Review of an expedition cruise to the Seychelles with Ponant from January 25 to February 2, 2026
FR

Review of an expedition cruise to the Seychelles with Ponant from January 25 to February 2, 2026

by 4yne

in Topics › Cruises

Translated into English.

NA Nataly03 Globetrotter ·
Hey, I find your rental car situation worrying. A rental company asking for cash and not taking a credit card imprint? Are you sure it was an official rental company and that you were insured? Because that would’ve been my biggest concern in case of an accident... Well, the Seychelles aren’t exactly dreamy anymore...
nathalie
DJ Djalma Globetrotter ·
Hello From what I’ve read, the Seychelles don’t quite live up to the "authentic tropical atmosphere" they’re usually hyped up to be in brochures... Unless some kind of curse hit the expedition cruise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

Your report isn’t exactly dreamy—between the north coast, the car rental hassles, the driving, the parking, and the rain. But I’m sure the best is yet to come, fingers crossed! 🤞

Hi Jérôme,

Getting around the Seychelles by road is a nightmare, and everyone there seems to know it—and just laughs it off. Thankfully, the best *is* still to come, or this trip would’ve been a total disaster.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hey, I find your rental car situation worrying. A rental company that asks for cash and doesn’t take a credit card imprint? Are you sure it was an official rental company and that you were insured? Because that would’ve been my biggest concern in case of an accident... Well, the Seychelles aren’t exactly dreamy anymore...

Hey Nathalie,

Of course not—I wasn’t sure it was an official rental company, even though the hotel assured me and presented it as such. As for the insurance I asked about, I was flat-out told it didn’t exist in the Seychelles and that I wouldn’t find any. In fact, my pre-departure research on car rentals showed just how complicated and rarely satisfying the process is there.

We had a contract and a 1,500 € deductible, and the lack of full coverage insurance was a huge part of my stress on the road.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi there, From what I’ve read, the Seychelles don’t live up to the "authentic tropical vibe" they’re usually hyped up for in brochures… Unless some kind of curse hit this expedition cruise

Hi Jean-Michel,

For now, the expedition cruise hasn’t started yet. We’re still on land. And yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing—the Seychelles in the brochures don’t match reality at all.
Catherine
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
For next September, I rented a car on Mahé with Sixt, and insurance is included. On Praslin, though, it’s through my accommodation with insurance and credit card payment based on written confirmation. We’ll see how it goes! 🤷‍♀️
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
For next September, I rented a car in Mahé with Sixt, and the insurance is included. In Praslin, though, it’s through my accommodation with insurance and credit card payment as per written confirmation. We’ll see how it goes 🤷

I’d read some really bad reviews about Sixt, which is why I trusted the hotel instead. With the first rental company, the terms included insurance... until I arrived. 😕

Looking back, I wish I’d gone for public transport instead—they’re plentiful.
Catherine
MU Mum49 Regular ·
Hi Catherine, What a series of adventures on this cruise. Let’s hope the rest goes better. Thanks so much for the report. It’ll be my turn to write one after the little cruise with CFC from April 11 to 16, departing from Dunkirk...... Guylène
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Good evening Guylène, This trip really hasn’t been a walk in the park, but the best is yet to come—even though I had my doubts at one point... 😉 I’ll be happy to read your trip report when you’re back. 😎
Catherine
AL Alfre99410 Veteran ·
Hi Catherine,

I’m still here for your trip report!

Driving on the left isn’t my thing at all, and they drive really badly in the Seychelles. So I’m not surprised you were scared.

A few years ago, I almost had an accident in Mauritius with a rental car, and since then, I don’t want to repeat the experience.

That’s why I prefer to hire a driver for the day to stay stress-free.

The drivers always tell me: « Victoria isn’t the Seychelles. » So, yeah, Victoria itself isn’t great—you’ve got to admit it.

But in the south, there are still some nice spots and beaches, like Anse la Mouche, Anse Soleil, Anse Takamaka, Police Bay...

I know you might visit them, so I’ll let you continue your report, but I agree—Victoria isn’t exactly exciting.

I’m staying positive that the rest will be much better, since there are some great places you’ll discover, whether in the south or on the other islands.

Alfred
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

I’d read some really bad reviews about Sixt, which is why I trusted the hotel instead. With the first rental company, the terms included insurance... until I arrived. 😕

The upside of the Seychelles is that you don’t drive many kilometers or keep the vehicle for long. Plus, on my booking, the info was clearly written in French. Another perk is being able to pick it up at the airport and drop it off at the port for just a 17 € supplement noted on the voucher. I’ll admit, maybe wrongly, that I don’t pay much attention to reviews except for hotels when they’re posted through a booking platform like Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc...

In hindsight, I regretted not opting for public transport, which is plentiful.

For me, the freedom to go where I want, when I want—without the constraints of public transport—is part of what makes a destination worth choosing. Obviously, that doesn’t apply to city getaways 😄

Looking forward to sharing the great Seychellois moments soon.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thursday, January 22, Victoria, Mahé

We start the day with a visit to the market.





I’ve got a vanilla order for my friends from Normandy. The day’s off to a good start—after negotiating, I get a 33% discount for thirty packets, bringing the price down to 2.20 € for a small packet of 5 vanilla pods.

We pick up some tomatoes and mangoes, but we get tricked—even though I asked for ripe ones, they’re green and won’t ripen before we leave.

After a quick lunch, we set off by car on the "Sans Souci" road, which is quite misleadingly named. It’s the road that crosses the island from east to west. Online, it’s described as a scenic drive. So far, so good. But driving on this narrow, winding road isn’t exactly worry-free—it’s tough to pass other drivers who speed down the middle of the road, with deep ditches right next to the pavement. And don’t even get me started on the buses that barrel through without a care for other vehicles.

Still, you’ve got to take this route to cross the island and reach the Morne Seychellois National Park. Lined with lush, varied tropical vegetation, the road is beautiful, but there’s nowhere to pull over. Not a single parking spot or sign for hiking trails. The only marked trail is the Copolia Trail (paid), but there’s no place to park except in the ditches on the side of the road.

We have to wait until we reach Venn’s Town, Mission Ruins, to find a proper parking lot.

At this historic site, we’re warmly welcomed. It also has an ecological significance, being rich in endemic species. The trees are magnificent.



This mission, where freed slaves were given work and their children educated, was established in 1876 at a time when Anglican and Catholic churches were promoting their respective faiths in the Seychelles. The site stands as a testament to the era of slavery. The trail leads us to a panoramic viewpoint.



