Port Louis, Mauritius
Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis, is a bustling city and the nation’s main port.
Set against a backdrop of stunning mountains at the north-western end of the island, no visit here would be complete without spending time to familiarise yourself with this fascinating city of 150,000 people.
Founded in 1735 by the French and named after King Louis XV, the city was later developed into a major port by the British. With an abundance of attractions to keep you entertained, it is not difficult to see why Port Louis has become such a popular tourist destination.
The views alone are worth the trip – Fort Adelaide, a hilltop citadel built by the British in the first half of the 18th century, provides splendid vistas over the city and beyond.
From here you may just catch a glimpse at the city’s impressive Jummah Mosque, built in the 1850s, and a visit to the Chinese Quarter for closer inspection is highly recommended.
Port Louis offers innumerable shopping opportunities – from the colourful market providing a flavour of the local culture to the modern Le Caudan Waterfront complex, visitors are is spoiled for choice.
The surrounding areas of Port Louis offer many alternatives to the bustle of the city. Domaine les Pailles, located ten minutes away, gives visitors a taste of 18th-century life in Mauritius with rides in a horse-drawn carriage and talks on sugar production.
The Mauritius Glass Gallery provides an intriguing insight into the traditional method of glass recycling, while a visit to the beautiful Pamplemousses Garden, where you can see giant water lilies, is not to be missed.
For a taste of the lush rainforests and the diverse fauna of southern Mauritius, La Vanille Crocodile Park is a perfect day trip from Port Louis. Many charming beaches are also easily accessible from the city, such as the awe-inspiring Ile aux Cerfs located just off the east coast.
Below are examples of excursions that have previously been offered from this port of call. A fully detailed programme of the included and optional tours available during your cruise will be sent shortly before your departure.
Ile aux Cerfs
This full-day excursion takes in the highlights of the small island of Ile aux Cerfs.
Situated on the east coast and easily accessible by boat from Port Louis, it is the perfect island getaway. The pure white sandy beaches and emerald lagoons are a beautiful sight to behold.
Head to Ile aux Cerfs beach, where you can relax and enjoy a spot of sunbathing. Perhaps take advantage of the excellent snorkeling opportunities – you may just catch a glimpse of the colourful tropical fish that congregate around distinctive black rocks.
You may also wish to try your hand at Mauritian golf on the excellent golf course, while taking in memorable ocean views.
The excursion includes a sumptuous lunch, enjoyed at a local restaurant. Sample the local cuisine whilst savouring stunning views over the island.
Optional excursion
Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes
Pamplemousses Garden and Sugar
This revealing excursion takes in two of Mauritius’ delightful sights. Headfirst to the fascinating Pamplemousses Garden. Created in the 18th centuryby French botanist Pierre Poivre, the gardens host a vast array of indigenous and exotic plants and are well-known amongst botanists the world over.
The enormous Victoria Amazonica water lily is a spectacular sight, and you can also catch a glimpse of a variety of palms - the talipot palms, which flower every 40 to 60 years and die thereafter, are of particular interest.
During your visit you can take time to meander through the tranquil gardens, savour the scents of cinnamon, lemon and eucalyptus, and marvel at the impressive stone of lovers Paul and Virginie.
Sugar is one of the sources of income on Mauritius and no visit would be complete without exploration of the role it has played in the social and economic development of the island.
This part of the tour gives you the opportunity to do just that. Situated in an ancient sugar mill, Sugar World’s interactive, modern exhibition gives you an intriguing insight into the technicalities of processing the cane and the history of the workers involved.
Before your drive back to the ship, you will have the chance to sample unrefined sugars and local rum, as well as browse the unique wares on sale in the gift shop.
Included excursion
Phoenix Glass Gallery an d Curepipe Tour
This fascinating excursion starts with a trip to the Mauritius Glass Gallery in Phoenix. Here you will have the opportunity to see the original methods used to recycle glass, and marvel at unique Mauritian handicrafts.
You then continue to Curepipe, where you will see the spectacular Trou aux Cerfs crater. Laying extinct for a number of years, the volcano offers splendid views over the island.
Curepipe itself is an intriguing town that came to prominence during the 1867 malaria epidemic when many people fled Port Louis and sought refuge here.
Today the town is the centre of the island’s tea and model-ship building industries, and you can take advantage of the wealth of shopping opportunities found here.
You will visit the model ship factory where you have the chance to see typical Mauritian handicrafts and perhaps purchase a unique model ship. You also have time to browse duty free shops in the town.
Included excursion
Duration: 3 hours and 25 minutes
South Tour and Crocodile Park
This excursion takes you on a tour of southern Mauritius. Your first stop is among one of the tourist attractions in this part of the island: La Vanille Crocodile Park.
Situated amongst tropical rainforest, the park is blessed with exotic palms, winding streams and diverse flora and fauna.
Here you can see the fascinating Nile crocodiles, which were imported from Madagascar in 1985, as well as other animals such as monkeys, stags, fruit bats and giant tortoises. You will have time to meander through the dense, lush forest.
Your tour continues south west to the Grand Bassin, an awe-inspiring crater lake sitting some 1800 feet above sea level. A well-known pilgrimage lake on account of its holy water, believed to have links with the Ganges in
India, each year the island’s many Hindus visit the lake during the Maha Shivaratri festival and show their respects to Lord Shiva.
Have your camera at the ready to capture the breathtaking views afforded at this sight.
Enjoy a stop at Plaine Champagne forest, which brings you to the the Black River Gorges, a natural sanctuary inhabited by several types of indigenous species of birds and flora.
Continue to a local restaurant, situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Here you will have a sumptuous European/Mauritian lunch.
Drive along the winding roads to a beautiful spot just outside of the Chamarel village. Here you can take in the waterfalls and the unique ‘coloured earths’ – the distinctive landscape of contrasting shades of colour are believed to be a result of the weathering of volcanic rocks, a sight not to be missed.
Optional excursion
Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes