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June 4, 2022

Visiting the Seychelles archipelago aboard a cruise ship is definitely one of the best ways to take advantage of the unparalleled convenience of being able to move among pristine beaches and beautiful scenery in the utmost comfort.

Doing so with Variety Cruises adds value to the experience, thanks to the itinerary offered at all times of the year and an atmosphere of friendship, cordiality and familiarity on board. All accompanied by a great experience and knowledge of these beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, their environmental heritages and the most hidden corners to visit.

Pegasos is Variety Cruises‘ ship that has been offering Seychelles itineraries for years, welcoming guests in Port Victoria (Mahè) for weekly itineraries and in Praslin for 3- or 4-day itineraries. There is an extremely family-like atmosphere on board, and after only a few hours spent between your spacious cabin and the lounge you will have already established a relationship of friendship and sharing with other guests. The crew will remain at your disposal for every need throughout the cruise, offering attention and care, but above all, always, smiles and good humor.

A small spa with an extensive massage menu, an always-open bar, restaurant and lounge represent the ship’s interiors. The aft marina is used to board the zodiac to go ashore, or to dive into the water for a refreshing swim. On the upper deck, a sunbathing area with loungers and sofas, a second bar, and intimate seating in the bow, just off the bridge deck.

All it takes to have comfort and relaxation between excursions, exploring the most beautiful beaches and interiors of the islands visited in Variety Cruises‘ itinerary.

Our experience on board took us first and explored downtown Port Victoria, thanks to the knowledgeable and friendly guides provided by the company. A stroll through the lightly trafficked streets, the Clock Tower and the charming Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, discovering souvenirs, local products and customs. In the afternoon we embark to begin our adventure aboard the Pegasos.

A stop for a first dip in the crystal-clear waters along the shores of Mahè is just a taste of this wonderful sea, before sailing north to reach the bay of Anse Possession, sheltered from the waves and wind and enjoying a nice evening on board. Here we also discover Variety Cruises‘ cuisine, featuring some excellent international dishes but also local recipes and products, which we very much enjoy tasting.

The second day on board introduces us to the heart of the Seychelles, discovering St Anne’s Island and Curieuse. An excursion among mangroves, giant turtles, breathtaking views and striking vistas. To conclude a unique walk, a great barbeque lunch and an afternoon on the beach in full tropical style. We return aboard tired and happy, greeted by a drink and a smile from the staff. An excellent dinner, pleasant conversations, and a good night’s sleep await us, sheltered from the billows by the Curieuse coastline.

The next day is time for new wonders and pampering by Variety Cruises. In the morning, after a short sail we arrive at Cousin Island Special Reserve. A small island out of time, with a snow-white beach, palm trees and dense inland vegetation. It is a true paradise, made up of thousands of nesting birds, giant turtles, crabs and hermit crabs. We stroll surrounded by nature, savoring glimpses of sea and sky from time to time. One of those places from which you never want to leave, where animals and nature are one and remain inside you.

But in the afternoon another beach comes back to surprise us: Anse Lazio. A picture-postcard setting, everything you dream of when you think of a tropical beach. Sun, swimming, walking, and a good beer at the Jungle Bar, literally nestled in the forest, make the hours speed by and sunset announces the time to return aboard the Pegasos. Evenings aboard are about friendship, sharing unique experiences, and enjoying delicacies overlooking the sea.

An absolutely successful change of plans awaits us the next day: instead of returning to the same beach as the previous day, we move on to Anse Georgette. We did not think we would find a more beautiful spot than Anse Lazio, and we did. A morning of rest and truer sea, with clear water, fish and dreamy palm trees. For snorkelers, the best is yet to come: after lunch, the Pegasos sails to the small island of St. Pierre, only a few hundred meters large, but shrouded by wonderful seabed. With the zodiac on board, diving is offered in a tropical paradise, with breathtaking views.

The day continues again with sailing to Praslin, where we dock in the afternoon and take the opportunity for a walk around the small town. The evening on board includes dinner and Creole feast. Lots of fish and other delicacies, accompanied by local dancers who brighten and color the stern of the Pegasos. It is our last evening on board and we try to enjoy it to the fullest, socializing and breathing in the Seychelles breeze.

Disembarkation day has arrived, but it is not traumatic as it usually is on cruise ships. We calmly get up and after breakfast set off to discover another wonder of this archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. A palm forest where we admire the traditional sea coconuts (coco de mer), a symbol of the archipelago and products protected by local authorities. But also the rare black parrot, which feeds on the very canopies of these wonderful palms.

We return on board after admiring an equally beautiful beach: Cote d’Or. One last swim before returning, amid shallow water and beautiful shade from palm trees and vegetation. Pegasos awaits us for lunch and to accompany us to disembark with its festive and smiling staff. We have a long journey home ahead of us but the experience we have had is worth any sacrifice. Variety Cruises‘ cruising style is informal and family-oriented, but the crew really knows how to make an impression. Good humor, smiles and utmost helpfulness characterize it, and all this contributes to an environment of great friendship and friendliness that involves all passengers.

The experience is not a traditional cruise, but a true journey of discovery and insight into the culture and nature of the Seychelles. You are guided by capable and experienced guides but on board there is never a shortage of free time to enjoy intimate moments, just as the itineraries also always offer free time at fabulous beaches and cozy, unspoiled towns.

A trip you won’t forget, to the Seychelles, made fulfilling and comfortable precisely because of Variety Cruises, which anticipates every need and prepares in detail every moment to make its guests’ experience simply fantastic.

Don’t miss more information, tips and Reviews of Variety Cruises on Cruising Journal, with opinions, photos and cruises on offer.

Gabriele Bassi

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