CRUISE GUIDE
11 February – 13 March 2019 Colombo to Cape Town
ISLANDS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN & S OUTH AFRICA Jungle landscapes and Buddhist temples give way to tropical islands and big game parks on this travel adventure from Asia to South Africa.
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
In Sri Lanka, experience the legacy of Colombo’s colonial history and the city’s more modern cosmopolitan side or meet the beautiful animals of the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala. Sail across the Indian Ocean to a true desert island paradise, the Maldives, followed by the perfect beaches of the Seychelles. Spend the evening ashore walking the cosmopolitan Caudan Waterfront in Mauritius and explore Reunion Island, a tiny piece of France in the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in South Africa, embark on safari adventures in search of iconic wildlife in two of the nation’s best game parks and in Durban learn more about the rich culture and history of the Zulu nation. Nestling in the shadow of the spectacular Table Mountain, enjoy three nights on board in Cape Town, giving you plenty of time to appreciate all the charms of this exciting city with a fascinating past. Throughout your voyage, take advantage of the enrichment programme with activities such as our book club, film discussions, craft classes, fascinating speaker programme and even have the chance to learn some Mandarin! Whilst overnight in the ports of Mahe and Cape Town, Aegean Odyssey invites local performers aboard for your entertainment pleasure. Colombo
AEG190211
YOUR ITINERARY 2019
PORT
ARRIVE
DEPART
11 FEB
COLOMBO Sri Lanka Embark Aegean Odyssey
Overnight
12 FEB
COLOMBO Sri Lanka
10.00pm
13 FEB
Cruising the Indian Ocean
14 FEB
ULIGAMU Maldives
15–18 FEB
Cruising the Indian Ocean
19 FEB
MAHE Seychelles
20 FEB
MAHE Seychelles
21–23 FEB
Cruising the Indian Ocean
24 FEB
PORT LOUIS Mauritius
25 FEB
PORT LOUIS Mauritius
26 FEB
ST DENIS Reunion Island
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka • Visit the off-the-beaten track, paradise island of Uligamu in the Maldives
Noon
8.00pm
• Extended overnight stays in the Seychelles and Mauritius
7.00am
Overnight 6.00pm
• Search for Big Game on two included safaris in South Africa
Overnight
• 3 nights in Cape Town
8.00pm
• Cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain
8.00am 8.00am
2.00pm
7.00am
Overnight
27 FEB –2 MAR Cruising the Indian Ocean 3 MAR
RICHARDS BAY South Africa
4 MAR
RICHARDS BAY South Africa
5 MAR
DURBAN South Africa
6 MAR
Cruising the Indian Ocean
7 MAR
PORT ELIZABETH South Africa
8 MAR
PORT ELIZABETH South Africa
9 MAR
Cruising the Indian Ocean
10 MAR
CAPE TOWN South Africa
11 MAR
CAPE TOWN South Africa
Overnight
12 MAR
CAPE TOWN South Africa
Overnight
13 MAR
CAPE TOWN South Africa Dismbark Aegean Odyssey
10.00pm 8.00am
8.00pm
8.00am
Overnight
• Wine tasting in the Stellenbosch Valley • Local shows in the Seychelles and Cape Town, plus many on-board activities which are detailed within this guide
7.00pm 8.00am
Overnight
Ship at anchor Please note – this is the cruise itinerary. Further details on the Grand Voyage programme can be found on pages 22-23. Optional overnight safari experiences can be found on pages 24-25.
Cape Town
3
Reunion Island
4
YOUR CRUISE DAY BY DAY
KEY TO SYMBOLS
Sri Lanka
Extensive walking
Lunch included
Uneven surfaces
Respectful dress
Archaeological ground
Long drive
Significant steps
Removal of shoes
Uphill sections
Lunch box included
Features a boat ride
Bumpy roads
Bustling streets
Open Safari vehicles
Winding roads
Swimming costume
11 FEBRUARY 2019 COLOMBO, SRI LANKA Embark Aegean Odyssey today in Colombo, where you remain docked overnight.
12 FEBRUARY 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.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice A
PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE (Full day) 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. 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.
Fruit market, Colombo
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Giza
Colombo
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice B
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
COLOMBO CITY TOUR (Half day, PM)
KANDY AND THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH $65* per person (Full day)
Alternatively, you may wish to have a more relaxed programme today and take the half day sightseeing tour of Colombo. 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. 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. Note: This excursion will operate in the afternoon as a relaxed option for those guests arriving late on the 11th February.
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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 the 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.
13 FEBRUARY AT SEA A day to familiarise yourself with the excellent amenities of Aegean Odyssey – why not treat yourself to a spa treatment during your first day at sea or explore the best stocked library to be found at sea?
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT A busy programme of activities awaits you today. As well as the first Captain’s Cocktail Party to look forward to, today marks the start of the Guest Speaker programme and this morning there is the chance to meet your Enrichment Team. Our Guest Speakers will give you an overview of their topics, the book clubs will be detailed (spare books will be available for sale), and Jessie Linden will tell you all about the craft classes available and how to sign up. Nigel Cox delivers his first talk about the appointment of Lord Louis Mountbatten as Allied Supreme Commander, Southeast Asia in 1944. The talk looks at Mountbatten’s decision to establish the headquarters in what is now Sri Lanka and his leadership of the Command from the Burma campaign until he took the Japanese surrender in Singapore in September 1945. Sandy Primrose follows later with a talk on spices, and their Southern India and Sri Lankan plant origins.
14 FEBRUARY 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 kind and friendly people and you will have a chance to meet them, before returning to the ship for a barbeque party on deck.
Maldives
15–18 FEBRUARY AT SEA Some days at sea as we cruise the Indian Ocean, cross the Equator and head for the Seychelles.
