I am experienced worldwide traveler I am experienced worldwide traveler. The ship was old and had many unsafe features including 2 flights of old slippery wooden stairs to the zodiacs. The zodiacs were old, looked like recycled military equipment. The last trip our zodiac sprung a significant leak in the bottom requiring return to ship. Because the crew had taken the cabin staff out, there were no backup zodiacs or staff to get us off at the ship. The staff were not experienced, but rather retired fisherman. They did not now how to assist passengers. The first one said I was his "guinea pig" and promptly dropped me. The "naturalists" gave terrible presentations more anecdotal than fact. The list goes on. Never again

Zegrahm gets my highest recommendation… Zegrahm gets my highest recommendation possible. I recently returned from a 13-day Seychelles exploration and snorkel/dive adventure beginning in Zanzibar, visiting something like 9 Seychelles Atolls and islands for tons of daily snorkeling and diving, and finishing in Mahe where we departed from. This was absolutely the best cruise/group experience I have ever had on either land or sea. Zegrahm charters the boats and I was lucky enough to be on the Ponant ship, Le Bougainville, which is very posh, with a friendly and polite staff, an amazing french chef, good food, a nice spa, you name it. My bedroom was like a small luxury hotel and each room had a balcony so you could enjoy seaside and ocean views from your bed or balcony whenever you'd like. It was lovely. I especially appreciated coming back to such a haven after long days of sunshine, beach and snorkeling. Not only was the cruise ship and it's staff fantastic, but the Zegrahm staff were all wonderful. I sat and had dinner with many of them every day and they somehow remembered all our names (99 or so of us). They snorkeled and dove with us, pointing out fish and naming species, they went birding, they provided lectures in the mornings and evenings in their areas of expertise, because Zegrahm hires Marine Biologists, Anthropologists, and countless other individuals (with PhDs) to provide insight and lessons into the history and ecology of the places being visited and seen. At the conclusion of the trip - I didn't want it to end. I had made several like-minded friends for travel, was invited on future trips and exchanged information with almost everyone. We were a family by the end, both staff and customers. Hugs all around as we celebrated all we had seen together and promised to keep in touch. Zegrahm fosters that type of environment when you travel with them - and it was welcoming and especially enjoyable for a solo traveler like myself. These trips aren't cheap - but are worthwhile for all you see and do - most things you'd never be able to see on your own and certainly not with trained ecologists and marine science experts. I believe you get what you pay for. I was one of the youngest on board but there was a small group of about ten 30-40 year olds with the vast majority being probably 50-80. This isn't a sit on the boat all day-type thing. You are going to be waking up early, going out 2-3x a day and really seeing and doing things. You almost never have down time and you are always learning, seeing, talking and doing. It's expeditionary, not sedentary. It's fun and really enriching. The best way to know someone is doing a good job at this price point (think around $8-12k per person) is repeat customers and I met countless people who have done 6-12 of these expeditions with Zegrahm and knew the staff already. That's the absolute best recommendation you can get. I'll be booking with them again without any hesitation. Thank you to Brad, Murph, LJ, Merel, Steven, George, George K., Robin, Pepper, Lisa, Shirley, Gemma, Chris, Boli, Marcel, and anyone else who I forgot from this amazing trip. You all did a great job and made me feel like family!

A smaller company with big service ~~~ A seemingly small company which means personable service --- they know your nsne & circumstances when you call. My parents were booked for a cruise on a huge line several years ago. My father passed away and the cruise company gave us hell for wanting to change the reservation into my sister's name. With Zegrahm, I asked if we could change a member of our group right before departing; I was told yes. That's a benefit of dealing with a smaller company.

Circumnavigation of Cuba, April 2018 An amazing Island. Despite it's horrific history during much of the 20th century, the country is full of colour, music and life. A truly inspirational part of the world to visit.The Zegrahm tour was incredibly well organised, and all the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

See the world with Zegrahm I have taken 14 trips with Zegrahm since 1997 and am scheduled for another one in early 2019. Their trips are perfectly planned, and their staff is oustanding, making it possible for guests of all ages to safely explore the most remote destinations.