Day 23: Réunion Island: A Better Brief Encounter with Paradise

Réunion Island, situated approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Mauritius, is a French overseas department that was colonized by the French in the 17th century and officially became part of France in 1946. The island operates under the French mobile phone system, and the Euro is its official currency. Réunion is offering a unique blend of European sophistication and tropical charm.  

A Day in Saint-Denis  

After the whirlwind pace of Mauritius, we learned our lesson and decided to explore Réunion at our own rhythm. With less than 10 hours on the island, we opted for a shuttle to the capital, Saint-Denis, where we could leisurely stroll through its charming streets.  

It was a Saturday morning, and the narrow roads of the town center slowly filled with weekend shoppers. Saint-Denis exudes a unique character, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant modern street art, and colorfully decorated shops. The city had a festive air, dominated by Christmas decorations, though seeing Santa Claus in his winter attire felt out of place in the 32°C heat at 10 a.m.  

Lion brand: yes we are in Africa






Cathédrale de Saint-Denis under construction

Tropical but French

Hôtel de Ville de Saint-Denis

The experience offered a chance to dust off some rusty French, though my linguistic limitations became apparent. Communication in English proved challenging, as is often the case in French-speaking regions. Nevertheless, the warmth of the locals made up for any language barriers.  

After a few hours of wandering, the equatorial heat took its toll. When caffeine and water were no longer enough, we decided to return to the ship, finding solace in the shade to relax and reflect on the day.

Final Impressions  

Despite the brief visit, Réunion Island left a lasting impression. While we only scratched the surface of what the island has to offer, Réunion has secured a special place in our travel memories.

***

At 6:00 PM sharp, the ship's horn sounds three times—a universal signal announcing a vessel's departure from the harbor. Following this, the ship's anthem fills the air, a familiar tradition aboard cruise liners. For us, this marks the eighth and final time we will experience this ceremony. The next time the ship departs, it will sail without us. 

A wave of melancholy sweeps over us as we reflect on the journey. After so many days onboard, the ship has become more than just a vessel—it’s been our floating haven of luxury, our home on the open seas. Now, with only eight nights remaining, this incredible cruise will soon become a cherished memory.

Stay with us for eight more blogs as we savor the final chapters of this unforgettable voyage.

Leaving the port of Réunion for our last journey on "MeinSchiff 6"


Logbook

Position: 20°87.60' S, 55°44,58' E
La Réunion
Timezone: GMT+4



Location: Le Port, Réunion

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