Seychelles
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ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT For those Pollywogs aboard, it’s time to prepare for becoming a Shellback. Aegean Odyssey will be crossing the Equator, and in accordance with sea traditions, a Crossing the Line Ceremony will take place next to the pool (watch out for the chance to kiss the raw fish!). John Ducker invites you to taste something much more inviting, as he leads two wine-tasting events during these days at sea, with samples. Alongside his free booklet ‘Marriages Made in Heaven’ John offers handy guidance to wine and food matching. Jessie Linden’s craft classes start with the chance to make a silk necklace, create a useful travel journal and learn how to decorate a bag with handmade fabric flowers all before arriving in the Seychelles. Meanwhile, the book club commences with Olivia Cox and discussions on ‘Atonement’ focus on comparisons between the book and the 2017 film which is also shown during these days. Nigel Cox reviews 20th century passenger travel from Mauritius and the Seychelles to Europe, East and South Africa, India and beyond. In particular, he looks into the heyday of the British India Line and other ocean liners. It would only be right to follow this talk with a screening of ‘The Captain’s Table’, the 1959 British comedy. In his following lecture, Nigel gives a fascinating insight into Chinese seafaring, culminating in the great expeditions of Treasure Ships sent out by the early Ming Emperors, their objectives and
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achievements and the strange closing of China’s doors which followed them. Meanwhile Sandy Primrose gives a mouthwatering talk about vanilla – an essential ingredient in ice cream and other foods, but without a discovery made on the island of Reunion by a native boy slave, we might not have access to vanilla today. Chris Walton then recounts when his 1977 holiday in the Seychelles was rudely interrupted by the sound of gunfire and military music on the radio in his lecture entitled ‘Trouble in Paradise’.
19 FEBRUARY MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island as well as the cultural and economic hub of the Seychelles. It is also home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria where you will start your tour today. First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was subsequently forgotten about until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742, when the gradual process of settling the island began, first by the French, whose direct influence continued until 1814, and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976 After transferring from the ship to Victoria you will start your guided tour of the capital, including the bustling market and a walk through the magical Botanical Garden. Drive to San Soucis Mountain and see the Mission Lodge, once the site of a school for liberated slave children that was built by the London Missionary Society in 1876. Today there are just ruins to be seen at the beginning of the path to the viewing lodge, but the views out over mountain slopes, the ocean and the west coast of Mahé are fantastic. Victoria, Seychelles
INCLUDED EXCURSION
THE WILD SOUTH (Half day, AM & PM) Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria where you will start your tour today. First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was then forgotten until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742 when the gradual process of settling the island began, first by the French whose direct influence continued until 1814 and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976
Seychelles
After transferring from the ship to Victoria you will start your guided tour of the capital: you will see its bustling market and then enjoy a walk through the magical Botanical Garden. Then drive to San Soucis Mountain and the Mission Lodge. This was once the site of a school for liberated slave children built by the London Missionary Society in 1876. Today there are just ruins to be seen at the beginning of the path to the viewing lodge. From the lodge the views out over mountain slopes, the ocean and the west coast of Mahé are fantastic. Note: This excursion will have AM and PM departures due to capacity limitations
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20 FEBRUARY MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT
Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
CORAL CRUISE $125 per person (Half day, AM & PM) Mahé
Arrive at the reef barrier and view the underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat drifting over the corals. As well as learning about the history of the Ste Anne Marine Park, you can enjoy some hand fish feeding and snorkelling within the marine park. Disembark on Moyenne Island for a short exploration and encounter with the grand old inhabitants of the island, the 105 land tortoises, whom you will meet roaming freely. Note: This excursion will have AM and PM departures due to capacity limitations.
21–23 FEBRUARY AT SEA Our resident musicians perform for you in the Charleston Lounge day and night, evening ensembles take place in the Ambassador Lounge and mental stimulation continues in the form of our daily quizzes. Craft classes continue with Jessie – including the two-part programme of painting on silk. The second book club discussion with Olivia also takes place.
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Nigel Cox discusses the Travellers Club of London, which was founded in 1819 and its decision to publish a book commemorating members killed in the first world war – focussing on three of them. He then gives us the chance to learn some Mandarin Chinese. Sandy Primrose gives a range of talks including the use of plants in criminal cases and the story of the dodo and the species that exist on Mauritius today but are close to extinction. Meanwhile, Judy Ducker recounts the pleasures and the pitfalls of giving visual credence to television dramas and popular series in terms of ‘props’ from a harbour full of blue boats to antique chandeliers. A full list of speaker topics can be found on page 29.
24 FEBRUARY PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS During your two days in Port Louis be sure to take a stroll along the cosmopolitan Caudan Waterfront, which has a beautiful craft market selling traditional handmade goods such as sarongs, embroidered linen, stained glass objects, wooden sculptures and basketwork.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice ACOLOMBO CITY
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice BCOLOMBO CITY
PORT LOUIS AND PAMPLEMOUSSES (Half day, AM)
PORT LOUIS AND EUREKA COLONIAL HOUSE (Half day, AM)
In 1735 the French Governor François Mahé de Labourdonna broke ground in the district of Pamplemousses near Port Louis to create a garden for his family. In 1988, the world-class botanical garden that evolved from his creation was renamed in honour of the island’s first prime minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, and remains one of the oldest, most prestigious gardens in the southern hemisphere. More than 500 species of plants are on display, including some giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, which form the centrepiece of the garden’s splendid pond. At least eighty varieties of palms are scattered around the grounds, including Latanias, Verschaffeltia splendida and Talipots, which live for forty years and only flower once shortly before dying. Other unusual curios to keep an eye out for include the marmalade box tree, fish poison tree and sausage tree.
The historic colonial house of Eureka was built in 1830 and is one of the oldest and largest Creole private residences on the island, with a delightful garden featuring four small waterfalls and rare endemic plants. In 1986 it was opened as a museum and provides an intriguing glimpse into the lives of British and French aristocrats during the 19th century.
Note: This excursion will have staggered departures due to capacity limitations.
Mauritius
After your guided tour, light refreshments will be served on the veranda, before you are transported to the open hilltop church of Marie Reine de la Paix, where Pope John Paul II officiated his first Mass on the island in 1989. Returning to Port Louis, you will see the buildings of the historic Place d’Armes, the cathedral and Supreme Court, the Municipal Theatre and Government House, then the local market. A stop will also be made at the 19th century Fort Adelaide, or La Citadelle, named in honour of Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, as was Australia’s southern capital. Note: This excursion will have staggered departures due to capacity limitations.