The coastal regions of the west would probably be even more stunning to admire in the sunshine. The visit is short but pleasant.

Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thursday, January 22, Victoria, Mahé (continued)

We continue on our way toward Sauzier Waterfall. We stop in Port Glaud. Lucky us! We find a legal parking spot for the car right by the beach, between two trash bins, so we can keep going on foot.



We walk along a mangrove waiting for the tide to come back in before continuing through a neighborhood of charming little houses.





Then we hit a toll, and the path narrows through the forest.



At the base of the waterfall, in the water reserve, people are swimming. For us, the view is enough. We find a spot to stop on a long beach before starting the return trip via the Misère Road. This Misère Road is the second road crossing the island from east to west, just south of the Sans Souci Road. During this crossing of the Morne Seychellois massif, which peaks at 906 meters, we try to find the Exotics Garden Centre—a garden featuring 50,000 exotic plants and flowers in a natural setting, or so we’ve heard... It must be well hidden because there’s no sign of it. No matter how many locals I ask—who all say, "Yes, yes, it’s further up"—we can’t find it. There’s no signage, no parking lot. Nothing.

Back in Victoria, after dropping off the car at the hotel parking lot and feeling relieved to have returned in one piece without damaging the car, we end the day with a short walk to visit the Catholic Cathedral of Victoria. It’s necessary to unwind because driving on these roads is a nightmare.





Our evening errands keep us busy and give us the chance to step into a local supermarket, something I always enjoy doing to discover products and shopping habits we’re not familiar with. We head back by stopping at the Indian takeaway like yesterday, right next to the temple—it’s really good.

Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
However, in the south, there are still some nice spots and beaches like: Anse la Mouche, Anse Soleil, Anse Takamaka, Police Bay...

Hi Alfred,

We’ll be heading south in the next episode. 😉
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
The advantage of the Seychelles is that you don’t cover many kilometers and don’t keep the vehicle for long.

Hey Jérôme,

True, you don’t cover many kilometers, but the time spent compared to the distances traveled is nothing like what we’re used to in other countries. 😉
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Friday, January 23, Victoria, Mahé

Our last day with the car (phew!). Driving here is so exhausting and dangerous that I’ll be really happy to return it—and my husband, who’s the one driving, even more so.

We wanted to see Eden Island, an artificial island south of Victoria with luxury villas and a few shops.

When it came time to get in the car—for just five kilometers and likely parking difficulties at the other end—we changed our minds and decided to walk instead.

It wasn’t the most pleasant stroll, with all the smelly, noisy cars, but it was just an hour’s walk and a good way to spend the morning. Below are the best views we came across; the rest… wasn’t exactly pretty.





Unless you’re into recycled-tire art, that is:



We were glad we came without the car—just like everywhere else on this island, there’s no parking at all. Eden Island is a big, modern complex, but in my opinion, it’s not that interesting.





There are big cafés with huge terraces and lots of pleasure boats.



The whole place is well-maintained, peaceful, and luxurious—but soulless. We couldn’t go any further; access to the residences is gated and secured.



In the early afternoon, we set off again—this time by car—heading south. The coastal road is wider and less winding, so it’s less of a hassle than the one crossing the island from east to west.

Sea views are rare, and we only found one public parking spot where we could stop, just before Anse Royale. The beach is beautiful, there’s even a bit of sunshine, but if you’re lying under the trees, you’d better be tolerant of the music blasting from the neighboring family…



We looked for Le Jardin du Roi, a park described as enchanting, exotic, and full of orchids, tiaré flowers, and species imported from India or Indonesia. But… once again, we searched in vain. No sign of the park, no signs, no directions, no parking—just a narrow, winding road that never seemed to end. When we reached the opposite coast, we turned back and kept searching, but still—nothing. It was impossible to find.

We’re tired of these impossible-to-find sites and the lack of infrastructure that makes it hard to stop and enjoy a landscape or a village.

On the way back, we stopped at a bar—the only way to park and access a beach.



After returning the car to the hotel, we went out again to stretch our legs and see where the port is—where we’ll board the *Bellot* in two days. We can’t wait to set off.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Saturday, January 24, Victoria, Mahé

This morning, we had a little guest joining us for breakfast. Even though the cook shooed it away with dish towels, it didn’t hesitate to come back as soon as she turned her back.



It’s our last full day waiting for departure. We head out for a little stroll through the most charming and pleasant streets of the city, where part of the morning market is held.





At the main covered market, we pick up some more mangoes and mini bananas that we enjoy, along with a few last-minute souvenir purchases.

After storing these purchases in the fridge, we set off again in search of the fish market (Oh yes, it’s a must for me). A police officer points us in the right direction—they’re usually smiling and very approachable.

It’s a tiny market with just a few stalls, but it’s well-stocked and lively. Some of the fish have colors we’re not used to seeing. This market is located near English River.







For now, the different markets are scattered around various parts of the city, but a municipal project aims to bring them together in one place. However, it’s taking a long time to get everyone on board, as usual.

Our afternoon plans fall through—the museum is closed today and tomorrow.

Entry to the botanical garden costs 15 € per person. That seems like a steep price for what the city has to offer—just to see three tortoises and a few palm trees. I think we’ve had enough of being here; all we want is to leave. We shouldn’t have stayed this long. I really regret it and don’t understand the hype around this destination. It’s dirty, ugly, and polluted. Maybe you just need to stay in a luxury hotel on the beach and live between the hotel and the beach? For those who like that kind of vacation.

We wander around to pass the time, but our hearts aren’t in it. We’ve never been this disappointed or bored. We love walking, but here, it’s not even enjoyable.





And we end the day once again at our favorite takeaway spot—tonight, it’s a fish dish, still very good. I’ve enjoyed Indian cuisine so much during this stay that I didn’t even feel like going to a restaurant. It’s also worth noting that the restaurants, except for Marie-Antoinette, aren’t very appealing.
Catherine
AL Alfre99410 Veteran ·
Hi Catherine,

I totally get the relief of returning the car. You and your husband were brave to drive in Victoria—it’s just impossible for us!

About Eden Island, I agree with you—it’s really nothing special. Just concrete, concrete, and a few small boats, a little shopping center... Meh. I was pretty disappointed too and left feeling unsatisfied. That said, when you’re on the "Route de la Misère," the view of Eden Island is actually gorgeous.

