CRUISE GUIDE
6/7 – 26 January 2019 Mumbai to Singapore
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE TO THE STRAIT OF MALACCA A New Year voyage showcasing the iconic sites of incredible India, beach experiences of the Maldives, hidden gems of Sri Lanka, adventures in Thailand and historical highlights of the Malay peninsula.
INTRODUCTION In this booklet, you will find useful destination information and a comprehensive guide to both included and optional shore excursions. It also introduces your guest speakers and includes an invaluable reading guide to add an extra dimension of appreciation to your cruise. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
Please note – while we will do our best to adhere to this full itinerary, there may be changes at the discretion of the Captain, due to weather advisories, port traffic and other unforeseeable circumstances. 2
Join Aegean Odyssey in Mumbai and sail the tropical Malabar coast whilst taking in the Portuguese history of Old Goa and having the chance to explore Kerala’s backwaters, before discovering the paradise island of Uligamu in the Maldives. In Sri Lanka, visit the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, witness the blend of exotic and modern in the city of Colombo and cruise to the spiritually significant city of Trincomalee, a true off-the-beaten track destination. Sail to the Andaman Islands and Thailand for the chance to explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands by speedboat or the delightful bay of Phang Nga. Then cruise the Strait of Malacca to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, a place of breathtaking skylines and sacred shrines. Throughout your journey, local entertainment groups board Aegean Odyssey in both Colombo and Phuket bringing cultural traditions alive before arriving in Singapore, a city that combines the colonial elegance of the Sir Stanley Raffles era with all the dynamism of a modern hi-tech city-state. Sri Lanka
YOUR ITINERARY
AEG190107GT/AEG190106
2019
PORT
ARRIVE
DEPART
6 JAN
MUMBAI India Embark Aegean Odyssey (non-Golden Triangle)
7 JAN
MUMBAI India Embark Aegean Odyssey (Golden Triangle) 10.00pm
8 JAN
Cruising the Arabian Sea
9 JAN
MARMAGAO India
10 JAN
Cruising the Arabian Sea
11 JAN
COCHIN India
12 JAN
Cruising the Indian Ocean
13 JAN
ULIGAMU Maldives
14 JAN
Cruising the Indian Ocean
15 JAN
COLOMBO Sri Lanka
16 JAN
COLOMBO Sri Lanka
17 JAN
Cruising the Indian Ocean
18 JAN
TRINCOMALEE Sri Lanka
19/20 JAN
Cruising the Indian Ocean
21 JAN
PORT BLAIR Andaman Islands
22 JAN
Cruising the Andaman Sea
23 JAN
PHUKET Thailand
24 JAN
Cruising the Strait of Malacca
25 JAN
PORT KELANG Malaysia
26 JAN
SINGAPORE Disembark Aegean Odyssey
8.00am
8.00pm
8.00am
8.00pm
8.00am
3.00pm
8.00am
Overnight
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS • Old Goa on the Malabar Coast • The palaces of the Raj in historic Cochin • Visit the off-the-beaten-track, paradise island of Uligamu in the Maldives
• Extended, overnight stay in Colombo with local entertainment • Inaugural visit to the sacred sites of ancient Trincomalee
6.00pm 8.00am
4.00pm
8.00am
7.00pm
8.00am
8.00pm
8.00am
2.00pm
• Phuket and the stunning Phi Phi Islands in Thailand • Visit to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia
Ship at anchor New ports of call shown in gold
Please note – this is the cruise itinerary. If you have booked a longer programme with pre and/or post cruise land packages, you can find this information on pages 18-20.
Phi Phi Islands
3
YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY 6 JANUARY 2019 MUMBAI, INDIA
MUMBAI CITY HIGHLIGHTS (Half day, AM)
Guests not participating in the Golden Triangle land tour embark Aegean Odyssey in Mumbai, India’s economic powerhouse.
Begin with a panoramic tour of the city’s colonial heritage, including the Victorian Gothic Revival Rajabhai Clock Tower, Mumbai University, the High Court, Crawford Market and the marvellous Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Stop at Dhobi Ghat to watch men flogging clothes in the stone tubs of an immense open-air manual laundry. Glimpse political India when you visit the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Mani Bhawan, which is now a museum dedicated to the leader’s life and work. Then ascend Malabar Hill to the Hanging Gardens, for panoramic views over the entire city. At the end of the tour, enjoy a photo stop at the 262-foot-high Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea, built to mark the 1911 visit of King George V.
7 JANUARY MUMBAI, INDIA Mumbai is a place of intoxicating energy that is home to nearly 20 million people, global corporations and the Bollywood film industry. Guests participating in the Golden Triangle land tour join today. The ship sets sail for Marmagao this evening.
Mumbai
4
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Note: Guests taking part in the Golden Triangle will combine this excursion with lunch ashore before embarking Aegean Odyssey. Guests embarking on the 6th January will have this excursion on the morning of the 7th January. The Valley of the Kings
8 JANUARY AT SEA
9 JANUARY MARMAGAO, INDIA
A day at sea to familiarise yourself with the amenities aboard Aegean Odyssey and a chance to meet your Enrichment Team. Our guest speakers, port presenter and craft leaders will also introduce themselves and provide details about the talks and activities planned for your voyage. Sign up for birdwatching, crafting, dance and the book club. There really is something for everyone.
The Goan port of Marmagao was chosen to be the first capital of the Portuguese Empire in India and acts as a gateway to some of the country’s most architecturally beautiful locations.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT The first day of the speaker programme is guaranteed to get you engaged. Peter Cattermole looks at the geography of India and Sri Lanka, and the way the continents were formed. In the afternoon, Judith Brown examines Mahatma Gandhi’s core beliefs, what he thought a free India should be like and his practice of non-violent resistance.
Mumbai
KEY TO SYMBOLS Extensive walking Uneven surfaces
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A Archaeological ground
OLD GOA & LATIN QUARTER WALK (Half day, AM) Today you will marvel at two magnificent churches of Old Goa that are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Designed to awe the locals into conversion, these magnificent buildings testify to the wealth of Goa when it was the capital of the Eastern Portuguese Empire. St Cajetan Church is modelled after St Peter's in Rome and has a hidden crypt where in 1992 the bodies of former Portuguese governors were found in lead coffins, waiting to be sent back to Lisbon. You will also visit the 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus, where St Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint, is entombed in a marble mausoleum. Your sightseeing will continue with a short drive through the relaxed state capital of Panjim, followed by a walking tour through one of the city's most charming neighbourhoods, the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, which was built by the Portuguese. Strolling along narrow streets past wonderful old villas, you will really be able to savour the tranquil essence of Goa.
Significant steps Uphill sections Features a boat ride Bustling streets Winding roads Lunch box included Respectful dress Long drive Removal of shoes
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
TEMPLES & SPICES (Half day, AM)
Goa
6
Escape the city on a scenic drive past brilliant green rice paddies and elegant homes from the colonial period, to the lush valleys and forests of Ponda, where you will discover a number of Hindu temples built during the 17th and 18th centuries, at a time when the devout were forced to practice their religion away from the prying eyes and persecution of the Portuguese. The deities may be ancient, but the temples are fairly modern by Indian standards and are still used by the local population, as well as thousands of pilgrims who visit here from other parts of southern India. A particularly wonderful example is the Mangueshi Temple, set on a wooded hill surrounded by farmland and considered the most important Hindu temple in Goa. On this tour you will also visit the Sahakari Plantation to refresh your body and your soul. Here the fields are centred on a large irrigation tank filled with lilies watched over by bright kingfishers. The property’s varied terrain includes both flat wetlands and hillsides, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of plants and trees.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT John Coventry rounds off the day with a pre-dinner talk about the construction of the Taj Mahal and perhaps the greatest love story of all time, during which he will present some amazing footage of this iconic monument.
10 JANUARY AT SEA ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT As Aegean Odyssey cruises the Malabar coastline, Ernie Rea gives his first talk, ‘Slumdog Millionaire and Lord Ram’, concerning the inspiration for the Oscar winning movie and questions about the conflict between Muslims and Hindus. Later in the day Stephen Carr-Smith starts his series of four presentations on the British in India by looking at how the East India Company turned from a commercial enterprise into a full-blown imperial project.
11 JANUARY COCHIN, INDIA Centuries of invaders, traders and rulers have shaped the culture and architecture of Kerala’s premier city, resulting in the fascinating mix that we witness today. The state of Kerala has featured in National Geographic Traveller’s “50 greatest places of a lifetime”.
Giza
INCLUDED EXCURSION
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
COCHIN CITY TOUR (Half day, AM)
KUMBALANGHI VILLAGE TOUR $75 per person (Half day, PM)
The intriguing Mattancherry area is where the old merchant houses were once home to a flourishing Jewish community and it’s here that you will visit the charming Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555, renovated by the Dutch in 1663, and today flanked by shrines to Krishna and Shiva. The city’s synagogue was built in 1568 and features hand-painted blue-and-white tiles from China as well as a sparkling oil-burning chandelier from Belgium. Strolling along the historic Jew Street, admire the spice and antique shops where the first wave of Jewish migration to Cochin arrived in the 1st century BC, long before it is said the ships of King Solomon traded here. On this tour you will also visit Fort Cochin, located in the centre of the city, followed by the oldest European church in India, St Francis, where the explorer Vasco da Gama was once buried. Just outside the church are the bamboo and teak poles of the city’s often photographed Chinese fishing nets; then catch the lively action at the local Fish Market.
Rub shoulders with the real India on an adventure combining a backwater boat trip with a taste of traditional Cochin life in the island-village of Kumbalanghi, which is ringed by Chinese fishing nets. Board an authentic local fishing boat for a short cruise through the region’s most serene backwaters, during which you will have a chance to try your hand at the local fishing techniques of veeshu vala (fishing with conical nets) and padalu (trapping fish in coconut palm cages). Following your scenic boat trip, enjoy a walk through the village for a chance to see some of the locals demonstrating traditional skills ranging from crab catching to fish-flipping, clam-meat processing, coir-making, mat-making and net-making. After enjoying some refreshments amidst the scenic beauty of the region’s idyllic paddy fields and mangroves, a final experience awaits you before your return to the ship: a fabulous rickshaw ride in a local tuk-tuk, through the village’s picturesque narrow lanes.
Cochin
77
Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
ALLEPPEY BACKWATER CRUISE $65* per person (Full Day)
Kerala Backwaters
Glide past sleepy backwater villages through a labyrinth of tropical waterways called kayals, in one of India’s most beautiful regions, Kerala. Alappuzha is your gateway to this idyllic world as you relax in shaded comfort and drift down narrow, foliagechoked canals that suddenly and thrillingly open up into expansive green paddy fields. See tropical life as you never would from the road, catching glimpses of villagers washing their clothes in the river, workers harvesting coconuts, or children playing beneath papaya, mango and jackfruit laden trees. For centuries this extensive network of rivers, lakes and lagoons has been a means of transporting goods and people from the heartland to the coast aboard traditional house boats known as Kettuvallam. *Includes subsidy for unused half day excursion
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Andrew Bunton delivers a fascinating talk on the insects and invertebrates of India before your departure from Cochin. From parasitic wasps and cicadas to deadly scorpions and industrious ants, the variety is breathtaking.
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12 JANUARY AT SEA Another day at sea to enjoy Aegean Odyssey’s facilities. Enjoy a visit to the Athena Spa perhaps, or sit back for a lazy morning on the Lido Deck, with a good book from our well-stocked library.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Peter Cattermole gives a talk this morning on the Story of Gondwanaland. In the afternoon, the second instalment of Stephen Carr-Smith’s discussions concerning the British in India looks specifically at the Indian mutiny. The day is then rounded off with a talk by Andrew Bunten showcasing how the ‘Magical Maldives’ is not just a magnet for holidaymakers, but also has a wide range of wonderful wildlife.
13 JANUARY ULIGAMU ISLAND, MALDIVES Today Aegean Odyssey drops anchor by the stunning island of Uligamu, an outpost in the northwest Indian Ocean at the very top of the Maldives in the Haa Alif Atoll. Heading ashore you will have plenty of time to relax on the white sands or swim in the island’s quiet, tranquil waters, which are surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish – a true taste of paradise. The inhabitants are a kind and friendly people, so you will also have a chance to meet them, before returning to the ship for a barbeque party on deck. A non-denominational Sunday Service will be given by Judith Brown.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE (Full Day)
The Maldives
14 JANUARY AT SEA ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Your speaker programme continues as Judith Brown provides a talk on ‘Nehru’s India and Beyond’ and Andrew Bunten presents ‘Tiger, Tiger – Land Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent’.
15 JANUARY COLOMBO, SRI LANKA Colombo is a bustling city where tuk-tuks honk at every corner, modern hotels rub shoulders with crumbling colonial architecture, and the Galle Face Green is alive with street vendors and morning joggers. As you overnight in this wonderful port, Voyages to Antiquity invites a local folkloric group on board Aegean Odyssey to perform in the Ambassador Lounge in the evening.
A two and a half hour drive through the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside brings us to Pinnawala and this famous site, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to protect unweaned baby elephants found wandering in the forests. From a nucleus of five baby elephants in 1975, the sanctuary is now home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants, many of which have been bred here and will stay for life. Your first stop will be at the Oya River to watch the elephants bathing and socialising, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty and the antics of these majestic animals. In the afternoon, see the elephants from closer-up and maybe watch some of the older or smaller elephants being fed.
Colombo
Note: Despite some negative press concerning the orphanage in recent years, VTA’s local ground partners are happy with the latest inspections of the organisation and their treatment of the animals. A detailed presentation will be given on board to provide more details on what to expect and the reasons behind the work being carried out in the orphanage.
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Karnak
Street Market, Colombo
Giza
Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
INCLUDED IN GRAND VOYAGE PROGRAMME
KANDY AND THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH $65* per person (Full Day)
A VISIT TO GALLE (Full Day)
Journey to the sacred city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unusual beauty and the location of the temple containing a tooth of Buddha. The scenic three-hour drive takes us out of Colombo, through small towns growing all kinds of exotic fruit, past pineapple plantations and paddy fields, into Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. One of the day’s highlights is a stop at Peradeniya to walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. A visit to the Orchid House should not be missed! Kandy was founded in the 14th century and as the last capital of Sri Lanka’s kings is the key focus of this optional tour. The lake on one side is a photographer’s dream and VTA guests will enjoy lunch in a colonial hotel overlooking this lake. On the opposite side of the picturesque valley, you will then enjoy a guided tour of the monumental Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred relic is enshrined. During the return drive, a stop will be made at a Spice Garden to learn more about Sri Lanka’s ayurvedic tradition. *Includes subsidy for unused included excursion
10 10
Galle is a colourful town that is shrouded in the scent of spices and littered with decaying Dutch-colonial buildings. Most of all though, Galle is a city of trade and art. These two preoccupations meet at the fort, which is crammed full of little boutique shops, cafes and hotels owned by local and foreign artists. Built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later modified by the Dutch during the 17th century, the fort is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. Thanks to reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka it still looks amazing after 400 years and was one of the few structures to survive the infamous Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated Galle in December 2004. Entering through the old gates, you will drive around the fort to see for yourself this remarkable interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions, then visit the rampart for spectacular views of Galle. You will also delight in the coastal town of Koggala, for a chance to view the local fishermen who stand on uncomfortable stilts planted in the coral reef for hours at time, in a tradition that has been passed down from father to son for generations. This excursion is included for guests visiting Colombo again on 10th – 12th February
16 JANUARY COLOMBO, SRI LANKA With a free afternoon in port, why not head out and explore the city independently, before ending at the historic Galle Face Hotel for a spot of high tea? Alternatively, now might be the time to start reading Dinah Jefferies’ novel ‘The Tea Planter’s Wife’.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
COLOMBO CITY TOUR (Half day, AM) Sri Lankan Buddhists believe that the Buddha visited Kelaniya to resolve a quarrel between two warring Naga leaders: Chulodara (literally meaning ‘the small-bellied one’) and Mahodara (‘the big-bellied one’). Today you will visit the Kelaniya (Kalyana) Temple, built on the banks of the Kelani River, before returning to the centre of Colombo for a true highlight of the city.
