Landscapes & Lifestyles Of South America & Austral Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Mon 06 January 2025 / Depart: Mon 06 January 2025

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Lisbon

Arrive: Thu 09 January 2025 / Depart: Thu 09 January 2025

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe's greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal's former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital's 18th century lower town - a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Tenerife

Arrive: Sat 11 January 2025 / Depart: Sat 11 January 2025

Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too. Away from the capital, many of Tenerife's highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain's highest peak, is an unmissable experience.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Porta Praia

Arrive: Tue 14 January 2025 / Depart: Tue 14 January 2025

Loacted in Cape Verde, the volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets is a hidden gem. This destination was a Portuguese territory until independence in 1975, and is as unique and unspoilt as its remote location, 400 miles off the west coast of Senegal, would suggest.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Rio de Janeiro

Arrive: Tue 21 January 2025 / Depart: Tue 21 January 2025

Surely the world's most evocative place-name! The city of Carnival and Samba, Copacabana and Ipanema, more than fulfills its romantic promise. Beneath the protective arms of the Corcovado - the great statue of Christ the Redeemer that soars above the Tijuca jungle - and the majestic silhouette of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the sweeping boulevards and confusion of skyscrapers and old colonial buildings that are Rio de Janeiro wind themselves around the beach-lined shores of Guanabara Bay.

Day 17 - Ilhabela

Arrive: Wed 22 January 2025 / Depart: Wed 22 January 2025

Ilhabela is one of the last untouched areas of the Atlantic Rainforest, with around 85% of it classed as a Brazilian National Park. A true paradise, Ilhabela has more than 40 incredible beaches, over 350 tumbling waterfalls and large forests, providing the perfect habitat for 300 bird species. A mountainous island, Ilhabela is perfect for those who love an adventure, with vast areas of dense forest and tall peaks of up to 1400 metres to explore. Hiking trails are clearly signposted and are designed to guide you to the most picturesque beauty spots on the island.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Montevideo

Arrive: Sat 25 January 2025 / Depart: Sat 25 January 2025

Founded by the Spaniards in 1726, Uruguay's attractive capital overlooks the River Plate, jsut 60 miles from Argentina across the estuary, setting of the famous naval battle in 1939. Successive waves of Spanish and Italian immigration has given the city a fascinatingly European feeling - which, with its Mediterranean climate, shady squares, parks and gardens, broad boulevards and stately 19th century buildings all give Montevido a uniquely appealing character. A local landmark is the Cerro (hill) from which the city's name (meaning 'I see a hill') derives!

Day 21 - Buenos Aires

Arrive: Sun 26 January 2025 / Depart: Sun 26 January 2025

The Argentine capital - called 'Santa Maria del Buen Ayre' by early sailors thanks to its favourable winds - is more simply 'B.A.' to today's visitors. Its warm, cosmopolitan vitality, more European than South American, carries appealing echoes of Spain and Italy; and our leisurely stay offers ample opportunity to stroll and shop in fashionable Calle Florida and Avenida Santa Fe, to test the famous tea-rooms and nightspots, and to explore further afield amid this intriguing scenario of 'Evita', the hypnotic tango and the gauchos of the Pampas.

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - Cruise Straits of Magellan

Day 26 - Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive: Fri 31 January 2025 / Depart: Fri 31 January 2025

Strategically positioned almost midway between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, on a peninsular at the southern end of mainland Chile, Punta Arenas commands panoramic views over the Magellan Straits. A port that evolved from what was originally a penal colony and whose heyday was eclipsed by the opening of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas is today a peaceful place with some attractive turn-of-the-century architecture - and the nearest brewery to the South Pole!

Day 27 - Cruise Chilean Fjords

Day 28 - Cruise Chilean Fjords

Day 29 - At Sea

Day 30 - At Sea

Day 31 - Valparaiso

Arrive: Wed 05 February 2025 / Depart: Wed 05 February 2025

Vivacious Valparaiso, main port and second city of Chile, was once the centre of 19th century British naval and commercial activity on South America's Pacific coast. Its setting is dramatic - beside the sweeping curve of a great bay screened by a circle of hills ('cerros'), with the modern lower city and rambling upper section linked by steep zig-zag roads and ancient funiculars. Close by is attractive Vina del Mar, among South America's most popular and vibrant beach resorts.

