SAILING with a Celtic queen, exploring balmy waters and exotic islands and meeting magical creatures in the Indian Ocean sounds like an adventure dreamed up in the pages of a fantasy novel.
But The Senior has teamed with Travelrite International and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines to offer a fully-escorted island-hopping cruise off Africa's east coast bringing a fantastic itinerary to life.
Hopping between some of the most breathtaking and culturally diverse islands in the Indian Ocean, this 21-night getaway and cruise on the luxury 880-guest ship Boudicca departs in November.
Passengers on this relaxing fully-inclusive cruise will get to explore Mauritius, visit the Seychelles and Comoros Islands - home to rare and unusual wildlife - call at the coast of Madagascar and enjoy a taste of France on the island of Reunion.
Starting with four nights' resort accommodation in Port Louis, Mauritius, there is the chance to join a sightseeing tour of the capital, which still retains hints of its pirate past, as well as a visit to Pamplemousses Gardens, famed for its spectacular display of giant water lillies.
There will also be plenty of free time to explore this ancient volcanic island 1130km off the coast of Madagascar before boarding the ship on day five.
With two full days at sea to chill out and enjoy the luxury vessel's facilities, the cruise arrives at Praslin, the second-largest of the Seychelles islands.
Home of the charismatic coco de mer - a rare palm tree native to the Seychelles archipelago sometimes referred to as the love nut - this island's beaches rank among the most beautiful in the world.
From here you can take a sightseeing tour to nearby Cousin Island on a private boat to marvel at the giant Aldabra tortoises and lush vegetation.
On Day 10 the cruise sets off from Praslin through the Seychelles archipelago via Silhouette Island (a granite island renowned for its unparalleled beauty) before stopping at the capital Victoria on the island of Mahe.
Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains rising from the ocean, there's an option to explore the island on a guided tour.
From the Seychelles (with a couple of days at sea for more games, fine dining and relaxing) it's on to Mayotte and the Comoros Islands, an archipelago between Madagascar and Mozambique. The popular diving destination is surrounded by a coral barrier reef which shelters a lagoon and marine reserve.
The intoxicating fragrance of ylang-ylang trees can't be missed at Nosy Be (which means "big island" in the local Malagasy language) just off Madagascar's north-west coast. A visit to this remote destination - the centre for production of perfume essence from the fragrant tree - is a cruise highlight.
Boudicca then cruises through Bay of Diego - one of the largest natural bays in the world - towards Antisiranana and on to Montagne d'Amber (Amber Mountain).
This isolated patch of mountain forest is famous for its waterfalls, crater lakes and wildlife, especially chameleons.
The last stop before arriving back in Port Louis is a return to Reunion - a French colony since 1813 - where passengers can explore the capital Saint Denis and travel inland to the mountains and waterfalls.
The tour includes return flights to Port Louis from Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, four nights' accommodation in Mauritius including breakfasts and 13 nights onboard Boudicca. Sightseeing tours listed in the itinerary are included as well as all meals, entertainment and service charges on board.
- Details and to book, click HERE