17 JANUARY AT SEA ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Peter Cattermole’s fascinating geographical talks continue this morning as he discusses the Indian Ocean – the Earth’s third largest major sea and one of the youngest oceans on the planet. In the afternoon, Ernie Rea asks why hair is so important to people of religion, whether it be dreadlocks, turbans, side-locks or beards.
Trincomalee
18 JANUARY TRINCOMALEE, SRI LANKA A newly-introduced port for Aegean Odyssey, Trincomalee is surrounded by wildlife, hills and rock formations, and offers a beach of seemingly endless white sand.
Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of books, more than 4,000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings and an excellent collection of antique demon masks. The most interesting among the exhibits are the regalia of the Kandian Kings, dating back to the 17th century. Trincomalee
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Polonnaruwa
12
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
UNESCO POLONNARUWA (Full Day)
TRINCOMALEE CITY TOUR (Half Day, AM)
This full-day tour begins with a scenic drive across Sri Lanka to one of the best-preserved archaeological cities on the island. During the 11th and 12th centuries the World Heritage Site of Royal Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom and became the seat of both Vijayabahu I, who founded the city, and Parakramabahu the Great, whose reign is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Among the site’s many impressive structures is the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, a circular stone shrine built to a design that is wholly unique to Sri Lanka. This reliquary is believed to have been commissioned to hold either the Relic of the Tooth, or the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Only ten such structures remain in existence, but the virtually intact Vatadage of Polonnaruwa is widely considered the finest. Also on display are the Royal Palace and Audience Hall, statues of Parakramabahu the Great, the Lotus Bath and the Galpotha stone book, which recounts the achievements of King Nissanka Malla. Monuments of worship include the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Kiri Vehera stupa and the Gal Viharaya, where four enormous reliefs of the Buddha, consisting of an ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and two ‘Recumbent’ poses, have been carved into a single huge rock.
The natural deep-water harbour of Trincomalee has attracted many sea farers throughout the ages, from Marco Polo and Ptolemy, to the traders of ancient China and East Asia. Your tour here begins with a visit to the remains of what was once the largest European fort in Sri Lanka, Fort Fredrick. Built by the Portuguese in 1623, the fortress was originally named Fort Triquillimale, until it was captured by the Dutch in 1639. Inside the grounds, the classical-medieval Hindu Koneswaram temple can be reached by passing directly through the still intact fort entrance. The Thirukoneswaram Kovil temple, as it is also known, is the oldest Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, although the original shrine was demolished in 1622 by the Portuguese. Much of the art from the demolished temple was taken to the Lisbon Museum, including a stone inscription by the Chola King, Kulakottan, but the remaining building materials were subsequently used to enlarge the fort’s ramparts. There will also be a chance to visit the Trincomalee War Cemetery, commemorating soldiers of the British Empire who lost their lives during World War II; followed by the tranquil remains of the Velgam Vihara temple, an historic place of worship for both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists.
19/20 JANUARY AT SEA
Ross Island
Over the next couple of days at sea craft classes and entertainment in the form of daily quizzes given by our Cruise Director continue, alongside moving poetry readings and classical music from our resident musicians. Evening entertainment throughout the voyage is upbeat and there’s always something going on for those that seek it.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Our speaker programme promises to keep your mind engaged as we cruise the Indian Ocean, with topics over these days including the third instalment of the British in India, specifically the con trick of the British Raj; the divisions within Islam and why and where Muslims disagree; and what makes planet Earth tick?
Polonnaruwa
13
21 JANUARY PORT BLAIR, ANDAMAN ISLANDS Established by the British as a penal colony in 1789, today Port Blair is the largest town on the Andaman Islands. Surrounded by lush forest and rugged coastline, the town is a vibrant mix of inhabitants, including Bengalis, Tamils and Burmese. Port Blair
INCLUDED EXCURSION
HIGHLIGHTS OF PORT BLAIR (Half day, AM) Whilst being guided through the small town of Port Blair, visit the Naval Marine Museum, with its displays of tribal art, marine life and archaeology. The Anthropological Museum is also as intriguing and illustrates the lives of local aboriginal tribes through miniature models of their traditional tools, dresses and photographs of their lifestyle. Your final stop is the Cellular Jail. The construction took place between 1896 and 1906. The building had seven wings, at the centre of which a tower served as the fulcrum and was used by guards to keep watch on the inmates. The wings forked out of the tower in straight lines, and a large bell was kept in the tower to raise the alarm in the eventuality of an escape or disturbance. All the prisoners were kept in isolation and subjected to a brutal work regime, making the Cellular Jail one of the murkiest chapters in the history of colonial rule in India.
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Andaman Islands Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
ROSS ISLAND $45 per person (Half Day, AM) Ross Island is about 2km east of Port Blair and can be reached by a short boat ride from the Phoenix Bay Jetty. The island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering, and is home to a large and noisy population of peacocks. This small island was the capital of Port Blair during the British regime and presently houses the ruins of old colonial buildings like the ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, the main church, the hospital, and troop barracks. Despite being in a rather dilapidated condition, these buildings still evoke the old British regime. You will also visit a small museum housing old photographs of Ross during the colonial era. Note: Guests who sign up for this tour will have their included ‘Highlights of Port Blair’ in the afternoon.
22 JANUARY AT SEA
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT
PHANG NGA (Full Day) Today Stephen Carr-Smith will be exploring how Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah all sought Indian independence but in different ways; and Ernie Rea will tell the story of Sir Stanford Raffles and Lee Kwan Yew – two remarkable individuals to whom Singapore owes it prosperity.
23 JANUARY PHUKET, THAILAND Famous for its resort culture in recent years, Thailand’s largest island has much more than beach parties to offer the more discerning traveller. With its curvaceous coastline and dramatic landscape, Phuket’s scenery is not to be missed. In the evening, before Aegean Odyssey sails, you will also be treated to a local Thai dance performance.
Follow in the path of James Bond as you navigate Phang Nga National Park, where sheer limestone karsts thrust dramatically up from the sea. After a briefing about this beautiful bay during the hour-and-a half drive from Phuket, step aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat and let the scenery speak for itself as you skim over some of the most magnificent waters in the world. Circle the island of Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island since it appeared in The Man with The Golden Gun. Wind through mangroves and silent caves to Pan Yi Island, then stop at the Muslim Sea Gypsy Village, built entirely on stilts, where you can visit a school, wander the byways, shop for pearls and glimpse a fascinating way of life.
