June 2001 Africa Eclipse Cruise Itinerary Details

ZURICH – MOMBASA  Friday, June 15   -- Arrive Zurich and connect to our special charter flight non-stop to Mombasa.

MOMBASA  Saturday, June 16 -- Arrive Mombasa early this morning and transfer to the dock for immediate embarkation of the m/s ROYAL STAR. Settle into your cabin, rest, relax, and enjoy lunch on board before sailing late this afternoon. Meet the captain at his welcome reception this evening.

AT SEA Sun-Mon, Jun 17-18 -- The next two days are devoted to preparation for the eclipse. The lecture series with presentations by our team of experts includes sessions on eclipse mechanics, history and photography.

NOSY BE, MADAGASCAR Tuesday, June 19 -- Scattered along the western coast of Madagascar are numerous small islands. Dock in Nosy Be for an optional excursion to the Lokobe Strict Nature Reserve, a preserved remnant of the dense rain-forest that once blanketed the islands. Views are stunning from Mt. Passot. Also visit the neighboring island, Nosy Komba, known for its remarkably approachable black lemurs. There is time to visit the interesting shops of Hellville before sailing late this afternoon.

AT SEA  Wednesday, June 20 -- Our lecture series continues. Topics include cosmology and preparation for viewing the eclipse. The m/s ROYAL STAR offers a wide range of activities and facilities, including a library, swimming pool, sauna, boutique and small fitness room. Each evening the shipboard band entertains in the Marco Polo Lounge and the casino is open for action.

AT SEA, MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL -- 20° SOUTH LATITUDE  Thursday, June 21 -- The photography review and mock eclipse drill insures that all are prepared for totality this afternoon. The m/s ROYAL STAR continues south to the approximate coordinates 20° south latitude, 39° east longitude, a position in the Mozambique Channel off the coast of Madagascar. Then, in the mid afternoon, the sky will slowly dim and the warm south sea air will slowly cool, as a thrill of anticipation runs through the crowd. All eyes, protected by special filters, will be riveted on the sun. This is the moment we’ve been waiting to see – the moment when the sun disappears behind the moon – the moment we call totality. For approximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds the Earth and the sky will darken, as the moon’s shadow touches us. Planets will become visible as we observe one of nature’s most awesome spectacles, a total solar eclipse.

AT SEA Friday, June 22 -- Continue to relax and enjoy cruising the Indian Ocean. Learn about the ancient Arab trade routes, which introduced spices from this region to Europe, inspiring the great European Age of Discovery.

MAYOTTE, COMORES ISLANDS Saturday, June 23 -- The Comores lie some 300 miles off the coast of Africa and consist of four islands. With rich and varied vegetation, they are the major producer of the world’s perfume essences, processed from the blossoms of ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange. The Comores are also well-known for the discovery of the "prehistoric" deep sea fish, the coelacanth, thought to be long extinct, but discovered some years ago in these waters. Mayotte, the southernmost island, is almost completely encircled by a coral reef, forming one of the largest lagoons in the world. There is an opportunity to snorkel here. An optional tour explores this exotic island of fragrances, towering volcanic peaks, thundering waterfalls and dens jungles. The capital city, Dzaoudzi, is distinctly French with a gracious colonial charm. Sail late this afternoon.

AT SEA Sunday, June 24 -- Visit the bridge and learn about maritime navigation. The pool, fitness room and library are also available for your use.

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA Monday, June 25 -- The m/s ROYAL STAR docks at the exotic island of Zanzibar. Explore the colorful markets redolent with the smell of clove and wander the narrow alleyways where richly decorated balconies and magnificent, hand-carved doors showcase Arabic architecture. Or join the optional tour of the old city to see the historic Palace of the Sultan of Zanzibar, the Church of Christ built on the site of the slave market, and explore the coast lines with beautiful beaches and aromatic clove plantations.

MOMBASA, KENYA – BASEL – ZURICH Tuesday, June 26 -- After disembarking the m/s ROYAL STAR in Mombasa, we transfer to the airport for the special charter flight to Basel and motorcoach transfer to a Zurich airport hotel. Or, join an optional safari to the great wildlife parks of East Africa. (See the Optional Excursion section for details.)

ZURICH – USA Wednesday, June 27 -- We depart Zurich on regularly scheduled airlines for the USA.

Accommodations are limited.  Don't delay.
For information and reservations, contact:

Lauren Woodhouse Mathews
Siemer & Hand Travel
800-451-4321 or 415-788-4000
laurenm@siemerhand.com

** For excellent educational and background information on eclipses, order ECLIPSE by Bryan Brewer ($14.95 plus S&H). ECLIPSE Book Order Form. **