Asia, built by its previous European settlers, and The Maritime Museum in Galle. During the 16th century, Portuguese explorers built a mud fort to control the most important port in Sri Lanka: Galle. The Dutch took the city in 1640 and built the mighty fortress, which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We embarked on a scenic 2 hour drive by motor coach through the plains of southwestern Sri Lanka en route to Galle. Enroute our guide snuck in a quick visit to a native fish market so we got to see how they harvest fish. Once at the fort, we walked around it to see evidence of its previous occupants on a visit to the Dutch Church, and observe the lighthouse and clock tower. We marveled at the inspiring sea views from the ramparts before heading to the Maritime Museum, which occupies an enormous old spice warehouse, and learned about the seafaring history of Galle. To wrap up the day in Galle we stopped a local hotel for a traditional lunch of rice and curry. The two hour trip back found many of us napping.
11 March – Sail the Laccadive Sea. Today we sail the azure waters between the island nations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the tip of India’s southern point. The Laccadive Sea has been a thriving region for pearl fishing for thousands of years. A Sea Day. We sail the Laccadive Sea enroute to Male, Maldives.
12 March – Malé, Maldives. Male, the capital of the Maldives, is the gateway to this enchanting, low-lying archipelago scattered across the equator. Remotely situated some 620 miles southwest of India and Sri Lanka and consisting of 26 atolls covering approximately 115 square miles, Asia’s smallest country is a tropical paradise full of white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and tranquil lagoons teeming with birdlife. Offshore, colorful reef fish, sea turtles and other marine life mingle among the vibrant coral gardens, making the Maldives a premier destination for curious divers and snorkelers.
We arrived at Male’, the principle city in the Maldives, early this morning. The 26 inhabited atolls and islands that are slowly disappearing as the sea rises. The islands have a long history during which traders, kings, warlords, and Emperors ruled the people who live here. The Maldives became an independent country in the twentieth century and now takes care of itself. It’s biggest economic effort is tourist, luxury tourism. You often see it advertised with huts on stilts strung out from a white sandy beach. The huts being private luxury hotel rooms. Male’, completely fills the 3.8 sq mile island and hosts most of the Maldives’ 500,000 people. Male’ is 100% muslim, you must convert to Islam to live there, and while being quite strict about dress and alcohol, liberal exceptions are granted to the luxury resorts around the Island. There, females can sunbath in bikinis and all can imbibe with their adult beverage of choice. As our luck would have it, we arrive during Ramadan, a fasting and observance period for Muslims. As such, many of the local shops and restaurants are closed during the day. Not to be deterred we elected to take a submarine ride to get a close up look at sea life and corral. As advertised we discovered the Underwater World of the Maldives. We Embarked on an immersive journey to explore the captivating underwater world and marine life of the Maldives. We boarded a submarine, where we initially descended to a depth of 120 feet. At this level, we were greeted by a vibrant display of coral and a diverse array of reef fish species. As we venture further into the depths, we navigated through an enchanting underwater garden, teeming with tropical fish. As the coral formations shift, we had the opportunity to observe species such as the common lionfish, yellow box fish and turtles. We were awed as we journeyed through this picturesque underwater garden, illuminated by the external lights of the submarine. Witness the various species of fish seeking refuge within a cave, and perhaps catch a glimpse of white tip reef sharks and Napoleon fish. Afterward, we ascended to the surface and returned to our awaiting ship.
and bit by an eel on the knee,
It’s a Moray’
The pictures do not do justice to the variety, color, and number of fish, coral, and other animals we say. It was a very interesting experience. Photography was tough due to the low light and reflective water
13/14/15/ March – We left Male’ after sunset and began a three day crossing of the Arabian Sea or Indian Ocean. We have see nothing since leaving Male’. No boats, no airplanes, no water skiers, just a few flying fish skitting out from the wkae of the ship. The weather has been hot so everyone had been complaining. Yesterday, 14 March, Nancy and I evolved from being pollywogs to become Shellbacks. As we crossed the Equator southbound, kissed the fish, we swam across the pool, and we toasted with a shot of Aquavit. A prestigious and long held tradition for sailors who cross the Equator for the first time on a ship.:
Still on the 15th here. We are still at sea and expect to be in Victoria, in the Seychelles tomorrow morning.