As for Anse Royale, I think the beach is less beautiful than it used to be. Maybe it was low tide that day? From what I remember, it seemed nicer than that. We even went swimming, and there was a beachfront restaurant that rented sun loungers—we stayed for quite a while. But now, I don’t find it as pretty.

The fish market in Doha has nothing on this one, we agree. Anyway, there’s a huge contrast between Victoria and Doha—no comparison.

Looking forward to the rest! Alfred
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
Hey Catherine,

The least we can say is that you’re not exactly promoting the destination 😅 But I’m still hopeful 🤞
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Alfred,

I understand the relief of returning the car. You and your husband are brave to drive in Victoria—it’s truly impossible for us.

It wasn’t bravery, just ignorance I couldn’t have imagined that way of driving before seeing it with my own eyes.

On the other hand, when you’re on the road to misery, the view of Eden Island is gorgeous. For Anse Royale, I find the beach less beautiful than before. Maybe it was low tide that day? From what I remember, it seemed more beautiful than that.

At this stage of the trip, I’m not at all blown away by the beaches or landscapes of the Seychelles—I find them really disappointing. I’ve been lucky enough to see much more beautiful beaches elsewhere, whether in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, or even France. Later on, we *do* see some stunning beaches, but not on Mahé Island.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
The least we can say is that you’re not exactly promoting the destination 😅 But I’m still hopeful 🤞

Hi Jérôme,

When planning this trip, I would’ve loved to read comments that were less glowing and more realistic. It’s better to know beforehand and be pleasantly surprised than to build up false expectations. Keep your spirits up—every trip is different. I hope your stay turns out better than mine did.
Catherine
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

Driving doesn’t worry me, and I can’t imagine it being worse than in India—a country I’ve visited several times.

For the beaches, I’m ignoring the ones I’ve already seen on previous trips. And to be honest, I’m not one to lounge for hours. I take a dip, dry off, and I’m off! 😄
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
MU Muriel18 Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

In my opinion, the most beautiful beaches on Mahé (though not the most beautiful in the Seychelles 😉) are on the southwest side of the island (Anse Intendance and especially Anse Takamaka). However, it’s definitely not always easy to find a parking spot there 😕. We stayed above Anse Royale beach, and I think it’s the only "real" parking area to access a beach.

Also, the sky looks pretty overcast in your photos, and that really affects the water’s colors (which are much prettier and more varied under a clear blue sky).
Si tu diffères de moi, mon frère, loin de me léser, tu m'enrichis (Saint Exupéry)
PO Poupou10 Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine, I’m adding to this review—personally, I have such great memories of the SEYCHELLES. Of course, the weather plays a big part, and I’m sure you’ll soon show us stops even prettier than Victoria! 😉
Isabelle, amoureuse des croisières: COSTA, MSC, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS, NCL, HAL, PONANT, OCEANIA, AZAMARA A VENIR CELEBRITY EQUINOX 09/11/2026 Grèce Italie Malte
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

Driving doesn’t worry me, and I can’t imagine it being worse than in India—a country I’ve visited several times.

Hi Jérôme,

Thinking back to my tuk-tuk ride in Kochi, I can totally believe India is good driving practice for the Seychelles. 😏
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Also, the sky looks quite overcast in your photos, which really affects the colors of the water (they’re much prettier and more varied under a bright blue sky).

Hi Muriel,

You’re right—we weren’t exactly blessed with great sky colors for this part of the trip. We only got two or three shy glimpses of sun, nowhere near enough to bring out the sea’s beautiful hues.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Isa,

Welcome here. You’re arriving just in time, when the clouds are about to clear.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Sunday, January 25, finally!!!! Boarding! Victoria, Mahé

From our hotel room, we can see the Bellot has arrived. At breakfast, we meet several couples who, like us, are boarding the Bellot.

Check-out is at 10 AM—way too early for a hotel, especially since boarding isn’t until 4 PM. We got a text from Ponant warning us not to arrive early because they wouldn’t be able to welcome us. I found the approach a bit cavalier, saying it like that... I have a little thought for our friend Poupou—I think I know what she’d say. 😉

To kill time on this last day, we wanted to have lunch at the Marie-Antoinette restaurant near the hotel, which is supposed to be really good. But no luck—it’s closed on Sundays. In fact, all the shops and the whole town are closed. Only the immigrants doing tough roadwork are working.

After leaving our suitcases at the front desk, we head out to wander aimlessly through the city to pass the time. It’s hot—really hot and humid for walking, especially with no real destination. The city is deserted, but the upside is it’s less noisy and there are fewer exhaust fumes.





After 2.5 hours of dragging ourselves around in the heat, we come across a frozen-food store that’s open. What a great find—we can cool off for a bit.

Then we keep walking. At the foot of the museum, on the terrace of the old colonial house, there’s finally a bar open. It has a nice shaded terrace with a gentle breeze that’s just perfect. Other days, it wasn’t appealing at all, right in the middle of deafening traffic, but today, with no one in the streets and no cars, it’s completely different. We stay there for a while—it’s really pleasant.



Since my husband needs internet, we slowly head back to the hotel. A small room next to the breakfast terrace, with a shower and toilets, is made available to us—very nice and clean.

We settle at the breakfast tables to wait for the taxi. A light breeze is welcome, but the wooden benches, even with a cushion, are really uncomfortable.



The taxi takes us to the port for 150 rupees (8.82 €)—it’s great to see an honest taxi driver, that’s rare. But where he drops us, we don’t see the ship. "It’ll arrive," they tell us. No, it’s already here! That’s when they realize the hotel gave the wrong port when booking the ride. No problem, we get back in the car and drive a few kilometers further. This time, we’re dropped right at the foot of the Bellot.

There are quite a few people on the dock. We’re directed to the table handing out cabin cards, and our luggage is taken away.

We go straight onto the ship, see the doctor, register our credit card, and in less than 5 minutes, we’re already in our cabin. I don’t understand what happened. Why didn’t we have to wait like the other passengers under the tent set up on the port? Oh well, lucky us.

There’s a mistake on my cabin card—I’ve been downgraded in the loyalty program and am now an "Amiral" instead of "Grand Amiral." The benefits aren’t the same. I’ll complain—I have proof of my loyalty level with a photo of my card from the last cruise, and it should get sorted out. This mess happened in Marseille again, even though I wrote to complain about it at the beginning of January. They replied saying they’d taken care of it.

