
Cruise region
Indian Ocean
An Indian Ocean cruise visits tropical islands such as Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles and Madagascar's Nosy Be, with beaches, lagoons and unusual wildlife. Some voyages start in Durban and sail north through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. It is a voyage for travellers with time to relax at sea.
Best time to go
Season
Typical daytime highs
- Drier season (May to October). Typical daytime highs around 24 to 28°C in the drier season (May to October). Warm and less humid.
- Hot season (November to April). Typical daytime highs around 29 to 32°C in the hot season (November to April). Hot and humid, with a cyclone risk.
These are typical ranges, not a forecast.
How long
Fly-cruise airports
- Durban King Shaka (DUR). usually one connection, around 13 to 15 hours
- Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (MRU). about 12 hours
- Seychelles International (SEZ). about 10 to 11 hours
Who it suits
Questions
When is the best time for an Indian Ocean cruise?
April to November, when it is drier and less humid.
Which islands are visited?
Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles and Madagascar, including Nosy Be.
Do these voyages pass through the Suez Canal?
Some do, sailing from Durban to the Mediterranean via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Ports and places
Antsiranana
A Madagascar port near the Emerald Sea and the tsingy rock formations.
View 1 cruise featuring AntsirananaAqaba
The gateway to Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum.
View 1 cruise featuring AqabaDurban
A South African city of beaches, curries and the uShaka Marine World.
View 1 cruise featuring DurbanHeraklion (Crete)
The base for visiting the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
View 1 cruise featuring HeraklionNosy Be
A Madagascar island of beaches, lemurs and ylang-ylang plantations.
View 1 cruise featuring Nosy BePort Louis
Mauritius's capital, with the Caudan Waterfront and the botanical gardens nearby.
View 1 cruise featuring Port LouisPort Victoria (Mahé)
The tiny Seychelles capital, gateway to granite-backed beaches.
View 1 cruise featuring Port VictoriaReunion Island
A French island of volcanoes, cirques and hiking trails.
View 1 cruise featuring Reunion IslandRhodes
Walk the medieval Old Town and the Palace of the Grand Master, or visit the acropolis at Lindos.
View 1 cruise featuring RhodesSharm El Sheikh
Snorkel and dive among the Red Sea's coral reefs.
View 1 cruise featuring Sharm El SheikhSplit
Explore Diocletian's Palace, the Roman complex at the heart of the old town.
View 1 cruise featuring SplitSuez Canal
Scenic cruising through the canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
View 1 cruise featuring Suez CanalVenice
See St Mark's Square and the Grand Canal, and take a gondola or vaporetto ride.
View 1 cruise featuring Venice