Day 32 - At Sea

Day 33 - Robinson Crueso Island

Arrive: Fri 07 February 2025 / Depart: Fri 07 February 2025

Originally named Juan Fernandez Island after the Portuguese sailor who discovered it in 1575, the island remained largely unknown until 1708 when Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was rescued after being marooned for over four years. This experience then became the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Due to the literary association the Chilean Government decided to rename the Island in 1966 to Robinson Crusoe Island. Today this volcanic island of mountainous landscape is a fascinating place of wild and unspoilt beauty. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977, the island is home to some unique species including the Juan Fernandez Firecrown Hummingbird, the Fur Seal and the Magellanic Penguin.

Day 34 - At Sea

Day 35 - At Sea

Day 36 - At Sea

Day 37 - At Sea

Day 38 - Hanga Roa, Easter Island

Arrive: Wed 12 February 2025 / Depart: Wed 12 February 2025

Located between the extinct volcanoes of Terevaka and Rano Kau, Hanga Roa – the capital of Easter Island – is a stunning, historic settlement. Due to its warm, friendly atmosphere, welcoming shops and other local services, Hanga Roa is the perfect base from which to discover Easter Island's natural landscapes and archaeological sites. The imposing monolithic Moai Statues – the island's most famous attraction – feature the ‘living faces’ of its chiefly ancestors carved from rock. The sight of them sat with their backs to the sea watching over the land, is a true wonder. The island’s museum and Roman Catholic Church are also worth visiting.

Day 39 - At Sea

Day 40 - At Sea

Day 41 - Cruising by Pitcairn Island

Day 42 - At Sea

Day 43 - At Sea

Day 44 - Papeete

Arrive: Tue 18 February 2025 / Depart: Tue 18 February 2025

Tahiti is also the largest of the islands of French Polynesia. A mixture soaring peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, picturesque coastal areas, flowing rivers and fertile farmland. Experience the incredible warm welcome from you Polynesian hosts.

Day 45 - Bora Bora

Arrive: Wed 19 February 2025 / Depart: Wed 19 February 2025

The small South Pacific island of Bora Bora to the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a special kind of paradise. This popular resort destination is surrounded by sand-fringed motu (islets) and a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef. With incredible sandy beaches that stretch on forever, grand palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and turquoise waters filled with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish, many visitors find it hard to describe the magic that emanates from this island. A haven for scuba divers, one of Bora Bora’s more unusual sites are the ‘bungalows’ perched over the water on stilts. Since water is a way of life here, popular lagoon excursions include snorkelling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing. At the island's centre the extinct volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu tower over the whole island, the latter rising to a height of 727m.

Day 46 - At Sea

Day 47 - Rarotonga

Arrive: Fri 21 February 2025 / Depart: Fri 21 February 2025

According to Captain James Cook, who gave his name to these islands, you are arriving at the most detached parts of the earth. Far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world with some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Pacific, Rarotonga is a bewitching blend of craggy mountains, dense jungle and glorious bone-white beaches.

Day 48 - At Sea

Day 49 - Crossing the Int. Date Line

Day 50 - At Sea

Day 51 - Nuku 'Alofa

Arrive: Tue 25 February 2025 / Depart: Tue 25 February 2025

Located on the north coast of the island of Tongatapu, Nuku?alofa, the capital of Tonga, lies just west of the International Date Line. Nuku?alofa has a hidden charm that includes a vibrant main street, a broad waterfront, and impressive views across the bay to neighbouring coral islands. Tonga is a collection of 171 islands that are truly unique given they’re the first place on earth to greet each new day. Nuku’alofa - one of only 45 inhabited Tongan islands - is the capital of Tonga and home to the Talamahu Market and the Royal Palace - the historical residence of the King. Talamahu Market is a buzzing, fresh-produce hub where bananas and other coloured fruits are piled into handmade woven-frond baskets. It has a few cooked-food stalls, plus some excellent (and affordable) Tongan arts and crafts on sale.