After unpacking and taking a shower, we head to the grand salon for our first glass of nice, chilled champagne. We’re so, so happy to finally be on board.



Next up are the briefings about the program for the next two days, life on board for new passengers who don’t know the company, instructions for zodiac landings, and finally, the drill. It was a bit long because the meeting was bilingual. Future briefings and lectures will be separate for French and English speakers. There are 140 passengers and 135 crew members.

The ship sets sail at 7 PM. On the water, the temperature is perfect, and it’s lovely to sit out on the terrace. The meal is delicious—I expected nothing less. Tonight, seating was open on the terrace, but from tomorrow, we’ll need to reserve if we want to dine outside.

After the hell of the Seychelles, paradise begins here… We’re going to be blown away.
Catherine
CA Cathielescot Veteran ·
Ah, finally boarding! This last day in Victoria was much more pleasant than the others. I really liked stopping by the frozen-food shop for a bit of freshness 😎

I also had a thought for Isabelle when Ponant announced we shouldn’t arrive too early...

I’m all set to follow you through the amazing stops ahead.
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Catherine,

You’re right—this last day actually went better than I’d feared, apart from the fact that we didn’t do anything. 😉

There’s one positive thing about Victoria I forgot to mention. We wandered through neighborhoods I didn’t talk about because they weren’t particularly interesting, but we never felt unsafe or got hostile looks. On that front, we were totally at ease.
Catherine
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
Hey Catherine,

After the hell of the Seychelles, paradise begins here... We're going to be blown away.

Wow, you're really going all out! 😄 Everyone has their own definition of hell and paradise. Let’s see this Seychellois discovery from a cruise perspective! 🚢
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Wowwwww, you’re going all out! 😄 To each their own definition of heaven and hell 😄 Let’s see this Seychellois discovery from a cruise 🚢

Hi Jérôme,

Don’t get me wrong—it’s just a bit exaggerated to spice things up. ;) But also because Mahé has nothing to do with the picture of the Seychelles painted by the tourism industry. I’ll come back to that in my conclusion.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Monday, January 26, Praslin in the morning

Breakfast on the terrace with a lovely view of a small islet facing Praslin Island. By 9 AM, it's already 29°C.

Praslin Island is the second-largest granitic island in the Seychelles, after Mahé, in this archipelago of 115 islands and islets. This morning, we disembark on a coast lined with small, secluded beaches accessible only by sea for a morning of sunbathing and swimming. The temperature is pleasant, and the light breeze is just right.



This is our first zodiac landing via the marina at the rear of the ship.





These beaches are so small that passengers are dropped off at two different spots—one for French speakers and one for English speakers. To get from one to the other, you have to swim through the sea; the vegetation is impenetrable, and the massive rocks are dangerous to climb.





Here, paradise begins under the sun: white sand, crystal-clear water in shades of turquoise, ultramarine, or emerald, trees swaying gently and providing light shade, a delightful sea temperature, and... no trash or litter in sight. 😎



We spend a very pleasant morning with perfect temperatures. On the anchored ship, without the sea breeze while sailing, it’s much hotter.

At noon, a lovely buffet awaits us on the terrace by the pool. Prawns, green Pacific mussels, snails, and king crab are served, in addition to the daily buffet and the main course at the table. It’s a fresh and delicious meal.

Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Monday, January 26, Cousin Island in the afternoon

While we’re seated, the ship sets sail again for a short trip to Cousin Island.

Before disembarking on Cousin Island, we have to follow a few recommendations. Long pants and long sleeves are sprayed with mosquito repellent, just like we are. It’s also a wet landing, followed by a hike where closed hiking shoes are required. That makes things a bit more complicated.

To ensure that the visit to this island is reserved for Ponant passengers in the afternoon, the negotiated condition was to use local boats for disembarkation. And that’s quite an adventure—far less comfortable than the zodiacs.

The young guys piloting these small, rather uncomfortable boats act like they’re driving sports cars or playing a video game, and they’re having a blast. We’re a little less amused.



On the island, we have a space to change shoes and leave our bags safely so we can set off hands-free for the hike.



This island once housed a coconut plantation. In 1968, it was purchased to become a nature reserve. The palm trees were uprooted, and the land was left to allow natural recolonization.

Today, this small granite island of 29 hectares is entirely dedicated to nature conservation and has become one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Seychelles. It welcomes over 300,000 birds each year. The island is completely free of predators—no rats, no cats, no dogs—providing a perfectly safe environment for local wildlife. That’s why it allows bird species to reproduce and thrive without disturbance.

Off we go into the forest, ready to face the mosquitoes... which we never see, not even from a distance.



Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Monday, January 26, Cousin Island in the afternoon (continued)

We venture deeper into the forest to discover the local wildlife, including small endemic lizards and our first tortoises.





Because this island is free of predators, the tropicbirds that glide so gracefully in the sky can nest on the ground, often in a hollow at the base of a tree.



Meanwhile, the white terns, with their pretty blue beaks, lay just one egg in the crook of a branch without building a nest and incubate it for 50 to 60 days.



It’s on a completely wild beach on the other side of the island that sea turtles come to lay their eggs. Their nests are marked and monitored to be protected.



We return to our starting point by walking along the beach.

The tropicbirds are flying in large numbers, circling and gliding above our heads. They’re stunning but very hard to photograph. The one I managed to capture is in the top right quarter of the photo.



Around 4 PM, we head back to the boat with a better pilot than on the way over—he’s part of the crew and knows how to handle the waves.



Pool time, sunbathing, and reading with a nice cold drink make us happy. At 5 PM, we set sail for Rémire Island.

The gala evening brings us together with two other couples we met during the day, around a table for a very pleasant evening. The table of six is a choice—there are plenty of tables for two people.
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
So Jérôme, isn't it paradise? 😉
Catherine
ER Erjome Globetrotter ·
With this damp Sunday, this warms the heart and makes you want to cheer! 👍
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit" "Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
MU Mum49 Regular ·
Hello Catherine, This is a nice change from your previous reports on this cruise. You can immediately feel the sun, the beaches, and the beautiful discoveries. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Sunday! Guylène
CA Cathielescot Veteran ·
Perfect, the dream is definitely here 😎
CR Cristianh Globetrotter ·
- - - And we get to enjoy your amazing photos *and* the pleasure of your beautiful writing. . . . Thank you.
Christian
AL Alfre99410 Veteran ·
Hi Catherine,

I see things are starting to clear up for you, so hopefully everything’s going well.

