Port Louis, Mauritius - Africa Cruises

Soak up the spectacular scenery of Mauritius from the rim of the Trou aux Cerfs crater, formed from an extinct volcano in the central plateau of the island, before visiting the Ship Model Centre. You can watch the skilled craftsmen making the models and traditional souvenirs.

The Grand Bassin is considered a sacred lake for the Hindu community, nestling in a volcanic crater and interesting for both its beauty and legend. It is said that the water in the lake communicates with the Ganges in India, making it a site for pilgrimage for Mauritian Hindus.

At the Black River Gorges Viewpoint, marvel at the breathtaking views over Mauritius’ deepest gorge. Enjoy a buffet luncheon in a beautiful setting close to the Gorges.

Before returning to your ship, you’ll stop at two of the island’s natural wonders: the beautiful Chamarel Waterfall and the seven coloured earths. Here, the soil’s hues of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow never erode in spite of torrential downpours and adverse climatic conditions. The volcanic ashes are naturally displayed in an orderly pattern of two colours.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is some walking involved at viewpoints, but on smooth ground with few inclines. There are steps at the sacred lake and the Chamarel Waterfall, but alternative viewpoints are available and inclines can be avoided. Euros, US Dollars and credit cards are accepted at most of the shops.

The Tea Route will take you on a culinary and cultural journey through the early days of Mauritius. You’ll start with a tour of Domaine des Aubineaux, one of the last colonial mansions typical of the late 19th century. The mansion has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian Tea. Take a stroll in the Camphor tree garden, with its diversity of exotic plants and endemic forest, and enjoy the beautiful sight of the tea plantation.

Next, a visit will be made to the tea factory of Bois Chéri to witness the transformation of the tea leaves into flavoured tea bags. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of flavoured tea, while admiring the beautiful scenery around you.

A delicious lunch will be served at Domaine Saint Aubin, a plantation house built in 1819, before visiting the Anthurium, Vanilla Plantation and the Rum Distillery.

The panorama of the south is full of photo opportunities, and you will see tea plantations, local villages, places of worship for all the different communities, and beautiful views over the south and south-east coast.


This excursion will operate by bus or minibus and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour, with steps to negotiate at the colonial houses and the tea factory. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Embark on a scenic journey to the east coast of Mauritius, past sugar cane fields, lush vegetation and through local villages. At the boat jetty, board your boat for a transfer to the beautiful island of Ile-aux-Cerfs. Known as the ‘mini Eden of Mauritius’, its wide sparkling sand banks and warm crystal clear waters create the perfect tropical escape.

On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing fruit cocktail and a Mauritian folkloric dance show. After your warm welcome, you will have around 4½ hours’ free time to soak up the sun, relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon or explore this island paradise.

During the day, a delicious buffet luncheon will be served at one of the island’s beach restaurants.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by bus or minibus, boat and on foot. Walking is at guest’s own discretion. A sunbed and umbrella are provided. Please remember to take your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Guests must be able to negotiate boarding the transfer boat. There are independent suppliers on the island offering watersports. These activities are payable direct in Mauritian Rupees and are not connected to Cunard. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to swimming activities. Please remember to carry local currency for any additional purchases.

Join your guide for an interesting tour of the SSR Botanical Garden (formerly Pamplemousses Botanical Garden). The garden is reputed for its extensive collection of tropical and indigenous plants, most commonly known for its ineluctable giant Victoria Regina water lilies, spice garden and the Talipot Palm which flowers once every 60 years before dying. Many trees have been planted by world leaders and royalty, including Princess Margaret, Indira Gandhi and Robert Mugabe.

From the gardens, a leisurely drive will take you past many of the island’s highlights, including St Francis Assisi Catholic Church and one of island’s most ancient Tamil temples with its beautiful architecture. There will be a photo stop at the stone Citadel, which sits proudly overlooking the harbour.

At Eureka Colonial House, you’ll have a guided tour of one of the oldest colonial houses of the island. Built in 1830, the house is set in a magnificent garden surrounded by the waterfalls from the Moka River. Enjoy a refreshing soft drink and local snacks during your visit.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves up to 1½ hours of walking over mainly level ground. There are some steps at Eureka House. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended