Dubai & Idyllic Seychelles Islands Gay Cruise & Tour
11 nights cruise & tour from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles
February 17 – 28, 2015
Variety Cruises M/YPegasus
4 nights in the staggering mega-city of Dubai, followed by a 7-day cruise aboard the 21-cabin yacht Pegasus in the lush, virtually-uninhabited Seychelles Islands. This sensational exploration of Dubai combined with a cruise of the spectacular Seychelles
Islands is a study in contrasts and extremes. In Dubai, witness man's capacity to build beyond
the limits of the imagination; in the Seychelles, sail virtually-uninhabited islands to experience a world still ruled by nature and barely touched by man.
Embark on an Adventure Like None Other.
Your journey begins with four days in Dubai, one of the seven, and certainly most progressive, emirates of the United Arab Emirates, set between the desert and the sea. Long an important
trading port, ever-changing Dubai has become a dazzling, international destination renowned for
its grand architecture and construction projects and as a leading center of finance, real estate,
tourism, and commerce. Against a backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers (including Burj Khalifa, the
world's tallest building), explore traditional souks, the labyrinthine lanes of the Bastakiya Quarter,
and the Dubai Museum. Sail Dubai Creek for a panorama of the city's dramatic skyline, then
enjoy an excursion to the outlying desert, where watching the sunset over rippling red-gold sand
is an awe-inspiring event.
Then prepare for a drastic change of pace when you fly to the Seychelles and embark the
42-guest yacht Pegasus for seven days cruising around a lush island paradise. Hidden away in
the Indian Ocean, spread out over a vast expanse of sea, lie the 115 jewel-like Seychelles,
30 of which are inhabited. The population is very small, with no cities and only a few rustic towns
and villages set amid sublime tropical scenery, pristine palm-fringed beaches, and crystal-clear
waters. The Seychelles are an ecological wonderland, filled with an astounding array of animals,
birds, and plants, with such unique species as the Seychelles sunbird, giant land tortoise, and
tiger chameleon. Along the coral reefs are over 1,000 species of fish. And everywhere you'll
encounter hibiscus, frangipani, and unusual varieties of lilies. Every day brings a fresh discovery.
Explore Praslin's Vallee de Mai, a stunning nature preserve containing the famous Coco de Mer
palm tree. Visit Aride, home to enormous colonies of seabirds and the unique Wright's Gardenia,
found nowhere else on Earth. And on La Digue, marvel at massive granite boulders reminiscent of
the sculptures of Henry Moore.
The best way to explore the Seychelles is by ship, and the yacht Pegasus
is the perfect choice for this voyage. All 21 cabins are exterior with windows that fill your stateroom with natural light. The ship's handsome public areas include a spacious lounge and dining room, sun decks for
sunbathing and dining alfresco, and a mini-spa. Swimmers and snorkelers will be able to enjoy
the rich marine life directly from the swim platform at the rear of the ship.
An Uforgettable Exploration Led by Experts
On this journey you will be accompanied by experts
who will introduce you to the many wonders of these remarkable lands.
In the Seychelles you will cruise aquamarine waters rich with marine life and explore lush tropical forests home to colorful birdlife and rare flora with seasoned naturalist Lyn Mair. Dubai presents a curious mix of
traditional culture and hyper-modern architecture and commerce. Interaction with our local guides
and experts will provide a context that deepens your understanding and enhances your appreciation of the places we visit and the things we see.
Our Seychelles Naturalist & Study Leader Lyn Mair
is the senior author and photographer of Seychelles, the Bradt Travel guide, as well as the author of several articles on nature and wildlife and an experienced and passionate naturalist and travel guide who has led dozens of cruises and land explorations. Born
and raised in Zimbabwe, she is an ornithologist who
has made Cape Town, South Africa, her home for the
past 25 years. Lyn is familiar with practically every
corner of Africa, where she has studied and observed
a multitude of birdlife and wildlife. During the cruise,
Lyn will share with travelers her knowledge of and love
for the amazing biodiversity of the Seychelles and the
Indian Ocean.
If you have been looking for new and thrilling destinations, then we urge you to join us next winter in Dubai and the Seychelles for an exciting modern desert experience combined with a true
tropical island idyll untouched by mass tourism. But participation is limited, so please reserve your place today!