16 March – Mahé (Victoria), Seychelles. Victoria, the capital and largest city of the Seychelles archipelago, sits on the island of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean. Originally settled by French colonists and called L’Établissement, it was renamed after Queen Victoria during the early 19th century when it became a British colony. Exuding tropical charm, its landmarks include the Clock Tower, an iconic structure erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, bustling with vibrant colors and flavors, showcases the island’s abundance of spices, fruits and fish.
We pull into Victoria Harbor in the Seychelles early in the morning. Nice weather, nice sunrise. We will be here just for today and have booked a general tour of some of Victoria’s more interesting attractions. The Seychelles consists of 126 different Islands and has a population of around 120,000. Where the Maldives were populated by early settlers from India, and SouthEast Asia, the Seychelles were populated mostfrom African nations. Here’s what we plan to do today. We will discover Mahé’s (name of the island Victoria is on) striking natural beauty during a scenic excursion across the island’s north end. The largest island in the Seychelles, Mahé is a renowned tropical paradise. Our drive will take us through lush vegetation, past charming villages and white-sand beaches. Admire views of the dramatic granite peaks that dot the island en route to the Seychelles National Botanical Garden. Here, we’ll stroll the grounds, keeping watch for giant Aldabra land tortoises, fruit bats and more than 200 species of endemic flora. Then, set off on a brief guided walk around the town’s center, passing local landmarks, including many colonial-era buildings, the old courthouse and a replica of London’s Little Ben. We will then return to Victoria, we’ll stop for refreshments at an elegant hotel. Afterward, you will return to our ship.
We will leave the Seychelles around sunset today and will be at sea for the next two days as we sail towards Mombasa, Kenya. See ya.
17 March … Happy Birthday Sam!💋 Happy St Patricks Day to everyone else 🍀. We are at sea and the weather is good. Attended a little Irish song fest and lunch. Had a nice time.
We now continue on. See you in Mombasa, Kenya. There has been a schedule change and Zanzibar, Tanzania has been taken off as a stop. Some issue with other countries accepting us if we go there due to Colera or yellow Fever issues. Viking decided it would be better to skip Zanzibar than miss other opportunities later. Consequently, we will spend three days in Kenya, then have two days at sea before getting to Madagascar.
18 March – A day at sea. Stopped by the Explorers Lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail and watch the sun set while litening to Allen on the guitar.
19 March – Mombasa, Kenya. Kenya’s chief port and a coastal gem, Mombasa is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century. The narrow streets of Mombasa’s old town are lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, while lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in its ancient port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.
Arrival in the Port of Mombasa, Kenya. Mombasa was the original Capitol for East Africa and later Kenya. When the country was let loose from the British, Kenya’s new government set up the capitol in Nairobi, where it still is. Here are some pictures as we came iinto the Mombasa Harbor (It’s the end of a large River) and our mooring activities.
Our activity here was a tour of the City. Our goal is to discover the history, culture and wildlife of East Africa’s most metropolitan port. Set out on a panoramic drive through the former capital of British East Africa. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history as you pass by several important landmarks. Tour the Mombasa Terminus, the modern railway station whose concentric circles and central tower were designed to represent an ocean ripple. Pass under the symbolic metal elephant tusk sculptures that cross bustling Moi Avenue; these four tusks were built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit and form the letter “M” for Mombasa. Discover the well-preserved Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Butterfly House before enjoying lunch. Then travel to the wildlife sanctuary of Haller Park to observe hippos, impalas, giant tortoises and more before returning to our ship. Here’s what that looked like:
A very long day, very hot, but interesting. We did return to the boat and spent the evening relaxing and comparing notes with friends who had done other things. Naturally, a big thing when you come to Kenya and the east coast of Africa is going on a Safari to go on game drives and see if you can spot the “Big Five”. Several different excursions were offered by the ship to do this but we did a big Safari trip back in 2015 and enjoyed seeing all the animals and the vast plains of eastern Africa. Because of that we chose not to do a Safari this thime. We do have a small one booked for later in the cruise. It is interesting to talk to the people who return from these trips. Our conclusion (no bias here) was our Safari was much more exciting than what most people are coming back with. You can view our Safari, it’s in the munu in four or five parts under AFRICA.
