Small-Group Journeys · Indian Ocean New Year Journey 2028 · Seychelles—Madagascar—Réunion—Mauritius
Vanilla Islands · One Island, One World | Indian Ocean New Year Journey 2028
Journey overview
- Travel dates
- 2028-01-15—2028-01-31
- Duration
- 17 days / 14 nights: 12 cruise nights and 2 hotel nights
- Departure cities
- Beijing / Shanghai
- Group format
- Charter
- Ship
- PONANT · Le Dumont d’Urville
- Route
- Seychelles—Madagascar—Réunion—Mauritius
Journey imagery
Images illustrate the region; actual scenery and landings depend on the operating voyage.
Seychelles—Madagascar—Réunion—Mauritius in 17 days / 14 nights, with a twelve-night PONANT charter and two hotel nights. International economy flights, entry formalities, gratuities and Chinese-speaking support included.
Journey highlights
Seychelles granite shores and palm forests
La Digue combines granite boulders, white sand and coconut palms. Praslin’s Vallée de Mai is known for coco de mer and native palm forest. Both islands appear on the same reference day; excursions are arranged by the ship.
Aride Island nature reserve
Cliffs, woodland and beaches on Aride provide habitat for terns and other seabirds. Explore open trails with the expedition team, following the reserve’s visitor limits and access rules. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Nosy Be and Nosy Komba
Nosy Be has volcanic terrain, beaches and tropical vegetation. Nearby Nosy Komba is also known as Lemur Island. Male black lemurs have black fur and females are orange-brown; look for them with a guide without feeding wildlife.
Northern Madagascar and Île aux Nattes
Around Antsiranana, bays meet hills and native vegetation. On Île aux Nattes, south of Île Sainte-Marie, walking paths connect villages and palm-fringed beaches. Landing sites and shore activities depend on sea conditions.
Réunion’s volcanic landscapes
Call at Pointe des Galets to explore Réunion. The island’s terrain includes Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise and the cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate. The specific places visited depend on the operator’s shore programme.
Mauritius: Port Louis and island scenery
The Port Louis programme includes the Central Market, Fort Adelaide and Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. Browse local produce and crafts, look across the harbour from higher ground and explore tropical plants. Helicopter activities cost extra.
Chinese-language support and natural history talks
Chinese-speaking accompaniment is provided throughout. Natural history talks have Chinese interpretation, with Chinese support for landing briefings and daily announcements. Expedition staff introduce wildlife, plants, marine life and local history, while photographers share their work and travel images.
Twelve nights on Le Dumont d’Urville
The ship has 88 cabins and suites for 176 guests, all with a private balcony or terrace. Sea days allow time for talks, the observation lounge, pool and gym. The Blue Eye underwater lounge offers views through underwater portholes.
Optional scuba diving for certified divers
Selected calls may offer scuba diving at extra cost with PONANT instructors. Minimum certification is CMAS Two-Star, PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, with a dive log and a medical certificate issued within 12 months. Availability and charges require operator confirmation.
Day-by-day itinerary
Open the tab alongside the daily itinerary.
Meet in China; departure
Meet at the designated airport in the evening for international flights to Mahé. The reference flight departs after midnight; the final travel notice confirms meeting and departure dates.
Arrive in Mahé
Transfer to the hotel after arrival, with time to rest or explore independently.
Mahé; embarkation
Visit Victoria, the clock tower, Central Market and the Queen’s Viewpoint, followed by the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens after lunch. Embark at Victoria and attend the safety drill. Reference departure time: 18:30.
Aride Island, Seychelles
Plan to land at Aride Island nature reserve to observe seabirds and native plants with the expedition team. Trail access, visitor numbers and activities follow reserve and operator instructions.
La Digue / Praslin, Seychelles
Reference calls at La Digue and Praslin introduce granite shores, white sand and tropical vegetation. Vallée de Mai on Praslin supports coco de mer and palm forest. The ship determines the shore route.
At sea in the Indian Ocean
Leave Seychelles for the crossing towards Madagascar. Attend on-board talks, spend time on the observation deck or use the gym and pool. Spa treatments and personal purchases cost extra.