Dubai & Seychelles Gay Cruise Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel.
A small coastal hamlet less than 100 years ago, Dubai has transformed itself into an irresistible modern metropolis—a center of finance and commerce and a destination of international travelers. During our four-day stay we will have the opportunity to explore this amazing city and the surrounding area.
Day 2 - Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Explore Dubai, including the old parts of Bur Dubai and Deira, where we will visit the Dubai Museum, whose exhibits give an informative introduction to the history of Dubai and the Emirates; the covered Deira Old Souk, also known as the Spice Souk; and the famed Gold Souk. Also visit the Bastakia Quarter, with its old wind tower houses, and enjoy a traditional lunch in one of them. Spend the afternoon at leisure before a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3 - Thursday, February 19, 2015
Dubai / Sharjah / Dubai Drive in the morning to nearby Sharjah, the third largest Emirate, and one of the most important trading ports in the Gulf during the early 19th century. Sharjah is known for its vibrant cultural scene as seen in its museums and galleries, as well as for its Al-Arsah Souk.
Return to Dubai to spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 - Friday, February 20, 2015
Dubai, United Arab Emirates In the morning take a boat ride on The Creek to view Dubai's incomparable mixture of old and strikingly new architecture. In the afternoon, take a desert safari, driving out of Dubai, where you will enjoy a ride through the impressive sand dunes, the sunset over the desert, and a traditional dinner.
Day 5 - Saturday, February 21, 2015
Dubai / Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles / Embark Pegasus / St. Anne Island Fly in the morning from Dubai to Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, located on the island of Mahe.
Upon arrival, transfer to the port to embark Pegasus. Embarkation 15:00 to 16:00 pm. After the welcome cocktail and safety drill, we leave Port Victoria and sail to nearby St. Anne for a refreshing swim stop off the ship. Overnight at anchor near St. Anne. Welcome dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 - Sunday, February 22, 2015
Curieuse Island, Seychelles We leave St. Anne island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning we visit this uninhabited island, once a leper colony and home to giant tortoises, the legendary Coco de Mer palm, and several bird species. Our walking excursion with a park guide will bring us to the farm, along mangrove forests. Later we return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. Curieuse is also noted for its superb beaches, which we will enjoy in the afternoon. Overnight at anchor.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 - Monday, February 23, 2015 Curieuse / Cousin island / Anse Lazio
In the morning we sail for Cousin island. Enjoy excursion to the Bird Sanctuary which is in the care Bird Life International. A quarter million birds breed on Cousin which also has several nesting beaches for turtles. Later in the afternoon we reach Anse Lazio. In the afternoon we sail to Anse Lazio, Praslin, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports, snorkelling or optional diving. Evening at anchor.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 - Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Anse Lazio - Aride - St. Pierre - Baie St. Anne / Praslin In the morning we leave for Aride. Our optional excursion will take you all the way to the top of the island for an amazing view. The island is home to the Wright's gardenia found nowhere else on earth and to bird species like the Audubon's shearwater, the Seychelles warbler. At noon we sail for St. Pierre island. We reach St. Pierre after lunch for a 3 hour snorkeling and swimming stop. At sunset, we leave St. Pierre to sail into Baie St. Anne, Praslin. Overnight at dock. Creole night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Baie St. Anne, Praslin - Felicite - La Digue Enjoy excursion to the famous Vallee de Mai Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lush, primeval tract of virgin forest is believed by some to be the original Garden of Eden. You will explore the pathways under tall palm trees which produce the famous Coco de Mer and you might sight a black parrot only found in Praslin.
Afternoon sailing to Felicite for swimming, snorkelling or optional diving excursion on this uninhabited island.
Evening sailing to La Digue. Evening arrival at La Digue. Anchor in front of the Port. Overnight.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 - Thursday, February 26, 2015 La Digue - Moyenne Island All day excursion in La Digue, a quaint community in the Seychelles where time is standing still. Oxcarts and bicycles still outnumber cars by far. Our optional morning oxcart tour will take us to the picturesque Anse de Source d' Argent for a refreshing swim. It is said that this is the most photographed beach in the world.
