Tuesday, April 21, 2026 – Port Louis, Mauritius

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Port Louis, Mauritius.

PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
A vibrant cultural mix

Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. A volcanic island approximately 10 million years old, Mauritius is thought to be the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the Seychelles to Réunion. In fact, volcanic lakes and inactive craters are scattered throughout the island.

Mauritius also boasts a unique marine environment. Surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs on the planet, conservationists are now campaigning to protect its white-sand beaches and fragile ecosystem.

Although it appears on the maps of early Arab mariners, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century. Portuguese became the first European visitors in 1510, however, they did not lay claim to the island. In 1598, Dutch colonists settled on the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations as well as the decimation of the ebony forests and the extinction of the dodo bird and other indigenous wildlife. Eventually abandoning their settlement in 1710, the Dutch left Mauritius unclaimed until the arrival of the French five years later. The French continued the cultivation of sugar as well as indigo, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, retaining possession of the island until 1810, when it was ceded to Britain at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations, and some of the most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.

SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History Museum
• Marie Reine de la Paix
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Épice
• Blue Penny Museum

SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbor.

Port Louis Market – The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit & vegetables, clothing, wooden & traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.
Chinatown – Located at the very heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling several Chinese and Far East goods.

World Cruise Event – Salt Lunch at CHATEAU MON DESIR

Ba;aclava Mautitius

Chateru Mon Desir sits within a grand colonial-style estate overlooking the Balaclava ruins and Citron River. It is one of Muatu=ritus’ most celebrated dining rooms, known for refined French-inspired cuisine touched with Maurtian character. Classical techniques and thoughtful modern flair shape the experience, while the setting – elegant, quiet, and deeply atmospheric – offers a sense of timeless occasion.

Here, classic French techniques meet the island’s own flavors, guided by quality, produce, and a philosophy that favors subtlety over excess. The pacing is measured, the service assured, and the garden setting deepens the feeling of stepping onto Mauritius’ layered culinary history.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.