The beauty of the Seychelles is almost eclipsed by the luxury of our ship – Le Bougainville from PONANT. Its 5-star open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, and marina make this the perfect vessel to explore the islands. She’s our home for 8 glorious nights – a new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury in the planet’s most remote and thrilling destinations. And with this adventure taking place right around Valentine’s Day, it’s a grand getaway for you and your sweetheart or an idyllic place to find one!
Tired of the Caribbean? Getting bored with the same old itineraries? Looking for the ultimate winter escape that’ll turn every one of your friends green with envy? Then you’re primed and ready for something TRULY ALL NEW! Think French Polynesia meets Galapagos as VACAYA takes you on a first-of-its-kind adventure to Seychelles!
This rare and unspoiled paradise on earth is blessed with deep turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, a remarkable array of marine life, and culture and cuisine shaped by a diverse combination of European, African, and Asian influences. And to top it all off, there’s not a Diamonds International Store within sight!
One of the missions is to take our guests to fresh new destinations – fabulous places on our planet that have never been visited by other LGBT+ travel companies. Using that mission as our guide, The Vacayans have created this new 8-night luxury cruise around Seychelles just for you – a chance to see a part of our world that holds almost incalculable wonders. Sitting in the warm equatorial waters off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an island nation whose beauty is difficult to describe in words. So we’re just going to quiet down a bit and let the pictures of this off-the-beaten-path utopia fill your heart…
PONANT Breaks the Mold
Boasting 92 finely-appointed staterooms and suites, Le Bougainville is one of 6 identical Explorer-class ships from PONANT. Le Bougainville gives you a unique yacht-like cruising experience thanks to her cutting-edge design, environmentally-friendly equipment, smaller size, and subtle blend of refinement, intimacy, and comfort.
Le Bougainville‘s elegantly-designed staterooms and spacious suites boast a warm contemporary interior design by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The designer took direct inspiration from the destinations and cultures explored during PONANT’s stopovers and then punctuated the design with beautiful ethnic touches.
Le Bougainville’s pool offers a panoramic view of our surroundings and is equipped with a counter-current swimming system. This is THE spot for daytime relaxation and nature viewing. There’s also an outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas, perfect for our organized events and parties.
A fully-equipped sundeck and 3-position marina allow access to the sea for swimming and water sports (kayaking, paddle board, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, fishing). A submersible mini-port, an original and unique concept, enables direct access to Le Bougainville’s flotilla of 10 Zodiac® boats.
On Deck 4 Aft, you’ll find the ship’s panoramic restaurant, which can accommodate all of us in a single sitting. This dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts, and cheeses at your disposal. And the ship’s discrete and attentive crew will provide table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 serves grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. And of course, complimentary room service is available to you 24/7.
Blue Eye is a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory underwater lounge built to transport you to the universe under the sea. The designers’ mission is to enable you to perceive and feel the underwater universe in a way that never ceases to amaze. The integrated digital screens project the live images from three underwater cameras. An immersive sound experience can be felt in the Body Listening sofas, which discreetly vibrate in harmony with the ocean’s natural cycles and brings you closer to the marine mammals you’ll see and hear behind the giant portholes.
Different lounges enable guests to socialize and share moments together during their cruise. Our ship features a main lounge, an ideal place to meet over a drink and watch daytime or evening events; the panoramic lounge, an intimate piano bar with a unique view of the horizon; and the outdoor bar, a relaxation area with access to the pool and solarium. The main lounge can accommodate all guests for VACAYA’s social activities both day and night.
The theatre seats 188 and is equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology. This will be the showcase venue for VACAYA’s all-star entertainment line-up. It’s also equipped with an LED wall as the backdrop, allowing for multimedia presentations and destination lectures.
The Spa offers a series of luxury treatments. Choose from moisturizing facials, relaxing massages, aromatherapy baths, anti-aging treatments, and enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation. There’s a salon as well, offering hair styling, barbering, manicures, and pedicures.