Late afternoon sailing to Moyenne Island, opposite Mahe. Evening arrival at Moyenne. Overnight at anchor.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 - Friday, February 27, 2015 Moyenne island - Mahe - Inter Island Quay Short guiding around the island and time for swim. Beach BBQ on the island. This is a last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming.
We leave Moyenne Island for Mahe's Victoria Port in the afternoon. Late afternoon, we reach the Inter island Quay, Mahe. Captain's Farewell Dinner with live music and dancing. Overnight in Mahe.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11 - Saturday, February 28, 2015 Victoria, Mahe Island / Disembark Pegasus Disembark in Victoria and transfer to the airport for return flights home. Disembarkation 9:00 to 10.00 am.
Meals: B
Dubai & Seychelles Gay Cruise & Tour Itinerary
Date
Port
Meals
17 Feb
Dubai, UAE
18 Feb
Dubai, UAE
B, L, D
19 Feb
Dubai / Sharjah / Dubai
B
20 Feb
Dubai, UAE
B, D
21 Feb
Dubai / Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles / Embark / St. Anne Island
B, L, D
22 Feb
Curieuse Island
B, L, D
23 Feb
Cousin Island
B, L, D
24 Feb
Aride & St. Pierre Islands / Praslin Island
B, L, D
25 Feb
Praslin Island / Felicite Island
B, L, D
26 Feb
La Digue Island
B, L, D
27 Feb
Moyenne Island
B, L, D
28 Feb
Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles / Disembark
B
What's Included:
• 4 nights in Dubai at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel (or similar), with American breakfast and other meals as noted in the itinerary
• 7-night cruise aboard the 42-guest yacht Pegasus
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Welcome dinner and special dinner in the desert in Dubai
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals during the cruise
• Professional Travel Dynamics International cruise and tour staff
• Exclusive Coda tour guide upon minimum participation
• Educational program of lectures by accompanying study leaders
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates
• Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
Not Included:
• International Airfare (Home|Dubai; Dubai/Seychelles and return)
• Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
• Trip cancellation and baggage insurance
• Meals and beverages other than those specified
• Personal expenses aboard (such as laundry, telephone, Internet)
• Gratuities to shipboard personnel
• Conservation fee and port taxes and charges
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Situated in Dubai's Deira neighborhood, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers overlooks the Dubai Creek. Also nearby are the Dubai Creek Gold and Yacht Club, the Gold Souk, and the Spice Souk.
The recently renovated Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers has a health club, an outdoor pool, poolside bar, steam room, and sauna. This 5.0-star Dubai property features massage and treatment rooms, a hair salon, and beauty services. Business amenities include a business center, free wireless high-speed Internet access, and meeting rooms for small groups.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers has restaurants, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café. Event facilities consist of a ballroom, exhibit space, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. Complimentary valet parking is provided to guests. Pick-up service from the airport is available on request with 48-hour notice.
All 268 air-conditioned guestrooms include free WiFi, 43-inch LED televisions with premium TV channels, and laptop-compatible safes. Business-friendly amenities include desks and voice mail. Complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms have deep soaking tubs with separate rainfall showers and feature bathroom phones, scales, and bathrobes. Guestroom services include wake up calls, turndown service, and housekeeping.
M/Y Pegasus
The twin-hulled Pegasus, built in 1990, completely refitted in 1997,
and renovated in 2009/10, accommodates 42 guests in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. Pegasus
operates year-round in the idyllic Seychelles Islands. On board, you will enjoy magnificent sea views
as you stroll more than 3,000 square feet of open deck space, furnished with comfortable deck chairs, or have a delightful meal alfresco. Relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge or visit the bridge to learn about navigation. Ocean-view dining is convivial and unhurried in a single unassigned seating. All cabins face outside and feature lower beds, a private bathroom with shower, radio, telephone, and individual climate control. A platform on Pegasus's stern enables you to swim and snorkel directly from the ship when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
Dining Room
The dining room is located on the upper deck and is a spacious area surrounded with large windows, and can accommodate all clients in one seating. Enjoy our hospitality and our chef's superb creations, choosing from a wide variety of international and local dishes.