At sea in the Indian Ocean
Continue the crossing towards Madagascar, with time for the ship’s scheduled talks and performances or a quiet day on board.
Nosy Be / Nosy Komba, Madagascar
Reference calls at Nosy Be and Nosy Komba explore volcanic shores, tropical forests and local villages. Look for black lemurs with a guide in Nosy Komba; sightings are not guaranteed.
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
Visit Antsiranana on Madagascar’s northern coast, with a reference programme exploring bays, beaches and local nature. The shore route and activities depend on conditions.
At sea in the Indian Ocean
Sail south along Madagascar’s east coast. Spend time on deck, attend the day’s talks or use the ship’s leisure facilities.
Île aux Nattes, Madagascar
Plan to land on Île aux Nattes south of Île Sainte-Marie. Walking paths lead to villages, palms and beaches and introduce Betsimisaraka life. Snorkelling and other water activities depend on the operator’s programme and sea conditions.
At sea in the Indian Ocean
Cross the Indian Ocean towards Réunion on Lunar New Year. Talks and time on deck are followed by a planned reunion dinner, Chinese dishes and New Year activities, subject to the operator’s programme.
Pointe des Galets, Réunion
Call at Pointe des Galets / Le Port. Réunion is known for volcanic terrain, cirques, rainforest and waterfalls. The operator confirms the specific shore excursion.
Port Louis, Mauritius
Arrive in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The ship calls at the port, with shore activities arranged by the operator. The Central Market and multicultural neighbourhoods are part of local city life.
Disembark in Port Louis; city visits
Disembark after breakfast and visit the Central Market, Fort Adelaide and Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. An optional helicopter flight to see the “underwater waterfall” may be requested at extra cost. Check into the hotel after dinner.
Port Louis → China
After breakfast and free time, check out and have lunch. The reference programme includes southern beaches before the airport transfer, subject to available time before the flight.
Arrive in China
Connect in Dubai and return to China.
Reference itinerary. Calls, timings, sequence and activities depend on weather, tides, sea conditions and local policies; the operator’s final arrangements apply.
Ship and cabins
Le Dumont d’Urville
A PONANT Explorers ship launched in 2019, with 88 cabins and suites for 176 guests. All cabins have a private balcony or terrace. This journey includes a twelve-night charter.
- Launched
- 2019
- Tonnage
- 9,976 GT
- Guests
- 176
- Crew
- 118
- Cabins and suites
- 88
- Length
- 131 m
- Beam
- 18 m
- Draft
- 4.7 m
- Decks
- 7
- Zodiacs
- 9
Deck plans
Deck 7 · View full-size plan ↗
Deck 6 · View full-size plan ↗
Deck 5 · View full-size plan ↗
Deck 4 · View full-size plan ↗
Deck 3 · View full-size plan ↗Public spaces
- Panoramic restaurant on Deck 4; outdoor grill on Deck 3
- Infinity pool, main lounge, theatre and boutique
- Panoramic lounge, library and photography desk
- Gym, spa and beauty salon on Deck 7
- Blue Eye underwater lounge with underwater portholes
Deluxe Stateroom
19+4 m² · Deck 3 · 2 guests
Private balcony and separate shower. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Prestige Stateroom
19+4 m² · Decks 4/5/6 · 2 guests
Floor-to-ceiling windows, private balcony and separate shower. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Deluxe Suite
27.5+6 m² · Decks 3/4/5/6 · up to 3 guests
Floor-to-ceiling windows, shower, large sofa and private balcony. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Privilege Suite
32+8 m² · Decks 5/6 · up to 3 guests
Butler service, welcome Champagne and fruit basket, and two bathrooms. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Grand Suite
45+30 m² · Deck 6 · up to 4 guests
Butler service, welcome Champagne and fruit basket, whirlpool bath, private terrace and two bathrooms. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Owner’s Suite
45+40 m² · Deck 5 · up to 4 guests
Butler service, welcome Champagne and fruit basket, whirlpool bath and a private terrace with a spa bath. Complimentary minibar, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.