The spa area includes a lovely sauna that’s larger than you’d typically expect on a ship this size. With a window facing the outdoors and long curvy benches, it’s an enticing retreat after an active expedition.
The Fitness Center, boasting picture-perfect views of the open sea, features the latest Technogym machines including a Kinesis Wall.
Le Bougainville’s common areas are designed and equipped to meet all your needs while preserving the intimacy of the experience. A 1500-square-foot reception area welcomes guests and fulfills a variety of functions from reception and concierge to excursions and boutiques.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS
CLASS OF SHIP:
BUREAU VERITAS
FLAG:
FRENCH
ICE CLASS:
1C
OCCUPANCY:
184 PASSENGERS
STATEROOMS WITH BALCONIES:
88
SUITES WITH BAY WINDOWS & TERRACE:
4
CREW:
110
GUEST DECKS:
5
TONNAGE:
9,900 UMS
ZODIACS (MARK V HD):
10
STABILIZERS (2):
13.1 FT LONG X 4.7 FT WIDE
LENGTH:
430 FT
BEAM:
59 FT
DRAFT:
15 FT
AVE. CRUISE SPEED:
12.5KTS
CONSTRUCTION:
VARD, NORWAY
SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI – OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE ADD-ON
Nestled in Sabi Sand, one of the most exclusive areas of South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, Singita Private Reserve is a Place of Miracles.
Singita’s lodges offer you the freedom to feel your senses awaken on safaris that enrapt and revive. Awe-inspiring landscapes form the perfect backdrop for your South African adventure. With limited guest and vehicle numbers, exceptionally consistent game viewing, and warm-hearted hospitality, you’ll leave transformed – with body and soul soothed by meaningful connections with friends, loved ones, yourself, and nature.
Featuring unfiltered space & time, Singita’s award-winning lodges offer remote locations, complete privacy, and intuitive service at every turn. Each unique setting allows you to truly connect with nature and experience Africa’s most pristine wildlife & wilderness up close.
VACAYA has secured Singita’s famed Ebony Lodge for an exclusive experience and level of luxury NEVER BEFORE OFFERED to the LGBT+ community. This optional post-cruise add-on is limited to 24 guests. While we can add additional spots beyond 24 at Singita’s nearby Boulders Lodge, that will be on a request-only basis. We encourage you to book early to ensure you don’t miss out.
Trip Highlights
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE:
VALLÉE DE MAI NATURE RESERVE
THE LARGE GRANITE BLOCKS OF ANSE SOURCE D’ARGENT,
ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS BEACHES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
WORLD-CLASS SCUBA AND SNORKELING
OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI ADD-ON
WHEN CRUISING PONANT WITH VACAYA, YOU’RE CHOOSING COMFORT, REFINEMENT, & DISCOVERY…
2022 Seychelles Cruise continues our already-robust tradition of redefining all that’s possible in the world of LGBT+ luxury travel. Of course savvy travelers recognize “value” rarely means “low price.” Instead, value is defined as getting something extraordinary for a great price. And that is exactly what VACAYA’s first-of-its-kind Seychelles Cruise delivers.
The Vacayans are dedicated to providing you with the very best. That’s what drives us, journey after journey. And it’s amazing what’s included:
- 8 Nights aboard the stunning Le Bougainville
- All Meals, featuring subtle and audacious flavors inspired by our ports of call
- Complimentary unlimited Open Bar throughout your cruise (premium alcohol extra)
- Complimentary unlimitedOpen Mini-Bar in your Stateroom/Suite (premium alcohol extra)
- Complimentary WiFi/Internet
- Daily Afternoon Tea and Pastries
- 24 Hour Room Service
- 5-Star Service
- 24/7 Stateroom Service
- 24/7 Reception Desk
- Lecturers, Guides, Naturalists, and Expedition Leaders
- Zodiac Landings
- Fitness Classes
The following services are available for an additional charge:
- Shore Excursions
- Spa Treatments/Massages
- Salon Services
- Laundry
- Satellite Telephone Services
- Medical Services
THE FRENCH TOUCH
As the only French cruise company, PONANT is an ambassador of the “French Touch” around the world. With a French crew, discrete service, refined cuisine, and partners that embody the same spirit of excellence and refinement, PONANT does their utmost to maintain a unique cruising philosophy.
