Seychelles Discovery Cruise - Mercury Holidays
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Altogether Better Your Tour Dossier
Seychelles Discovery Cruise
TRIP OVERVIEW
Cruise from palm-fringed beaches to uninhabited island reserves as you sail amongst the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago.
Visit giant tortoises on the mangrove-clad island of Curieuse and the bird sanctuary of Cousin Island, snorkel through colourful coral
reefs teeming with life and soak in dazzling sunshine and scenery as you embark on this relaxing island-hopping adventure.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
This document aims to give you all the information that you require for DAY 5: Anse Lazio to Praslin Island B/L/D
a smooth and comfortable trip to the Seychelles. Please take the time Journey to the island of Aride, home to numerous seabird colonies and
to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our the unique Wright’s gardenia. Take a scenic walk to the top of the island
tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa and soak in breath-taking views of ocean and isle before sailing onward
requirements and travel insurance. to St Pierre Island. Snorkel amongst the resplendent reefs found in these
waters then cruise into the sunset as you travel to Praslin Island where
Your included meal guide: you’ll anchor for the night. Enjoy a lively evening dinner with a Creole night
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner on board with musicians and dancers.
DAY 1: UK to Mahé DAY 6: Praslin Island to La Digue B/L/D
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to the Seychelles, via After a morning of cruising through the emerald expanse of ocean
Dubai. surrounding the Seychelles, arrive in Felicite or Grand Soeur this afternoon
and encounter vibrant marine life on a snorkelling excursion, with the
DAY 2: Mahé to St Anne Island D
option to go scuba diving (at a fee). Continue onward to the laidback isle
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the cruise terminal in Port
of La Digue, arriving in the evening and docking overnight in the port.
Victoria. Board your ship and set sail while you sip on a welcome cocktail.
Cruise towards St Anne Island where you will stop for a refreshing swim DAY 7: La Digue to Moyenne Island B/L/D
in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy dinner on-board and Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore La Digue and its outlying beaches.
anchor for the night, with the chance to take advantage of the ship’s Alternatively, a half-day optional excursion travels to L’ Union Estate for
amenities which include a bar and mini spa. a tour of the coconut plantation then visits magnificent Anse Source D’
Argent beach and the village of La Passe, before returning to the ship.
DAY 3: St Anne Island to Curieuse B/L/D
Weigh anchor in the afternoon and journey to Moyenne Island for your
After breakfast with a view, set sail for Curieuse, distinctive for its
overnight stay.
dramatic red soil and swaying coco de mer palm trees. Look out for
turtles and the island’s rare black parrot as a park guide leads you through DAY 8: Moyenne Island to Mahé B/L/D
lush mangrove forests. Return to the beach for an oceanfront barbecue Explore the small island of Moyenne as you wander past towering
and time to swim, with your ship anchoring offshore for the night. mahogany trees and giant tortoises on a short, guided tour. After a beach
barbecue, soak in your last rays of sunshine as you swim and snorkel off
DAY 4: Curieuse to Anse Lazio B/L/D these shores. Set sail in the afternoon, reaching Mahé’s Victoria port in
Cruise to Cousin Island, an uninhabited nature reserve teeming with time for a festive night of music and dancing at tonight’s farewell dinner.
colourful birdlife, giant tortoises and turtle-nesting grounds. Keep
your binoculars handy as you walk amongst the 250,000 birds which DAY 9/10: Mahé to the UK B
breed in this avian sanctuary. After lunch, sail to world-renowned Anse After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight
Lazio Beach where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax on the to the UK, via Dubai, or continue on to your chosen extension.
powder-soft sands ringed by palm trees and azure waters.
