By Keith Howard
The Queen Mary II, one of the largest and most expensive ocean liners ever built, departed South Africa’s coastal city of Durban this morning (January 30, 2012) on her way to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. After four days in South Africa the ship and its guests will enjoy some time enjoying the region and all Mauritius has to offer. The stops are part of a world cruise which got under way on January 10, 2012 in Southampton. It is a cruise that attracts up to 3,000 of the wealthiest and most influential passengers in the cruise industry.
The ship is owned and operated by Cunard, one of the most well-known names in luxury cruises. It boasts the largest number of restaurants, the biggest ballroom, and even the biggest morgue among all cruise ships on the water. It also boasts more than 1,200 crew members whose goal is to cater to every desire of their passengers. The cruise features fine wines from around the world, first-class cuisine, and cabins that redefine what it means to sail in luxury.
After its stay in Mauritius the Queen Mary II will head to Australia and then make its way to New Guinea and Japan. Although very few passengers will disembark at Mauritius for an extended stay, the island nation welcomes the visitors enthusiastically. The hope is that many of them who are seeing Mauritius for the first time will fall in love with the island and make plans to return in the future. Mauritius looks at all such short-term visits as a means of showcasing itself among large numbers of potential future arrivals. They want the experience of the passengers on shore to be as wonderful as their experience on the ship.
Mauritius luxury holidays can rival the Queen Mary II at many of the island’s five-star luxury resorts. The best hotels offer a long list of amenities including on-site luxury spas, spacious and well apportioned accommodations, luxurious linens, hand-picked furnishings, luxury suites with private pools, and even 24 hour butler service. For the discriminating traveller who desires the very best, Mauritius is one of the favourite tropical holiday destinations.
What draws many arrivals to the island is her gorgeous tropical weather — and rightly so. The variation in temperatures is a very slight, and there’s more sunshine there than in many other places around the world. It is the perfect environment to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday with a spouse, the family, or even a group of friends or colleagues. Yet there’s more than just sun and sand in this heavenly environment. There are also some incredible natural wonders you absolutely must see.
Mauritius offers fragrant tropical gardens, majestic mountain panoramas of the Indian Ocean, miles of biking and hiking trails, crystal clear waters, and the most spectacular sunsets you’ll see anywhere. No matter your location on the island you’ll find a natural feast for the senses; an experience that will linger in your memory for a lifetime.
Airworld Tours is a UK-based luxury holiday company specialising in Mauritius luxury holidays.