destination
asia
z-Song of India - Chennai to Mumbai
trip specifics
price
2010 Rates
|
Superior |
$9,995 |
|
Majestic |
$10,395 |
|
Premium |
$11,095 |
|
Classic |
$11,995 |
|
Explorer |
$13,695 |
|
Grand Titan |
$15,895 |
|
Owners Suite |
$23,095 |
Triple and Single rates available.
Call for details
2011 Rates
|
Superior |
$9,495 |
|
Majestic |
$9,845 |
|
Premium |
$10,545 |
|
Classic |
$11,345 |
|
Explorer |
$12,945 |
|
Grand Titan |
$14,995 |
|
Owners Suite |
$23,395 |
duration
17 daystrip dates
Coming Soon!trip level
view explanation
highlights
Chennai (Madras) IndiaPindicherry
Galle, Sri Lanka
Colombo
Male, Maldives
N. Maldives Island
Tuticorin, India
Trivandrum
Cochin
Mangalore
Marmagao (Goa)
Mumbai
accomm types
Small Ship
This cruise is one segment of the year long Voyage of the Great Explorers world cruise and is part of Chapter 1: Marco Polo - Ancient Trade Routes of the Mystic East. These four exciting world cruise voyages recall Marco Polo’s travels along ancient trade routes from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean Sea. Your cruise will depart from Singapore, sampling such jewels as Thailand and Burma, before exploring the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka. Then it’s on to historic Iran, the bustling United Arab Emirates, the storied antiquities of Oman, Jordan, and Egypt with an unforgettable Suez Canal transit, before concluding in Alexandria.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
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Day 1 - Chennai (Madras), India
Today you arrive in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), India and check into your included hotel. Situated on India’s sprawling southeast coastal plain along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, the country’s fourth largest city (named “Madras” by the British for its famed cloth) is a primary manufacturer of India’s automobiles, technological hardware and software. Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is India’s fourth largest city and is an important center of Tamil culture, known for traditional Bharatanatyan dance, music and “Kollywood” cinema.
Chennai was established by the British in the 17th century and developed into a thriving commercial center and naval base. The British built Fort St. George, which today is the legislative and administrative seat for the state. Its museum offers an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The fort also encompasses the Church of St. Mary, the oldest Anglican church in India and the oldest church east of the Suez Canal.
Day 2 - Chennai (Madras), India
This morning is at your leisure. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in your hotel, take a walk on Marina beach (one of the world’s longest beaches), shop for saris and one-of-a-kind hand-woven fabrics, or visit one of the sites associated with St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Legend has it that he made a missionary voyage to India and ultimately died on St. Thomas Mount. He is said to be buried on the site of St. Thomas Basilica. There are many beautiful temples and mosques to visit as well, such as the ornately carved Kapaleeswarar Temple, which dates from the 8th century.
Prior to embarkation, enjoy a highlight tour of Chennai, as we drive through its historic neighborhoods en route to the Spirit of Oceanus.
Day 3 - Pondicherry, India
A former French colony, also called Puducherry, this union territory of India is referred to as the “French Riviera of the East,” and numerous French influences are notable in its layout, architecture, language and history. Once the largest French colony in India, Pondicherry retains a bit of its Gallic flavor in the city’s European layout and in the patisseries and Mediterranean-style houses that line its boulevards. Here you can enjoy a flaky croissant and café au lait in a place where the majority of the people speak Tamil. Explore the Pondicherry Museum, which houses sculptures from Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara temples, as well as Buddha images from Pondicherry/ Kirmampakkam, and bronzes from the Chola, Vijayanagara and Nayaka periods.
Day 4 - At Sea
Your next stop is Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Your Exploration Leaders will provide you with a fascinating introduction to a land whose rich culture and complex history you’ll be experiencing for the next two days.