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 1
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ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP
1 Number of nights
Vessel information
4★ M/Y Pegasus (7 nights) Anse Lazio 1 Curieuse
1
Outside cabins are located on the Sun Deck, Upper Deck and Praslin Island 1
1 La Digue
Main Deck. All cabins feature large windows and offer en-suite
bathrooms with a shower, TV/VCR units, music channels, hairdryers, 1 St Anne Island
individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes. They are large 1
and comfortable and all are equipped with twin or queen size beds;
two cabins feature triple bedding. Moyenne
Mahé 1
Island
Life on board
During the day, life on board centres around the indoor lounge, Indian
outdoor lounge and the bar on the Upper Deck. Al fresco dining, a
sun deck, mini spa & massage services are also available (some at Ocean
a fee).
Boat
Accommodation Meals
Mercury Holidays has visited and inspected all cruise ships to ensure that Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily on board the ship. Any dietary
they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff
If the ship detailed is not available, an alternative will be used of a similar at the time of booking.
standard.
Final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document,
along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you
travel.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your initial flight is to Seychelles International Airport (Mahé) with Emirates (EK) via Dubai, departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to
you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is
present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
Baggage Allowance Airport Extras
Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at
luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding 7kg. Weight restrictions preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday
will be on your final documentation. Check-in should be at least three Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
hours before your departure.
ON YOUR ARRIVAL
On your arrival in Mahé you will be met by a representative from our local agent in the Seychelles, Mason’s Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury
Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Mason’s Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
However, if you need to contact Masons Travel during your stay the details are:
Mason’s Travel (Pty) Ltd Emergency contact information
P.O. Box 459, Victoria Mason’s Travel After Hours Duty Officer
Mahé, Seychelles. Contact number: 00248 252 4665
Contact number: 00248 428 88 88 Emergency contact information for the cruise ship:
M/Y Pegasus captain’s mobile number: 00248 2547032
24-hour emergency customer service: 00248 4288888 / 00248 2516488
WHAT TO PACK
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat • Camera and charger
• Waterproof lightweight jacket • Lightweight/travel towel
• Sunglasses • Binoculars
• Ruck sack or light bag per person • A travel plug adapter: The vessel is equipped with European (2 pin)
• Comfortable walking shoes power sockets
• Lightweight clothing (jeans are not recommended) • Personal toiletries
• Sweater • Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters,
• Swimwear stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 2
Altogether Better Your Tour Dossier
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR
Visas during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of
A visa is not required for your trip to the Seychelles. Further advice should the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of
be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure
for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations’ Tourist unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the
Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
validity. Tipping
Insurance It is at your customary/discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are would recommend to tip approximately USD$11-$13. This is a total of $88
suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of per person to budget for tips on your trip. Tips will be collected at the end
booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that of your tour. Tips are accepted in US dollars.
you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation
Group Size
in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 2, and the
your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance
maximum will be 42. If in the unlikely event there are less than 2 people
in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance
booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to
with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’ for
your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers.
preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your
If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked
insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as
to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to
soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred
you should this alternative not be suitable.
by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the
date of booking. Currency Exchange
The currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee, but Euros are
Health and Vaccinations
also widely accepted in major cities. Smaller denominations are preferred.
It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements
Cash machines will be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw
applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general
money in the local currency.We recommend that you exchange your
information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary
currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully
from country to country. You should take health advice about your own
and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the
needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure.
country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order
Sources of information include:
to withdraw money in your local currency.
www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa. org.uk, your
General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Personal Expenses
Physical Accessibility You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as
normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £200- £300 per
off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency
To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability for tipping or small purchases. Please note AMEX cards are not always
to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and accepted.
boats. The tour pace for Seychelles Discovery Cruise is Easy-Going. A Credit Card Information
reasonable level of fitness is required as you will be spending some time As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on
on your feet each day though there are no large distances to cover. You check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your
will be walking around the sights at a leisurely pace, and may be getting stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit.
on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing some steps. Our American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted
guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and in hotels.
assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who
are unfit to complete the itinerary. Itinerary Changes
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local
Tour Guides conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you
An English-speaking tour director will be on board your boat with you
of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road
for any queries that you may have. Staff members of Variety Cruises will
construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the travelling times.
accompany you on land during guided excursions. Airport transfers will be
Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however,
led by an English-speaking driver.
order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Private Tour The Captain reserves the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time,
If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a should safety, external circumstances or tides make this necessary.
Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Average temperature: Mahé
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 3
Altogether Better Your Tour Dossier
Seychelles Beach Stay Extension
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0333 003 0522
4★ AVANI Seychelles Barbarons
TRIP OVERVIEW
Soak in pristine beaches, lush mangroves and dramatic mountains on the Seychelles’ biggest island, Mahe. This 3-night extension
is the ideal way to combine the cultural offerings of the island with its natural and coastal delights.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
This document aims to give you all the information which you will Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final
require during your extension to the Seychelles. confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along
with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you
Hotel (3 nights) travel.
Your stay in the Seychelles will take place at the following hotels:
Tour guides
4★ AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa on Half Board. Your stay in the Seychelles is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal
Located on the west coast of Mahé within easy reach of Barbarons transfers are included.
and Grand Anse Beaches, this 4★ hotel offers excellent guest facilities
including a spa and on-site restaurant. All rooms are air-conditioned and Personal Expenses
feature en suite facilities, a balcony with garden or ocean views, flat- You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases
screen satellite TV, minibar, desk & safe. such as souvenirs, laundry, and any additional meals, snacks or drinks you
Hotel Information may wish to have.
Address: Barbaron, Grand Anse, Mahé Island, Seychelles
Contact number: 00248 4 673 000 Please note
This extension stay in the Seychelles will take place at the end of your
Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. main tour.
Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.
Average temperature: Mahé
4★ AVANI Seychelles Barbarons
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 4
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Dubai City Stay Extension
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0333 003 0522
TRIP OVERVIEW
An extension to Dubai and its Emirates is the perfect place to relax and soak in the Arabian sun which shines out of a clear blue
sky day after day. The United Arab Emirates offer a kaleidoscope of attractions from bustling city centres to rugged mountains
and idyllic beaches.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
This document aims to give you all the information which you will Please ask Reservations for details.
require during your extension in Dubai.
Tourist tax
Hotel (3 nights)
The Emirates of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have introduced a compulsory
Your stay in Dubai will take place at the following hotels:
tourist tax on all hotel accommodation, to be paid by guests at the hotel
before departure. Please ask Reservations for details.
4★ Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef on Bed & Breakfast.
Boasting a prime location alongside Dubai Creek, the hotel is just steps
On your arrival
from the boardwalk which features a range of shops, restaurants, and
attractions. The hotel features a rooftop pool, spa, riverside lounge, and On your arrival in Dubai you will be met by a representative from our local
fitness centre. Rooms are equipped with an abundance of facilities to agent, Desert Gate, holding a sign displaying: “Guest Name”. The Mercury
ensure you have a comfortable stay. Holidays/Desert Gate representative will show you to your transfer
Hotel Information vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you
Address: Al Seef St - Umm Hurair 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates need to contact Desert Gate during your stay the details are:
Contact number: 00971 4 707 7077 Desert Gate Tourism
Address: 16E1, IRise Tower, Tecom, P O Box19271, Dubai
Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Office number: 009714 442 1155
Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Email: premium@desertgate.ae
Emergency Contact details:
Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final Tel (24hr): 00971 52 750 2173
confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along Jiri (Representative): 00971 52 332 4356
with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you Romina (Representative): 00971 52 614 7659
travel. Airport Representative (24hr): 00971 52 7502173
Visas Please note
All UK passport holders do not require a visa. This extension takes place after your main tour.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal
purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus any meals and drinks that Average temperature: Dubai
are not included.
Tour Guides
Your stay in Dubai is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers
are included.
Currency
The currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham.
Festivals
Ramadan will fall for a 1 month period sometime in May/June. Please be
advised that restaurants, bars and facilities may close during this period.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0333 003 0522 5
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