05/03/2023
Dear Clients
AT LAST….Our Website is up to date
Take a look at our holiday options for this year at www.maritimeheritagetours.co. uk
Isle of Wight ? Round Britain ? Croatia? …plenty of options but Croatia is almost full already….plus new options below
Anyone for SENEGAL? (West Africa)
Just an idea for later in the year….I am off to Senegal on 7th April to take a look at this very different holiday to possibly offer you later this -or early next year. Anyone done this before? Recommended? You are welcome to come with me if cabins are available. The ship looks looks like the African Queen to me! You are welcome to join me - or sign up ( write [email protected] ) for more details of a future cruise on this fine vessel. See the full details on our web site in due course.
Join us on a recce holiday to Senegal April 7th for 9 nights £900 + Flights
The magazine Ships Monthly (March 23) give a very interesting photo article from a gentleman who has recently enjoyed a holiday onboard…..
A journey into time on the river Senegal
From the elegant city of Saint-Louis bordering the Atlantic Ocean to Podor, the old sleepy trading post at the doors of the Sahara, experience a unique cruise in Africa on board the Bou el Mogdad. This mythical ship, which at the time was the only link among the populations of the River Valley, invites you to relive the Trading Posts Route.
Across the river stunning landscapes come into view, as well as a wealth of wildlife of North Senegal. Throughout the river’s meanders you will meet a genuine population of unforgettable kindness from the villages of the bush.
Step by step, the old trading posts reveal themselves, filled with history. Take the time to discover, meet, and change scenery to the rhythm of the Bou el Mogdad.
Cruises Timetable 2022-2023
7 days and 6 nights Cruise - Departures every Saturday from October to April.
The Cruise
SATURDAY: Boarding and visiting Saint-Louis
Lunch at the Hotel La Résidence (or similar) at around 1pm. Boarding and sailing from 3pm.
In the afternoon a carriage ride will allow us to discover Saint-Louis. One can feel a strange but familiar atmosphere, admire the finesse of the balconies hung up on the beautiful colonial houses and follow the yellow ochre gradient given by the streets according to the Sun’s position. The Northern part of the island is separated from the Southern part by La Gouvernance and the Faidherbe Square.
Still on the island: the town hall and the courthouse (1st ruling in 1875), the hospital (1827), the Ameth Fall girls’ high school located since 1927 on an old hospital site from 1840. The famous Faidherbe Bridge (500m long) shipped to Saint-Louis in 1897 due to an enormous administrative mistake.
The fishermen village, especially interesting in the morning and evening when one can see the huge boats on the horizon. The Muslim cemetery in the neighbourhood of Guet Ndar. The tombs are posts covered with fishing nets. The Ndar Toute market located on the Langue de Barbarie.
Dinner on board .
The Cruise
Sunday: Saint-Louis – Diama – Tiguet (the Djoudj)
We will be sailing in the Senegal River waters all the way to the Diama dam. This Dam is the limit of salty waters that stops us going further upstream. We go through the lock and visit the dam during the delicate manoeuvre to turn. Lunch on board then sailing upstream along the Diouling reserve, bordered with reeds where you will be able to watch many bird species.
Stop at the Gorom river mouth that leads us to the entrance of the Djoudj Bird National Park. You will get to the jetty via the our boat tender. This reserve was created in 1971. It is the third largest ornithological park in the world. It spreads across 16,000 hectares of the river delta. Therefore, it appeals irresistibly to the European and African avifauna. From November to April 3 million birds meet to winter, as well as a couple of dozens of species of mammals.
Leaving for an excursion in canoe. Idling the engine, it slowly penetrates the heart of the Djoudj as something fantastic unfolds: pink flamingos take off in tight formation, pelicans fly off, cormorants dive. A strange but extraordinary spectacle.
Dinner and night on board on the main part of the river.
The Cruise
MONDAY: Tiguet – Diaouar – Richard-Toll
We will carry on sailing the river upstream bordering with Senegal and Mauritania. The Senegalese banks are rice- farming lands but little cultivated on the Mauritanian side.
We will see a few warthogs then we will pass Rosso, the border city between Senegal and Mauritania, where canoes and a ferry enable people, animals and vehicles to cross. The arrival or departure of these barges generates colourful intense and particularly animated activities.
Lunch on board. You will arrive around 2pm at Richard-Toll (Richard’s Garden) that owes its name name to the fact that during the colonial period in 1822 the French made it a place for trials of various " growing methods”
Discovering “La Folie du Baron Roger” a stylish French castle ( currently closed) , surrounded by clay constructions, the traditional architecture of the region. Visiting the city and the sugar cane factory, the CSS (Compagnie Sucrière Sénégalaise) that spreads across 10,000ha its the main source of income of the municipality.