Phuket
Phang Nga
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INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
PHI PHI ISLANDS (Full Day) With soaring cliffs, powdery sands and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder Thailand declared the Phi Phi Islands a National Park: Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi. Don your swimsuit, hop aboard a local speedboat and head for these tropical treasures of the Andaman Sea. Your adventure starts early with a transfer from the ship to Phuket Marina. From here, it's about an hour by water to Phi Phi Le, where you'll visit the stunningly beautiful Maya Bay, seen in the film The Beach. Swim or snorkel with colourful fish; explore fjord-like Pileh Cove, with its steep limestone walls; and see the Viking Cave, a source of birds’ nests for the famous Asian soup. Rock carvings inside date from 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and are thought to resemble Scandinavian longboats. Finally, surrender to an afternoon of pleasure on enchanting Bamboo Island, with free time to snorkel amidst the coral beds and wonder if those Viking captains ever did drop anchor in these blissful waters. Kindly note that (at the time of printing) Maya Bay is currently closed due to environmental reasons. We have been advised that the Thai Government is due to open Maya Bay early in December 2018 and there will be new regulations to control visitor numbers. Voyages to Antiquity will advise if this stop will definitely be included in the excursion closer to the time of operation. Phi Phi Islands 16
24 JANUARY AT SEA A final day at sea and a final chance to excel in a craft class! Themed quizzes continue in the Charleston Lounge and topical discussions happen in the Ambassador Lounge.
25 JANUARY PORT KELANG, MALAYSIA In colonial times Port Kelang (or Port Klang) was known as Port Swettenham and is Malaysia’s largest port. Lying some 38 kilometres southwest of Kuala Lumpur it’s a convenient gateway to visit the architecturally brilliant capital of the country. A final afternoon at sea then allows time to relax and reflect upon the sites you have visited today, before your arrival into Singapore.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR CITY TOUR (Half day, AM) Explore a landscape of beautiful mosques, grand museums and historic memorials during this tour of Malaysia's capital. It's all a far cry from the city's 19th century start as a humble tin-mining settlement. Begin with a drive along the modern highway for views of the blue-domed National Mosque and the fantastical Edwardian Moorish-style Railway Station, on your way to Independence Square, where British colonists once played cricket and the Malayan flag was first hoisted on August 31st, 1957. The surrounding architectural ensemble includes the Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club, once a popular watering hole for high society during the tin boom. Across the way is St Mary's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur's oldest Anglican Church. Be sure to have your cameras ready for your photo stop at the Petronas Towers – the tallest twin towers in the world and without a doubt the most memorable symbol of Kuala Lumpur.
Lanzarote
26 JANUARY SINGAPORE Putra Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Singapore after breakfast.
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PRE-CRUISE GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR 2 –7 January 2019 A five night pre-cruise land tour taking you around the legendary route connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Voyages to Antiquity offers a variety of cruise packages, some of which include land touring elements before and/ or after the cruise itself. In this case, a five-night precruise land tour of India’s Golden Triangle.
4 JANUARY DELHI/AGRA, INDIA Leave the sites of Old and New Delhi behind as you head to Agra by coach, arriving at lunchtime for check in formalities, and an afternoon sightseeing tour.
2 JANUARY DELHI, INDIA Arrive at New Delhi airport and transfer to your luxurious hotel.
3 JANUARY DELHI, INDIA Delhi is several cities in one, many times the capital, from the early days of Islam to the pomp and grandeur of Lutyens’ Raj-era New Delhi.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
AGRA FORT (Half day, PM) The Red Fort of Agra was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements are fairytale palaces that tell the tale of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, when Agra was one of India's most important cities.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
DELHI OLD & NEW (Full day) The victory tower known as Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands over 236 feet tall. At the tower's foot is India's first mosque, with an iron pillar in its courtyard that has not rusted in over 2,000 years. En route, admire New Delhi's monuments of Empire: the President's Palace, Parliament House and India Gate. After lunch visit the Raj Ghat (Royal Steps) marked by a simple black marble slab where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
5 JANUARY AGRA/JAIPUR, INDIA Get ready to witness what could be argued to be the finest example of Mughal architecture on earth.
Note: Please note, many passengers travelling from North America will have an afternoon half-day variation of this tour due to flight arrival times. Athens The Taj Mahal 18 18
Jaipur
INCLUDED EXCURSION
THE TAJ MAHAL (Half day, AM) The UNESCO World Heritage Taj Mahal stands tribute to a great love story. One of India's great architect-rulers, Shah Jahan, lost his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, giving birth to their fifteenth child. This great, white marble mausoleum took 22 years and 20,000 workmen to complete. Take in the graphic purity of the elevation, the grandeur of the bulbous dome and the perspective of the pool and gardens. Note: There is a strict security check at the entrance to the Taj Mahal and no bags are allowed inside. Later, you will check out of your hotel in Agra and travel to Jaipur, making a stop at a ghostly Mughal city that was abandoned centuries ago for lack of water.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
FATEHPUR SIKRI (Half day) Enter the City of Victory, built in 1569 by Akbar the Great, then abandoned 14 years later when the water supply failed. Briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire, the city has been deserted for most of its existence, and the buildings have remained preserved without modification by later rulers. Today, this majestic ghost town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unified architectural ensemble blending Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions.
6 JANUARY JAIPUR, INDIA The capital of Rajasthan state, Jaipur is also known as ‘The Pink City’ due to the old quarter’s terracotta buildings which are kept the same colour by civic decree.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
HIGHLIGHTS OF JAIPUR (Half day) Combine spellbinding visits to royal buildings with a jeep ride to the hill-top Amber Fort, where days of blood and blade come to life. Begin with the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, in Jaipur, where ladies watched the world from behind delicate honeycomb screens. Continue to the Aravalli Hills for your ride to the honey-coloured 17th-century Amber Fort, a place of startling beauty and grandeur. The sombre exterior belies the lavish royal apartments inside, which open onto staggering views of the gorge below. Wander the gardens and courtyards to view the glittering Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory, where panels of alabaster are inlaid with coloured glass.
Mumbai
7 JANUARY JAIPUR/MUMBAI, INDIA Fly to Mumbai today to join the Aegean Odyssey. Before embarking, take a city tour of Mumbai with lunch included ashore. Details of the Mumbai City Sightseeing can be found on page 4.
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POST-CRUISE SINGAPORE HOTEL STAY 26 –28 January 2019
Voyages to Antiquity offers a variety of cruise packages, some of which include land touring elements before and/ or after the cruise itself. In this case, a two-night, postcruise hotel stay in Singapore.
Giza
26 JANUARY SINGAPORE
Founded in 1973, Singapore Zoo is nestled in the lush Mandai Rainforest and contains over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. This optional tour offers a unique opportunity to join a Night Safari at Singapore Zoo, where you will be guided around the world’s first nocturnal zoological park.
Disembark Aegean Odyssey in Singapore and head to your hotel, a stone’s throw away from the famous Orchard Road. On the way, take in the highlights of Singapore on your included excursion.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
SPIRIT OF SINGAPORE (Half day, AM) Discover the many facets of this dynamic city-state where centuries-old traditions continue in the shadow of skyscrapers. Delve into Singapore's past in Chinatown, and visit the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, the Thian Hock Kheng Temple. Marvel at the elaborate façade of the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, then stroll in the city's National Orchid Gardens, just inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. See the city's colonial heritage in all its splendour as you drive past Parliament House, the Supreme Court, Raffles Hotel and City Hall. Wind up over 300 ft to the top of Mt Faber for sweeping panoramas of the city, port and islands. Whether you view Singapore as a dining, shopping or cultural mecca, this overview reveals there's much to explore in the Lion City.