Lounge Area
Our friendly, elegant bar is one of the most popular spots on the ship and an ideal setting for personal moments. Talk with your old friends or make new ones over a refreshing drink.
Outside Restaurant
You can relax on the outside shaded restaurant on the aft of the Pegasus enjoy ocean-view delightful meals al fresco.
Deluxe cabins located on Upper & Main Decks with one double bed or two twin beds and large windows. The Category A cabins are spacious cabins located with large windows offering unique views of the destinations you visit. They are equipped with a private shower and toilet, individual climate control, radio, telephone and TV.
$ 8'623
$ 10'218
B Category Cabin
The Category B Deluxe cabins are spacious cabins located on the Main Deck and on the Sun Deck with large windows offering unique views of the destinations you visit. They are equipped with a private shower and toilet, individual climate control, radio, telephone and TV.
$ 8'023
$ 9'418
C Category Cabin
Deluxe cabins located on Main Deck with two twin beds and large windows. The Category C cabins are spacious cabins equipped with a private shower and toilet, individual climate control, radio, telephone (for internal use) and TV.
Conservation fee, port charges & taxes: $390 per person
Min. deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final
payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Card payments are subject of 3-5% payment processing fees.
Cancellations are subject to a $500 per person administrative fee. In addition,
cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will
be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program
cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of
departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip
cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of
expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or
accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the
event that you must cancel your participation in a travel
program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only
source of reimbursement.
Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel.
Explore Dubai, including the old parts of Bur Dubai and Deira, where we will visit the Dubai Museum, whose exhibits give an informative introduction to the history of Dubai and the Emirates; the covered Deira Old Souk, also known as the Spice Souk; and the famed Gold Souk. Also visit the Bastakia Quarter, with its old wind tower houses, and enjoy a traditional lunch in one of them. Spend the afternoon at leisure before a welcome dinner this evening.
Drive in the morning to nearby Sharjah, the third largest Emirate, and one of the most important trading ports in the Gulf during the early 19th century. Sharjah is known for its vibrant cultural scene as seen in its museums and galleries, as well as for its Al-Arsah Souk.
In the morning take a boat ride on The Creek to view Dubai's incomparable mixture of old and strikingly new architecture. In the afternoon, take a desert safari, driving out of Dubai, where you will enjoy a ride through the impressive sand dunes, the sunset over the desert, and a traditional dinner.
We leave St. Anne island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning we visit this uninhabited island, once a leper colony and home to giant tortoises, the legendary Coco de Mer palm, and several bird species. Our walking excursion with a park guide will bring us to the farm, along mangrove forests. Later we return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. Curieuse is also noted for its superb beaches, which we will enjoy in the afternoon. Overnight at anchor. 
In the morning we sail for Cousin island. Enjoy excursion to the Bird Sanctuary which is in the care Bird Life International. A quarter million birds breed on Cousin which also has several nesting beaches for turtles. Later in the afternoon we reach Anse Lazio. In the afternoon we sail to Anse Lazio, Praslin, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports, snorkelling or optional diving. Evening at anchor. 
In the morning we leave for Aride. Our optional excursion will take you all the way to the top of the island for an amazing view. The island is home to the Wright's gardenia found nowhere else on earth and to bird species like the Audubon's shearwater, the Seychelles warbler. At noon we sail for St. Pierre island. We reach St. Pierre after lunch for a 3 hour snorkeling and swimming stop. At sunset, we leave St. Pierre to sail into Baie St. Anne, Praslin. Overnight at dock. Creole night. 
Enjoy excursion to the famous Vallee de Mai Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lush, primeval tract of virgin forest is believed by some to be the original Garden of Eden. You will explore the pathways under tall palm trees which produce the famous Coco de Mer and you might sight a black parrot only found in Praslin.
All day excursion in La Digue, a quaint community in the Seychelles where time is standing still. Oxcarts and bicycles still outnumber cars by far. Our optional morning oxcart tour will take us to the picturesque Anse de Source d' Argent for a refreshing swim. It is said that this is the most photographed beach in the world.
Short guiding around the island and time for swim. Beach BBQ on the island. This is a last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming.