Dinner and night on board
The Cruise TUESDAY: Richard-Toll – Dagana
Crusing from 8am towards Dagana. After breakfast, a Senegalese cuisine workshop will be offered onboard.
Arriving at noon close to the mango field that borders the village of Goumel, in a mouth of the river Senegal. Traditional lunch: rice with fish or “tiep bou dien” among the mango and palm trees.
Leaving with the boat by tender to the Wolof village of Dagana called the “Capital of Walo”, the old trading post from the colonial period where it was not unusual to see the Banny or the Ponty (colonial vessels) loading gum or dropping soldiers.
We will visit the dye factory, the market and the school. We will then make a stop at the fort of Dagana which has nowadays been turned into a hotel where you will be able to enjoy its magnificent swimming pool by the river sipping local juices. Back on the boat at sunset.
Dinner and night on board
The Cruise
WEDNESDAY: Dagana – Thiangaye
Using the boat tender we will make our way to the bank for a little two-hour stroll (back and forth) in the Goumel forest. We will visit a traditional Peulh village made up of longish huts built by women. This will be the opportunity to discover the many species of trees along the banks.
We will then sail upstream to enter the heart of the African Sahel in the Toucouleur kingdom. The beauty of the scenery and the peacefulness of these waters will only be disturbed by the paddling of a few ochre-colour-eyed children, the washerwomen with their multi-coloured loincloth or the animal herds coming to drink water along the banks. Lunch on board.
Using our tender agian we will sail up a branch of the river. Stop and visit Toucouleurs villages entirely made up of land coming from the steep banks of the river. These villages are the oldest on the river, dating back from the 13th Centery.
Leaving at night with after a traditional lamb barbecue on the river banks illuminated with hurricane lamps. Night on board
The Cruise THURSDAY: Thiangaye – Podor
Crusing then lunch on board
Arriving around 2pm to Podor, the former trading post during the French colonisation. Today trade is not active on the river anymore and its stone docks are just looking forward to our arrival.
The trading houses bordering the docks with their large inner courtyards and the warehouses where gum, firewood and ivory were stored, are the remnant of a not-so-distant past. You will visit its fort built by Faidherbe and under restoration and you will re - live a little of this period of history.
Towards the end of the afternoon we will visit the former trading posts of the “Cour du Fleuve et de l’Auberge du Tekrour” and then we will head to Podor fort.
Finally for those who wish, it will be possible to visit the market and wander around the peaceful streets or just sit down on the steps of one of these old houses to watch the sun set on the Mauritanian banks.
Dinner and night on board
The Cruise FRIDAY: Podor – Saint-Louis
Breakfast on board then transfer to Saint-Louis by bus and the end of your fabulous holiday
Our ships detials
52 meters long and 10 meters wide
Riveted-steel hull
2.5 meters draught
5 levels
1 indoor restaurant
1 outdoor lounge
2 bars
1 pool
1 solarium (with bar)
1 lifejacket per person
On-board medicine chest
Safety inspections are carried out every year
by the merchant navy
Technical specificities
Two 200 hp Sulzer engines at 300 rpm
3 power generators
Tender: a barge with a capacity of up to 80 passengers
On-board lay-out
1 open terrace
1 library
1 boutique
1 massage room
1 multi-purpose hall equipped with an overhead projector and sound material.
Safety
Civil liability insured with AGF Sénégal
Whole crew trained for fire and abandon-ship drills
The Cabins
The ship has 25 cabin- all of which overlook external passageways:
8 Standard cabins with double bed
4 Comfort cabins with double bed
8 Comfort cabins with twin beds
• 3 Comfort cabins with double/twin beds + single bed • 1 Luxury suite with double bed + single bed
• 1 Luxury suite with double bed
Standard cabin Comfort cabin
Rear luxury suite Front luxury suite
The Standard cabins come equipped with a washbasin, a fan and storage compartments (The ship provides the passengers with 6 toilet cabins and 6 shower cabins).
The Comfort cabins and Luxury suites come equipped with ensuite bathroom, toilet and air-conditioning.
Extras
Océan & Savane
The cruise is an ideal opportunity to discover the Océan & Savane lodge and its unique surroundings situated in a Natural Park, along the river Senegal and facing the Langue de Barbarie, with a view of the Ocean on the horizon.
This haven of peace especially adapted for stays for couples or families is inviting you to relax and for a change of scenery.
