June 2021 - Cruise Options

Explore the beautiful Seychelles on an easy getaway or a fun family reunion

The Seychelles itineraries are a little different to your average island getaway. With a mix of magical marine life and ample birdwatching, you can relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and incomparable clear waters from every stop around this breath-taking archipelago. For the more active, hiking and water sports are readily available; but lazing on a daybed (drink in hand) with a view of the lush emerald mountains, powder white beaches and extraordinary granite boulders is a unique experience in itself.

Why the Seychelles?

Mahé: Dive or snorkel in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park founded in 1973 with over 150 fish species. Walk around the Victoria Botanical Gardens created in 1901 on the outskirts of the Seychelles capital and view sea coconuts and other palm trees, orchids, fruit trees and flowers in all colours of the rainbow.

Curieuse: There are no homes, roads or activity here to disturb the flora and fauna. The famous Aldabra giant tortoises walk around freely and 3 600+ gigantic sea coconuts trees grow wild.

Grande Sœur: Considered the most beautiful island. Well-preserved coral reefs are home to many hawksbill sea-turtles and hundreds of tropical fish like butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish.

Praslin: The rugged, jungle-covered interior is home to Praslin National Park, which encompasses the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, one of the Seychelles’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Praslin also features truly exquisite beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both appearing on the top-10 list of world’s best beaches.

La Digue: One of the world’s most beautiful islands, covering barely 5 km², La Digue offers a range of typical Seychelles panoramas. Granite blocks softened by erosion sit by the calm, crystalline sea.

Aldabra Atoll: Explore a wild paradise, considered one of the most unspoilt places on the planet. With no drinking water, Aldabra has never been properly inhabited.

Aride: Famous for its cliffs and jungle, home to hundreds of birds. This nature reserve is protected from human activity and only accessible at certain times of year, so it sees many bird species flourishing.

Alphonse: Dive to see the most beautiful coral – some of the most unspoilt in the Indian Ocean – and its diverse marine wildlife.

Le Ponant, a legendary sailing yacht with 32 guests

Meditate on the deck as the sun rises, walk barefoot on the warm teak, dive into a remote idyllic bay, listen to the wind in the sails and the waves lapping against the hull, and share in the passion of a wine or olive oil producer. Move at your own pace, just as you please. Let the sea set you free…

This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing (sail-powered whenever conditions allow), combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability.

The sailboat includes 4 stand-up paddle boards and 4 kayaks, including 2 with a clear bottom; snorkelling and fishing equipment; diving gear (groups of 4 people); safe sea swimming; kids equipment (pool noodles, swim rings, armbands and safety gear); bikes available. A wellness area including massage and treatment room plus a fitness area with a dedicated wellness coach for exercise sessions, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more.

Le Ponant has a guest capacity of 32 and an attentive crew of 34. Let us know if you’re interested in a charter option with friends or family as this will be a wonderful holiday and also great for a special celebration or reunion.

The Seychelles under the Trade Winds: 9-night Mahé roundtrip on Le Ponant; prices are from $10 890 per person sharing.
Departure dates: 22 November; 1, 10, 19 and 28 December 2022; 6, 15 and 24 January; 2, 11 and 20 February 2023.

Ponant’s Explorer class ships with 184 guests

These modern expedition ships boast elegant appointments, delicious French cuisine and an infinity pool. A Marina platform with three positions: for use as a sun deck; as a launch pad for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling and other water sports; and as the embarkation point for a 10 Zodiacs. The decor imparts a contemporary Scandinavian feel, with light woods and neutral colours accented with nautical blues. Natural forms, reminiscent of the sea, characterize the art pieces and the lighting. For example, lamps above the beds resemble large sand dollars, while the lights in the reception area look like ethereal jellyfish.

Le Bellot, Le Bougainville, Le Champlain and Le Jacques Cartier are beautiful, all balcony, sleek French motor yachts with a guest capacity of 184 each and an attentive crew of 112.

Herewith a link to more information and images for Le Bougainville, Le Champlain and Le Jacques Cartier.

8-night Essential Seychelles, Mahé roundtrip; prices are from $4 640 per person sharing

12-night Secret Seychelles Islands, Mahé roundtrip from 8 to 20 February and 24 March to 5 April 2023; prices are from $6 980 per person sharing.

13-night The Seychelles and Aldabra Atoll, Mahé roundtrip from 29 December 2022 to 11 January 2023 on Le Jacques Cartier; prices are from $9 250 per person sharing.

The fares include

All meals while on board the ship
A choice of curated, complimentary Shore Excursions with local guides and a world class Expedition Team. (applicable to select cruises)
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner (applicable to Explorer Class ships)
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Port charges
Complimentary “Open Bar”, pouring wines, house champagne and alcohol excluding premium brands.
Evening entertainment and events
24-hour room service
Gratuities are not included and are charged prior to departure at €12 per person per night*

All guests (Ponant & Crystal Cruises) will be required to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (both doses if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding any ship. Verified documentation and / or evidence of vaccination will be required at the time of boarding and failure to provide this documentation will result in denial of boarding.

Please let us know if you’d like more information and early booking is recommended, as these cruises sell out fast.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394

“Take everything you know about cruises and throw it out the porthole.”

Imagine discovering unspoiled beaches, unfamiliar cultures and undiscovered atolls. With Windstar Cruises you can enliven your curiosity and awaken your sense of wonder. Leave the crowds behind and experience a different kind of cruise; where the allure, beauty and magic of the places you sail to is equalled only by the ship that takes you there. Windstar Cruises’ small ships are exactly the right size with only 148 to 342 guests; they are large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into the tiny harbours and hidden coves others can’t reach.

Windstar go out of their way to find out-of-the-way places

You can set sail for stunning destinations like old world European villages, the remote Costa Rican coastline, the incredible Panama Canal, and the secluded coves and islands of Tahiti, Australasia and the Caribbean. In addition, Windstar has expanded its repertoire to include the very best of Alaska, Asia, Arabia and Canada & New England.

Get closer to secluded coves, tiny villages, and misty fjords. To ancient ruins, medieval alleyways, quaint marinas. To unspoiled beaches and unfamiliar cultures. To enlivening your curiosity and awakening your sense of wonder. You’re closer than ever to the kind of unforgettable and local experiences that you travel to find in the first place. Experience cultures in ways that are personal, authentic, and unscripted — just as you would if you arrived in port on your own private yacht.

Activities include dinner with a Croatian family in their village home, snorkelling with whale sharks off the coast of La Paz or getting closer to glaciers with a kayak launched directly from the ship, allowing you to explore other lands and see the world from a new perspective.

An immersive approach to the cultures and locals

Discover the essence of Tahiti’s pure waters in fresh ahi tuna, St. Lucia’s laid-back lifestyle in conch fritters, the terroir of Tuscany in delicious prosciutto. No matter what destination calls your name, the local culture is deliciously reflected in the meals you’ll enjoy on your Windstar ship. Fresh, local ingredients – often selected by your ship’s chef on a trip to the local market – seasonal produce and culinary ingenuity go into each perfectly presented dish.

On board you will experience no crowds, no formal nights, no lines, just a casually elegant vibe and friendly atmosphere. Drop by the Open Bridge for an impromptu lesson in chart reading. Jump directly off the yacht from the Watersports Platform. And most of all, do more of the things you want to do when you travel.

“Love having dinner on the deck under the sails and the stars! Windstar [has] the best cruises we have taken. Seen the most wonderful places. Wonderful crew… great service… delicious food.”—Vikki M

Windstar Voyage Collection 2021-2023

Alaska: Voyages are scheduled for early 2022 aboard the newly transformed all-suite Star Breeze. Including a 7-day Scenic Alaska cruise that will feature coastal wilderness cruising along the Canadian Inside Passage.

Asia: Sail Southeast Asia in late 2021 / early 2022. Comprehensive sailings in Asia including Island Hopping through Japan and Windstar Crew Hometowns: Philippines & Indonesia that are new and noteworthy itineraries.