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25 FEBRUARY PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS Another full day in port to take advantage of our optional excursion programme. Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION Choice A Casela
CASELA NATURE PARK $75 per person (Half day, AM) The most visited attraction in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean, Casela World of Adventures has been welcoming guests of all ages since 1979. Originally a bird sanctuary, the site was expanded to save the local forestation from being redeveloped. In 2015 it was redesigned to feature even more world-class facilities and 21st century attractions. Spread over 250 hectares, the park is divided into four “Kingdoms” known as “Safari”, “Nature”, “Mountain” and “Discovery”. The Discovery Centre is a state-ofthe-art building adorned with pillars replicating giant baobab trees and imitation creepers stretching across the ceiling. The three animal kingdoms are home to a wide variety of birds, alongside giant tortoises, Bengal tigers, cheetahs, white lions, lynxes, servals, hyenas, dromedary camels, pygmy hippos, white rhinos and more. During a Big Cat Drive Thru, the park’s guides share information and interesting personal anecdotes about their time working with these amazing animals.
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Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION Choice B
EXPLORING MAURITIUS $89 per person (Full day) Directly south of Port Louis lies the long dormant volcano of Trou-aux-Cerfs. This well-defined cone and crater has not been active for over 100,000 years and is covered with lush plants and flowers, offering spectacular views across the island in all directions as well as to the town of Curepipe below. Lunch will be at the idyllic Varangue sur Morne restaurant, located inside Black River Gorges. This picturesque national park is the largest protected forest on Mauritus and is home to some rare species of birds. Then for a sweet digestif, the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery and museum offers a fascinating insight into how traditional island rhum is produced, followed by a tasting. Chamarel is also home to a ninety-five metre waterfall and a unique geological formation known as the “Seven Coloured Earths”, a surreal landscape made up of multicoloured layers of sand which seem to settle into stripes spontaneously.
26 FEBRUARY ST DENIS, REUNION ISLAND A warm and extremely welcoming town, Reunion is the largest of any in the French Colonies. Founded by Étienne Regnault in 1669, it started life around the small pier of Barachois and expanded gradually to become the capital in 1738, taking its name from a boat that ran aground in the nearby bay.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice ACOLOMBO CITY
SCENIC REUNION (Half day, AM) Reunion is a rugged volcanic island with a mountainous centre that was formed over 20,000 years ago during a series of eruptions from the long extinct Piton des Neiges. The eruptions also led to the creation of the Cirque de Mafate caldera, a stunning natural amphitheatre that is entirely enclosed by steep mountains and cliffs known as ‘remparts’. This panoramic drive takes you close to what is still the highest point in the Indian Ocean, stopping at an escarpment 7,000 feet up to enjoy some marvellous views across the caldera. Reunion is one of the world’s largest producers of geranium oil, which is used as a fixative for perfumes. At the Geranium Oil Distillery La Petite France, the delicate extraction process will be explained, after which you will have the opportunity to purchase some exquisitely scented essential oils and perfumes.
INCLUDED EXCURSION Choice BOLOMBO CITY
ST DENIS (Half day, AM) The stretch of coastline between the Le Port and St Denis is a beautiful place to begin this tour of Reunion’s picturesque capital, which is surrounded by idyllic mountains on three sides and the Indian Ocean to the north. Passing the former East India Company building, the Rue de Paris has some splendid Creolestyle houses with traditional colonial-white verandas. A short stop will be made at the Jardin de l'Etat, or State Garden, to see some impressive trees and other rare species of fauna, including the African baobab, fishtail palm tree and coconut tree. The tour will then reach the former palace of the General Consul, which is now the Natural History Museum. The Hindu Temple and Christian Cathedral are symbolic reminders of how this remote island has managed to integrate differing religions, races and cultures so well. Returning to Le Port, there will be a brief stop at a handicraft market for the chance to browse some traditional Creole goods as well as local and Madagascan scents and spice.
St Denis
ODYSSEY CLUB REUNION EXCLUSIVE: Odyssey Club Reunion guests will get a chance to witness some traditional Creole entertainment during their programme. More details will be provided with final documentation.
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ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT With Steve Ragnall and Chris Stringer having embarked in Mauritius, Chris gives his first talk which introduces seven million years of human evolution, from the time of our divergence from the African apes to the emergence of humans.
27 FEBRUARY– 2 MARCH AT SEA ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT The creative amongst us will revel in the craft activities which include decorating travel bags and learning the techniques of folk-art painting, whilst the winelovers amongst us will surely look forward to John Ducker’s wine quiz when you compete for a bottle of bubbly. Judy Ducker also entertains us with anecdotes of her life and career ‘on set’. Chris Walton will present four acclaimed lectures on the history of South Africa during the rest of the cruise, starting with the pre-history of the Cape. Steve Ragnall will kick-start his topics with a look into the life and times of conservationist Charles Waterton, a true British eccentric, before following with a thought provoking discussion into the courageous behaviour that gave us ‘The Birkenhead Drill’. We hear more from Chris Stringer during these days at sea as he traces how our early human relatives made their way to regions as far apart as Britain and Java (Indonesia). In another talk he asks the intriguing question – what was the secret of human success? A full list of speaker topics can be found on page 29.
Doby Bird, Reunion
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3 MARCH RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
4 MARCH RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
The original meaning of “Zulu” is heaven, an apt word for one of the most breathtaking regions of South Africa. After a breakfast arrival, today you will discover just why Zululand gained its name.
Another chance to admire the remarkable landscapes of the KwaZulu-Natal province, also known as “The Garden Province”, on your way to a true natural wonder.
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE (Full day) Formerly known as Hluhluwe–Umfolozi, the Hluhluwe– Imfolozi wildlife park extends across 96,000 hectares of African bushland and is particularly well known for its small population of rare white rhino. Proclaimed a game reserve in 1895, over the last century Hluhluwe has remained home to a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog. Located about a one-anda-half-hour drive from Richards Bay in one of the most fascinating parts of Africa, Hluhluwe preserves not only the wildlife of Zululand, but also some of the indefinable charm and traditions of its natural surroundings. As part of your day exploring this amazing landscape, you will enjoy a buffet lunch at the Hilltop Restaurant to the backdrop of some stunning scenery, before departing on another exciting game drive in the afternoon. Guests who have booked an optional safari experience should refer to page 24.
