Indian Ocean Cruises
A glimmering expanse of pure beauty…
One of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Indian Ocean is home to dreamlike waters that glimmer like jewels where they meet the sugar-white sands of the islands, each scattered like priceless treasures across the stretches of the sea. Famous for its secluded island paradises and atolls, a cruise to the Indian Ocean will show you serenity and beauty beyond anything you could have imagined, its crystal-clear waters overflowing with life and beauty. Discover many of the snorkelling and diving capitals of the world, cruising from wonder to wonder with every passing day, and make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Featured Cruises
Indian Ocean Treasures
- 14 Apr 2025 - 21 May 2025
- 35 Nights Nautica
- 2 Nights in Singapore
- Fly Cruise
37 nights including British Airways flights from £6,182 per person for inside cabin
Mahe to Mahe
- 16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
- 10 Nights Silver Spirit
- 1 Nights in Mahe
- Fly Cruise
11 nights including flights from £5,200 per person for suite cabin
A Unique Island Paradise
- 07 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025
- 10 Nights SH Diana
- Fly Cruise
11 nights including flights from £5,680 per person for outside cabin
13 Night India, Sri Lanka & Thailand
- 23 Nov 2025 - 08 Dec 2025
- 13 Nights Celebrity Millennium
- Fly Cruise
15 nights including flights from £2,661 per person for outside cabin
Let us help you
We’ve put together an incredible programme of luxury suppliers that can offer all types of experiences, from Tahiti to the Ganges. If you wanted to learn more – or ask about something that you can’t see on our website – just give our team of experts a call on 020 7749 5484 and they’ll create your perfect dream holiday.
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Ports of Call & Places to Explore
Maldives
The Maldives comprises clusters of little vibrant island paradises dotted across the ocean like jewels, each a marvel in its own right. Stunningly-beautiful atolls enjoy an atmosphere of pure serenity, with immaculate white sands and swaying palm fronds providing the perfect ambience to relax in. Those who stop by here will enjoy true peace, fantastic fresh seafood, and some of the best diving and snorkelling the world has to offer.
Mauritius
Incredible natural beauty, friendly locals, World Heritage sites and more – Mauritius has it all. A must-have port of call in an Indian Ocean itinerary, your stop here will put you in range of so much wonder you won’t know where to begin. From the outstanding beaches and coral reefs to the famous 7-Coloured Earth in Chamarel, there’s so much to see, with the sights and night-life of Port Louis providing plenty of opportunity for those who enjoy the delights of civilisation.
Seychelles
The beautiful Seychelles islands enjoy the typical wonders of the Indian Ocean: white sands, glimmering turquoise ocean, and fantastic marine wonders to discover. Few of these islands are inhabited, with your ports of call likeliest to stop at the three most populated of these, where you can take tours of fantastic local wildlife, witness the world’s largest nut the ‘coco de mer’, visit the ‘Castaway’ filming site, and so much more.
Aldabra
One of the outer islands of the Seychelles, Aldabra is scarcely visited by most voyagers and tourists, leaving it as a quiet and beautiful sanctum of serenity. As one of the planet’s only virtually untouched sanctuaries of nature, spending time here is like a glimpse into another world. Marvel at the waterbound roots of the mangrove forests, kayak through glimmering bright lagoons, and snorkel and dive amongst vibrant coral reefs that are bursting with life.
Sri Lanka
The greatest port here for interested cruisers is Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital and host to a wide array of local marvels. From the old Colombo lighthouse to the stunning Gangaramaya Temple, every corner of this city is a testament to its rich history and culture, with markets and monuments aplenty to explore.
Zanzibar
A tropical archipelago just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is home to stunning views, rich flora and fauna, renowned spice plantations, UNESCO heritage sites and more. Visit the bustling streets of historic Stone Town – the birthplace of Freddie Mercury – where the 17th century Arab Fort stands watch, or tour a plantation, then take a trip to Pemba island to appreciate lagoons, beaches, and undersea wonders.
Madagascar
Renowned for wildlife and local culture alike, a stop in Madagascar is sure to leave you with lasting memories of this vibrant island. Engage in some trade with the locals, sample delicious seafood and fruits, paddle through pristine waters, and head into the lush forests to see the wide array of iconic wildlife. From vibrant and colourful birds to an assortment of lemurs, there’s plenty to marvel at.