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OPTIONAL EXCURSION
SINGAPORE NIGHT SAFARI $75pp (Evening)
27 JANUARY SINGAPORE A day at leisure to explore the city which is often referred to as a cultural melting pot. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to Singapore’s 21st century, S$1 billion, botanical garden. Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
GARDENS BY THE BAY $55pp (Half day, AM) Covering over 100 hectares, Gardens by the Bay are a true horticultural wonderland. One of the iconic buildings is the Flower Dome, a glasshouse that creates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions.
28 JANUARY SINGAPORE Transfer to Singapore’s international airport for your flight home.
Some countries require you to carry certain documents ashore and to obtain visas in advance. Please refer to the specific Travel Sheet for the cruise code you are booked under. We highly recommend that in preparation for our cruises to South Africa, India and Southeast Asia, you become familiar with the Essential Travel Guide. This information can also be found online at www.voyagestoantiquity.com. Voyages to Antiquity cruises include shore excursions in almost all ports of call. Some ports offer different sightseeing opportunities – in these instances, we may offer additional, optional alternatives at extra cost.
WHAT TO EXPECT Our sightseeing programmes are outstanding but can be challenging. Visits to historic sites and natural wonders often require walking over uneven surfaces, up and down multiple steps or steep paths. Therefore, a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is recommended. Some passengers may decide to take a break from excursions on more strenuous days and instead explore the environs of the port. Look for the symbols alongside each excursion description. The key to these symbols may be found on page 5. These give a good idea of the level of walking involved. Tour durations are approximate and, to avoid overcrowding and ensure you enjoy the best experience, the sequence of site visits and operating times may vary. The staff on board Aegean Odyssey will brief you each evening on the plans for the following day and all departure times and meeting points will be advised in the Daily Journal. As a result of severe weather or unforeseen changes to opening/closing times, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or substitute an included excursion at any time. This happens extremely rarely and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the advised schedules are followed. If a change is made, guests will be advised in their final documents or at the shore excursion briefings on board. EXCURSIONS WITH THE EXTENSIVE WALKING SYMBOL
Some excursions which feature in our programmes are not suitable for guests with any mobility restrictions. In accordance with our Fitness to Travel statement and in order to ensure Voyages to Antiquity can deliver a high quality land programme, the ship reserves the right to transfer you to an alternative excursion if they believe that your original choice is unsuitable. Please consider your fellow guests and only select this option if you are certain you able to meet the activity level.
THE SHORE EXCURSION TEAM Our Shore Excursion Manager and Graduate Assistants are on hand to make sure you get the most out of your excursion experience. Informative briefings will be provided on the tour options and more generally on upcoming ports of call, and the team can field any further questions in the Reception area. During the excursions, we endeavour to have a representative on every coach, but this is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed. The role of the team ashore is to ensure the smooth running of the excursion in conjunction with the local guide and operator. This often means rotating between groups. Though always keen to assist, the team therefore cannot be responsible for providing walking support or making sure that everyone in the group is present at a particular time. Please ensure that you sign up for your preferred excursions at the embarkation desk at the start of the cruise. Some excursions may operate subject to minimum numbers, and we need to know in advance how many passengers are joining each excursion in order to book coaches and guides.
SHORE EXCURSION INFORMATION
OUR GUIDES
A good local guide, keen to share his or her knowledge and enthusiasm for a particular attraction can transform a visit. All of our shore excursions feature qualified, highly-rated English-speaking guides with just this expertise and passion.
SHOPPING Whilst Voyages to Antiquity shore excursions focus on the history and culture of a particular destination or attraction, some offer the chance to visit local workshops and view demonstrations of crafts and artistic techniques. Unlike other cruise operators, we have no affiliation with any shopping establishment. We do not assume responsibility for purchases made ashore and recommend insuring anything you choose to ship home.
TRANSPORTATION
Various modes of transportation may be used depending on the excursion. Motor-coaches are deluxe, air-conditioned vehicles unless not available in that port. Wi-Fi is not generally available on coaches.
CLOTHING TIPS Throughout our South Africa, India and Southeast Asia programme, we recommend consulting our Essential Travel guide checklist. Umbrellas/waterproof jackets are recommended for this itinerary due to sudden tropical rainfalls. Sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and sunscreen/sunhats are highly recommended for all programmes. Please dress respectfully for visits to sites of a religious nature – generally this means that shoulders and knees should be covered. Kindly be reminded that many of our programmes include visits to temples and pagodas where it is necessary to remove shoes and socks. Further clothing tips will be provided at the on-board briefings, along with weather forecasts for the following day. 21
YOUR GUEST SPEAKERS
Rev Dr Judith Brown University of Oxford
Dr Peter Cattermole Geologist/Volcanologist
Judith Brown is the recently retired Professor of Commonwealth History at the University of Oxford and an emeritus Professorial Fellow of Balliol College. The main focus of her academic writing has been modern India, in particular the careers of M.K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. She has also written on the modern diaspora from South Asia. She was born in India and then educated in the UK. As well as teaching and writing, she has travelled widely for research, to give lectures, and to do many of the tasks which accompany senior academic life. Judith’s passion, apart from India, is gardening.
Peter was born in Sussex, UK and by seven was showing a keen interest in climbing rocks and playing the piano. The former led eventually to his becoming a geologist, the latter left him with a lifelong interest in music. While in his teens he was fortunate to meet Sir Patrick Moore, the eccentric TV astronomer, with whom he shared a close friendship until Patrick’s death in 2012. A certain ineptness at maths prevented pursuit of an astronomy career, so Patrick encouraged him to study and apply for a degree course in geology which he duly did, graduating from the University of Wales, gaining a higher degree and becoming a lecturer in both the Universities of Wales and Sheffield. He specialises in planetary geology, remote sensing and hard rock petrology.
Andrew Bunten Ecologist Andy has been an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife ever since he can remember. Educated at Cambridge, Newcastle and Imperial College, he then embarked on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts, and, for 26 years, the RSPB. A highly experienced lecturer, Andy has cruised extensively completing over 20 trips ranging from Costa Rica to the Philippines and from Argentina to Svalbard. Now an Environmental Consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller and has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including the Seychelles, France, Egypt, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Borneo, Norway and Spitzbergen.
Major General Stephen Carr-Smith British Army, Retired Stephen Carr-Smith spent 33 years in the Army. During 19621982, he served 10 years in Germany at the height of the Cold War. From 1988-1995 he was serving in NATO, most of which was spent helping develop the “New NATO” after the demise of the Warsaw Pact and the USSR. His last appointment was as the Deputy Director General of the NATO Communications Agency in Brussels. On leaving the Army in 1995, he worked for a company providing security and mine clearance services in remote and hostile countries. From 2003 to 2013, he was the President of the Stragglers of Asia Cricket Club, with its origins in the Punjab in the 1920s – and, accompanied by his wife, he led tours to Sri Lanka in 2004 and to India in 2007.
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Ernest Rea Broadcaster Ernie Rea is a celebrated broadcaster who specialises on the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the best Speech Programme on British Radio. He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 -2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all their television and radio programmes nationally and locally. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales. He is in wide demand as a speaker at a wide variety of events, including international inter faith conferences, literary festivals, and academic symposia.