Richards Bay
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
ST LUCIA WETLAND PARK (AM, Extended) The beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site runs along the shore of the Indian Ocean for over 130 miles encompassing five distinct ecosystems that are filled with some of the most spectacular flora and fauna on the African continent. Enjoy a relaxing trail-walk with the chance to see some antelope and birdlife, before boarding a covered boat for a leisurely two-hour cruise along the estuary shoreline to Lake St Lucia, where you are guaranteed a close-up encounter with some of its famous concentration of hippos. The lake is also home to over five hundred species of birds, including the popular African Fish Eagle and Mangrove Kingfisher, as well as approximately two thousand Nile crocodiles. Throughout your trip the experienced captain will ensure you have plenty of opportunity to capture some stunning wildlife photographs, and explain more about the mangrove swamps and the various ecosystems that your route will take.
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5 MARCH DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA South Africa’s third largest city, Durban is renowned as the gateway to the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, but is also home to the largest concentration of people descended from the Indian continent outside of India in the world, giving it an distinctly Asian feel.
Pietermaritzburg
INCLUDED EXCURSION COLOMBO CITY
PIETERMARITZBURG AND MUSEUM (Half day, AM) A provincial capital encompassing old world charm, country living and beautiful Victorian architecture, Pietermaritzburg is nestled in the hills of KwaZuluNatal. Your guided tour begins at the Natal Museum which houses artefacts relating to indigenous wildlife, geology, palaeontology and ethnology. In the city centre is Pietermaritzburg City Hall, believed to be the largest red brick building in the southern hemisphere. Mahatma Ghandi lived in South Africa for over twenty years to fight racial discrimination, and his momentous achievements are commemorated today with a bronze statue near the Assembly Building and Supreme Court. Ghandi spent the night in the waiting room of Pietermaritzburg railway station, and after visiting this historic building your tour leaves the city for some magnificent views of a landscape that first captured the hearts of Voortrekkers and early settlers in the 19th century.
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Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
SHARKS BOARD $48 per person (Half day, PM) The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board was founded in 1962 to maintain coastal shark nets and drum lines on thirty-eight beaches along 320 km of coastline. Its central mandate is to protect bathers and surfers from shark attacks, but the Sharks Board is also a global leader in minimizing the environmental impact on the sharks themselves and their habitat, offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about these oftenmisunderstood predators. A panoramic drive along Durban’s beachfront promenade brings you to this unique maritime centre, where you will enjoy a specialist presentation and shark dissection, followed by a guided tour of the display hall which features a large variety of lifelike replicas of fish, rays and sharks, including a magnificent 892kg Great White. Some free time will then be available to browse the shop for sharkskin leather goods and other curios, before your return to Aegean Odyssey in Durban.
6 MARCH AT SEA One more full day at sea to appreciate Aegean Odyssey’s amenities.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT The third instalment of the book club takes place today as we discuss ‘Regeneration’ by Pat Barker. The film version follows in the evening. Lectures continue in the Ambassador Lounge with Chris Stringer discussing the Neanderthals and Chris Walton presenting part three of the History of South Africa. A full list of speaker topics can be found on page 29.
Port Elizabeth
Leopard, South Africa
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7 MARCH PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA
Port Elizabeth
Affectionately known as “The Friendly City”, Port Elizabeth is rich in ethnic culture and diversity and is the third largest port and fifth largest city in South Africa. Its closeness to some of the finest bushveld in South Africa’s Eastern Cape also offers the chance for a unique wildlife safari experience at one of two stunning malaria-free private game reserves.
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
PRIVATE SAFARI EXPERIENCE (Half day, AM) Both Lalibela and Pumba span five ecosystems and offer the same huge range of flora and fauna to spot across thousands of acres of beautiful terrain. Upon arrival you will be greeted by an expert ranger and tracker, before being driven out into the bush in an open 4X4 for a thrilling big game drive. No one can guarantee exactly what you will see, but among the species that roam these vast African plains are the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, lynx, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest and numerous antelope such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest. There’s also the tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax to keep an eye out for, alongside a wide variety of birdlife. Following the drive, a buffet lunch will be served before your return to Aegean Odyssey in Port Elizabeth. Note: Due to capacity reasons and to avoid overcrowding, groups will be split between the two parks at the discretion of the on-board shore excursion team.
Springbok
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Guests who have booked an optional overnight safari experience should refer to page 25.
8 MARCH PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA Named after the wife of its founder and first governor, Sir Rufane Donkin, Port Elizabeth shimmers on the Sunshine Coast as a popular beach-going destination with plenty of historic sites to explore.
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
PORT ELIZABETH CITY (Half day, AM) Even before disembarking Aegean Odyssey you will be able to see the fifty-two metre high Campanile at the entrance to the harbour, erected in 1923 to commemorate the first British settlers who landed here in 1820. At a stop to admire the waterfront at Shark Rock Pier, we continue to the unique Bayworld Museum, which combines cultural history with a herpetological section and an Oceanarium. The pyramidal Donkin Memorial was erected in memory of the city’s founder, Elizabeth. Then see Fort Frederick, commissioned by the Duke of York in 1799 to protect the city from the French. Other notable buildings include Nelson Mandela Stadium, the Horse Memorial, St George’s Cricket Ground and the Feather Market. Market Square contains an exact replica of the last Diaz Cross planted by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz in 1488.
9 MARCH AT SEA Your final day at sea is full of quizzes, films and a moving classical concert.
ON-BOARD ENRICHMENT Chris Walton gives his final instalment of the History of South Africa and an insightful ‘Welcome to Cape Town' destination lecture. Meanwhile, Steve Ragnall looks at James Cook’s three great voyages of exploration in the years 1768-79 and how each of them called at Cape Town. Chris Stringer concludes his talks with ‘Puzzles of human evolution’ which asks questions such as ‘Who faked the notorious ‘Piltdown Man’ in 1912 and why?’ On this final day at sea, it is also time for our ‘crafters’ to show off their newly acquired skills – come and see what they have made during the cruise!