20 March – Today we lunch on a Traditional Wooden Boat — We will sail around Mombasa’s old town while enjoying a four-course meal of fine
cuisine. Take a scenic drive to the North Coast, where you will board a dhow, an authentic Arabic sailing vessel. Once used to trade cargo along Kenya’s coast, this seaworthy ship has been refurbished for a pleasurable dining experience. Upon arrival, you will be guided to your onboard table and served a signature cocktail of vodka, honey and lime. As your boat sets sail around the mangrove-lined shores of Tudor Creek, you will see Mombasa’s historic old town, including Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese during the 16th-century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will moor at a peaceful spot, where lunch will be served. End your meal with a cup of Kenyan coffee served from the traditional Arabic brass pot called a dallah as we cruise back to our ship.
The meal was good, the company better, and the views were great. A very lovely harboor bay, encircled in high rises and big homes. None of them are occupied by the people you see teaming in the streets. They all belong to wealthy people who come in for some time at the beach. A dramatic split between the haves and have nots.
21 March – today we decided we had seen enough of Mombasa so we stayed on the ship except for a short sortie to The Mission to Seafarers Center located close to where we are docked. I volunteer at a Seafarers Center in Gladstone so I always make a point of visiting other ones as we travel. There are some 200 located around the world. Mostly ran by volunteers and mostly supported by donations and the Anglican and Catholic Church they provide a safe and restful place for Seafarers to go to when they are docked. Seafarers spend months at sea away from their families and home. Seafarer Centers provide a bit of respit from that life. Here are a few photo’s from the Botswana Seafarers Center,
The visit was short. The lady there was kind of bashful and didn’t want her picture taken. She didn’t speak a lot of english so we just walked around and facilities and I took some pictures. She did say most of their “customers”, the Seafarers, show up later in the day after the work is finished on the ship. The have a swim, relax for awhile, maybe spend some time in the chapel, then have dinner at the restaurant and get taken back to their ship.
22/23 March – Back at Sea today and tomorrow. Sailing the Indian Ocean, the 3rd largest in the world. It is almost six times the size of the United States, spanning more than 6,000 miles from Africa’s southern tip to Australia’s west coast.
Two pretty normal days at sea. We are finding that using a cruise to see places on our bucket list is not really very compatible. A cruise like this one that covers a big distance takes a long time to get from one spot on the globe to the next. Consequently we have a lot of sea days. Then, when you get to that place you booked the cruise to see, you only have time for one excursion in many cases so you need to pick and choose what you see. If we had just flown to that place, we could have seen everything we wanted to see and done everything we wanted to do. So, there comes the distinction between travelers or explorers, and cruisers. Travelers and explorers spend time each place they go, from morn to night and often several days, or even more depending what you want to see and do. Cruisers, on the other hand, enjoy hanging out on the boat and doing all those things they do in retirement or over 55 communities, every day. Play cards, knit, eat, read, swim, etc. Then they get off somewhere for a few hours and exclaim they have been to Sydney! or Madagascar! or wherever. It is true they have been there, but really only a touch and go. This cruise, the segment we are on, has 35 days on the boat, 15 of those are sea days. My point? Make sure you are getting what you want out of travel. It’s costly enough but to not get what you expect is very disappointing. I think many of the people we meet prefer to travel in groups, safety, planning done by others, group think. Therefore cruises and bus tours are right up their alley. Nancy and I on the other hand like the independence of traveling along, the excitement of meeting new friends nearly everywhere we go, and the flexibility with schedules, finances, and changes. In all fairness, Viking does offer longer excrsions, some many days long, but they are quite expensive and you miss what ou were on the boat for when your gone …. and still paying for that portion of the cruise.