Day 52 - At Sea

Day 53 - At Sea

Day 54 - At Sea

Day 55 - At Sea

Day 56 - At Sea

Day 57 - Sydney

Arrive: Mon 03 March 2025

A first glimpse of its two great icons - the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House - will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

Day 58 - Sydney

Depart: Tue 04 March 2025

A first glimpse of its two great icons - the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House - will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

Day 59 - At Sea

Day 60 - Melbourne

Arrive: Thu 06 March 2025 / Depart: Thu 06 March 2025

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The city’s elegant tree-lined boulevards, extensive parks and gardens, colourful trams, rich cultural programmes and art-deco high-rises set the scene in this classy, vibrant community. Stylish, art-loving Melbourne is wonderfully cosmopolitan, and is proud to be recognised as Australia's sporting and cultural capital. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is home to Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex, while the National Gallery of Victoria has stunning Australian and indigenous art. Melbourne's liberal, bohemian and progressive personality means it was ‘hipster’ long before the word became a ubiquitous label. The city centre is defined by the modern Federation Square development, with smart plazas and chic bars and restaurants all well-situated by the Yarra River. The breadth of shops and markets, not to mention the huge variety of cuisine available – Greek, Italian, Maltese, Thai, Vietnamese and more – is a mouth-watering prospect for any visitor. The inner city is probably the most European of any in Australia: the leafy Collins Street was coined as the 'Paris End' in the 1950s. The city's well-ordered grid also adds a flavour of New York in this extraordinary destination. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo are two other attractions that are worthy of discovery.

Day 61 - At Sea

Day 62 - Hobart

Arrive: Sat 08 March 2025 / Depart: Sat 08 March 2025

Hobart is the second-oldest city in Australia and it has many well-preserved colonial buildings, especially around the picturesque harbour and in the narrow lanes of Battery Point. Many of the fine sandstone warehouses have been converted into cafés, galleries and artists’ workshops. The Narryna Heritage Museum, tells the story of wealthy merchants who settled on the island. If you're feeling energetic, climb the 259 steps of the Shot Tower for views out over the town and harbour.

Day 63 - At Sea

Day 64 - At Sea

Day 65 - At Sea

Day 66 - Albany, Australia

Arrive: Wed 12 March 2025 / Depart: Wed 12 March 2025

The breathtaking beauty of Albany's rugged coastline marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. The Rainbow Coast creates a fitting backdrop to the town’s dramatic history of pioneers, convicts and whaling. This charming city is a grand mixture of old and new, as the stately old quarter merges easily with the modern offerings of retail therapy and a vibrant art scene. Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, a former whale processing plant, now houses an intriguing museum. The southern coastline and the rural surrounds are bursting with nature, historic attractions and a rich diversity of wildlife. Migrating whales pass off the coast at Torndirrup National Park, where steep cliffs give way to dramatic rock formations.

Day 67 - At Sea

Day 68 - Fremantle

Arrive: Fri 14 March 2025 / Depart: Fri 14 March 2025

Named amongst the world’s top ten cities in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2016’ rankings, Fremantle has now shaken off its ‘undiscovered gem’ tag and emerged as one of Australia’s must-visit destinations. A diverse and dynamic port city, it is renowned for its eclectic mix of music and arts, its collection of interesting museums and historical sites, lively city centre streets lined with cosmopolitan cafés, breweries, bars and restaurants and fantastic shopping. With gorgeous, quintessential beaches, a stunning harbour, beautiful river trails and parks within easy reach of the centre too, Fremantle is a wonderful example of modern Australia and the joy of living in this incredible part of the world. But, while Fremantle is a welcoming and rewarding destination to visit in itself, its location and its major port make it the perfect gateway for visiting Perth – Australia’s ‘Sunniest Capital City’ – on a Fred. Olsen cruise. If you call at Fremantle on an Australian adventure, you can opt for a direct tour to Perth and uncover the city’s wealth of attractions. Perhaps explore Kings Park, one of the world’s biggest city parks, right in the heart of it all; delve into rich Aboriginal history; sample the local arts, culture and delicious food; or simply make the most of the city’s renowned sunny climate at your pick of the glorious beaches lining the coast.