Donkin Memorial
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10 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Today you will arrive in the most cosmopolitan city in Southern Africa, a place filled with cultural wonders and outstanding natural beauty. During our time here all guests will be treated to an evening performance from the local ‘Gugulethu Tenors’, who will be invited on-board Aegean Odyssey.
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN (Half day, AM or PM) No visit to Cape Town is complete without a ride up Table Mountain. The famous cable car here has a floor that rotates 360 degrees meaning the views are always spectacular as you ascend 1,060 metres in under four minutes to reach the mountain station. From the summit's protected natural area you can see stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point, and one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species in any area of its size. Afterwards enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Cape Town
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11 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
STELLENBOSCH AND WINE TASTING (Half day, AM or PM) This tour offers the perfect opportunity to experience the history, architecture and, of course, world-famous wines of Stellenbosch. Leave Cape Town by road for the scenic drive to Stellenbosch. This broad, fertile valley on the Eerste River was named after Simon van der Stel who became the region’s first governor in 1680. Today, Stellenbosch is a major university town characterised by Cape Dutch-style architecture and streets lined by aged oak trees, some of which have been declared national monuments. After an orientation drive through the town, you will visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which is comprised of four different houses each from a different era of the town’s history. After this you are free to continue to explore this quaint and charming town. Then it is onwards to one of the great wine estates, where you will enjoy a tasting session and learn about the wine making process, before returning to Cape Town and Aegean Odyssey. Grand Voyage guests who are continuing to Malaga should refer to pages 22-23.
ODYSSEY CLUB REUNION EXCLUSIVE: Odyssey Club Reunion guests are invited to the Castle of Good Hope this evening for an exclusive reception. More details will be provided with final documentation.
12 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Giza
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Stellenbosch
CAPE PENINSULA $125 per person (Full day) This scenic tour includes the impressive peaks of the Twelve Apostles and the charming fishing village of Hout Bay. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve encompasses 7,750 hectares, leading up to the most south-westerly tip of Africa, Cape Point, where a funicular railway will take you to the summit for breathtaking views. Enjoy a seafood lunch in a scenically located restaurant, visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, then sit back for a panoramic ride along Boyes Drive, for more sights. Grand voyage guests who are continuing to Malaga should refer to pages 22-23.
13 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Disembark Aegean Odyssey after breakfast.
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GRAND VOYAGE PROGRAMME 10 –16 March 2019 Programme for guests continuing to Malaga
10 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
11 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN (Half day, AM or PM)
CAPE WINELANDS DISCOVERY (Full day)
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a ride up Table Mountain. The famous cable car here has a floor that rotates 360 degrees meaning the views are always spectacular as you ascend 1,060 metres in under four minutes to reach the mountain station. From the summit's protected natural area you can see stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point, and one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species in any area of its size. Afterwards enjoy an orientation tour of the city.
North-east of Cape Town is Paarl, a picturesque town where the influence of Dutch settlers is boldly displayed by the huge expressionistic Taal Monument. A tasting at a local wine estate will be followed by the village of Franschhoek, where a monument at the foot of the Franschhoek Pass commemorates the arrival of the Huguenots in South Africa. After another wine tasting, at a different estate, enjoy a picnic lunch and a tour of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the nation.
12 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Table Mountain
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A free day to explore at leisure, giving you time to see some of Cape Town’s other sights or simply browse the shops and relax in one of the city’s world-class cafes and restaurants.
13 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
15 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
INCLUDED EXCURSION OLOMBO CITY
INCLUDED EXCURSION
CAPE PENINSULA (Full day)
CHEETAH OUTREACH PROJECT AND OLIVE TASTING (Half day, AM)
This scenic tour includes the peaks of the Twelve Apostles and the fishing village of Hout Bay. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve leads up to the most south-westerly tip of Africa, Cape Point, where a funicular railway will take you to the summit for breathtaking views. After a seafood lunch, visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, then enjoy a panoramic ride along Boyes Drive, for more sights.
14 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Cheetahs have been man’s hunting partners and royal companions for centuries, but these nimble beasts are on the brink of extinction. The cats you will meet at the Cheetah Outreach Project are very friendly and you will have a chance to stroke an adult, before continuing to the Morgenster Estate, which produces Bordeaux-style red wine and awardwinning Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Here you will enjoy a truly unique wine-tasting experience, inside a stylish room designed by Revel Fox.
Cape Town
INCLUDED EXCURSION
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS (Half day, AM) This natural World Heritage Site is one of the most famous public gardens in the country, with over 8,500 species of local plants and 36 hectares of cultivated terrain. After a guided tour, continue through to Constantia for an informative wine tasting in the place where South African viniculture first began. Your scenic drive then continues along the coast, before returning to Aegean Odyssey.
16 MARCH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Any spare time you have is easily filled in this vibrant and fascinating city, during another free day to roam at leisure before evening sailing.
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OPTIONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCES 3 – 4 March 2019 Richard's Bay, South Africa
Giza
Giza
OPTIONAL SAFARI
OPTIONAL SAFARI
LEOPARD MOUNTAIN (Overnight Stay)
PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Overnight Stay)
This multiple, award-winning reserve is in an Endangered Species Protected Area, making it the perfect place for an unforgettable double drive safari, during which you will be transported into the bush by an expert ranger and tracker for a thrilling late afternoon and sunset big game drive. As with all safaris, no one can guarantee exactly what you will see, but among the species that roam these vast African plains are the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, lynx, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeest, blesbok and other antelope endemic to the region. For your lodgings on Leopard Mountain, every stone and thatched chalet overlooks the river and has a private plunge pool with spectacular views across Zululand to the distant Lebombo Mountains. Inside you will find a mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets and an en-suite bathroom.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region of northern KwaZuluNatal and boasts 17,500 hectares of prime conservation land sheltering an abundance of wildlife, including, of course, Africa’s Big Five, as well as over 380 species of birds. The marine diversity in the nearby coastal waters of Sodwana is also said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Phinda Forest Lodge, where you will spend the night, is set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, fusing architectural design with conservation. Not a single tree was felled during the construction of this award-winning “Zulu Zen” style safari lodge. These stilted suites all use a combination of glass, wood, attractive fabrics and Zulu artefacts, with standard features including luxurious en-suite bathrooms and private viewing decks. You can also unwind in the lodge's sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, or relax on the expansive viewing decks which afford panoramic views of the game-filled plains. There is still very limited availability for this overnight experience. If interested, please contact your local booking office for prices and availability. This excursion must be booked prior to travelling.
