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There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas but few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. Its 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles. That means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach. Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach. Besides curling your toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldives enviable world-class dive spots. Others simply snorkel among the endless coral reefs. There are so many coral atolls here that our English word derives from the Maldivian name atholhu.
Maldives is a South Asian island country consisting of a chain of 26 atolls that runs from north to south. One of the northernmost little islands in the Maldives is Vangaaru, which offers picture-perfect white sand beaches, tall coconut trees and barrier reefs rich with underwater life. Visitors who enjoy snorkelling might encounter manta rays or moray eels, or black sea cucumbers that scour the sandy bottom for food alongside myriad species of colorful fish. A stroll onshore will reveal countless hermit crabs and shells, and the occasional shorebirds. This island is a high-end resort destination but is otherwise uninhabited.
Uligamu is one of the northernmost inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. Based on its location, the island is visited by many yachts on their way into or out of the Arabian Sea. The island has been selected as the first in the Maldives to use a combination of renewable energies via wind turbines and solar panels in a micro grid, helping the island through more efficient and non-pollutant energy distribution. The sustainably powered community has approximately 300 inhabitants.
Kochi, formerly and still commonly known as Cochin, is one of the west coast's largest and oldest ports. The streets behind the docks of the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry districts are lined with old merchant houses, godowns (warehouses), and open courtyards heaped with betel nuts, ginger, peppercorns, and tea. Throughout the second millennium this ancient city exported spices, coffee, and coir (the fiber made from coconut husks), and imported culture and religion from Europe, China, and the Middle East. Today Kochi has a synagogue, several mosques, Portuguese Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and the United Church of South India (an amalgamation of several Protestant denominations). The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula, and islands. Ernakulam, on the mainland 2 km (3 miles) from the harbor, is the commercial center and the one-time capital of the former state of Cochin. Willingdon Island, which was created by dredging the harbor, holds several luxury hotels as well as a navy base. The beautiful Bolghatty Island, north of Ernakulam, is a favorite picnic spot for locals. On it there's a government-run hotel in a colonial structure that was once used by the Dutch governor and later by the British Resident. Another local favorite is Cherai beach on Vypin Island, which is a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin. The Fort Cochin district, Kochi's historic center, is at the northern tip of the Mattancherry peninsula. Houses here often recall Tudor manors; some have been converted to hotels, others remain in the hands of the venerable tea and trading companies. South of Fort Cochin, in the Mattancherry district, is where you'll find the city's dwindling Jewish community. Their small neighborhood, called Jew Town, which is now dotted with cafés and shops selling curios and antiques, is centered on the synagogue.
Tinnakara Island is referred to as the jewel of the Lakshadweep Islands and part of the Bangaram Atoll off the western coast of the Indian peninsula. The tiny, tear-drop shaped island is idyllically covered in palms, offering white sand beaches on its western side and views of serene, crystal clear emerald waters. Snorkelers can feast their eyes on a diverse array of sea life that dwells in the coral. Tinnakara is uninhabited and visitors in need of respite can relax in the peaceful solitude the island offers.
Lakshadweep is a diver’s dream, with excellent visibility and a plethora of marine life living on undisturbed coral reefs. Comprising a string of 36 palm-covered, white sand-skirted coral islands 300 km off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is as stunning as it is isolated. Only 10 of these islands are inhabited, mostly with Sunni Muslim fishermen, and foreigners are only allowed to stay on a few of these. With fishing and coir coconut fibre production the main sources of income, local life on the islands remains highly traditional, and a caste system divides the islanders between Koya (landowners), Malmi (sailors) and Melachery (farmers). Only 10 islands in the archipelago are populated, almost exclusively by Malayalam-speaking Sunni Muslims who make their living from fishing and harvesting coconut coir. Only Minicoy Island, which is closest to the nearby Maldives, shares aspects of its neighbours’ culture, including a Maldivian dialect known as Mahl. Cheriyam Island, the N island, is also covered in palm trees. The barrier reef is steep-to and the sea breaks heavily on it. A narrow boat channel leads through the reef into the lagoon. Landing can sometimes be made on the E side of Kalpeni Island. Anchorage has been reported 0.7 miles N of Cheriyam Island, in 9m, sand and coral. Cheriyam Island is covered with dense groves of coconut palms and has lovely sandy beach. It crystal clear lagoon is popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Kochi, formerly and still commonly known as Cochin, is one of the west coast's largest and oldest ports. The streets behind the docks of the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry districts are lined with old merchant houses, godowns (warehouses), and open courtyards heaped with betel nuts, ginger, peppercorns, and tea. Throughout the second millennium this ancient city exported spices, coffee, and coir (the fiber made from coconut husks), and imported culture and religion from Europe, China, and the Middle East. Today Kochi has a synagogue, several mosques, Portuguese Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and the United Church of South India (an amalgamation of several Protestant denominations). The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula, and islands. Ernakulam, on the mainland 2 km (3 miles) from the harbor, is the commercial center and the one-time capital of the former state of Cochin. Willingdon Island, which was created by dredging the harbor, holds several luxury hotels as well as a navy base. The beautiful Bolghatty Island, north of Ernakulam, is a favorite picnic spot for locals. On it there's a government-run hotel in a colonial structure that was once used by the Dutch governor and later by the British Resident. Another local favorite is Cherai beach on Vypin Island, which is a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin. The Fort Cochin district, Kochi's historic center, is at the northern tip of the Mattancherry peninsula. Houses here often recall Tudor manors; some have been converted to hotels, others remain in the hands of the venerable tea and trading companies. South of Fort Cochin, in the Mattancherry district, is where you'll find the city's dwindling Jewish community. Their small neighborhood, called Jew Town, which is now dotted with cafés and shops selling curios and antiques, is centered on the synagogue.
*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.
| Entertainment throughout the day and evening | |
| Return flights included from a choice of UK airports (fly cruise bookings only) | |
| WiFi included on-board | |
| Gratuities included on-board | |
| 24-hour room service | |
| Shuttle service to and from ports and airport where available | |
| Almost 1:1 staff to guest ratio |
| In-suite bar replenished with your preferences | |
| Complimentary laundry where applicable | |
| Selected wines, beers and spirits on-board | |
| Luxurious, all-suite accommodation | |
| Expedition activities and on-board expert lectures on expedition sailings | |
| Door-to-door transfers from your home (selected sailings only) | |
| Butler service for every suite |