Mumbai
SPEAKER TOPICS India and Sri Lanka - of Ancient Rocks and Early Continents by Peter Cattermole Gandhi: Saint or Politician? By Judith Brown
The Indian Ocean – Earth’s youngest and most complex ocean by Peter Cattermole
The Taj Mahal - a Magnificent Obsession by John Coventry
Why does Hair Matter? By Ernie Rea
Slumdog Millionaire and Lord Ram by Ernie Rea
The British Raj: The Great Con Trick by Stephen Carr-Smith
The Price of Pepper: The East India Company by Stephen Carr-Smith
The Subcontinent and its Diaspora by Judith Brown
6 Legs Good… – Insects and Invertebrates of India by Andrew Bunten The Story of Gondwanaland – and India’s rapid journey from Africa to Asia by Peter Cattermole The Indian Mutiny by Stephen Carr-Smith
The Divisions in Islam: Where Muslims Disagree by Ernie Rea Planet Earth – What makes it tick? By Peter Cattermole Partition by Stephen Carr-Smith Singapore: A City created by Heroes? By Ernie Rea
The Magical Maldives – a Paradise of Wildlife by Andrew Bunten
The Fall of Singapore 1942 - The worst British defeat in World War Two by Stephen Carr-Smith
Nehru’s India and Beyond by Judith Brown
The Lady and the Lady’s People: Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma by Ernie Rea
“Tiger, Tiger…” Land Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent by Andrew Bunten
BOOKCLUB
Transforming Indian Female Lives by Judith Brown
John Coventry
with Gaynor Vaughan-Jones Gaynor is a freelance radio and television producer and consultant and trainer on presentation and the press and broadcast media. Whilst on board Aegean Odyssey, Gaynor will host a book club for passengers wishing to learn more about the fascinating sites visited.
Clare Coventry
DESTINATION TALKS
CRAFT CLASSES
John Coventry is a Travel and Special Interests lecturer and will be giving some engaging destination talks in the Ambassador Lounge throughout the voyage. With a working lifetime spent in travel and as a development trainer, John’s range of knowledge and interests is as intriguing as it is eclectic. His informed and imaginative presentations ensure a refreshing and entertaining interlude.
Clare Coventry is a craft tutor and retired BBC radio presenter who will be bringing out your creative side with a number of craft sessions throughout the cruise, including the chance to make a lotus blossom pin cushion, gift pouches and an Asian elephant keyring. She will also be leading some line dancing classes throughout the voyage.
Between the Assasinations by Aravind Adiga Between The Assassinations explores seven days in a fictional Indian city called Kittur, probably based on Bangalore. It takes the form of a series of short stories with recurring characters and explores issues of caste, class, religion and corruption that bedevil Indian life. We meet a girl whose first act of love for her father is to beg in the streets for money to support his drug habit: and the lonely member of the Marxist Party of India who falls in love with a girl from the poor part of town whom he cannot afford to wed. This book is peopled by a marvellously diverse and colourful cast of characters who illuminate the dark corners of Indian life.
Taj Mahal
voyagestoantiquity.com 23 15
READING GUIDE Oxford’s renowned bookseller Blackwell’s has designed a reading guide specifically for this outstanding cruise itinerary. Order online at blackwell.co.uk, or enjoy a 10% discount when quoting ‘voyages’ if you order directly on 01865 333623. Book descriptions may be found at voyagestoantiquity.com.
NON-FICTION Gordon Kerr A Short History of India ISBN: 9781843449225, Paperback, £8.99
Martine Batchelor The Spirit of the Buddha ISBN: 9780300164077, Paperback, £9.99
Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit A History of Thailand
ISBN: 9780192807205, Paperback, £10.99
Anthony Reid Imperial Alchemy
Sunil Khilnani The Idea of India ISBN: 9780718197254, Paperback, £11.99
ISBN: 9781107420212, Paperback, £24.99
ISBN: 9780521694124, Paperback, £20.99
Isabella L Bird The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither
Gavin D Flood An Introduction to Hinduism
Edward Luce In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India
ISBN: 9780521438780, Hardback, £20.99
ISBN: 9780349123462, Paperback, £10.99
Sharon Fernandes 111 Places in New Delhi that You Must Not Miss
Nick Robins The Corporation That Changed the World
ISBN: 9783954516483, Paperback, £11.99
ISBN: 9780745331959, Paperback, £17.99
William Dalrymple City of Djinns
Shashi Tharoor Inglorious Empire
ISBN: 9780006375951, Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9780141182766, Paperback, £10.99
Katherine Boo Behind the Beautiful Flowers
John Holt The Sri Lanka Reader
ISBN: 9781846274510, Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9780822349822, Paperback, £22.99
ISBN: 9781780460291, Paperback, £9.99
William Dalrymple Age of Kali: Indian Travels and Encounters
Clare Anderson, Madhumita Mazumdar and Vishvajit Pandya New Histories of the Andaman Islands: Landscape, Place and Identity in the Bay of Bengal 1790-2012
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne Sri Lankan Wildlife Guide
ISBN: 978110743028, Paperback, £23.99
ISBN: 9781909612242, Paperback, £11.99
ISBN: 9780006547754, Paperback, £10.99
Gayatri Devi A Princess Remembers ISBN: 9788171673070, Paperback, £19.99
John Zubrzycki Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic ISBN: 9781849049443, Hardback, £25.00
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Judith M Brown Mahatma Gandhi: The Essential Writings
Mark Shippen Enchanting Phuket, Samui & Krabi ISBN: 9781909612181, Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9781912081714, Paperback, £10.99
Jim Backer Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore ISBN: 9789814516020, Paperback, £16.99
Victoria Glendinning Raffles ISBN: 9781846686047, Paperback, £9.99
Peter Cattermole (Lecturing on Board) Introducing the Planets and their Moons
ISBN: 9781841621746, Paperback, £15.99
Chris R. Shephard & Loretta Ann Shephard Primates of SouthEast Asia Helm Guide Birds of Nothern India ISBN: 9780713651676 , Paperback, £25.00
FICTION Aravind Adiga Between the Assassinations ISBN: 9781848878099, Paperback, £8.99
(Book Club Selection) Arundhati Roy The Ministry of Utmost Happiness ISBN: 9780241980767, Paperback, £8.99
Rohinton Mistry A Fine Balance ISBN: 9780571230587, Paperback, £8.99
Mohsin Hamid Exit West ISBN: 9780241979068, Paperback, £8.99
Michael Ondaatje Anil’s Ghost ISBN: 9781780226804, Paperback, £10.99
Roma Tearne Mosquito ISBN: 9780007233663, Paperback, £8.99
Hermann Hesse Siddhartha ISBN: 9780141189574, Paperback, £9.99
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Sign of Four ISBN: 9780140439076, Paperback, £6.99
Jeremy Tiang State of Emergency ISBN: 9781912098651, Paperback, £10.00
A Ghosh Glass Palace ISBN: 9780006514091, Paperback, £7.99
Tan Twan Eng The Gardens of Evening Mists
Blue Guide to India
Colombo
ISBN: 9781905131532, Paperback, £19.95
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Guide Delhi ISBN: 9780241278734, Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781782110187, Paperback, £8.99
Anthony Burgess The Malayan Trilogy
DK Eyewitness Guide Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
ISBN: 9780749395926, Paperback, £12.99
ISBN: 9780241006993, Paperback with Delhi city map, £14.99
J G Farrell The Singapore Grip
Marco Polo Guide India South
ISBN: 9781857994926, Paperback, £10.99
ISBN: 9783829707688, Paperback, £7.99
MAPS & GUIDES
Bradt Guide Sri Lanka
National Geographic India Northwest
ISBN: 9781784770570, Paperback, £16.99
ISBN: 9781566955980, sheet map (folded), £9.99
National Geographic India South ISBN: 9781566955997, sheet map (folded), £9.99
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Guide Phuket ISBN: 9780241279014, Paperback, £8.99
DK Eyewitness Guide Malaysia & Singapore ISBN: 9780241196779, Paperback, £15.99
Insight Guides Flexi Map, Sri Lanka ISBN: 9781786719195, sheet map (folded), £5.99
National Geographic Malaysia ISBN: 9781566956147, sheet map (folded), £9.99
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AEGEAN ODYSSEY
Carrying an average of just 350 passengers, the premium class Aegean Odyssey is small enough to sail along rivers such as the Yangon and Guadalquivir, and into the most characterful ports of call inaccessible to the mega-ships. The service is more personal, the atmosphere more convivial and you get plenty of time to interact with the guest experts.