Fares and inclusions
Cabin fares
| Cabin | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom · Deck 3 | 19+4 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 99,900 per person |
| Prestige Stateroom · Deck 4 | 19+4 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 116,900 per person |
| Prestige Stateroom · Deck 5 | 19+4 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 126,900 per person |
| Prestige Stateroom · Deck 6 | 19+4 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 136,900 per person |
| Deluxe Suite · Decks 3/4/5/6 | 27.5+6 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 169,900 per person |
| Privilege Suite · Decks 5/6 | 32+8 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 199,900 per person |
| Grand Suite · Deck 6 | 45+30 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 239,900 per person |
| Owner’s Suite · Deck 5 | 45+40 m² · twin occupancy | CNY 249,900 per person |
Included
- Economy flights with taxes: Beijing / Shanghai–Seychelles and Mauritius–Beijing / Shanghai.
- Seychelles electronic travel authorisation, Madagascar visa on arrival, and Mauritius and Réunion entry registration.
- Twelve nights aboard Le Dumont d’Urville in the booked cabin category, based on two sharing.
- One hotel night on Mahé and one in Port Louis, with breakfast, based on two sharing.
- All meals on board and land meals indicated in the itinerary.
- Shore landings and visits, Zodiac outings, lectures and on-board entertainment, as arranged by the operator.
- Ground transport shown in the itinerary and professional local drivers.
- JD Allianz Huan You Si Hai Marco Polo travel insurance plan, subject to policy coverage.
- Chinese-speaking accompaniment, expedition staff and local guides, gratuities throughout, and unlimited complimentary on-board Wi-Fi.
Not included
- Passport application fees.
- International business-class flight upgrades.
- Single-occupancy supplements.
- Optional activities such as scuba diving and helicopter flights.
- Shopping, meals during flight connections, transfers within China and other personal expenses.
Booking terms and travel notes
Booking and payment
- Pay 20% within 7 days of signing the contract.
- Pay 50% 270 days before departure.
- Pay 30% 100 days before departure.
Cancellation terms
- 271+ days before departure
- Free cancellation
- 181–270 days before departure
- 20% of total price
- 91–180 days before departure
- 50% of total price
- 31–90 days before departure
- 75% of total price
- 30 days or fewer before departure
- 100% of total price
Name changes
Free name changes more than 30 days before departure. Any third-party costs already incurred are charged at actual cost.
Occupancy and pricing
Prices are based on two sharing. The single-occupancy supplement is 75%; the third/fourth guest pays 50%, with the same rates for adults and children. Deluxe and Privilege Suites accommodate up to three; Grand and Owner’s Suites up to four. Confirm cabin availability and final prices with your advisor.
Entry arrangements
Mainland Chinese passport holders can enter Mauritius visa-free with advance entry registration. The ship assists with formalities for Réunion and Madagascar, while Seychelles requires electronic travel authorisation. Policies may change; the latest pre-departure advice applies.
Route, weather and nature reserves
Tides, seas and policies may alter routes, landing sites, timings and activities. The operator may change the order or cancel landings; a missed landing is not treated as an incomplete itinerary, and the organisers will seek alternatives. Follow visitor limits and trail rules on Aride and other reserves, stay with the group and do not feed wildlife. Showers and swells may occur in January–February; prepare waterproof footwear and clothing, slip protection and sun protection.
Optional scuba diving
Minimum certification: CMAS Two-Star, PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent. Present your diving certificate, dive log and a medical certificate issued within 12 months to the lead instructor on embarkation. Instructors may assess actual ability. The full activity takes about 2–3 hours including transfers; experienced divers may spend approximately 35–60 minutes underwater, depending on the site, experience and air consumption. PONANT instructors lead dives; local guides join where required by reserve rules or local regulations.
- Reference prices from other voyages: EUR 100 for one dive, EUR 280 for three dives, EUR 535 for six dives, per person and paid on board. Actual shipboard prices apply.
- Provided equipment: wetsuit, BCD, primary regulator, alternate second stage and pressure gauge, fins, and a dive computer for proficient users only. Masks and snorkels are available; bringing your own is recommended for hygiene.
Flights, hotels and activities
Flight times are provisional and hotel names await confirmation. New Year activities and guest speakers follow the final programme. Wi-Fi quality depends on location. Wildlife sightings and availability of diving are not guaranteed.