Rated 4.7/5 star by thousands of happy cruisers
MSC Cruise to Mauritius: All your need for your Indian Ocean Adventure
A once in a lifetime 14 nights cruise, Reunion, Madagascar and Mauritius all on the same cruise !
27 Dec 2025 | R59,956 per cabin
300 years old baobab trees in Madagascar !
Colorful coral reefs in Mauritius.
Volcanic landscape in Reunion.
All this with meal and entertainment included!
Nosy Bé, Madagascar (31/12/25)
Madagascar's largest tourist island earned its nickname "Perfumed Isle" from the sweet scents of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and spice plantations that fill the air. Black lemurs call the primary forests home, while fishing boats bob in turquoise lagoons. This is raw Madagascar - authentic, unhurried, and completely different from anywhere else on earth.
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Getting from the ship
Ships anchor offshore and ferry passengers to Hell-Ville (Andoany) port by tender boat. The tender ride takes about 15-20 minutes. You'll arrive to organized chaos - locals hawking tours and souvenirs. Grab your tender ticket from the ship's lounges before heading ashore.
With one day in port
Head straight to Lokobe Nature Reserve for your best shot at seeing Madagascar's famous black lemurs up close. A boat trip to Lemur Island costs about $15 per person, and it's worth every penny. Climb Mont Passot for jaw-dropping island views. Back in Hell-Ville, the covered market overflows with vanilla pods, colorful fabrics, and hand-carved souvenirs. Just remember - traffic gets crazy after dark, so don't be the last group back to the ship.
Fast Facts
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language: English/ Malagasy and French
Visas: On arrival for most countries - double check with us for your specifics / +-EUR 10
Wi-fi: no wi-fi
Money: Cash rules here, few will take cards
Fun Facts: The island has 11 dead volcanic craters that now hold fresh water.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Madagascar (01/01/25)
This northern port city sits on one of the world's finest natural harbors, though most visitors come for what lies beyond the city limits. The real treasures here are the otherworldly landscapes - blood-red rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, pristine bays perfect for windsurfing, and forests where chameleons change colors on command.
Getting from the ship
Ships anchor and tender passengers ashore - there's only one dock, so one boat at a time. Try to jump on the first tender to avoid the crowd. It's a pleasant 1.5km walk to town. As like everywhere else in Madagascar, the vendors and hustlers will want your attention.
With one day in port
The must-see here is Tsingy Rouge - spectacular red rock pinnacles carved by wind and water, about 60km south of town. Fair warning: it's a bone-jarring 2-hour drive each way on rough roads, but those alien landscapes make the bumps worthwhile. If you prefer staying closer, the Three Bays (Sakalava, Pigeon, and Dunes) offer gorgeous beaches just 30 minutes away
Fast Facts
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Language: English/ Malagasy and French
Visas: On arrival for most countries - double check with us for your specifics / +-EUR 10
Wi-fi: no wi-fi
Money: Cash rules here, few will take cards
Fun Facts: The harbor once hosted French pirates, and the British captured it during WWII.
Port Louis, Mauritius (04 & 05 Jan 2026)
Mauritius puts on its best face here in the capital, where French colonial buildings share streets with Hindu temples, Chinese pagodas, and Muslim mosques. The mix isn't just architectural - it's cultural, culinary, and completely captivating. This is where Africa meets Asia meets Europe, and somehow it all works beautifully together.
Getting from the ship
Ships dock right at the modern Christian Decotter terminal in the harbor. Free shuttles run to downtown shopping areas, or catch a water taxi for $2. Downtown attractions sit within easy walking distance - about 10-15 minutes from where you disembark.
With one day in port
Start at the Caudan Waterfront, where the old cannons line the harbor promenade and shops sell everything from model ships to spices. Wander over to Place d'Armes to see the statue of Count de La Bourdonnais and snap photos of the Government House with its ornate iron fencing. The central market buzzes with locals buying curry spices, colorful fabrics, and handmade crafts. For the afternoon, use the MSC excursion to Pamplemousses Botanical Garden - this 300-year-old paradise houses plants from three continents.
Fast Facts
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (Rs)
Language: English / French
Visas: On arrival for most countries - double check with us for your specifics / +-EUR 10
Wi-fi: no wi-fi
Money: Cash rules here, few will take cards
Fun Facts: The harbor is the Indian Ocean's largest natural port, and the island once produced the world's most expensive postage stamp.
La Possession, Réunion (06/01/26)
This French territory delivers everything you'd expect from France - excellent bread, good wine, bureaucratic efficiency - but with palm trees and an active volcano thrown in for good measure. The landscape here defies belief: one minute you're looking at pristine beaches, the next at lava fields that are still steaming from recent eruptions.
Getting from the ship
Ships dock at Pointe des Galets, and everyone takes the mandatory free shuttle to the port gate. Saint-Denis, the capital, sits 10 miles away - about 15 minutes by car. Taxis wait at the gate with fixed prices to major destinations, available round-the-clock.
With one day in port
Take a trip to Salazie, where an old volcanic crater has become home to green forests and little mountain villages. Want real adventure? Drive up to Piton de la Fournaise volcano and peek into the Dolomieu and Bory craters. If cities are more your thing, Saint-Denis has gorgeous Creole buildings and classic French colonial style.
Fast Facts
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: French mainly, English a little
Visas: On arrival for most countries
Wi-fi: no wi-fi
Money: Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Most shop will ask a min of €15.
Fun Facts: The Piton de la Fournaise volcano erupts every nine months on average - it's one of the world's most active.
WHAT A TREAT!
When I was younger, my parents would take me and my siblings on cruises. We always had so much fun! But as I got older, I stopped going on cruises with them. I guess I just thought it wasn't for me anymore. But when my friends asked me to come for a cruise from Durban to Portuguese Island I couldn't say no! It was amazing!
SO PEACEFUL!
I had my heart set on exploring every inch of the island, but my husband wanted to lounge on the beach all day. I'm not one to sit still for very long, so I went on my own while he napped. The island was exactly as I imagined – peaceful and quiet.
WE SAW DOLPHINS!
I was excited to go on the Portuguese Island cruise. Our cabins were so nice and the evening shows were amazing. We even saw dolphins when we were exercising in the gym. The cruise was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
BEST FOOD EVER!
Portuguese Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Orchestra is top-notch, and their food is simply amazing. I don't know what their secret is, but they do have some of the best food ever - I just ate so much. Plus, their staff members are excellent too.
LOTS OF FUN!
Portuguese island stopover was the highlight of our New Year cruise. We had so much fun dancing on the beach.
