Destinations
Mumbai, India
Blessed with a natural harbour, Mumbai is one of the busiest ports of India, conducting about 40% of India’s maritime trade. Over the years, Mumbai has been transformed into the fastest moving, most prosperous and industrialised city in India with flourishing markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere.
Being the capital of Maharashtra and hub of filmstars, Mumbai as such attracts tourist from all over the world. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is also known as the Gateway of India and a shopper’s paradise offering almost every type of cuisine of the world.
Kadmat Island (Lakshadweep), India
Kadmat is one of the few islands in Lakshadweep which is open to tourists. It is ideal as a holiday destination as it rescues you from the hustle and bustle of city life to a peaceful retreat of coconut palm groves and a haven for water sports lovers. The narrow and beautiful shallow lagoons on the east and west respectively are the ideal spots for leisurely walks and water sports. This spectacular tropical island is remotely located 220-440 kms off the Malabar Coast. Conferred the National Eco-Tourism Awards 1997, the islands offer a natural heritage of ecology with its rich maritime wealth, pristine beaches and lagoons. Adventurers can indulge in scuba diving, wind surfing and parasailing. If you prefer, kayaks, pedal boats, sailing yachts, skiing boats and glass bottom boats are also available for hire.
Goa, India
Goa has come a long way from just being a panaromic beach paradise with its charming stretches of snowy velvety white sands and surf beaches by the crystal clear Arabian Sea. The wonderous aroma of seafood, the magnificient colours of light at sunset into the sea definitely consumes one’s heart and creates a mystical illusion.
Goa obtained its unique identity and a great blend of East and West culture from the 400 years of Portuguese influence on its towns and villages. This place truly encompasses scenic charms, tourist spots, intricate churches and temples, evergreen hills and mountains and historical forts that have kept the legacy of Portuguese alive. Take the opportunity to experience this mystical location and discover exotic and varied culture.
SuperStar Libra Shore Excursions:
LGOA-1 (“Highlights of Goa”)
Take a coach to Ponda where you will visit the famed and beautiful Shantadurga Temple (dedicated to Goddess Parvathi & Lord Naguesh) and Mangueshi Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). Next take a scenic drive to Old Goa where you can visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which besides its splendour, houses the body of St Francis Xavier. Head to SE Cathedral which took eighty years to build and was only consecrated in 1640,here you will be able to view its many altars and unique bells. Continue your tour as you go to Panjim for some shopping before heading back to the ship.
LGOA-2 (“Mandovi Cruise”)
The thriving combination of sun, sand and sea makes Panjim the perfect spot for some fun and adventure. So, start your tour with a drive to Panjim Jetty where you will board the local boats for a cruise along the Mandovi River. As you enjoy this scenic cruise, you will be entertained by a performance of Goan folk dancers bearing a tradition of thousands of years. Browse around the local market for some last minute shopping before returning to the ship.
LGOA-3 (“Waterfall Wonder”)
For nature enthusiasts, commence your tour by boarding the coach to Collem, stop along the way for some light refreshments. Then board a four-wheel drive safari jeep to the waterfalls. Where you will be able get close to nature as you to take part in a short trek on foot to the base of the falls over boulders and bridges fashioned from slender logs. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool clear waters of the waterfall. Continue your trek back to the waiting jeeps and subsequently board the coaches for the journey back to the pier.
LGOA-4 (“Mangrove & Spice Tour”)
For those who love a little excitement! Drive to Cortalim Jetty and cruise through the mangrove-fringed banks of the River Zuari in search of the crocodiles that make their home here. The same waters are also habitat to migrant birds, wild fowls and are fishing grounds for local fishermen. Drive along the scenic route to the Spice Plantation where you will be welcomed with the traditional art of Kumkum and a drink of fresh coconut will be served. Take a tour of the plantation with an experienced guide. The plantation is home to a vast variety of exotic species, medicinal herbs and fruits.
LGOA-5 (“Beach Tour”)
Arrive at Vagator Beach which is a popular destination adjacent to the Chopora Fort, built in red stone. Head on next to Calangute Beach which is the most popular beach in the North of Goa. This once peaceful fishing village, then a haven for hedonistic hippies, is now Goa’s busiest and most commercialised resort. For a good time – Goan style, head to the pubs (Kamaki, Mambos or Titos etc). Drinks purchased are on your own account. Please note that children will not be allowed into these premises.