Christmas Island
Part of the territory of Australia, Christmas Island is renowned for its natural wonders. With most of the island designated as a national park, the land and water alike are home to rich wildlife and sprawling rainforests, studded through with magnificent waterfalls on land and breathtaking reefs in the underwater Java Trench. A perfect port of call for nature lovers, those who stop by Christmas Island will have so much in store for them.
Helpful Tips To Know Before You Go
- While individual destinations in the Indian Ocean may have their own best times to visit, the overall best time to cruise in the northern Indian Ocean is from November to April. In this period there will be very little rain, and any poor weather will tend to be short-lived, with warm and sunny days prevailing more often. May to December sees the highest incidence of cyclones and monsoons, so it is best to avoid cruising during these months. Areas in the Southern Indian Ocean may differ from this. Speak to one of our experts to help decide when is best to cruise your favoured itinerary.
- Pick your itinerary according to your interests. Anywhere in the Indian Ocean is great for enjoying watersports and the natural world, but if you’re searching for a more civilisation-oriented itinerary, you will want to favour more time spent at places like Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar, where vibrant local cultures and towns offer plenty of activities.
- Prepare for the sun. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the sunlight, and bringing a good marine-safe suncream is a must. Given that snorkelling and other water activities are such a draw in the Indian Ocean, it’s also a good idea to bring clothes that you can wear into the water, to protect your skin where suncream is doomed to wash away.
- Local currencies and tipping customs will vary across the ports of call in the Indian Ocean, making it a good idea to bring some of the appropriate cash for your itinerary ahead of time, as well as do a little research. In some places like Madagascar, locals may even prefer trading to simply receiving currency – if you’re interested in engaging with the culture, you could bring a ‘barter bag’ of items to exchange for the goods that interest you. Used clothing, old diving and snorkelling gear, hats, sunglasses and other such things may make helpful trade goods here.
- Bring a waterproof camera. There are so many water-based activities to enjoy on an Indian Ocean cruise, and it would be a crying shame to not be able to come home with photo evidence of the amazing things you see beneath the ocean’s surface.
Things To Do
- Kick back and relax. The Indian Ocean is well-known for its serene surroundings, with perfect beauty and a calming atmosphere perfect for soothing the spirit. The white sand beaches are an ideal place to settle in with a sunbed and a good book, taking in the sun and cooling off in the refreshing turquoise waters whenever it suits you. A cruise to the Indian Ocean is an opportunity for true rejuvenation.
- Explore the underwater world. The Indian Ocean is world-famous for the incredible marine life to be found beneath the waves. Though very beautiful from above the surface, once you peer beneath the sea you’ll discover reefs teeming with life and colour, fish and turtles and corals all forming scenes of an enchanting saltwater paradise. Some of the best dive sites in the world can be enjoyed on your Indian Ocean cruise, and divers and snorkellers alike will never tire of the wonders to be seen.
- Marvel at scenes of outstanding natural beauty. The gorgeous landscapes of the Indian Ocean are perhaps its greatest draw, with the pristine white sands and jewel-bright oceans standing as the quintessential image of this region. But that’s not all there is to discover: from the famous Seven-Coloured Earth of Mauritius to the vibrant rainforests and mangroves of various islands, there’s breathtaking beauty to be found in every corner.
- Discover a vast wealth of wildlife. Rich in flora and fauna alike, the Indian Ocean overflows with biodiversity. Much of it is below the seas, with opportunities to see incredible animals like endangered species of turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and more depending on time of year. Above the water, you’ll discover the lemurs of Madagascar, rare and fantastic birds alight with song and colour, and so much more.
- Enjoy history and culture. From the temples and museums of Sri Lanka to the bustling markets of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, there’s landmarks and monuments in abundance for you to discover. UNESCO heritage sites will provide a look into the storied pasts of the ports you visit, and friendly locals in places like Mauritius will give you plenty of opportunity to experience the life and culture of the inhabitants of the Indian Ocean. Whether you prefer to party or partake in the local history, there’s certainly no shortage of things to explore.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
At Kenwood Travel we’re proud to provide cruises that our customers will treasure for the rest of their lives, and you’ll be no exception. We’re excited to help you plan an Indian Ocean cruising itinerary that’s everything you could have dreamed of, fine-tuned and perfectly tailored to your needs. With ATOL and ABTOT protection for your cruise to the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy your voyage with total peace of mind, and rest easy knowing we’ll be available to help you every step of the way. Get in touch today, and let us make your Indian Ocean cruise dreams into a reality.