For me, this is a real discovery—I don’t know Cousin Island at all. I’ve been to the Seychelles several times, but I’ve never had the chance to go there. So this is perfect for me.

And what about Ponant’s services? From what I’ve heard, they seem to be top-notch.

Looking forward to the rest of the story.
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Thanks Guylène, thanks Catherine, thanks Christian for your kind messages. These are the Seychelles just as I dreamed of them. 😎
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
For my part, it's a discovery—I don’t know Cousin Island. I’ve been to the Seychelles several times but never had the chance to go there. So it’s perfect for me. And what about Ponant’s services? From what I’ve heard, they seem top-notch.

Hi Alfred,

We’re diving right into the heart of the matter with the discovery of these small islands that escape overtourism.

On this cruise, the quality of the services and dining was excellent. I have no reason to complain, even though I did notice, as usual, that the general trend is a decline in quality to cut costs.

I didn’t go into too much detail about the cruise itself—service, meals—in this review because it’s already been discussed a lot in other recent reviews. And the destination is so beautiful that I’d rather give it all the spotlight. Still, I’m happy to answer any questions about life on board.
Catherine
MU Muriel18 Globetrotter ·
We found the Seychelles straight out of a postcard! 😎 In the end, it wasn’t so bad starting with Mahé—it could only get better after that!
Si tu diffères de moi, mon frère, loin de me léser, tu m'enrichis (Saint Exupéry)
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hi Muriel, Things did actually go in the right order, like the weather, which cleared up just as we boarded. We were really lucky. 😎
Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Tuesday, January 27, Rémire Island

Rémire Island, located southwest of Mahé, is the most distant island from Mahé that we’ll visit during our trip. The Seychelles archipelago consists of 42 granitic islands and 93 coral islands. Rémire is the only coral island on our itinerary—all the others are granitic.





We’re the first group to disembark at 9 a.m., and it’s already quite warm—28°C, not a breath of wind, and a beautiful calm sea with just a gentle swell.



The island is only inhabited by rangers who maintain it. Rémire is subject to environmental protection measures to safeguard its ecosystem. Its unique feature is hosting massive bird colonies.

As soon as we arrive, we notice the incredible number of birds. The sky is filled with different species flying in every direction.



Nests in the trees are as plentiful as apartments in a high-rise building.





Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Tuesday, January 27, Rémire Island (continued)

After unloading our belongings, we left the beach to follow a trail across the island, accompanied by a naturalist.





She gave us an incredible amount of information about the different bird species we encountered along the way. But they were too difficult to photograph, so I’ll just share some images of land creatures instead.







We were lucky—apparently, during the previous two years, it rained a lot on this cruise. On top of the rain being unpleasant, there were also a lot of mosquitoes as a result.

The island is split in two by a runway, which was meant to serve as a presidential refuge in case of a coup. It had to accommodate the presidential plane, and this was the case until 2010.

Catherine
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Tuesday, January 27, Rémire Island (continued)

Not far from the beach, there are a few houses where the twelve people who live on and look after the island stay. A project to welcome tourists is under consideration.





At the end of the walk, we’re offered a coconut to drink or a soda. We have enough time to enjoy the beach and the colors of the sea before heading back on board.







In the early afternoon, the ship was supposed to set sail, but the captain announces that departure is delayed. He suggests we enjoy the "pool in the ocean" experience.

At the back of the boat, the marina is secured, and a swimming area is marked out so passengers can take a dip. Everything is done to ensure maximum safety. Three zodiacs are on standby, the ship’s doctor is present, foam noodles are available, and a few crew members are in the water with the passengers just in case...

The air and water temperatures are perfect; this moment of swimming in the open sea is delightful...



The day continues with some reading time on a deck chair until the Seychelles information meeting at 4:30 PM, followed by a recap and briefing for tomorrow, with a presentation of the site where we’ll disembark and spend the day.

Dinner on the terrace—we hadn’t reserved, but there’s a free table, which works out great for us.

The musical evening takes place in the Grand Salon. The piano is brought to the center of the room, candles are scattered around to create a soft atmosphere, and dancers accompany the singer-pianist.

Catherine
MU Mum49 Regular ·
Hi Catherine, What amazing discoveries with a top-notch naturalist guide! You enjoyed the walk, thousands of birds, and a gorgeous turtle, among other things. It’s quite a change from your previous reports over the past few days with gloomy weather and not-so-great spots. Keep up the good work! Guylène
4Y 4yne Globetrotter ·
Hello Guylène,

Yes, after the worst, we’re now experiencing the best the Seychelles have to offer. These days have been wonderful.
Catherine
Start a new discussion Printable version Report this post Follow this discussion

Similar discussions

Related discussions

You might also like

Deux semaines en famille aux SeychellesFR
Travel logs › Seychelles·24 photos
 Voyage de rêve aux SeychellesFR
Océan Indien Africain › Seychelles·57 photos
 A super classic trio: Praslin, La Digue, Mahé (Seychelles)
Travel logs › Seychelles·101 photos
 Seychelles, l'île de La Digue entre mer et paradisFR
Travel logs › Seychelles·48 photos
 Seychelles: En catamaran d'îles en îles...FR
Travel logs › Seychelles·80 photos
 De retour des Seychelles, quelques "tuyaux"FR
Travel logs › Seychelles·31 photos
 Carnet de voyage sur deux semaines aux Seychelles en février 2011FR
Travel logs › Seychelles·36 photos
 Ile Sainte-Marie, octobre 2018FR
Travel logs › Madagascar·95 photos