Jeep Road Trip
Combining a unique adventurous moment in a Willys jeep discovering the variety of landscapes of Senegal and its authentic villages, off the beaten tracks.
From Lake Rose to Saint Louis through the beach and the dirt tracks into the Senegalese bush, meeting a warm and still genuine culture.
A Walk to the End of the Bou
It is quite difficult to come all the way to Podor with the Bou el Mogdad and to leave it without taking the time to discover its charm, its secrets and its surprises.
The formula called “Balade au bout du Bou” (“a walk to the end of the Bou”) is offered as an extension of the cruise to allow those who finish it, and those who start it, to discover Podor and its surrounding region.
Additional Programs *
* Pre/Post Cruise Traveling
Prices for 8th April departure from Saint - Louis . Please contact us re-flights surgestions.
Standard Cabin £840 PP
Extra - Single occupancy £216
Comfort Cabin - with Air Con £1200 PP
Extra - Single Occupancy £ 324
Luxury Suite with Air Con £1560 PP
Extra - Single Occupancy £ 432
This is an all inclusive price to include road transport to/from Saint- Louis. Full board, Open bar, All tours/ advertised activities off the ship.
Note: Prices are calculated based on the current diesel price; in the event of a significant increase due to the global situation, we reserve the right to pass it on to the cruise pricing without this exceeding an increase of more than 5% for 2023.
Want to join us? Please phone 07977 534949 to discuss the availability of cabins onboard.
Only when you have paid your £100 per person deposit should you book your flight and insurance. We can advise travel arrangements in due course before booking.
Belfast
Good news! HMS CAROLINE has re-opened to the public in Belfast. We have taken a number of groups to visit in the past -plus the excellent ( all age) TITANIC EXPERIENCE. We will also offer various " optional extras”.
We will make another trip this summer - If you can fly to Belfast CITY airport from your local airport you will be able to join us.
Plan on a a cost of £250pp if booked before 1st April for flights, transfers, Premier Inn hotel (Titanic) and entry fees to nominated attractions. A Fathers day treat perhaps? The cost will of course depend on which local airport you intend to use.
We are looking at an over night trip from 20th - 21st June. (You can of course stay longer should you so wish)
Send us an e mail simply saying “Belfast “ from x y z airport “ and we’ll e mail you details - all depending on your local airport being able to to provide flights to arrive before 1100 on 20th June and return your at an appropriate time next day. . The CITY airport is VERY close to Caroline and not even worth hiring a taxi to get there! As is the Hotel and Titanic Experience.
See you at the airport?
LIVERPOOL
From 26th – 28th May 2023, the City of Liverpool will be hosting an extraordinary three-day event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic (BoA80).
It’s all about celebrating and commemorating the bravery and resilience of the ordinary – yet extraordinary – men and women from across the UK, whose courage and commitment won the most decisive and long-fought battle of the Second World War.
We are excited to be able to es**rt you to this event to pay tribute to the many inspirational men and women that gave up their today, so that we could have a tomorrow.
Get these dates in your diary, and be a part of it with us?
WHAT’s ON OFFER?
More Details of the weekend are now appearing and are as below - but doubtless more information is to follow as we get closer to May….
Thursday 24th May We are invited to join the Battle of Atlantic Lectures being held in Liverpool today (£35 inc lunch) see below.
May 25th - Drinks reception on arrival at our hotel.
May 26th - Free to explore The Western Approaches Museum and many other attractions we will offer as extras whilst on Merseyside. Just look at what’s available in Liverpool on trip advisor!
May 27th.
His Majesty's Royal Marine Band concert
His Majesty's Royal Marines will remember and commemorate the sacrifice made by sailors, airmen, dock workers, as well as the ordinary individuals and families
who were also part of the battle's effort. Tickets are INCLUDED in our price below - subject to availability .
May 27 & 28th,
Military Village at the Pier Head
Including a riverside 1940s-themed military village, Merchant Navy and Royal Navy
ships open to visitors, flypasts by vintage aircraft, free family activities, an assault
course, charity stalls, food, military bands, music, and other performances.
FREE.
May 28th
A Drumhead service at the Pier Head and a “Parade of medals'
FREE
May 28th. Raise a tot to the convoy! The convoy sails...
Including international military band performances and a beat retreat at Wallasey Town Hall or The Pier Head. (TBC)
We will raise a tot to the convoy as it sails, at 19:43.
FREE
May 29th
Time to head home..
We say our fond farewells - we are told there is unlikely to be another event like this again….