Day 69 - At Sea

Day 70 - At Sea

Day 71 - At Sea

Day 72 - At Sea

Day 73 - At Sea

Day 74 - At Sea

Day 75 - At Sea

Day 76 - At Sea

Day 77 - Port Louis, Mauritius

Arrive: Sun 23 March 2025 / Depart: Sun 23 March 2025

Port Louis, capital of Mauritius capital and its busiest city, delivers a huge slice of everyday Mauritian life. Sat in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the port is known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. To see a colourful snapshot of this paradise, a visit to the lively Central Market, which contrasts with the sparkling new Caudan Waterfront and shopping precinct, is recommended for local produce and handicrafts. The Blue Penny Museum offers a taste of the island’s colonial and maritime history and culture. Port Louis’ famous Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, with its giant Victoria Water Lilies, demands discovery, as does the nearby 3,000-acre Domaine des Pailles Nature Park.Show less Tea is a big deal in Mauritius, with 58 varieties produced on the island. Many take the opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ factories and view the picturesque colonial houses en route. Alternatively, many simply choose to relax beside a fabulous Indian Ocean Beach.

Day 78 - Reunion

Arrive: Mon 24 March 2025 / Depart: Mon 24 March 2025

A republic of France, Port Réunion is like is like a tropical version of the French Riviera, with gourmet restaurants – many run by descendants of the original pioneers, sandy beaches and chic boutiques. The Caribbean island’s lush, sweeping landscapes and mountainous interior are just waiting to be explored, as are the southern villages which appear to be frozen in time. Their charming creole houses remain as they were fifty years ago. More than 8,000 imported labourers built the docks here and many of these Portois stayed on in these shacks. Following investment by the French Government, the island now has a modernised port, new housing, green spaces, and the creation of a superb boulevard, Ocean Avenue, linking the Old Port, soon to be a marina, with the city. Some 23 whale and dolphin species visit the waters off the west coast of Réunion. From June to October the exhilarating spectacle of humpbacks breaching can be witnessed, after they’ve made the epic swim from Antarctica.

Day 79 - At Sea

Day 80 - At Sea

Day 81 - At Sea

Day 82 - At Sea

Day 83 - Port Elizabeth (Now Gqeberha), South Africa)

Arrive: Sat 29 March 2025 / Depart: Sat 29 March 2025

Steeped in history and known for its incredible weather, Port Elizabeth provides the complete South African experience. On the fringes of Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, the area is renowned for its diverse marine life, sublime beaches and top water sports. Founded in 1820, much of the city's history is evident today in the architecture of Fort Frederick and the Campanile Bell Tower – both part of the Donkin Heritage Trail that allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the original 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement. From its darker past, Port Elizabeth is now the place to meet people and easily lives up to its nickname, the ‘friendly city’. Most things in the centre are on tap: bars, music, art and photographic spaces – all part of constant clash of cultures. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum at the entrance to St George’s Park has a small gallery of paintings and sculpture by contemporary South African artists, and is a real treat to view. Nearby, the Addo Elephant Park offers the chance to encounter the rare Addo Elephant, among a variety of other game, while a safari experience at the Kariega Game Reserve takes visitors in search of the ‘Big Five’. The 54 hectare Settler's Park in the city centre is a nature lover's paradise, boasting the most beautiful flora and fauna.

Day 84 - At Sea

Day 85 - Cape Town

Arrive: Mon 31 March 2025

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car. Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park. Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

Day 86 - Cape Town

Depart: Tue 01 April 2025

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car. Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park. Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.