FRENCH CREW
The French Touch means, above all, a French crew
to welcome you and ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your cruise. In an atmosphere of elegant luxury, you’ll find 5-Star Serviceonboard. It’s a unique travel experience that is simultaneously authentic and refined
A FRENCH WAY OF LIVING
The French Touch also means a way of living in which excellent gastronomy takes pride of place. Every day you’ll discover fragrant flavors, carefully selected cheeses and wines, and delicious specialty breads & pastries from Maison Lenôtre. Maison Taillevent provides its fine selection of vintage wines by the glass, Maison Veuve Clicquot champagne is served at our gala cocktails, and delicious sweets from the Ladurée bakery are on offer during afternoon tea time.
PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS
Finally, the French Touch is also evident in our choice of partners, whose expertise and passion for their work is in line with our own quest for excellence: interior design by Jean Philippe Nuel, fabrics by Pierre Frey, delicate flavours from Le Palais des Thés, Hermès bath products in all staterooms and suites, spa care products by Sothy’s, and signature perfumes from Fragonard
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 fine-sand beaches, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal-clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 meters high and overlooks the Indian Ocean… the perfect hike! Mahé is also an island full of history, where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses. And don’t forget the city’s marvelous Botanical Gardens!
Lying off the coast of Mahé, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park has been protecting the natural riches and exceptional seabeds of the verdant islands and turquoise lagoons of Sainte-Anne, Longue, Ronde, Moyenne, and Cerf since 1973. These dream islands with their white sandy beaches edged with granite rock, crystal-clear waters, and coconut trees promise unforgettable moments of relaxation and discovery. These colorful reefs and granite rocks and their large swathes of seagrass are home to a multitude of tropical fish, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and several species of ray, including the manta ray.
With white-sand beaches and warm crystal clear waters, everything here is conducive to daydreaming and relaxation in an intimate setting where the blue sky completes the picture-perfect postcard. You are on Desroches Island, the largest in the Amirantes group in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. This 6km-long coral atoll covered in lush vegetation is surrounded by spectacular seabeds, where shark and manta rays sightings are not uncommon. On the beach, you may be lucky enough to observe sea turtles, there to lay their eggs. In the island’s north, a lighthouse that’s still in operation stands guard, and the small village is home to a chapel and a cemetery.
Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then was home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it’s home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while SCUBA diving or snorkeling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live here. It’s highly likely you’ll get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it’s also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.
Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometers north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital,” it’s home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it’s the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.
Located 6km north of La Digue, Grande Sœur Island is renowned for its two sumptuous beaches and its translucent waters, protected by a coral reef. An ideal spot for snorkeling and observing the sea turtles that co-exist here with the many multi-colored fish. Pristine Grande Sœur Island is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles.
Situated some forty kilometers away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkeling. In the center of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5km by 3km). Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them; lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises; beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees; and those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent create a dream setting. Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts
We return to Mahé at the end of our journey. Today you’ll either fly home, extend here for a few days on your own, or… join VACAYA for an extraordinary 4-night post-cruise adventure in South Africa! We’re taking over one of the world’s top hotels – SINGITA PRIVATE RESERVE. And when we say “top hotels,” we’re not messing around. Singita has perennially ranked at the very top (as in #1) or near the top of the list of the “World’s Best” since she made her debut. Only 24 spots are available for this one-of-a-kind luxury adventure and they will go fast, so don’t miss out!