I know this sounds like we are not enjoying our cruise but that is not true. If you recall my opening blurb about why we took this cruise it was to see if we would like to take longer cruises. Now we pretty much know. We may well take other cruises but smaller ships, shorter itineraries, or more focus on shore activities will be what we will be looking for. …. enough whining. Here’s sunset from the Explorers Lounge on the 23rd before we get to Madagascar.
24 March – Nosy Be (Andoany), Madagascar. Andoany, formerly known as Hell-Ville, is the small capital city of Nosy Be, an island off Madagascar’s northwest coast. The island is known for its crater lakes, waterfalls and rainforests, which are home to an array of wildlife. The Lokobe Nature Preserve hosts endemic lemurs, bats, reptiles and birds. Nearby Nosy Komba allows glimpses of the rare black lemur. The waters offshore support extensive coral beds, attracting divers and snorkelers. Nosy Tanikely, a small uninhabited island, is famous for its unmarred beauty and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Here we are pulling into Madagascar. Sometimes called the eighth continent because of its size and uniqueness. It too once belonged to the greater land mass now known as Africa but like Australia and Sicily, it broke off (A while before we were born). We have planned an excursion to see some of the outlying islands, some Lemurs, and some local villages. Here’s the plan. Meet Madagascan primates and enjoy lunch at a fishing village in Madagascar’s archipelago. Depart from our ship and board a boat before setting sail for the tiny island of Nosy Antosha, a private reserve where five species of endemic lemurs live. Here, these small, endangered prosimians are familiar with humans and will welcome you with playful interactions. Afterward, sail to the tropical paradise of Nosy Iranja, two islands connected by a short sand bar that is walkable at low tide but completely submerged when the sea rises. You will visit the larger of the two, inhabited Nosy Iranja, for a lunch of fresh seafood in the village. Then, walk along the beach to an old lighthouse with panoramic views. We can also swim and sunbathe, and look for sea turtles who often nest here, laying eggs in the sand. Later, head back to the port and our ship. Here’s what that looked like.
That completed our time in Madagascar. Not really what we expected but very interesting with friendly people. We did not go into any of the cities but I would expect it to be like Mombasa or cities we will see as we progress doen the African coast.
25/26/March – Now we are back out to sea for the next three days. Then we will be pulliing into Mozambique. See you there.
27 March – Not quite there yet but … For a changeup to our daily routines, the ship and crew have put on a Grand Brunch for us. Although there is no shortage of places to eat on the ship, the Grand Buffet was a step above, and something new and different. Here are just a few shots of the buffet. It was served in the pool area and it was a pleasant day so it was well enjoyed.
28 March – Maputo, Mozambique, Though the Portuguese landed here in 1544, they did not fortify the nascent town until 1787. One hundred years later, as neighboring South Africa grew in economic prominence and gold was discovered nearby, the need to deepen the harbor for shipping increased. A rail link into the port from inland reaches further bolstered the city’s prosperity, and by the mid-20th century, South Africans and Rhodesians (today’s Zimbabweans) were vacationing in Maputo for its fine hotels, restaurants and beaches.
Today we arrived and spend the day in Maputo, Capitol of Mozambique. We have just docked at Eight in the morning and will spend the day discovering the vibrant capital of Mozambique on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Maputo features colonial Portuguese architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees. Founded as a port town by the Portuguese, the influence of travelers and traders from Africa, Asia and Europe has made the city a diverse and lively metropolis. We will enjoy a scenic drive past some of Maputo’s most important landmarks, including the domed bronze CFM Railway Station, which dates back to 1910. We will see the bronze statue of the country’s first president, Samora Machel, and the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral and neoclassical City Hall that surround it. Lastly, we will enjoy time to explore a local market on our own and after refreshments, take a guided tour of Maputo’s fort. Afterward, we will return to our ship.
29 March – Richards Bay, South Africa. Located on the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is home to Africa’s deepest natural harbor. Established during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 as a make-shift harbor, it was registered as an official town in 1969. Visitors can explore some of Africa’s wildlife; Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park is Africa’s oldest, and within the vicinity is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to bathing hippos and crocodiles. The town’s small-craft harbor offers captivating views of tugboats, yachts and other vessels amid a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.
Today we elected to try some up-close Encounters with Wildlife, Including Rare White Rhinos — We set out in search of exotic African wildlife during a game drive through one of Africa’s oldest nature preserves. We embarked on a scenic drive by motor coach on a journey to the Memorial Gate, where we boarded our four-wheel drive vehicle and entered Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Covering more than 8,8000 sq mi, the park is a sanctuary for the wildlife of Zululand, including its small population of rare white rhinos. We learned about the conservation efforts as you traverse the hilly landscape, keeping watch for local wildlife. In addition to rhinos, the reserve is also home to other members of the “Big 5”—elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo—as well as blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, cheetahs and more. Afterward, we returned to Memorial Gate and reboarded our coach for the transfer back to your ship.
The preserve was about an hour and a half from where we docked. The trip oout to the park was interestinig with new sights and things to see. The Game Drive was about two hours of riding in a bumpy truck but was interesting to spot the wildlife. The trip back seemed much longer but we made it back to the ship, had a beer and a slice of pizza and called it a day. A good day. Tomorrow, Durban.
30 March – Durban, South Africa. The largest city in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban’s Zulu name translates into “bay.” Durban is graced with stately Victorian touches, from the old Town Hall to the tree-lined Esplanade. The waterfront promenade invites leisurely strolls kissed by Indian Ocean breezes. The Durban Botanic Gardens are Africa’s oldest, founded by British colonialists in 1849 as an extension of England’s Kew Gardens. Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside India, infusing the city with a rich Hindu spirit and curry aromas.
The tour we decided to take was called “Cosmopolitan Sights and Botanical Delights” — It was a drive through cosmopolitan Durban and immerse in its cultural mix of Indian, Zulu and post-colonial influences. Travel by motor coach past the city sights, including the Victorian-style main post office building that was erected in 1885. Pause for photos at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, then drive along the Golden Mile beachfront and pass the tree-lined Victoria Embankment, also known as the Esplanade—one of the city’s oldest and most famous streets. Admire the vistas at the Currie Road panorama viewpoint and enjoy a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens. Currently the oldest surviving botanical garden on the African continent, it was developed in 1849 as a station for the trial of agricultural crops. Today the gardens focus on core areas of biodiversity, education, heritage, research, horticultural excellence and green innovation.
We returned from the tour in the early afternoon so we decided to take a shuttle bus over to an “Adventure Marine Venue” to see what it was like. It turned out to be kind of like a Disney thing with an Aquarium, shops, it was on the beach and had a pier you could walk out on. Today was Sunday so there were many people, many families, there enjoying the cooler weather now that Fall is approaching. We didn’t stay there long but found it interesting. Pretty well kept and ran.
31 March – East London, South Africa. The colonists built forts on the Eastern Cape to defend against the indigenous Xhosa people and approaching ships. German settlers arrived later and lent some surrounding towns, such as Berlin, their names. As East London grew, the harbor we saw today was constructed to support trade. Today, East London is a cultural center rich in history, resting where the nation’s Sunshine and Wild Coasts meet. Stately Victorian buildings recall its British past and the fascinating East London Museum holds unique ecological specimens, such as the world’s only known dodo egg.
We had a tour planned here but chose to cancel. We didn’t arrive in East London until a little after noon and our tour was scheduled for three PM. We chose to take the day off and take care of a few personal things like laundry and such. Nice looking town but quite small. Here are a few pictures I took from the ship.
That’s it for east London. Tomorrow we land at Cape Elizabeth where we have another Game Drive scheduled. See ya then.
