A cruise through the Indian Ocean is not just a journey, it’s an unforgettable experience. From the unique landscape of Madagascar to the heavenly shores of Mauritius, this stunning part of the world is embellished with some of the most beautiful island destinations on the planet. But in order to get the most out of any cruising holiday, it’s important to carefully plan and prepare in advance. In this guide, we’ll discuss how you can properly organize yourself to ensure you can enjoy a holiday of a lifetime without stress.
Decide on When You Want to Go
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes, and for those seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure, cruising on these waters is an absolute must-do. However, deciding when to embark on this journey can be tricky. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are certain times of the year that offer the best experiences.
For instance, if your main goal is to explore the region’s coral reefs and enjoy some of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling, it’s advisable to plan your trip in the shoulder season on either side of summer. At these times, the waters will still be warm and you can also benefit from reduced footfall.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll want to book your cruise between June and October when you’re more likely to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Ultimately, the best time to go on a cruise in the Indian Ocean depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whatever your choice, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Find Your Perfect Itinerary
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun in the turquoise waters of the Maldives or lose yourself underneath Dubai’s iconic skyline, you can be sure that you’ll find something for everyone here.
But with so much to see and do, you won’t be able to explore every corner of this part of the world on just one trip. So once you’ve determined how long you want to go away for, do your research to find an itinerary that most closely aligns with your travel preferences. As you begin your search, you may be surprised to see just how much variation there is, and how two different cruises in the Indian Ocean can be entirely different. Get your traveling party together to collectively decide on the best route through the waters, and you can start to flesh out your own itinerary from there.
Research the Destinations
Once you’ve decided on your preferred itinerary, you can start to research the destinations you’ll be dropping the anchor in. Remember that you will be limited timewise by how much you can fit in at each stop, so you may need to prioritize the things you want to do most. Of course, if you’re the spontaneous type of traveler, you can always see what takes your fancy once you arrive, but either way, it’s always helpful to have a rough idea of what to expect in each place.
Top of your priority list should be finding out where the ship will be berthing, as this will be the set-off point for each day’s activities. Cruise lines will offer their own excursions at each destination, and this can help to take some of the guesswork out of your itinerary. But these activities will typically come at a premium, so you may be better off doing your own research if you’re looking to save some money. And remember, any itinerary is likely to include several days at sea, so find out what there is to do on your ship to fill your travel time.
To Sum Up
While the travel arrangements and destinations are all sorted for you when embarking on a cruising adventure, there is still so much you’ll need to think about. Start planning your Indian Ocean exploration today but decide on the best time to go, how long you want to go for, and the types of activities you want to do during your trip. Then, you can start to look forward to uncovering all the hidden gems that await you.