DELIGHTFUL DINING
Yet on the other hand she is large enough to offer a superb range of amenities, including a choice of dining venues and comfortable bars, a relaxing spa centre and one of the best stocked libraries at sea.
MARCO POLO Though the more 'formal' dining option, with full waiter service and multi-course meals, Marco Polo has a casual country club elegance appreciated by guests. Join us here for dinner (and lunch on full days at sea) and enjoy a selection of expertly prepared dishes reflecting the countries visited and accompanied by complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks*.
Cabins and staterooms are spacious and intelligently designed, and dedicated solo cabins at a low supplement are available across almost all categories, including balcony level.
ON-BOARD FACILITIES • A choice of restaurants • Internet centre • Three lounges
• Outdoor pool
• Four bars
• Athena Health Spa
• Lecture theatre
and gym
• Library
• Beauty salon
• Shop
• Medical centre
Fortunately, the fascinating and beautiful regions sailed by Aegean Odyssey are also renowned for their strong culinary traditions, sublime local ingredients and delicious signature dishes. We draw on these inspirations to deliver a dining experience of sustained quality in keeping with your chosen itinerary.
TERRACE CAFE With a mix of indoor and alfresco seating, the informal Terrace Cafe is a charming alternative to the white glove refinement of the Marco Polo restaurant. Here, friendly staff serve up splendid breakfast buffets and mouthwatering lunch and dinner delights from a variety of stations, including sizzling grilled meats and succulent fish, crisp pizzas and indulgent pasta, fresh salads and fruit, again to the accompaniment of complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks*. * Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner.
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AFTERNOON TEA AND LATE NIGHT SNACKS
AWARD-WINNING ENRICHMENT
There is something uniquely pleasurable about afternoon tea aboard a classic cruise ship, and you won't want to miss the scones, pastries and finger sandwiches served up in the Terrace Cafe most days of your cruise.
Voyages to Antiquity operates the most culturally immersive cruise programme, with internationally renowned guest speakers, a comprehensive selection of expertly-designed shore excursions in every major port of call, an extensive on-board library and a host of other enrichment elements from reading lists prepared by Blackwell’s of Oxford and on-board book clubs to exclusive private visits and local entertainment.
And if you can manage even more gastronomic delights, hors d'oeuvres and late night snacks, from filo prawns to chocolate-dipped strawberries, are available in the Charleston Lounge at 5pm and 10.30pm.
EXPERT GUEST LECTURERS 5-6 guest speakers, pre-eminent in their profession and expert in their field, accompany every departure. 2 talks on each full day at sea plus others throughout the voyage, 45 minutes each and pre-dinner, is the norm, often focusing on history, geography, art, culture, religion, geology and wildlife. Talks are delivered in the Ambassador Lounge with a host of visual aids (music, video and high quality maps) and recorded so passengers can catch up at their leisure if they are not able to attend in person. These guest lectures are specifically designed to complement shore excursions, not simply repeat or pre-empt the insight presented by the excellent local guides. SHORE EXCURSIONS AND PRIVATE VISITS More than 90% of Voyages to Antiquity’s shore excursions are included in the cruise fare. We use
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SERVICE WITH A SMILE Always serving with a smile, our crew will win your hearts. Your cabin steward or stewardess will refresh your cabin before you even realise you need it. The waiting staff will remember whether you take tea or coffee, and the bar team whether you like your Martini shaken or stirred. They, and the rest of our officers and crew, are dedicated to making your cruise a delightful experience.
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the best available guides, coaches and land agents, and excursions are meticulously planned, well-paced and guided in English. QuietVox sets are issued to all guests, enabling them to hear the guide’s commentary even as they linger to take photographs or make their own explorations. The core shore excursion programme is complemented with exclusive private visits, such as that to the Palazzo Gangi in Palermo where the sumptuous ballroom scenes of Visconti’s The Leopard were filmed. EVERYDAY ENRICHMENT Aboard or ashore, every day brings enrichment opportunities.The Daily Journal details lectures and excursions, but also local cultural performances, musical concerts, interactive classes and fun quizzes. Aegean Odyssey’s library,
surely the biggest in terms of books-to-passenger ratio, houses hundreds of volumes specially selected by Blackwell’s of Oxford to complement the itinerary programme, along with maps, guidebooks, the latest popular fiction, classics and poetry. In this guide, we provide passengers with a recommended reading list, also prepared by Blackwell’s.
... AND REFRESHMENT FOR BODY AS WELL AS MIND Small ship though she is, Aegean Odyssey offers plenty of other amenities to enhance your time aboard and occupy relaxing days at sea. Unwind on the sun deck's padded loungers and cool off with a splash in the outdoor pool; enjoy a cocktail or aperitif in one of several comfortable bars before dinner, and appreciate the music of the resident pianist or string trio afterwards. ATHENA HEALTH SPA Pampering opportunities abound at the Athena Health Spa, with its full menu of revitalising therapies and treatments including massages and facials. The adjoining fitness centre awaits those seeking to stay active, saunas and steam rooms are available, and nail and hair treatments are provided at the beauty centre.
Credit/debit cards on board Aegean Odyssey When activating your on-board account with a credit or debit card, please be advised that a Pre-Authorisation (hold) will be placed on your account. Although these are not actual charges, you should be aware that authorisations (holds) reduce the amount of available credit (or available funds) on your account. Final charges are not submitted to your card issuer until the day of disembarkation, which is when we will also obtain the authorisation to take monies. Some card issuers may take 10 to 14 days or more to release the authorisation (holds) from your account and these release policies vary by issuer. Please be advised that if you choose to settle your on-board balance with a different form of payment than the one you registered at the beginning of your cruise, authorisations placed on your original registered credit/ debit card will remain until the standard release period.
Wi-Fi availability Aegean Odyssey has a dedicated internet room for the use of all passengers. The ship also has wireless “hotspots” in Reception, the Observation Lounge, and the smoking area on Deck 5 aft. Passengers should note that when the ship is at sea, connectivity in these locations may be subject to fluctuation, and also that Wi-Fi is not available in your cabin at any time.
Laundry facilities Throughout your cruise your dedicated cabin steward will be available to collect and return laundry to you within a maximum of 48 hours, subject to the fees as detailed in the form found in your cabin compendium.
Whilst we understand that some passengers would like to be able to do their own laundry, we regret to advise that due to the size of Aegean Odyssey a self-service laundry room is not available. Clothes irons are also not available, or permitted, in passenger cabins for safety reasons.
ON-BOARD ADVISORIES
Swimming pool availability We understand that the use of a swimming pool is often a valued part of a holiday experience and we will always do our best to keep the pool available to passengers during our voyages. However, there are various situations that may cause us to close the pool. These include, but are not limited to, bad weather, heavy swells, quality of seawater, and the draft required for the ship to reach certain ports, especially when approaching, or cruising up or down river.
