Asia & Australia Cruise

Day 1 - Brisbane

Arrive: Mon 17 February 2025 / Depart: Mon 17 February 2025 at 16:00

Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced "Bris-bin."

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Arrive: Wed 19 February 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 19 February 2025 at 18:00

Newcastle is a harbour city in the Australian state of New South Wales. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales.

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Sydney

Arrive: Fri 21 February 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 21 February 2025 at 16:00

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrive: Tue 25 February 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 25 February 2025 at 18:00

Welcome to an undiscovered paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and volcanic mountains. And if you've come for history, you'll find that, too. This peaceful town was the site of fierce fighting during World War II. Today, it's a peaceful retreat offering the vacationer plenty of time to relax and connect with nature. Beyond the city you'll find a tropical rainforest full of birds of paradise and a laid-back ease worth discovering.

Day 10 - Conflict Islands, PNG

Arrive: Wed 26 February 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 26 February 2025 at 18:00

The Conflict Group is an atoll in Papua New Guinea. The group was sighted in 1879 by HMS Cormorant, by moonlight; it was named in 1880 by Bower, captain of HMS Conflict. Irai Island is the center of population of the group.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Manila

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

Manila is the pearl of the Philippines, a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands and 60 million people. Here a mix of Malay, Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab influences created one of the most diverse and colorful societies in the world. At the heart of this unique culture lies bayanihan, the Filipinos' extraordinary spirit of national kinship. The Philippines are also a place of extraordinary physical beauty, from Manila's Intramuros district with its old colonial architecture to the tropical countryside with its forest, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Manila's strategic location made it one of Asia's major commercial centers. Today the city is a fascinating place where East meets West and the modern stands side by side with the ancient.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Hong Kong

Arrive: Fri 07 March 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 07 March 2025 at 23:00

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. Welcome to Hong Kong, one of the world's great travel destinations. Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong - literally "Fragrant Harbor" - has lost none of its charm, excitement or exoticism. Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels climb the slopes of Hong Kong Island. Narrow streets are crammed with noodle vendors, fortunetellers and bonesetters. The endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and ancient porcelain to the latest consumer electronics. And everywhere more than seven million people are moving at a breathtaking pace in one of the world's great monuments to capitalism, commerce and enterprise. The former Crown Colony has enough attractions to last a lifetime. To take in the entire spectacle, head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch on one of the city's floating restaurants. Walk down one of the crowded streets to take the city's rapid pulse. And whether you think you are in the mood or not - shop. After all, you are in the duty-free capital of the world.

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - Taipei

Arrive: Sun 09 March 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 09 March 2025 at 18:00

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasn't until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the world's most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - Kagoshima

Arrive: Tue 11 March 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 11 March 2025 at 18:00

From the 12th century to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kagoshima was the chief stronghold of the mighty Shimazu clan. The city lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs and geysers. The area is also rich in modern Japanese history: Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma samurai were leaders of the Meiji Restoration that toppled the shogun and restored the Emperor to power in 1868. In 1877, dissatisfied with the direction of the new government, Saigo led the Satsuma Rebellion, which ended in his death and the final defeat of the samurai. The symbol of Kagoshima is Sakura Jima - the volcanic island that sits just offshore. The volcano has erupted over 30 times in recorded history.

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - Kobe

Arrive: Thu 13 March 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 13 March 2025 at 19:00

The Port of Kobe is a Japanese maritime port in Kobe, Hy?go in the greater Osaka area, backgrounded by the Hanshin Industrial Region.

Day 26 - Shimizu

Arrive: Fri 14 March 2025 at 13:00 / Depart: Fri 14 March 2025 at 21:00

Sprawling, semi-rural Shimizu Ward is dominated by forested coastal mountains, with hiking trails and ropeway rides to dramatic viewpoints above Suruga Bay. Miho Beach Park is popular for swimming and water sports in summer, and there are baseball and soccer fields nearby, plus an aquarium at the Marine Science Center.

Day 27 - Tokyo

Arrive: Sat 15 March 2025 at 06:30 / Depart: Sat 15 March 2025

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."