Day 5 - Galle, Sri Lanka
Southwesternmost Sri Lankan city, Galle (pronounced Gaul) is the largest remaining ancient European-influenced fortified city in Asia. Galle is one of the best examples of a European-built fortified city in south Asia, reflecting both European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. Built by the Portuguese in 1640, the Galle Fort, which you’ll be exploring today, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining European fortress in Asia. Yet another European structure worth seeing is St. Mary’s Cathedral, founded by Jesuit priests. Enjoy strolling its ramparts, cobblestoned streets, with galleries and fascinating historical remnants.
A more recent import to Sri Lanka is the Indonesian art of batik. During the past several decades batik-making has become firmly entrenched here and the Sri Lankans have put their own unique stamp on its design motifs and colors. You’ll have an opportunity to see their handiwork up close as you tour a batik factory. The dresses, shirts, sarongs and beachwear they make are ideal for tropical climates.
Day 6 - Colombo, Sri Lanka
The capital and chief port city of Sri Lanka (called Ceylon until its 1972 independence from Britain), Colombo has a 2,000-year history of trade, primarily for its agricultural products, most famously tea. It’s hard to believe that Sri Lanka was once known for coffee, not tea. But when a fungus killed off most of Sri Lanka’s coffee plants in the 1860s, an enterprising Scot named James Taylor sowed the first tea seeds on 19 acres of land, and created a burgeoning industry. Today you’ll travel through the tropical countryside to a Ceylonese tea plantation and learn how tea is cultivated, fired and brewed to perfection. Of course, you’ll also sample some of the finest tea in the world in this graceful and exotic setting.
While in Sri Lanka, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home for about 60 orphaned or abandoned elephants. At Pinnawala, they’re cared for, fed and trained by naturalists so they can safely return to the wild. You may see some of the baby elephants being bottle-fed or having their daily bath at a nearby river. You might even get a chance to ride one!
Day 7 - At Sea
Relax, share photos of your Sri Lankan adventures and get ready for a change in scenery as we sail to the Maldives.
Days 8-9 - Male, Maldives
Pancake-flat and postcard-perfect, Malé (mah-lay) is the capital and largest city on Malé island in the Republic of Maldives, with some of the most spectacular sandy beaches and snorkeling spots anywhere in the world. The Republic of Maldives is an island country comprising twenty-six atolls and 1,192 islands, only 25 of which are inhabited. All are covered with a thin layer of topsoil (approximately 6 inches deep) atop two feet of sandstone, sand, then fresh water. Because of the high concentrations of salt near the beaches, vegetation is fairly limited. The surrounding waters, however, teem with life. Barrier reefs composed of coral debris and living coral, serve as a buffer between the islands and the Indian Ocean, forming lagoons where marine life flourishes.
Suit up in your snorkeling gear and dive into the warm, crystalline waters. You’re likely to find powder blue surgeonfish, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, even a wreck or two. The Maldives are truly a diver’s utopia. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 10 - At Sea
Time to slow down the pace and simply enjoy the blue skies, the ocean, and a comfortable deck chair.
Day 11 - Tuticorin, India
Tuticorin (aka Thoothukudi) is one of India’s major historic seaports, dating to the 6th century. The all-weather port is famed for its pearl diving, fishing and shipbuilding industries, and is also known to produce some of the world’s finest marine officers and sailors. And macaroons. Explore Indian culture at its most vibrant on a walking tour of Tuticorin, one of the oldest seaports in the world. Known as the “Pearl City,” Tuticorin developed from a small fishing village into a thriving port under Portuguese rule in the 16th century and continued to grow under Dutch and the British occupation. It has been a pearl-diving and maritime trade center for more than a century.
As you wander around this lively coastal city, you’ll encounter Our Lady of Snows Basilica, where in 1542 St. Francis Xavier catechized the Paravas, the region’s indigenous people.
Day 12 - Trivandrum, India
Gandhi called it India’s “Evergreen City.” In the country’s nationalistic zeal to return to its original Indian names, Thiruvananthapuram is now the same name of its district, and is the capital city of Kerala, India’s most literate and cultural state. It is also its most lush tropical garden area and near India’s southernmost tip, Cape Comorin. With a tradition dating back to 1000 B.C., Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) was founded as a trading center for spices, sandalwood and ivory. Its name means “City of Lord Anantha” in Sanskrit and Malayalam, but Mahatma Ghandi referred to it as the “Evergreen City of India,” for its undulating verdant hills.