More discussions

MU
Mum49 yesterday
Review of the CFC "Pearls of the Baltic" cruise June 2026
Hello, We’re back from this cruise. Boarding in Dunkirk: The doors opened around 12 PM. Since we were a bit early, I asked if my husband, who uses a walker, could wait inside instead of outside. I left him with the two suitcases and our two backpacks in the small hall while I parked the car in the reserved CFC parking lot for 10 € per day. The shuttle that was supposed to take people from the parking lot to the model pavilion was supposed to arrive in 5 minutes, but after 15 minutes, nothing. After waiting 15 minutes, I saw a man walking and asked if I could follow him. In 15 minutes, we arrived, and still no sign of the shuttle—it must have passed us. Arrived at the model pavilion. My husband had already checked in the suitcases with the help of a CFC staff member. The remaining formalities were completed quickly. We were on board by 12:15 PM. Headed to the buffet on deck 11 and waited in a lounge to access our cabin. At 2 PM, we discovered our balcony cabin on deck 9 at the rear: spacious with a large balcony compared to MSC/COSTA. Since we were at the rear, cabin 9202, there was always an issue with elevator number 4: "priority." Elevator number 2 stops at deck 10... and elevator number 3 was often out of order, leaving only number 1 for those with mobility issues to reach the buffet, especially for people who struggle with stairs. Note: only one child on board and lots of "gray hair." DAY 2: At sea. Lots of activities offered. Day 3: GOTHENBURG (Sweden). Sunny, 19°C at 11 AM. Excursion booked with CFC: Gothenburg and Haga for all. Interesting visit with a great guide. The HAGA district, in our opinion, is full of cobblestones and nothing special, not suitable for people using a cane or wheelchair. Elevator number 3 was out of order again. Day 4: Copenhagen. 15°C in the morning, showers in the afternoon. We didn’t book an excursion since we’d already stopped here with CFC in 2025, and based on advice from this forum, we took the hop-on/hop-off bus right in front of the ship. I still went to see the Little Mermaid again. No TV, but the elevator was fixed. DAY 5: At sea. Still no TV. DAY 6: GDANSK (Poland). 15°C, rain all day. There’s a shuttle to get to the city center. We took the excursion: Panorama of Gdansk. The guide left us at the entrance of the city center for 45 minutes, telling us what to visit. Meet-up for the rest of the tour at 3 PM. The bus left at 3:15 PM to cover 10 km to see St. Mary’s Cathedral. We arrived at 4:16 PM... The guide said there are often traffic jams in that direction. We had 10 minutes on site before heading to see the lighthouse and the Westerplatte monument, where we also had 10 minutes. Many of us wondered why we didn’t do the tour in the opposite direction since they knew there would be traffic... I went to reception to complain about the organization. The staff member read me the program: we were supposed to start with the lighthouse, then go to the cathedral and stay for 30 minutes before heading to the center of Gdansk for a short guided walk with some free time to buy souvenirs, etc. The guide did the complete opposite of what was planned and didn’t even give us a guided tour—just dropped us off in the city... DAY 7: Bornholm Island (Denmark). 14°C, a few sunny spells. We saw in the excursions that there was a walking tour of RØNNE. So, like many others, we explored on our own. There was a small orchestra welcoming us at the port and two people with city maps. We took the shuttle to leave the port—it ran every 15 minutes. The tourist office was next to the "shuttle bus." A pleasant visit at our own pace. DAY 8: KIEL (Germany). 18–23°C, nice weather. We took the "Kiel for all" excursion. Great guide and interesting visits. The port is in the city, and in 10 minutes, we were in the city center by following a blue line on the ground from the port. Elevator 3 was stuck again... and the TV was back. DAY 9: At sea. Elevator 3 works. DAY 10: At sea. Elevator 3 is out of order again... DAY 11: Disembarkation in Dunkirk. Cabins had to be vacated by 7:30 AM. Buffet open until 9 AM. Elevator number 1 was "reserved," leaving only number 2, which doesn’t go up to deck 11... a problem for people with mobility issues who had to cross the entire deck 11 and try to use one of the four working elevators at the front, which were crowded. My opinion: Interesting stops. The onboard staff were always welcoming, smiling, and mostly French-speaking. Evening shows were better than in March/April 2025—better singers, dancers, and presenters, and the costumes were improved. I liked the "magician" shows less. There were three onboard lectures by a very cultured person, but they went off-topic and were too historical for my taste. I didn’t attend the other two; my husband went to the second but not the third. For this cruise, there was a bridge theme, but we’re not players or interested. We didn’t take a drink package on board—water, coffee, tea, and herbal teas were available.

We had a water leak in our cabin the night before disembarkation. We reported it, and after the technical staff came (with a translator who didn’t speak English), we were asked to leave the cabin for a while for repairs. We went to a lounge, and after 1.5 hours, I checked in at reception. The repair took longer than expected... we had to change cabins... not ideal the night before disembarkation. No balcony cabins were available, so we got an ocean-view cabin, 6075, with a bathtub (impossible for both of us to use). We packed our suitcases, took a shower in our cabin, and moved to the new one. Noise from chairs until 12:30 AM because the cabin was under a lounge, and constant ventilation noise in the hallway... sleep was hard to come by. Disembarkation: Well organized. We were helped with transporting the two suitcases and bags to the waiting room while I took the shuttle to get the car. Guylène
Open
PO
Poupou10 4 days ago · Alfre99410
VoyageForum Members' 2027 Cruise Departure Schedule
Hi there, Here’s the 2027 cruise schedule. It’s a great way to get ideas and maybe even meet up with other members! 2 essential rules:

1) Never "quote" the schedule when replying—this avoids any confusion. 2) Follow this format: DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /

REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry about that. IMPORTANT Please respect the templates! PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE HAVING TROUBLE DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!

YOUR TURN 😉

NUMBER OF 2027 CRUISES: 1 JANUARY 14/01 - poupou10 / AZAMARA JOURNEY / 74 days / South America Tour / Miami FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Open
NA
Nataly03 6 days ago
NCL Cruise to Iceland
Hello! After a lot of hesitation between different cruise lines (Explora, Oceania, YC, HAL, NCL) and several destinations like Norway, Ireland, and Iceland,

I finally chose NCL’s Star for Iceland. I had already looked at this itinerary when I went to Scotland in April with CFC, but it was really expensive. You should know that CFC often offers last-minute deals 45 days before departure (the point when you can no longer cancel or modify). So, I got a great opportunity and grabbed it. Departure is on August 23rd.



Open
PO
Poupou10 last week
VF Members' Cruise Departure Calendar for 2026
hi there Here’s the cruise schedule for 2026. It’s a great way to get ideas and maybe even meet up with other members. 2 essential rules:

1) never "quote" the calendar when replying—this’ll avoid any confusion 2) follow the format below DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / /

REMINDER Despite my requests, few people follow the requested format. Cruises that stray too far from it won’t be listed anymore—sorry!PLEASE respect the templates! COPY AND PASTE THE FORMAT BELOW AND REPLACE WITH YOUR DETAILS IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING DD/MM - username / SHIP IN CAPS / number of days / cruise title / departure port DON’T FORGET THE SPACES between the / / It takes time to fix mistakes, so THANKS TO EVERYONE for your help!

YOUR TURN 😉

NUMBER OF CRUISES 2026: JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Open
PÉ
Pétanquette last week · Puce77
Access to Naples and Palermo on foot during stopovers
Hello

We’re taking an MSC cruise in May, and after the Cinque Terre, we’ll be stopping in Naples. We’d like to know if it’s possible to walk out of the port quickly and reach a nice area of Naples on foot (we’re two older people). While we’re at it, I’ll ask the same question for Palermo, since we’ll be there the next day. Thanks for your replies.
Open
MI
Mini123 2 weeks ago
What are the benefits of a suite on the Pacifica?
Hi everyone, I’m staying in a suite on the Pacifica in October and I can’t find any details about the suite benefits beyond the elite restaurant, the butler, and the espresso machine. What about breakfast and meals served free in the cabin, and the spa? Costa’s been cutting back on perks for Gold members, and it seems like suites are next. Thanks for your replies!
Open
AL
AllyMB007 2 weeks ago · 4yne
Day trips from Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon
hi, I’m leaving Hamburg for Iceland at the end of July. The boat arrives in Reykjavik on Tuesday, August 4th at 8 AM, and I’d like to book a day trip like the Golden Circle or Secret Lagoon… The sites like GetYourGuide and others list departures at 8 AM. If you’ve used these sites with the MSC Preziosa, could you let me know how to go about it? Thanks! 😉 allyMB007
Open
PO
Poupou10 2 weeks ago
Farewell Nathalie (NADU)
Hello everyone, It’s with immense sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of our friend Nathalie (nadu). Many of us knew her through this forum, which she loved so much. She enjoyed reading your travel stories, joining discussions, sharing her cruise reviews, and offering valuable advice—always with kindness, gentleness, and discretion.

For me, Nathalie was so much more than just a cruise enthusiast. She was a friend, a deeply kind person who was always there to listen, despite the many health challenges she faced with tremendous courage. We corresponded regularly, and sometimes we had the chance to visit each other’s homes or attend the cruise show together with our respective husbands.

We shared a common dream: when we both retired, we had planned to finally go on a cruise together. Life had other plans, and that trip will forever remain a journey we never had the chance to take. That thought weighs heavily on my heart today.

I’ll remember her as a gentle, generous woman who was always ready to help others. Her presence on this forum will leave a huge void, just as her friendship has in my life.

I send my sincerest thoughts to her husband, her family, and all those who had the chance to know her.

Fair winds, Nathalie. I like to think you’re now sailing on an infinitely calm sea, under an eternally blue sky. You’ll remain in our thoughts and hearts every time we talk about cruises or set off on a new journey.

Rest in peace, Nathalie.

For those who’d like to send a message of comfort and sympathy to her husband, you can send me a PM, and I’ll pass it along. THANK YOU
Open
SÉ
Séraphine66 3 weeks ago · Sables67
MSC Lirica Cruise in April 2025 with stops in Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ancona
Hello everyone, So happy to be back on this Forum! We’re heading off on another cruise—our 7th—after a 5-year break... We’ll be leaving from Venice on April 26th with stops in Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ancona. Could you help me plan the stops by sharing tips, tricks, and advice? For those who already know me, you know we prefer not to take the cruise line’s excursions but instead organize everything ourselves. Thanks in advance to everyone, and looking forward to chatting with you all!
Open
MU
Mum49 3 weeks ago
MSC Preziosa Cruise: Independent excursion to Stonehenge
Hello, We’re taking a cruise to Northern Europe with a stop in SOUTHAMPTON. We’d like to visit the Stonehenge site. Is it possible to get there on our own (my husband is a wheelchair user), since the MSC excursion to Salisbury is priced at 127 € per person? There’s also a stop in Rotterdam, and it seems there’s a "miniature village to visit" nearby. Has anyone here been there, and if so, how did you get there? Thanks so much for your tips. Mum49
Open
CA
Cachou83400 last month · Cacemma
Norwegian Fjords Cruise: What to see during the stops?
hi there, a group of friends and I are going on a cruise at the end of June with CFC in Norway. I’d love to get some info on the different stops we’ll be making. Most of them are one-day stops (from around 10 AM to 8 PM on average). Here are the stops: Andalsnes, Trondheim, Honningsvåg, Alta, Hellesylt, Sandane, Austefjorden.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can share what there is to see or do in these places.

When I get back, I’ll post what we did—it might help others who come after us.

Also, does anyone know if the boat sticks to the arrival time in Dunkirk for catching tickets to head back south? We’ll plan a buffer just in case.

Thanks everyone!
Open
JE
JeanMichel54 last month
Choosing Packages on the "Renaissance" (CFC) - "Jewels of Vestlandet" Circuit
Hello, We’ll be sailing on the Renaissance with CFC to southern Norway from July 4 to 11, 2026, departing from Dunkirk (the cruise was booked through "Planète Croisière"). When entering some personal details or pre-selecting options on the CFC website, I’m wondering about the "optional" categories for drinks and WiFi. I’m actually a bit surprised by these extra charges, as we weren’t used to them on other cruises (Australis in Patagonia; Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express in Norway and Alaska; Rivages du Monde in the Arctic or on the Douro River; a Nile river cruise in Egypt), where we sometimes had access to basic drinks at meals and free WiFi when near land. Anyway, for those who’ve already taken a CFC cruise on the Renaissance, could you share some advice? Specifically about the most basic drink package, called "Fraîcheur" (238 € for two), which doesn’t seem to be described anywhere. The "Premium" package seems excessive (490 € for two for the week) for light drinkers. As for WiFi, it’s 10 € per day per person. While I find that price acceptable for parking our car in Dunkirk, it feels overpriced here (especially since it was free on the Nordlys "Coastal Express" just 3 or 4 years ago). So, I’d love to hear from experienced cruisers who’ve been on this ship! Looking forward to seeing the excursion prices, which should be available soon! 😐

