A recently launched new cruise program sailing the West Africa coast is set to start sailing April 2013.

Using the M/S Expedition. The cruises are designed to be explorations of West Africa’s historical, cultural and natural landscapes.

The cruises offer three itineraries that will visit a total of more than 10 African countries. The programs are on sale now - the 12-day Accra to Dakar; the 18-day Cape Town to Accra, and the 27-day Cape Town to Dakar. Ports of call will include Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Cameroon and Togo.

The program is ideal for cruise enthusiasts seeking fresh experiences, it will also appeal to those who have not sailed before and want the convenience of experiencing West Africa by sea instead of land.

Itineraries will include a combination of activity and leisure. Naturalists will be aboard to point out rare birds and endemic wildlife. Clients will have opportunities to mingle in local markets, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the birthplace of voodoo, trace the roots of slavery, and learn about the region from the experienced expedition staff, including historians, anthropologists, and ornithologists.

The ship is equipped with Zodiacs that enable guests to travel to coastlines that would be inaccessible to ships. The opportunity will be provided to discover the Bijagos Archipelego off the coast of Guinea-Bissau -- a rare experience offered by very few operators. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the most unexplored places on Earth, and its inhabitants are descendants of an ancient culture that practices an animist religion.

Onboard activities will include sommelier-led wine tastings, lectures from a panel of experts, an African film festival, and photography, plein air painting, and art and music workshops. The 140-passenger M/S Expedition has large cabins equipped with en-suite bathrooms and windows, providing an exceptionally spacious and comfortable experience for all guests.

For more information or to booked - contact: Steve Bloss - +1 954 452 8800.