TORONTO — Variety Cruises, a leader in cultural, architectural, historical and nature cruises, is offering a new 9-night cruise from Nosy Be (just off the coast of Madagascar) or Diego Suarez (seaside town in northern Madagascar).

GLP Worldwide is the Canadian representative for Variety Cruises. Based in Athens, Variety Cruises is a family-owned cruise and yacht business and offers cruises to Cuba, Costa Rica and Panama, Greece, Italy and Malta, Seychelles, West Africa and Cape Verde.

“This cruise is ideal for those seeking adventure, nature and cultural components on their cruise and discovering a part of the world many never see,” said Alan Law, director of sales and marketing for GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours.

“The yacht used for this cruise allows for very personalized service while passengers still receive the luxuries and amenities of larger ships.”

The Madagascar & Mozambique Channel Islands cruise is priced from Can$2,800 per person based on double occupancy (cruise-only price).

Sailing dates: from Nosy Be – July 22, 2015 and sailings from Diego Suarez are July 15 and July 24, 2015. Passengers have the option of sailing from Nosy Be or Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). See GLP Worldwide for full terms and conditions.

There is a 10% early booking discount if reservations are made by Feb. 28, 2015. There are also honeymoon packages available with many added amenities including complimentary bottle of champagne and free massage.

Passengers sail on the 21-cabin/42-passenger Pegasus motorized yacht. The vessel was built in 1990 and completely retrofitted in 2012. It contains a lounge, library, ocean-viewing dining, bar, local cuisine served, sun deck and even a mini-spa with massage services available.

The cabins offer ensuite bathrooms with shower, TV/VCR units, music channels, air conditioning and all cabins have large windows.

Highlights include Diego Suarez, an old colonial port and located in the world’s second largest natural bay; swimming and snorkelling (equipment provided); visit to Iranja Island to see the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles, humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins; the volcanic beauty of Nosy Komba (Lemur Island) where 5,000 black lemurs reside; Nosy Be in Malagasy is Madagascar’s resort destination but also an island known for its perfumes as well as Ylang Ylang, coffee, cacao, vanilla and sugar cane plantations; the cave labyrinths at Ankarana Park as well as the world’s only known cave dwelling crocodiles; sail around the Mitsio Archipelago, a collection of 12 small islands with La Grande Mitsio inhabited by farmers and fishermen.

The 64-page 2014-15 Variety Cruises brochure provides detailed cruise itineraries including pricing, pictures of the vessels used on its cruises, terms and conditions and destination information. Both traditional and non-traditional cruise destinations are offered.

The brochure is available for ordering or can be viewed online at glpworldwide.com.

GLP Worldwide makes available to retail travel agencies a variety of Canadian dollar priced brochures at Envoy. Visit envoynetworks.ca to order. For large quantities call 905-258-7778 or 1-866-760-1987, visit glpworldwide.com or e-mail sales@glpworldwide.com.