We will be offering visits to various other attractions in Liverpool and a Mersey River tour (+ visit to U534 at Birkenhead) as ‘extras” but its important to get your room booked at this stage. The rest can be added at a later date.
For more information as it becomes available visit www.battleoftheatlantic.org/boam-events.
PLEASE…get your hotel room booked as soon as possible. They are filling fast…Phone us on 07977 534949 to check our availability please. As at 27th Feb we were only able to get 5 Twins, 10 Doubles, and 5 singles for our clients.
We have rooms booked at The Liner Hotel and Leonardo Hotel from £750 per room - 4 nights Twin room B&B ( we can book for 3 or 5 nights at pro rata rates if you prefer) Single occupancy? delete £15 per night from this figure.
Keen to join us? When advised that a room is available please make your bank transfer deposit payment to us at Santander Bank Sort Code 09 01 28 a/c 96780823 (Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd) Or send a cheque?
Send a £100 deposit per person to secure your room and please Mark your payment LIVERPOOL and with YOUR SURNAME
You may want to go to Liverpool a little early and attend the following lecture programme hosted by the Society of Nautical Research. Our guests are welcome to join them
on 24th May - at a cost of £35 inc lunch. We can adjust your hotel booking if interested.
Further details and bookings from [email protected]
Spring 2023 Conference
The Battle of the Atlantic 80 years on......Its costs, consequences and legacy.
In May1943 Admiral Doenitz recorded in his War Diary,.. " The Battle of the Atlantic is lost.”
It was lost, but not however over.
The conference will review the wider aspects of the Battle from the
defeat of the U boats in May 1943….how victory had been achieved…..
how it enabled victory in WW2 on mainland Europe, its influence on
the defence posture of the Western Powers for the last 80 years and
its lasting impact on current maritime threats.
The full day programme will be as follows
Opening address
Dr David Davies of the Society for Nautical research
Keynote Address
Professor Andrew Lambert. Fellow of Kings College and
Laughton Professor of Naval History
The Western Approaches Museum formerly the Western Approaches
Command HO
Jak Collis of the Western Approaches Museum
Lunch
The contribution of RAF Coastal Command to the
Battle of the Atlantic
Squadron Leader John Cairns RAF
Merchant Aircraft Carriers, A Colourable Pretext
Group Captain Ted Scaplehorn OBE MA RAF
Our Island Nation, where are we today?
Lt Cdr David Carter MM RN. Royal Navy Maritime Warfare School,
Closing discussions.
SCOTLAND
PUFFER IN SCOTLAND ANYONE? After many years of customers asking... we have finally decided to offer a “Puffer Cruise “ on the West Coast of Scotland. We have been offered to charter the whole ship (2 double + 3 Twin cabins) and can offer the following options - but you need to decide soon. ( You can still sail onboard even if the demand for an exclusive holiday isn’t as great as we think…BTW This vessel now runs on R**e Seed husks - not coal anymore!
We can charter the vessel as follows.
August 20th - Inverness - Corpach
August 27th Corpach - Inverness
Inverness has great flight options from “down south” and a sleeper train service from London
The price for this amazing vessel -with renowned food and a full Steam experience is offered by this tiny charity ( with their vessel still steaming after nearly 50 years offering holidays brining going much pleasure to all her clients) it's £1745 per head - Full Board.
A £200 deposit secures your place….but sign up soon! BY 10th MARCH. As you can see there is not much availability ….
Tel 07977 534949 to check availability please.
Important information about booking a cruise
To make a 2023 cruise booking please phone 07977 534949 to check availability
For individual bookings the total cost of a cruise is £1,745. Single occupancy of a twin cabin requires payment for both berths less a 20% discount, Children under 16 receive a 10% discount.
A deposit of £200 per person (or £400 if single occupancy cabin option) must be sent to us to confirm your booking. Payment can be made by Bank Transfer or cheque. Our bank details are SANTANDER BANK Sort Code 09-01-28 A/c 96780823 Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd
If make a booking full payment is due 60 days before the start of your holiday.
If you would like to discuss your booking. Please phone us on 07977 534949
When a booking is accepted, we will send a confirmation letter which includes information on suggested travel routes to join us, and details of car parking.
We will also include a list of accommodation addresses in the local area.
Kind regards
Mike Critchley
Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd
6 Seahorse Walk
Gosport PO12 1 BH
Tel 07977 534949 (til 10pm)
[email protected]
This email was sent to [email protected]
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Maritime Heritage Tours Ltd · 6 Seahorse walk · Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1BH · United Kingdom