LGOA-6 (“Market Madness”)
Drive over to Anjuna, a small village in North of Goa and shop at the famed Flea Market along Anjuna Beach. This flea market is a haven for hardcore shoppers, to bid on wonderful blends of trinkets, handicrafts and carvings. This ex-hippie hangout is still popular with travellers here. Stopover for a quick photo session of this beautiful place before heading to a local traditional bazaar known as Mapusa Market. Here you may shop for items such as spices, pottery and jewellery. Make your way to Panjim, the capital city of Goa for some shopping before returning to the pier.
Kochi, India
Kochi, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. Formerly known as Cochin, this tourist destination is set on a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. This harbour city of Kerala with its breathtaking beauty, will enthrall anyone with its aromatic spices and abundant availability of fresh bananas and coconuts. Kochi is also famous for its superb cuisine, fusioned with an array of mixed spices, seafood and meat dishes to delight any hungry visitor.
SuperStar Libra Shore Excursions:
LCOK-1 (“Highlights of Kochi”)
Visit St Francis Church built in 1503, which is one of the oldest churches constructed by Europeans on Indian soil. Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years until his body was transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. Next, visit the Chinese Fishing Nets. Next depart for Mattancherry Palace built by the Portugese in 1567. The most important aspect of this palace, however is the astonishing murals in the bed chambers and other rooms depicting the scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. Continue your tour with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue, which was built in 1568. This is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The present building was destroyed by shelling during a Portuguese raid in 1662 and was rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over Kochi. Guests also have the opportunity to shop at the local Jewish Town.
LCOK-2 (“Kochi Harbour Cruise”)
Cruise in a motorboat and discover Kochi which is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and backwaters. This is one of the finest naturals harbours in the world and was once a major centre of trade and commerce with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. While cruising through the harbour in a motorboat, you will be able to see the Chinese fishing nets, a glimpse of Kerala Village by the backwaters, churches, etc
LCOK-3 (“Alleppey Houseboat Voyage”)
Depart for Alleppey, a 64 km journey, then board the local houseboats for a cruise at Alleppey. A unique way of sailing on the backwaters is by these houseboats, which are a modified version of the traditional ‘rice boat’ or ‘kettuvallam’. In the past, the village people living in the backwaters used these boats for transporting goods like paddy and other commercial goods. This unique web of lakes is an integral part of the backwaters of Kerala. Added to this experience is the freshly cooked Keralan meal served on the houseboat. After lunch disembark at Alleppey for the drive back to the pier.
LCOK-4 (“Kochi Delights”)
Depart to Fort Kochi for a photostop at St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Nets. St Francis Chuch was built in 1503 and is one of the oldest churches constructed by Europeans on Indian soil. Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years until his body was transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. Stop at MG Road, Ernakulam, a modern part of the city known for its many showrooms selling dress materials, Guests will have a choice to either disembark here or to disembark at Broadway – a local market famous for readymade garments and spices. Await your pick-up either at Broadway or MG Road before heading back to the ship.
LGOA-5 (“Beach Tour”)
Arrive at Vagator Beach which is a popular destination adjacent to the Chopora Fort, built in red stone. Head on next to Calangute Beach which is the most popular beach in the North of Goa. This once peaceful fishing village, then a haven for hedonistic hippies, is now Goa’s busiest and most commercialised resort. For a good time – Goan style, head to the pubs (Kamaki, Mambos or Titos etc). Drinks purchased are on your own account. Please note that children will not be allowed into these premises.
LGOA-6 (“Market Madness”)
Drive over to Anjuna, a small village in North of Goa and shop at the famed Flea Market along Anjuna Beach. This flea market is a haven for hardcore shoppers, to bid on wonderful blends of trinkets, handicrafts and carvings. This ex-hippie hangout is still popular with travellers here. Stopover for a quick photo session of this beautiful place before heading to a local traditional bazaar known as Mapusa Market. Here you may shop for items such as spices, pottery and jewellery. Make your way to Panjim, the capital city of Goa for some shopping before returning to the pier.
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Medical Tourism
