From India to the Strait of Malacca

A former trading post along the Silk Route, the old quarter of Colombo offers you the fabulous sight of its picturesque streets. The city was known to Arab, Persian and Chinese traders as early as the 8th century and this former village, nestled between two dunes, was a trading post on the mythical Spice Route. Today the economic capital of Sri Lanka, the city offers picture-postcard scenery with its beaches stretching languorously along the south-western coast of the country. Here the sand dazzles you and the sea invites you to dream.

Discover Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities. Thanks to its commercial port, from which were exported spices and precious stones, Galle was once the country’s most major city. Colonized by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, today it still bears traces of this colonial past. When your ship calls here, have a wander around the old town and its fortifications, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, they are perfectly preserved. To learn more about daily and rural life in Sri Lanka, do not miss the visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum in Koggala, not far from Galle.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

A large port city in the north-east of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee will be your gateway to two exceptional sites. The Golden Temple of Dambulla, a rock temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sure to fill you with wonder. Its Buddhist mural paintings, its caves and its famous statue of reclining Buddha heighten the beauty of this place that is like none other in the world, created over 2,000 years ago. The other cultural gem you will be able to discover: the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. Also listed as UNESCO World Heritage, it is home to the vestiges of a fabulous garden-city from the 12th century. There, you will be able to admire the Gal Vihara, an exceptional site featuring four statues of Buddha carved out of rock.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Called Madras in the days of the British East India Company, Chennai is now the economic capital of South India. Mingling intoxicating flavours, colours and rhythms, Chennai is also the cradle of the traditional Indian music and cuisine from the south. Don’t miss your chance to discover Mahabalipuram, a group of sanctuaries carved out of rock and thousands of statues from the 7th and 8th centuries, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gigantic bas-reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, and temples, such as the magnificent Shore Temple, built out of granite on a promontory that juts out into the Bay of Bengal, celebrate the glory of Shiva in an artistic outpouring unlike any othe

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The leading British trading post of the Far East in the 19th century, this tiny island has a unique atmosphere of both East and West. Known as the “Pearl of the East” in the past, for its many trades of spice, fabrics, and tin, Penang has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Malaysia. George Town, its capital, is home to an extremely rich historical heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to discover the Blue Mansion, a real architectural marvel that blends traditional Chinese style with eastern elements.

The country’s busiest commercial port, Port Klang was a royal capital before being colonized by the British in 1870. Near the Royal Palace, you’ll be able to admire the blend of Art deco and oriental style of the Sultan Suleiman Mosque. 

Disembark after breakfast