Australia: Brisbane, Komodo & Cairns to Bali Cruise

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive: Sat 01 March 2025 / Depart: Sat 01 March 2025 at 18:00

Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover's paradise. The 48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour. New Zealand's largest city is also a shopper's paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets. Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or jewellery. The fine, locally produced woolens also make excellent gifts.

Day 2 - Bay of Islands

Arrive: Sun 02 March 2025 / Depart: Sun 02 March 2025

This subtropical region of around 150 undeveloped islands is known for its stunning beauty and history. From kayaking to fishing to wildlife watching, it's a water enthusiast's paradise. You'll want to have your camera ready for an abundance of sea life, from dolphins that fly to penguins that dress in blue. The site of New Zealand's first British settlement, it offers numerous historic sites as well. Meet local artists while shopping for paintings, pottery, textiles and woodcarvings.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Brisbane

Arrive: Wed 05 March 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 05 March 2025 at 18:00

Australia's third largest city and the capital of Queensland, this modern, vibrant city offers plenty to see and do. Lush mountains backing the city offer breathtaking views. Nearby, stunning forests and wineries await. The South Bank of the Brisbane River offers a diverse mix of parklands, cafés, boutiques, museums and galleries to explore. Or visit the markets downtown and in Chinatown where you can practice you chopstick technique.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Airlie Beach

Arrive: Fri 07 March 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 07 March 2025 at 18:00

A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, water sports are the main attraction here, from kayaking to water skiing. Take a day-trip to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach, one of the most-photographed places in Australia, with gorgeous turquoise, clear water and sugar-white sand. Airlie's manmade lagoon in the heart of town is ideal for relaxing, swimming or even having a picnic - spend an hour there or two. If getting a move on is more your speed, head out to the Bicentennial Walkway for a walk or short bike ride.

Day 8 - Cairns

Arrive: Sat 08 March 2025 at 08:00

Ride through the magnificent rainforest aboard the historic Kuranda Railway. Unwind your way through rugged mountains and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. Or immerse yourself in tradition at the Tjapuki Aboriginal Culture Park, and maybe take home a boomerang. Take a waterfront walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk with beautiful views of the mountains and sea, have a snack at one of the many eateries, or people-watch while the little ones play in one of the playgrounds or small water parks.

Day 9 - Cairns

Depart: Sun 09 March 2025 at 18:00

Ride through the magnificent rainforest aboard the historic Kuranda Railway. Unwind your way through rugged mountains and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. Or immerse yourself in tradition at the Tjapuki Aboriginal Culture Park, and maybe take home a boomerang. Take a waterfront walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk with beautiful views of the mountains and sea, have a snack at one of the many eateries, or people-watch while the little ones play in one of the playgrounds or small water parks.

Day 10 - Cooktown

Arrive: Mon 10 March 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 10 March 2025 at 16:00

Cooktown is a coastal town and locality in the Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. Cooktown is at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs in 1770.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Thu 13 March 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 13 March 2025 at 17:00

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's innovative museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. For a tamer experience, enjoy the city's wonderful gardens, or browse for authentic Aboriginal art pieces and crafts and take a little piece of Australia home with you.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Komodo Island

Arrive: Sat 15 March 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 15 March 2025 at 17:00

No myth here, real dragons with forked tongues run about the island in search of prey and carrion. One of three major islands making up Komodo National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo is the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, a prehistoric-looking lizard up to 10 feet long. If you're leery of these reptiles, the ecologically diverse waters around the island provide superb diving and snorkelling and are home to graceful manta rays, dolphins and even seahorses.

Day 16 - Lombok

Arrive: Sun 16 March 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 16 March 2025

Lombok

Day 17 - Benoa, Bali

Arrive: Mon 17 March 2025 / Depart: Mon 17 March 2025

This exquisite island is known for terraced rice fields, beautiful beaches and volcanic mountains. Its lush countryside is home to iconic stone temples and mischievous monkeys. Historic sites like the Cliffside Uluwatu Temple mesmerize visitors. Soak up the atmosphere of villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts. From scenic vistas to cultural performances, there's bound to be something to invigorate your mind and body.