Home » Cruise News of Africa » Azamara Journey Launches an Immersive Indian Ocean Voyage Linking Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles and South Africa

Published on
January 9, 2026

A remarkable long-duration voyage has been launched in the Indian Ocean region as Azamara Journey has been set on a distinctive sailing that brings together the Vanilla Islands, East Africa, and the wider Indian Ocean in a single, carefully curated itinerary. Departing from Port Louis in Mauritius, the journey has been designed to highlight lesser-visited destinations while offering in-depth exploration across island nations and mainland African ports. Through an extended 16-night roundtrip cruise, passengers are being guided through a region celebrated for biodiversity, history, and maritime heritage, linking destinations in Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Seychelles.

This itinerary has been positioned as a standout offering within the cruise line’s seasonal deployment, as a balanced mix of port-intensive calls and extended ocean crossings has been introduced. Overnight stays and multi-day cruising segments have been integrated to encourage immersive travel rather than rapid sightseeing. Following the conclusion of this voyage, continued sailings around Africa and onward repositioning to Europe have been scheduled, reinforcing the ship’s role in long-range experiential cruising. With subsequent itineraries covering South Africa, the Canary Islands, and beyond, the deployment of Azamara Journey has been aligned with global travel flows and destination diversity.

Departure from Mauritius Marks the Start of a Rare Regional Itinerary

The cruise itinerary was initiated on January 4, when Azamara Journey departed from Port Louis, the capital port of Mauritius. A roundtrip sailing format was adopted, allowing Mauritius to serve both as the embarkation and return point. This approach has been particularly attractive for travelers seeking a seamless journey through the Indian Ocean without the need for complex international flight arrangements.

Mauritius, positioned at the crossroads of African, Asian, and European influences, provided an ideal gateway for a voyage centered on cultural discovery. The port infrastructure and regional connectivity of the island nation were leveraged to support a longer cruise format, enabling extended exploration of remote island destinations and emerging African ports.

Exploration of Madagascar and the Vanilla Islands

Following departure, the itinerary was directed toward Madagascar, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. Calls were scheduled at Diego Suarez and Nosy Be, both of which are recognized for dramatic landscapes, endemic wildlife, and historical trading routes. These ports were selected to offer travelers exposure to Madagascar’s unique ecological and cultural identity, which has long set the island apart within the Indian Ocean region.

The voyage then progressed to Mayotte in Comoros, an overseas department known for its blend of African and French influences. Mayotte’s inclusion strengthened the focus on the Vanilla Islands, a collective term used to describe island destinations in the southwest Indian Ocean that share historical trade links and cultural connections. Through these calls, the cruise emphasized regional storytelling rather than isolated port visits.

Overnight Calls in Tanzania and Kenya Enhance Cultural Immersion

As the itinerary shifted toward mainland Africa, Azamara Journey was scheduled to conduct overnight visits in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Mombasa, Kenya. These extended stays were intentionally designed to allow deeper engagement with local culture, cuisine, and heritage.

In Zanzibar, a destination celebrated for its Swahili architecture and spice trade history, overnight docking enabled evening explorations and extended shore programs. Similarly, Mombasa offered access to Kenya’s coastal traditions, historic forts, and vibrant markets. By including overnight calls, the cruise format prioritized meaningful experiences over brief port stops, aligning with evolving travel preferences in the luxury and destination-focused cruise sector.

Seychelles Showcases Island Diversity Before Return to Mauritius

Before concluding the roundtrip voyage, Azamara Journey was guided toward the Seychelles, where three distinct destinations were scheduled. Visits to La Digue, Praslin Island, and Mahé were planned to showcase the archipelago’s varied character, from quiet island communities to more developed cultural hubs.

Each Seychellois port was selected to highlight different aspects of the country’s natural and cultural offerings. La Digue provided access to unspoiled beaches and traditional island life, while Praslin Island was known for its rare flora and protected natural reserves. Mahé, as the largest island and home to the capital, served as a cultural and logistical anchor within the itinerary. These stops collectively reinforced the cruise’s emphasis on slow travel and regional depth.

Balanced Sailing with Extensive Time at Sea

In addition to eight ports of call, the itinerary was structured to include eight days of cruising through the Indian Ocean. These sea days were integrated to provide balance, allowing passengers time to rest, engage with onboard enrichment programs, and absorb the geographic scale of the region.

The extended ocean crossings also reflected the traditional maritime nature of Indian Ocean travel, where distances between islands and continents have historically shaped trade and cultural exchange. By maintaining a measured pace, the voyage highlighted the journey itself as a central component of the travel experience.

Continuation to South Africa After Indian Ocean Completion

Upon completion of the 16-night itinerary later in January, Azamara Journey was scheduled to transition into a 14-night cruise to South Africa. This open-jaw sailing was planned from Port Louis to Cape Town, further expanding the vessel’s African focus.

Stops were included in Saint-Denis in Réunion and Fort Dauphin in Madagascar, extending the exploration of Indian Ocean islands before reaching the African mainland. In South Africa, visits were planned for Richard’s Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Mossel Bay, offering a comprehensive look at the country’s diverse coastal regions.

Repositioning Voyage Highlights Saint Helena and West Africa

Concluding its winter operations around Africa, Azamara Journey was set to embark on a repositioning voyage to the Canary Islands in early February. This segment was highlighted by a visit to Saint Helena, a remote British territory in the South Atlantic known for its isolation and historical significance.

Additional calls were scheduled in Dakar, Senegal, and Banjul, Gambia, bringing West Africa into the broader narrative of the season. These ports added further cultural and geographic variety before the ship’s return to Europe.

European and Northern Hemisphere Deployment Follows

After returning to Europe, Azamara Journey was scheduled to offer spring itineraries to the Canary Islands, Iberia, and the Mediterranean. These sailings were positioned to capitalize on shoulder-season travel demand and favorable sailing conditions.

During the summer months, the vessel was planned to operate in Northern Europe, Iceland, Canada, and New England, completing a global circuit that connected Africa, Europe, and North America within a single deployment cycle.

Fleet Update Adds Operational Context

In related developments, Azamara recently completed the transfer of its four-ship fleet to RINA classification. This move underscored the company’s focus on technical standards and regulatory alignment as it continued to expand its destination-driven cruise offerings.

Through its extended Indian Ocean and African itineraries, Azamara Journey has been positioned as a vessel dedicated to immersive, regionally focused travel. By linking island nations and mainland ports across Mauritius, East Africa, and South Africa, the cruise has reinforced the appeal of slow exploration and cultural depth within modern cruise tourism.