Thanks in advance!
Open
CL
Clau05 last month · 4yne
Have you heard of the Yacht Club on the MSC Magnifica?
Hi there, I’m considering a cruise on this ship in the recently introduced Yacht Club category. Have any forum members tried it? What are your thoughts? Positive or negative? Which cabins should we go for—or avoid? We’re already familiar with the Yacht Clubs on the Splendida, Fantasia, Preziosa, and Divina series. We weren’t as keen on the one on the Seashore—we found it too big. Thanks in advance for your feedback! Best, Claudine
Open
AF
Afpjle 2 months ago
Renaissance Promenade Cabin
We're considering a new cruise soon and would like to try the Renaissance. The uniqueness of the promenade cabins appeals to us, but could anyone give us some insights on the following points: - Is the glass door sufficiently tinted to prevent outsiders from seeing into the cabin? - Is the soundproofing good enough to block out conversations on the promenade deck? Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
Open
GI
Gilsyl 2 months ago · Noumea140675
Dinner on the Costa Smeralda
Hi, can you eat in the evening at the Costa Smeralda’s cafeteria, or do you have to dine at the restaurant? Thanks for your reply.
Open
OL
Olivercapnor 2 months ago · Evajules
MSC Referral
contact me to get referred at MSC, for your first cruise or if you haven't traveled with MSC in over 5 years
Open
AL
Alfre99410 2 months ago · Poupou10
Delighted review of my MSC Virtuosa cruise from April 5 to 19, 2026
Hi everyone,

As promised, here’s my review of the cruise I took from the 5th to the 19th on the MSC Virtuosa.

As you know, I had initially booked a cruise with Mein Schiff departing from Dubai (from Dubai to Cape Town). It was a 22-day cruise. Due to the issues in the Persian Gulf, my cruise was canceled by Mein Schiff.

So, we started looking for a Plan B because we really wanted to go. Especially my wife, who had just had a minor procedure and needed some rest. Since she had already taken time off, she was determined to travel. However, we were looking for an affordable Plan B since we weren’t sure when Mein Schiff or the airline would reimburse us.

While browsing online, I found a 15-day cruise departing from Pointe-à-Pitre (including flights, transfers, the cruise, and drinks) for a price of 1,200 € in a Fantastica balcony cabin. We thought, *Why not?*

I should mention that I’m not usually a big fan of MSC. My last experience with them was post-Covid (I took two cruises, one in 2021 and another in 2022), and it was honestly a disaster. We didn’t want to repeat that, but after talking to Catherine, who told me she was very happy with a short Christmas cruise, we decided to give it a try.

I have to say, I was left speechless. Honestly, the cruise was absolutely perfect. There’s nothing to complain about (or just a few minor details). In terms of service and food, I felt like I was on a premium cruise line. I’d even say MSC has nothing to envy from some of those companies. While premium lines like Holland, Celebrity, and Royal are cutting back on services, I think MSC has made huge improvements. Seriously, I wasn’t expecting this at all. You’ll see what I mean as we chat more.

I won’t do a full review like I usually do because there weren’t many stops: 1. We boarded in Pointe-à-Pitre 2. We stopped in Saint-Martin 3. Then it was a direct crossing to the Azores...

This cruise was really about relaxing, even if it’s not the kind of trip we usually take.

First off, I’m not a big fan of "flight and cruise" packages. I asked if we could leave two days early, but they said it wasn’t possible. We had to take the flight, then the bus, and board the ship directly.

It’s not really my thing, but given the price we paid and since we really wanted to relax, we thought, *Why not?*

Here’s the itinerary:

Boarding in Pointe-à-Pitre Saint-Martin Five days at sea The Azores Four days at sea Hamburg One day at sea Le Havre



But as I mentioned, it wasn’t about the itinerary. It was really about taking a break and unwinding. Honestly, I came back thrilled.

Departure and boarding details to come
Open
ME
Mejid 3 months ago · 4yne
Which cabin should we choose on the MS Vesteralen?
My wife and I are going on a cruise on the MS Vesteralen on August 4th. The ship stays close to the coast to deliver mail and packages. My wife is a musician and is sensitive to the movement of the boat. Which deck and cabin should we choose?

Thanks in advance
Open
NA
Nataly03 3 months ago · Noug29
CFC Highland and Scotland on April 16th
Hi there, So, I booked this cruise... I know CFC gets a lot of criticism— - And that it’s not really like the ships I usually take. But the destination really interested me... So, I’m giving it a try... I’m going in with an open mind, thinking I got a good deal, so I’m not expecting the same experience as when I travel with Yacht Club or The Haven. We’ll see... soon!
Open
SC
Schehrlauren 3 months ago · Pepere60
MSC Virtuosa Caribbean Cruise Excursions
hi, we’re going on a cruise with MSC Virtuosa in the Caribbean. Has anyone done this cruise before and could give us some tips for excursions on the different islands? Thanks for your help
Open
PO
Poupou10 3 months ago · Mum49
Review of the CFC RENAISSANCE's 'EN VOGUE' experience
😉Hi there, A few months ago, CFC put the EN VOGUE experience on sale, departing from Dunkirk. I booked this package to test the boat and onboard services for myself. I’d read a lot of reviews mentioning numerous issues on board, so I wanted to see for myself what it was really like…

Okay, I’ll stop rambling… The package included boarding at 6 PM on Friday, dinner, a show, an overnight stay, and breakfast. We chose an interior cabin for this experience—since the boat wasn’t leaving the dock, we didn’t see the point in paying more… All in all, it cost 130 € per person. My mom joined us; she got the same cabin for 130 € with no single occupancy supplement.

We’d checked in online to board faster. We took the train to DUNKIRK, then a taxi to the shuttle pavilion—7 € for the ride. When we arrived at the pavilion, we were told to wait because there was a connection issue with check-in. Great start… After about ten minutes, we were finally allowed to proceed. At the counter, they said they didn’t have our cabin cards and no record of our check-in… Very odd. With no solution, they put us on the bus and said we’d sort it out at reception. Perfect. We went through security, and they confiscated our water bottles—never seen that before! Then they said my mom had a corkscrew in her bag, so they searched it… but there was no corkscrew. Total amateur hour… They eventually dropped it.

We got on the bus for a ten-minute ride… We boarded the ship with a crew member and headed to reception. Turns out, we weren’t the only ones in this situation. The nightmare began… Only two staff members were handling all the issues, and everything seemed complicated. They told my mom her cabin had been given to someone else 😲. That was the last straw…

It took forever—they had to redo the entire check-in. Finally, they told my mom her cabin was good to go; they’d mixed her up with someone else… After a solid half-hour, we could finally head to our cabin.

I’m determined to test everything: the pool, jacuzzi, show, restaurant, spa, etc… TO BE CONTINUED
Open
See all discussions in this forum →