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OPTIONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCES 7 – 8 March 2019 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
OPTIONAL SAFARI
OPTIONAL SAFARI
LALIBELA GAME RESERVE (Overnight Stay)
PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Overnight Stay)
Lalibela Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape and consists of 7,500 hectares (approximately 18,500 acres) of bushveld stretching across an impressive five ecosystems. The result is a truly breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna.
Pumba is another eco-friendly and malaria-free destination in the Eastern Cape offering a similarly intimate safari experience within 6,500 hectares of private property. The lodge, where you will overnight, has a range of 5-star air-conditioned chalets overlooking Lake Kariega, all of which have amazing views across the veld and water, giving visitors every opportunity to enjoy the ultimate in African luxury and style.
As with all four of these safari options, Lalibela is home to the Big Five animals – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal and lynx. The reserve is also particularly blessed with plains and has multitudes of zebra, giraffe, warthog, impala, wildebeest, blesbok and other antelopes. Lentaba, the “Lodge on the Hillside”, where you will overnight, has eight beautifully secluded thatched chalets overlooking magnificent indigenous gardens that seamlessly merge with the bush. Every en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views over the valley, while the main lodge is decorated in a traditional African safari style and boasts a large lounge, observation deck and swimming pool. There is still very limited availability for this overnight experience. If interested, please contact your local booking office for prices and availability. This excursion must be booked prior to travelling.
Pumba has the same diversity of flora and fauna that you can expect from any of our prestigious South African reserves, giving you every chance of spotting the Big Five, alongside the many other animals. Whichever safari option you choose, following your thrilling big game drive you will be able to return to your lodge and enjoy a sumptuous dinner of fine South African wine and cuisine. Unwind beneath a pollution-free night sky for some of the best stargazing on the continent, then awaken early to experience a second drive at sunrise as the veld comes to life. There is still very limited availability for this overnight experience. If interested, please contact your local booking office for prices and availability. This excursion must be booked prior to travelling.
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SHORE EXCURSION INFORMATION
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 4. 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
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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 his 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 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, wildlife 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 some 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.
Seven Sisters
Wine Country
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YOUR GUEST SPEAKERS
Nigel Cox British Diplomat Nigel Cox is a former British diplomat with extensive Asian expertise. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin (degrees in History & Politics and Law) he joined the British Diplomatic Service in 1975. The next year, just after the death of Chairman Mao, he started two years’ training in Mandarin Chinese in Cambridge and Hong Kong. He spent a total of 8 years in three tours at the British Embassy in Peking/Beijing, including from 2000 to 2002 as deputy to the Ambassador, in the rank of Minister and Consul-General.
Professor Sandy Primrose Biotechnologist Sandy Primrose is a biologist by training and has degrees from the University of Strathclyde and the University of California. After undertaking research in Australia he returned to the UK and took up lecturing positions at the universities of Edinburgh and Warwick. In 1981 he made a career change by moving to industry where he held senior management positions, first in a pharmaceutical company and later in diagnostic, food and environmental companies. After 20 years in industry he made another career change and started working as a biotechnology consultant as well as being an adviser to various UK governmental organisations.
Steve Ragnall Marine Historian and Author Steve has a lifetime’s love of the sea and its history, is RYA Yachtmaster qualified, and has extensive sailing experience, including passages on tall ships, most notably the Bark Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook’s ship. He is an honorary member of the Merchant Navy Association. Steve has lectured around the world and has been in demand as a cruise ship speaker for over 10 years, with a growing portfolio of over 60 talks. He also speaks regularly to U3A, NADFAS, Probus, National Trust Associations and other organisations. He has worked in local and regional radio as musician, writer and presenter. His recent book “Better Conceiv’d than Describ’d: The Life and Times of Captain James King, Captain Cook’s Friend and Colleague”, is a culmination of that work and has been very well received.
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Professor Chris Stringer
Paleoanthropologist & Research Leader in Human Origins, Natural History Museum London Professor Chris Stringer has worked at The Natural History Museum London since 1973, and is now Research Leader in Human Origins and a Fellow of the Royal Society. His early research was on the relationship of Neanderthals and early modern humans in Europe, but through his work on the ‘Recent African Origin’ theory of modern human origins, he now collaborates with archaeologists, dating specialists, and geneticists in attempting to reconstruct the evolution of modern humans globally. He has excavated at sites in Britain and abroad, and he is currently co-directing the Pathways to Ancient Britain project, funded by the Calleva Foundation.
Christopher Walton Author and Journalist Chris has lived and worked in Cape Town and London, with stints in New York, Hong Kong, Europe and Australia. He worked as a journalist in Cape Town during the apartheid era before moving to one of the world’s largest publishing companies in 1981, becoming South African Editor-in-Chief three years later. In 1997 he transferred with the company to London as International Editor General Books, responsible for editorial content worldwide. He has travelled to more than 140 countries, edited and published books on subjects as diverse as travel, law, medicine, history and cookery. He helped open new markets for books in Eastern Europe and spearheaded the drive into teaching English as a foreign language.
