Sailing on: Variety Cruises, Seychelles

Highlights

• Small Ships. Pegasos has a maximum of 44 guests with a friendly, casual atmosphere onboard. It’s easy to meet fellow guests and get to know the crew. It’s quick and easy getting on and off the ship when docked or to board the Zodiac. This would easily translate to other Variety Cruises destinations.

• The Destination. The Seychelles is simply stunning. Photo’s simply can’t do it justice. Soak up the warm, tropical weather while immersing yourself in the surrounding beauty. Perfect for couples, solo’s, families.

• Wildlife. Giant tortoises on Curieuse, I wasn’t expecting them to be everywhere and not concerned at all by our presence, they are just beautiful! Vast birdlife and once again giant tortoises on Cousin Island – the entire island is a protected nature reserve.

• Anse Lazio. Ample leisurely time on what is globally recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While we went ashore by zodiac, others kayaked directly from the ship. Ashore just relax, walk along the white sand and the snorkelling is excellent to view tropical fish and sea turtles.

• Watersports and watersports platform at the back of the ship. Jump off each morning for a pre-breakfast swim (the crew monitor to ensure your safety), board the Zodiacs easily to go ashore, launch the kayaks and paddleboards (included) from here, get your included snorkelling gear here as well.

• Food. The food is fresh and the variety for a small group was exceptional. Most of the time it’s a buffet style with multiple choices and there is dining set up both indoors in the dining room and outdoors on the covered deck (we sat here most of the time), the service was fabulous. Highlights included a Captains dinner with huge, freshly caught whole fish, a beach BBQ, and a Creole local specialty themed evening.

• The Crew. Lastly, but certainly not least is the wonderful crew. It didn’t take long for the crew to know guests by name. The crew are very experienced, love their jobs and ensure all guests are made to feel welcome and comfortable.

Top Tips

1. Suited to all. Good for couples, multi-gen and solo travellers particularly due to the casual and friendly atmosphere on board.

2. Packing. Don’t over pack, casual and comfortable all the way!

3. Research your destination in advance. With a small group, there is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in your destination so this could add to your overall enjoyment.

4. Take a waterproof camera /or phone cover. If you plan to try snorkelling or kayaking, and binoculars for wildlife spotting.

5. WiFi package. If you want to stay in touch and / or post all of your amazing photo’s! Recommend to buy it on the first day if you’re interested as a limited number are available.

6. Seychelles is tropical and steamy.  Pack a light, waterproof sunscreen and don’t forget the mozzie repellent – ouch!

7. Visit the bridge. With an open bridge policy, you can drop in and chat with the captain anytime!

8. Mobility. For elderly or less mobile guests, be aware that you do need to climb stairs onboard (small ship so not many, but FYI there is no elevator) and in remote or tropical locations such as the Seychelles and Tahiti, most shore landings are via zodiac.

9. Flights. Schedules are not fantastic from Australia with long transit times enroute, so consider stopovers eg. in Doha and a pre / post night in Mahe.