Australia & New Zealand: In 2022, Windstar will debut its first-ever comprehensive itineraries to Australia & New Zealand aboard the newly transformed Star Breeze, visiting small, rarely visited ports of call like Middle Percy Island and Thursday Island. Overnights in Brisbane, Port Douglas, and Sydney, plus a late-night departure in Melbourne are other highlights.

Canada & New England: Windstar sails in Canada & New England in the fall aboard the newly transformed Star Pride. A Iceland to Montreal itinerary will focus on Greenland, including several days of scenic fjord cruising, and a New York to San Juan sailing with two overnight stops in Bermuda, plus a day in St. Kitts and St. Bart’s. In 2022, a Boston to San Juan sailing will include warm Bermuda beaches along the way.

Caribbean & Central America: Windstar will make a first-time visit to Miami and Key West in December 2021. In 2022, Windstar will offer sailings in Mexico, on both the East and West coasts, including an option from Cozumel to St. Maarten with visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and tiny Cayman Brac. In 2023, the Spanish Treasures via the Panama Canal starts on the Pacific side of the canal before heading to Panama’s Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands, Cartagena / Santa Marta in Colombia, and ending in Aruba.

Mediterranean & the Holy Lands: Windstar returns after a several years to Ashdod and Haifa in Israel; Alexandria and Port Said in Egypt (including Cairo and the Pyramids); and Istanbul, with an overnight stay. Windstar will also make inaugural visits to Odessa, Nessebar, Bucharest, Sochi, Batumi, and Sinop on its Black Sea voyage. There are also cruise tours to the Douro Valley, Lake Como, and Meteora.

2022 brings a variety of sailings in the region including Island Gems of Spain & Portugal, with stops in the Canary Islands and Madeira, and a 8-day sailing along the coastlines of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. There is also a Athens to Istanbul itinerary (including a tight squeeze through the small-ship-only Corinth Canal) with a first-time port in Turkey’s Çanakkale.

Northern Europe: Windstar sails in Northern Europe between May and September, including Scandinavia and the Baltic, Europe’s West Coast, and the British Isles aboard the newly transformed Star Legend and Star Pride. The popular Around Iceland itinerary returns as well as an option to be experienced as a cruise tour. Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords combines iconic northern capitals with a handful of smaller, less-visited ports. In 2022, Windstar’s Impressionist France brings a chance to travel from Bordeaux to Amsterdam with an overnight in St-Malo and scenic cruising on the Seine River, plus first-ever Windstar stops in Caen and Rouen (an overnight as well).

South Pacific: In September 2021 through March 2022, the Star Breeze will begin sailing in Tahiti, giving guests a unique chance to sail on the larger, all-suite, newly transformed yacht in this destination for a limited engagement. Windstar’s Wind Spirit will sail from Tahiti to Australia, stopping at the small island nation of Vanuatu and tiny Pantara Island at the outer fringes of New Caledonia, among other off-the-beaten-path South Pacific islands.

USA West Coast: In 2022, Windstar sails the West Coast of the USA and Mexico and will debut several itineraries, including Baja Blue Water & Treasures on the Sea of Cortez and a West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza with new stops in Victoria and Santa Barbara.

Herewith a link to the digital brochure – Voyage Collection 2021 – 2023

What else is new for 2022

Visit Australia & New Zealand, depart on an in-depth exploration of the Holy Lands or the less-visited islands of Japan, transit through the Kiel Canal and more.

Please click on the below pictures for information on the itinerary and dates.

Extend your journey by combining the best of Land & Sea

Book with Confidence

The Travel Assurance Booking Policy applies to cruises departing through 31 December 2021; cancel your voyage up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit. This promotion is subject to change at any time.

When you’re ready to cruise, know that the Beyond Ordinary Care programme offers hospital-grade protections, including HEPA filters and UV-C irradiation within the air handling system and enhanced sanitation measures for all guest and crew areas to deliver the 180 degrees from ordinary experience you expect when sailing with Windstar.