Maldives
SPEAKER TOPICS Mountbatten in Ceylon: When Kandy was the Headquarters of the Allied Struggle against Japan in South East Asia by Nigel Cox Spice Up Your Life by Sandy Primrose Maldives: Only Muslims Allowed by Christopher Walton Taking Wine to Bits by John Ducker Joining the Dots: Links to the British Indian Ocean Islands by Passenger Liner and Airlines by Nigel Cox
Tracing Some Fallen Travellers: The Travellers Club of London and the First World War by Nigel Cox Plants, Murder and Medical Mysteries by Sandy Primrose A Test of Characters? Learning Mandarin Chinese and the Chinese Language Today by Nigel Cox Who Killed the Last Dodo? By Sandy Primrose Not Just Reunion: France’s Indian Ocean Empire by Nigel Cox
History of South Africa 2 - Rise of Black and Boer Power by Christopher Walton Rubbing Shoulders with the Stars by Judy Ducker
Early Humans: from Africa to Britain by Chris Stringer South Africa: Spectacular World of Wildlife by Christopher Walton The Rise of Homo Sapiens by Chris Stringer The Wines of South Africa by John Ducker
Propping Up British Television by Judy Ducker
All at Sea with Betjeman by John Ducker
In Quest of a Giraffe? The Chinese Maritime Explorers of the 15th Century by Nigel Cox
A Floral Cornucopia: The amazing flora of South Africa's Cape Province by Sandy Primrose
The Neanderthals and Us by Chris Stringer
Orchids and Ice Cream by Sandy Primrose
Human Evolution: The Big Picture by Chris Stringer
History of South Africa 3 – Land, Gold, Nationalism by Chris Walton
Mix or Match… by John Ducker
History of South Africa 1 – The Mother City by Christopher Walton
Cape Town - Welcome to Paradise by Chris Walton
Diplomacy: Delights, Difficulties and Disasters by Olivia Cox
The Man Who Rode a Crocodile by Steve Ragnall
Puzzles of Human Evolution by Chris Stringer
The Drill by Steve Ragnall
‘Propping Up’ the British Film Industry by Judy Ducker
Seychelles: Trouble in Paradise by Christopher Walton
Captain Cook in Cape Town by Steve Ragnall
History of South Africa 4 - The rise and fall of Apartheid by Chris Walton
Colombo
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ON-BOARD ACTIVITIES
CRAFT CLASSES with Jessie Lindon
WINE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Jessie Lindon is a highly experienced Craft Tutor having run creative workshops on board for the past 10 years. She is a qualified teacher, a Member of the Silk Painter’s and Embroiderer’s Guilds and a National Trust tutor and demonstrator, responsible for introducing traditional craft activities to their properties in Warwickshire, Birmingham and surrounding areas. Her wide crafting knowledge and enthusiasm for what she does takes her to all corners of the world and when in port you will find her scouring the shops and markets in search of new ideas and local materials. Jessie brings on board an amazing array of crafting materials which enable passengers to sample a wide range of crafts gaining skills in silk painting, sewing, patchworking, papercrafts, folk art decoration and embroidery to name but a few!
John Ducker The Wine Education Service
Yangon
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Having been bestowed a number of interesting ‘lives’ which may be revealed as the cruise progresses, John’s principal activity has been as the actor ‘John Leeson’. He has celebrated over half a century’s visibility in theatre, film and television, and latterly as the unseen voice of Doctor Who’s iconic robot dog-companion K9. Hardly less important has been his professional wine-teaching career, one which has additionally covered many sea and river miles as wine tutor for a number of top smaller-ship cruise lines. As a reputable (and published) family cook his quickreference guide to food/wine matching, ‘Marriages Made in Heaven’, will be available on board.
Judy Ducker Chandeliers or live cockroaches, it’s all in a day’s work for Judy. At the top of her profession as a freelance Production Buyer in the Set Decorating Department of top television and major feature film productions, her credits include ‘Inspector Morse’, ‘Poirot’, ‘Foyle’s War’, ‘Wilde’, ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘Golden Compass’, ‘Hugo’, ‘Christopher Robin’, the feature film of ‘Downton Abbey’ and many more. Her stories both from ‘on set’ and backstage reveal the pleasures and pitfalls involved in bringing film and TV sets alive with ‘props’ of all kinds, ensuring accurate period detail to enhance the look, the style and the visual integrity of the productions she has worked on over the years.
BOOKCLUB with Olivia Cox Olivia is a former British diplomat who has travelled extensively in Asia and Europe and speaks fluent French and Spanish and basic Chinese. She joined the Diplomatic Service after graduating with a degree in Hispanic Studies from Bristol University. After a first posting to Mexico City (1978-80) she was assigned to Paris where, among other distractions, she met her husband, Nigel, also a diplomat. Olivia then accompanied Nigel on two postings to Beijing, where she worked for the British Council as Arts Officer, and as Manager of the International English Language Testing System programme for Chinese students. She also produced the Embassy monthly newsletter and taught English to Chinese undergraduates. From 2000-2002 she chaired the finals of the China University English Speaking Association’s annual national debating competition.
Book Club 1 - Atonement by Ian McEwan Atonement is a 2001 British novel about the understanding of and responding to the need for personal atonement set in three time periods, 1935 England, Second World War England and France, and present-day England. Widely regarded as one of McEwan's best works.
Film Discussion: Atonement (2007) With Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn and Saoirse Ronan.
Book Club 2 – The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje A charming story about an eleven-year-old boy boarding a huge liner in Colombo bound for England in the early 1950s. Michael Ondaatje, the award-winning Sri Lankan born Canadian poet and novelist, made such a voyage himself in his childhood. He is also author of "The English Patient" (1992).
Film Discussion: The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje Book Club 3 – Regeneration by Pat Barker Winner of the 1995 Booker Prize Having recently commemorated the centenary of the end of World War I, we discuss the first of Pat Barker's trilogy of novels about World War I, focusing on treatment of a decorated English officer sent to a military hospital after publicly declaring he will no longer fight.
Film Discussion: Regeneration by Jonathan Pryce Olivia will also be giving a talk during the voyage entitled Diplomacy: Delights, Difficulties and Disasters.
