The Indian Ocean – it sounds exotic and your voyage of discovery here will certainly be so with visits to the intriguing Reunion Island, the white sand beaches of Mauritius where the clear waters feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean. And when you cross the Equator, the ‘Trusty Shellbacks’ (seasoned sailors) on the ship will organise a ‘Court of Neptune’ to indoctrinate the ‘Slimy Pollywogs’ (that’s you if you haven’t crossed before) into the ‘Mysteries of the Deep’ – the initiation rites that commemorate a sailor’s first crossing of the Equator. You will also call in at Sri Lanka, one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism in South Asia and the first Asian country to have a female ruler. Finally you will arrive in Kochi, in the scenic state of Kerala, which for many centuries was the centre of the Indian Spice trade.
Please note, you only need to obtain necessary visas for your point of departure and arrival. Visas for intermediate stops will be arranged on board (there may be a charge for this).
Durban, South Africa.
The busiest Port in South Africa. (Zulu: eThekwini,from itheku meaning Bay/Lagoon)
Entry RequirementsSouth Africa
British Nationals need a Passport valid for 30 days beyond thedate of intended travel. You need at least 2 blank pages otherwise you riskbeing sent back to the UK. British Nationals visiting South Africa on holidayfor less than 90 days do not require Visas
Health
If travellers have been to areas infected with yellow feverthey must carry a vaccination certificate, otherwise no vaccination isrequired. However, check with your GP 8 weeks before your trip to check whetheryou need any vaccinations or other preventative measures.
Currency
South African Rand. There is ahigh incidence of credit card fraud. Be vigilant to ensure your PIN is notobserved when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Safety
In all areas of South Africa you should be cautious when outafter dark. However, the risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to themain tourist destinations is generally low.
King Shaka International Airport (named after the 19thcentury Zulu Warrior King)
Located at La Mercy, 22 miles (35 kms) North of the CityCentre. For disabled travellers there are lifts, ramps, wheelchairs anddisabled toilets.
Taxi Cabs. Good negotiation skills are required to get the bestTaxi rates, even if the Taxi has a meter! Cost should be about R450 to CityCentre. Prices are for the trip NOT per person. A 10% tip is usual for goodservice.
Safety
Be vigilant at all times in Durban’s City Centre and beachfront areas.
Reunion Island(possible stop)
Reunion is an Overseas Department of France. If your Passportdescribes you as a British Citizen you will not need a Visa to enter Reunion.
Health
You should seek medical advice 4-8 weeks before travelling toReunion and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.
Currency - the Euro.
Mauritius (possiblestop)
You must have a valid Passport to enter Mauritius. YourPassport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry intoMauritius. You must have a return ticket.
Safety
Petty crime is common. Take precautions against theft. Mostcrime is non-violent.
Local Laws
Drug smuggling is a serious offence. You may carry common Medicinal drugs for your ownuse, but you must carry copies of valid Medical Prescriptions.
Health
Stonefish stings are uncommon, but you should obtain urgentmedical assistance if stung.
Do not drink the local water.
You should seek medical advice 8 weeks before travelling toMauritius, and ensure that vaccinations are up to date.
Mosquito repellent is recommended.
Currency
MauritiusRupee. ATMs are widely available in most towns.
Sri Lanka (possiblestop)
Entry Requirements
You must hold a valid Passport to enter Sri Lanka, which mustbe valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from Sri Lanka.
Health.
Contact your G.P 8 weeks before your trip tocheck whether you need any vaccinations or other preventative measures.
Security
You must carry a form of official photographic identificationwith you at all times.
Currency - The Sri Lankan Rupee
There are ATMs in major Cities, but some do not acceptInternational cards. Be aware of an increasing number of incidents of creditcard fraud.
Kochi - Colonial nameCochin
Kochi is a vibrant Port City, situated on the South West coastof the Indian peninsula in the state of Kerala.
Entry Requirements
You must hold a valid Passport which must have 2 blank pagesfor your Visa and must be valid for a minimum of 180 days from the date ofentry into India.
Entry Requirements - Medication. Medicines may be taken toIndia so long as you carry with you a bone fide Doctor’s prescription forthem. Narcotic drugs and psychotropicsubstances, however, are prohibited. Forfurther information and specific queries, please contact the High Commissionerof India in London.
Disabled Travellers. Hotels with accommodation forvisitors with disabilities. Theundermentioned is for voyage crew information only. The Jubilee Sailing Trusthas no contacts with the Hotels/websites mentioned.
The Ramada Resort, Cochin, say they have disabled accessiblerooms at their Cochin Hotel. www.ramadacochin.com.
Vivanta by Taj Malabar. 45km from the airport, they state theyhave rooms/facilities for Disabled Guests. For further Hotels in Cochin forDisabled Guest facilities see Booking.com type in Cochin, India.
Health.
Contactyour GP 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations orother preventive measures.
Safety and Security
Be aware of what you are eating and drinking. Do not acceptfood or drink from strangers.
Take particular care of your Passport and valuables. Keep aphotocopy of your Passport.
If your travel document is lost or stolen notify the Policeimmediately, and obtain a Police report
Avoid walking alone in isolated spots in the popular touristareas, particularly after dark.
Cochin International Airport
Located in Nedumbassery, about 30km (19 miles) North East of Kochi.
There is a free Porterage service for the convenience ofdisabled travellers, as well as lifts and ramps.
Taxis. Cochin airport manages a fleet of its own Taxis,operating as the Cochin Airport Taxi Society.
Currency - Indian Rupee
The above informationwas correct as at May 2012. It is advisable to check with the Foreign andCommonwealth website for further/up to date information.