Public room availability Please be aware that on occasion certain public rooms, deck areas and dining areas may be used by special interest groups travelling on board for private functions, lectures and other events. Whilst we will always do our best to ensure that these do not conflict with more common times of regular guest access, we appreciate your understanding that on occasion this is not always possible.
Dining reservations As we offer an open-seating dining policy in both the Marco Polo Restaurant and Terrace Café, it is not possible to make individual reservations in either restaurant. We apologise for previous brochure references which incorrectly stated otherwise.
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DECK PLANS M
STANDARD INSIDE
L
PREMIUM INSIDE
K
PREMIUM INSIDE
J
STANDARD OUTSIDE
HH* GG*
PREMIUM OUTSIDE PREMIUM OUTSIDE
EE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
CC
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY
• • • •
• •
• •
• •
• •
429429 ▲ ▲ 431431
■
• • • •• • • • ■
425425
442442
439439 441441
444444
449449
447447 450450
452452
713 713
718 718
453453
451451 454454
456456
715 715
720 720
717 717
722 722
RECEPTION RECEPTION
536536
535535 539539
538538
• •
CHARLESTON CHARLESTON LOUNGE LOUNGE
537537
HAIRHAIR
DRESSER 543543 DRESSER 540540 541541 547547 INTERNET 542542 545545 549549 INTERNET
544544
725 725
728 728
551551
727 727
730 730
553553
546546
555555
548548
557557
550550
732 732
731 731
734 734
733 733
736 736
LIBRARY LIBRARY
559559
552552
561561
554554
SHOP SHOP
563563
455455 459459 463463
MARCO POLO MARCO POLO RESTAURANT RESTAURANT
ATHENA ATHENA HEALTH HEALTH SPASPA
735 735
738 738
565565
817 817
818 818
737 737
740 740
819 819
820 820
739 739
742 742
821 821
822 822
741 741
744 744
823 823
824 824
743 743
746 746
825 825
826 826
745 745
748 748
BAR BAR
827 827
828 828
747 747
750 750
THE THE TERRACE TERRACE
TERRACE CAFE TERRACE CAFE
CATE CATEGO
DOU DOUBLE
C CAT
460460
C CAT
464464
C CAT
466466
467467
470470
C CAT
471471
474474
C CAT
475475
476476
C CAT
477477
478478
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
MEDICAL MEDICAL
C CAT
C CAT
• • • •
729 729
• • • •
716 716
• • • •
• •
416416
C CAT
556556
SINGC SINGLE
558558
C CAT
567567
560560
C CAT
569569
562562
C CAT
571571
564564
C CAT
573573
566566
C CAT
575575
568568
C CAT
577577
570570
C CAT
C CAT
C CAT
*Categories GG, I, II and some HH cabins have partially restricted view
30
816 816
815 815
814 814
412412
417417 418418 420420 419419 422422 424424 426 423423 426 428428 430430 ▲ ▲ 427427 432432 434434 433 ▲ ▲ 433 436436 438438 437437 440440
• •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
• •
• •
II*
• •
STANDARD OUTSIDE
813 813
• •
JJ
812 812
421421
435435 534534
533533
413413 415415
408408
▲ ▲ 414414
446446
723 723
811 811
530530
531531 532532
• • • •
POOL POOL
527527528528
529529
522522
406406
409409410410
411411
443443 448448
721 721
Single Accomodation
PREMIUM INSIDE
711 711
523523 524524 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 526526 525525
518518
407407
445445
719 719
OWNER'S SUITE BALCONY
KK
714 714
• •
LIDO LIDO BAR BAR
DECK DECK JUNIOR SUITE BALCONY
PREMIUM INSIDE
709 709
514514
517517 520520
521521
708 708
510510
516516 513513
■
808 808
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY OBSERVATION OBSERVATION
LL
706 706
712 • 710 • 712 • 710 •
807 807
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY
STANDARD INSIDE
704 704
705 705 707 707
LIDO LIDO BAR BAR
MM
703 703
508508
512512 509509
• • • •
806 806
519519
• •
804 804
805 805
AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR LOUNGE LOUNGE
724 • 724 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
803 803
702 702
726 • 726 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
701 701
515515
• • • •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
802 802
506506 505505
■
511511
801 801
504504
• •• •
507507
OBSERVATION OBSERVATION LOUNGE LOUNGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
A
404# 404#
403403 405405 503503
E
B
Cabin for guests with disabilities
BRIDGE BRIDGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
C
Third/Fourth Pullman berth in these cabins
#
Elevator
F
D
810 • 810 •
G
Single Cabins
809 • 809 •
H
Third Pullman berth in these cabins
Double Accomodation
I*
KEY
LIDODECK DECK LIDO
BRIDGEDECK DECK BRIDGE
PROMENADEDECK DECK PROMENADE
BELVEDEREDECK DECK BELVEDERE
COLUMBUSDECK DECK COLUMBUS
MARCOPOLO POLODECK DECK MARCO
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Itinerary changes The cruise and tour programmes featured in this brochure are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes have to be made to the itineraries due to circumstances beyond the control of Voyages to Antiquity.
Responsibility Category B - Junior Stateroom with balcony
Category H - Premium Outside Cabin
Category F - Deluxe Stateroom
The responsibility of Voyages to Antiquity and the operator of the vessel is strictly limited according to the Terms and Conditions set forth in the Passage Contract that you receive prior to embarkation. You are urged to read the Passage Contract carefully. A sample is available to be mailed on request or can be viewed and printed from the Voyages to Antiquity website at any time. Transportation on board the ship is provided solely by the ship operator and pursuant to the Passage Contract. Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a guest for any reason. Voyages to Antiquity shall not be responsible for any act, event or omission during the time passengers are not aboard the Voyages to Antiquity vessel. Voyages to Antiquity acts only as an agent for the supplier of off-ship services such as airlines and other off-ship transportation carriers, meals, shore excursions, accommodations, air ambulance and shoreside physicians. Guests agree not to hold Voyages to Antiquity, its owners, agents or representatives liable for any loss, injury, expense or damage which results directly or indirectly from any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, of any third party person or firm which is to, or does, provide goods or services in connection with the trip or any available option. Without limiting the foregoing, Voyages to Antiquity shall have no liability to passengers for the quality of services at, and the condition, cleanliness or safety of a hotel, housing facility, or conveyance, or for any transportation delay, including but not limited to liability for inconvenience, shortened holiday time, additional expenses,
or any other kind of damage. Voyages to Antiquity expressly disclaims all responsibility of any nature whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury to property or person resulting from air, rail, motorcoach or any other form of transportation other than that actually provided by the Voyages to Antiquity vessel.
Services provided by independent contractors
All shoreside tours and services described in this brochure or on the website are provided by independent contractors. Voyages to Antiquity acts solely as ticketing agent for all shoreside activities and has no legal obligation or liability of any kind to guests for acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground/tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Voyages to Antiquity.
Guests with special needs
The tour programmes featured in this brochure include extensive sightseeing and to fully participate each guest must be reasonably fit and have no walking difficulties. Whenever possible Voyages to Antiquity will try to accommodate guests with special needs as long as the mobility issues are not an impediment to others on the guided tours. For further details, refer to the Essential Travel Information leaflet or to that section of the Voyages to Antiquity website.
Errors & omissions
While Voyages to Antiquity makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information in this booklet, its promotions and as displayed on the website, Voyages to Antiquity reserves the right not to honour any published fares that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Voyages to Antiquity is not responsible or liable for any typographical errors, omissions or misprints.
31
THE 2018/19 CRUISE COLLECTION
Cruise guides are available to download from our website voyagestoantiquity.com approximately 90 days prior to departure