Day 13 - Cochin, India
Now called Kochi, the “Venice of India” has been one of India’s principal seaports since the 14th century when it became the main spice-trading center along the Arabian Sea. One of India’s fastest growing cities, Cochin/Kochi is the commercial hub of the state of Kerala, a rapidly expanding center of international trade, information technology and tourism. Once heralded as the ”Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi (Cochin) was an important spice-trading center as early as the 14th century and was well known in the ancient world. In the early 16th century the Portuguese established in Kochi the first European colonial settlement in India. The city was later occupied by the Dutch, the Mysore and the British.
Day 14 - Mangalore, India
Mangalore has a strategic location along the country’s west coast, facing the Arabian Sea and backed by the dramatic Ghat mountains. Tropical and nestled on two major rivers, the historically rich seaport still handles the bulk of India’s coffee and cashew exports. An important trading port with ties to the Persian Gulf dating back to the 14th century, Mangalore has been occupied by numerous dynasties and colonial powers including the Portuguese, the British and Myesore sultans.
Day 15 - Marmagao (Goa), India
Portugal colonized much of India’s Goa province in the 16th century, primarily along this strategic western coast, and primarily because of the port’s surrounding hillsides, perfect for forts. Today, it is a pleasant and relaxed environment of palm-clad beaches, and a historic cathedral, in this predominately Christian enclave. Marmagao was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Today, this charming city, with its brown-tile roofs, beaches and parks, is a popular holiday destination. Explore Goa’s heritage, which is one of great diversity and harmonious coexistence between the Roman Catholic minority and Hindu majority, on your tour of “The Churches and Convents of Goa,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 16 - At Sea
The last full day of your voyage. Whether you’re heading home with a camera full of memories or you’re preparing for the next exciting voyage of this chapter one, today is a perfect time to enjoy a sunny day at sea and the camaraderie of your fellow passengers.
Day 17 - Mumbai, India
Disembark or continue your journey with the next voyage from Mumbai to Muscat. Largest city and undeniable commercial center of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
Extend your trip
The Taj Mahal & Rajasthan 6-Night pre- or post-cruise, from Chennai
Experience the best of India on an exploration that includes historic Delhi; ‘The Pink City of Rajasthan” Jaipur, with its unique Jantar Mantar observatory; and the incomparable Taj Mahal, the most romantic structure in the world.
Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.
Single Travelers: Single and triple are available upon request where applicable. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program guarantees double occupancy rates in Majestic, Premium and Classic category cabins.
Land Cost Includes: One night hotel accommodations is included. All taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. Transportation and shore excursions as indicated on the itinerary and all meals aboard the ship or where indicated.
Not Included: Airfare from your home city or return; passport or visa fees; excess baggage charges; air departure taxes; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Fuel surcharges may apply.
Arrival/Departure: Embarkation and disembarkation locations depend on the chosen itinerary. Suggested times for inbound/outbound flights also depend on the itinerary and point of embarkation and disembarkation. Please contact us for further details.
Payment Policy: A deposit of 25% of cruise-tour fare for all Grant Titan and Owner's Suite cabins or 20% of cruise-tour fare for all other cabin categories per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment for all Voyages of the Great Explorers cruises my be received no later than 120 days prior to departure, or in full at time of reservation if less than 120 days advance payment period.
Cancellation Policy: Per person cancellation charges for all Grant Titan and Owners Suite cabins:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $1000pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (25%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
Per person cancellation charges for all cabin categories:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $200pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (20%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
*A future cruise credit will be made available, to be applied to future bookings.
Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.
We highly recommend our travelers
protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance
Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the Voyage of the Great Explorers is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.
Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature, culture, history and the outdoors.
Photo Credit: Cruise West
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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