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READING GUIDE Oxford’s renowned bookseller Blackwell’s has designed a reading guide specifically for this outstanding cruise itinerary. UK passengers can 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 John Holt The Sri Lanka Reader ISBN: 9780822349822, Paperback, £22.99
Michael Ondaatje Running in the Family ISBN: 9780141189574, Paperback, £9.99
Leonard Woolf Growing: Seven Years in Ceylon ISBN: 9781780600710, Paperback, £12.99
Edward A. Alpers The Indian Ocean in World History ISBN: 9780195337877, Paperback, £16.49
J. J. Robinson The Maldives ISBN: 9781849045896, Paperback, £16.99
Alec Waugh Where the Clock Chimes Twice ISBN: 9781448201204, Paperback, £14.99 (Print on Demand – Order Early)
Tim Cleary Mauritius: Culture Smart! ISBN: 9781857335422, Paperback, £6.95
Robert Ross A Concise History of South Africa ISBN: 9780521720267, Paperback, £19.99
Thomas Pakenham The Scramble for Africa ISBN: 9780349104492, Paperback, £15.99
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Bill Nasson The Boer War: The Struggle for South Africa ISBN: 9780752460222, Paperback, £16.99
Ian Knight The Zulu War 1879 ISBN: 9781841766126, Paperback, £10.99
Nechama Brodie The Cape Town Book ISBN: 9781920545987, Paperback, £22.50
Chris Stringer (Lecturing On Board) The Origin of our Species ISBN: 9780141037202, Paperback, £9.99
FICTION Translated by R. K. Narayan The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Suggested by the Tamil Version of Kamban)
Members of the Travellers Club & Nigel Cox (Lecturing On Board) Brave Lives
ISBN: 9780143039679, Paperback, £10.99
Rian Malan My Traitor’s Heart ISBN: 9780099583462, Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9781473895843, Hardback, £20.00
ISBN: 9780907871293, Paperback, £12.99
Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom
Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne Sri Lankan Wildlife Guide
Roma Tearne Mosquito
ISBN: 9780349106533, Paperback, £14.99
ISBN: 9781841621746, Paperback, £15.99
ISBN: 9780007233663, Paperback, £8.99
Nelson Mandela Foundation Prisoner in the Garden
Ruide Kuiter & Tim Godfrey Fishes of the Maldives: Indian Ocean
Amitav Ghosh Sea of Poppies
ISBN: 9780143538394, Paperback, £12.99
ISBN: 9781876410254, Paperback, £29.00
R. W. Johnson South Africa’s Brave New World: The Beloved Country since the end of Apartheid
Chris & Mathilde Stuart Pocket Guide: Mammals of Southern Africa
ISBN: 9780141000329, Paperback, £16.99
Ryszard Kapuscinski The Shadow of the Sun ISBN: 9780140292626, Paperback, £9.99
Françoise Malby-Anthony, Katja Willemsen An Elephant in my Kitchen ISBN: 9781509864898, Hardback, £16.99
Peter Matthiessen An African Trilogy ISBN: 9781860467882, Paperback, £16.99
ISBN: 9781770078611, Paperback, £7.50
Elephant Specialist Advisory Group Understanding Elephants ISBN: 9781775843412, Paperback, £5.99
Sinclair et al Birds of Southern Africa ISBN: 9781770079250, Paperback, £15.50 John Manning Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of South Africa ISBN: 9781770077584, Paperback, £17.99
Leonard Woolf The Village in the Jungle
ISBN: 9780719568978, Paperback, £8.99
Amitav Ghosh River of Smoke ISBN: 9780719568893, Paperback, £9.99
Amitav Ghosh Flood of Fire ISBN: 9780719569029, Paperback, £8.99
Alan Paton Cry, the Beloved Country ISBN: 9780099766810, Paperback, £8.99
Kopano Matlwa Evening Primrose ISBN: 9781473662285, Paperback, £8.99
J. M. Coetzee Disgrace ISBN: 9780099289524, Paperback, £8.99
Nadine Gordimer The Conservationist ISBN: 9780747578246, Paperback, £8.99
MAPS & GUIDES Insight Guides Flexi Map, Sri Lanka ISBN: 9781786719195, sheet map (folded), £5.99
Chris & Mathilde Stuart Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of South Africa
Reunion Island
ISBN: 9781775846116, Paperback, £14.99
Rough Guide Cape Town, the Winelands & The Garden Route ISBN: 9780241306208, Paperback, £13.99
Michelin Maps Africa Central & South with Madagascar ISBN: 9782067172555, £5.99
National Geographic Map Durban ISBN: 9780792233220, £6.99
Marco Polo Map Cape Town ISBN: 9783829769679, £4.99
Pinnawala
Marco Polo Guide Sri Lanka (with map) ISBN: 9783829707862, Paperback, £7.99
Bradt Guide Sri Lanka ISBN: 9781784770570, Paperback, £16.99
Insight Guides Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles ISBN: 9781780058405, Paperback, £16.99
Eyewitness Guide South Africa ISBN: 9780241278673, Paperback, £17.99
ColomboSri Lanka
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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
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
729 729
732 732
731 731
734 734
733 733
736 736
LIBRARY LIBRARY
559559
552552
561561
554554
SHOP SHOP
563563
• • • •
716 716
• • • •
• •
425425
455455 459459 463463
MARCO POLO MARCO POLO RESTAURANT RESTAURANT
DOU DOUBLE
C CAT
460460
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
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
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
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816 816
815 815
814 814
416416
• •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
• •
• •
II*
• •
STANDARD OUTSIDE
813 813
• •
JJ
812 812
421421
435435 534534
533533
412412
417417 418418 420420 419419 422422 424424 426 423423 426 428428 430430 ▲ ▲ 427427 432432 434434 433 ▲ ▲ 433 436436 438438 437437 440440
446446
723 723
811 811
530530
531531 532532
413413 415415
408408
▲ ▲ 414414
• • • •
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
517517 520520
521521
708 708
514514
516516 513513
■
808 808
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY OBSERVATION OBSERVATION
LL
706 706
519519
712 • 710 • 712 • 710 •
807 807
DELUXE STATEROOM BALCONY
STANDARD INSIDE
704 704
705 705 707 707
LIDO LIDO BAR BAR
MM
703 703
510510
• • • •
806 806
508508
512512 509509
• • • •
804 804
805 805
AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR LOUNGE LOUNGE
• •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
803 803
702 702
724 • 724 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
701 701
515515
726 • 726 •
PREMIUM OUTSIDE
802 802
• • • •
801 801
506506 505505
■
511511
OBSERVATION OBSERVATION LOUNGE LOUNGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
A
507507
504504
• •• •
503503
E
B
404# 404#
403403 405405
BRIDGE BRIDGE
DELUXE STATEROOM OUTSIDE
C
Cabin for guests with disabilities Elevator
F
D
Third/Fourth Pullman berth in these cabins
#
810 • 810 •
G
809 • 809 •
H
Single Cabins 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.
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THE 2018/19 CRUISE COLLECTION
Cruise guides are available to download from our website voyagestoantiquity.com approximately 90 days prior to departure