CMV - Grand Africa & Indian Voyage

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has just announced a new 78-night ‘Grand Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage’. On 6^th January 2020, the 800-passenger Marco Polo sets sail from Avonmouth and heads south in search of African adventures on a voyage to Namibia; South Africa; Tanzania and Kenya, plus calls in the Seychelles; Mauritius; Reunion, Maldives; Sri Lanka; Goa; India; Oman; Egypt; Jordan; the Holy Land and the Mediterranean. This impressive two-and-a-half-month voyage is a perfect antidote to bouts of winter flu.

The cruise starts with calls at Lisbon, Casablanca, the Cape Verde Islands and Jamestown, St Helena before reaching the coast of Africa. From Lüderitz passengers can visit the desolate Skeleton Coast of Namibia; while in Cape Town they can climb Table Mountain, spot whales as well as great white sharks. Other South African ports include Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Richard’s Bay. In the Spice Island of Zanzibar there’s the chance to shop for chilli, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper. An overnight safari in Mombasa allows guests the chance to see the Big Five - buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and Rhino - at the Tsavo East National Park.

Marco Polo will then sail across the Indian Ocean calling at the tropical island paradises of Mauritius, the Seychelles, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In contrast, India will ignite the senses with its ancient traditions, artistic heritage and astonishing architecture. Not too long after Valentine’s Day, a call at Cochin allows an optional excursion to the Taj Mahal – the enduring monument to love. Following a call at Goa the cruise continues to Mumbai where passengers can explore the ninth largest city in the world.

Heading home, the famous historical sites in Oman, Egypt and Jordan top the list of excursions before a transit of the Suez Canal precedes arrival in the Holy Land. As the cruise concludes, it’s springtime in the Mediterranean when Malta, Gibraltar, La Coruña and Cobh are at their best.

The 22,080-tonne Marco Polo, with her traditional profile, teak decks and distinctive dark blue hull, is a classic ocean liner. She oozes a warm and friendly atmosphere that reflects a truly intimate cruise experience. The ship is fully stabilised and air conditioned and has eight passenger decks serviced by three main lobbies and four lifts.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages specialises in adults-only, no-fly cruises for the British market. It is an increasingly attractive option for solo cruisers and aboard Marco Polo there are two inside singles on Caribic Deck; three on Columbus Deck; plus two ocean view singles on Pacific Deck and eight on Amundsen Deck.  To enlist for what is set to be a sell-out voyage, speak to our experienced team on 0800 484 0370. 

Gary Buchanan