Further information in this press release:
A unique new cruise line launches this autumn offering exclusive access to the Lakshadweep Islands - an archipelago of virtually uninhabited tropical islands in the Indian Ocean.
As of October 2006, Indian Ocean Cruises has been granted exclusive permission by the Indian Government to visit the Lakshadweep Islands, giving travellers the opportunity to visit these pristine and untouched islands on the stylish and intimate MS Ocean Odyssey.
PRISTINE TROPICAL ISLANDS
The Lakshadweep Archipelago comprises a chain of virtually uninhabited tropical Islands. Indian Ocean Cruises has been granted exclusive access to visit three of these islands - Tinnakara, Suheli and Cheriyam. Each is an idyllic tropical island with coral atolls and pristine lagoons teaming with marine life.
Passengers will have the chance to spend full days unwinding and exploring the islands at their leisure – play beach volleyball, take yoga lessons, snorkel and dive the reefs or take a glass-bottomed boat through the turquoise waters. For the less active, passengers can enjoy a massage under the palms of the coconut trees or a lazy picnic lunch on one of the small islets.
Indian Ocean Cruises is bound by its terms with the Indian Government to ensure the islands are left pristine at the end of every visit so passengers can also feel assured they can enjoy the islands in the knowledge that protection of the environment is at the forefront of Indian Ocean Cruises’ operations.
INDIAN ADVENTURE
Following ancient spice routes, MS Ocean Odyssey will cruise a two-week voyage for a maximum of just 250 guests around the southwest coastline of India. A voyage of contrasts, for many passengers the highlight of the journey will be the Lakshadweep Islands, however the cruise will also be an opportunity to experience southern India at its finest.
The ship will depart Goa calling at various stops along the Malabar Coast, before heading to the Lakshadweep archipelagos as well as visiting Cape Comorin – the most southern point of India. The cruise will include an overnight stop on the emerald gem of Sri Lanka where passengers will visit Colombo by day and night.
During the cruise passengers will experience a real cultural Indian adventure, from visiting elephant reserves, to taking boat trips down the backwaters of Kerala, seeing the old palaces of Cochin and visiting the Amman Temple and Ghandi memorial in Trivandrum, South India.
Guests will also be able to take in the Indian culture onboard, with traditionally cooked Indian food served daily using locally sourced produce from the various ports of call (a European menu will also be available), as well as Indian themed evenings on deck.
AN AUTHENTIC AYURVEDIC EXPERIENCE
MS Ocean Odyssey’s new spa offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments using the finest Indian spa experts. Expert Indian yoga teachers will be taking lessons both onboard MS Ocean Odyssey as well holding yoga classes on the beach.
Along with a fully equipped gym, the onboard spa and fitness facilities will also include a roof-deck swimming pool with two Jacuzzis.
A GENUINE SHIPPING EXPERIENCE
The cruise is intended to allow guests to let go of formalities and really relax. MS Ocean Odyssey is a truly traditional ship offering a genuine old-style cruise experience without the formality. Dining will be single sitting and diners will not be requested to wear a jacket and tie. The passenger to staff ratio will be 2:1 with a firm emphasis on personal service.
Prices start from £940 per person for a 14-night cruise only with Indian Ocean Cruises, based on a full board basis including transfers between the airport and vessel, and all port taxes. Flights not included. MS Ocean Odyssey’s inaugural cruise will be on 7th October 2006.
For further information on Indian Ocean Cruises visit www.indianoceancruises.net
For reservations contact The Cruise Line on www.cruiseline.co.uk
or telephone 0800 008 6677