78-night Australia, Asia & Alaska Cruise

The 70 islands of the Whitsunday group are some of the best known and most developed Barrier Reef islands and are scattered on both sides of the Whitsunday Passage, within 31 miles of Shute Harbour, jumping-off point for the many cruises through the group. The actual Great Barrier Reef is at least 37 miles out from Shute Harbour; Hook Reef is the nearest part of the reef. Many of the Whitsunday islands are National Parks. The large block of mainland national park opposite them, stretching from Airlie Beach south to Conway, is known as the Conway Range National Park.

Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait islands. It is a tiny island off the top of Cape York, Queensland's most northern point. At one time Thursday Island was a major pearling centre and pearlers' cemeteries give testimony to their hardships. Some pearls are still produced here, from seeded "culture farms.' It is a popular pause for passing yachts.

Kagoshima, a seaport on Kyushu Island, Japan, is sheltered within Kagoshima Bay and is the commercial and cultural center of southern Kyushu. Products manufactured here include a famous type of earthenware known as Satsumaware. Sights of interest include the Iso Garden and the local Theatre.

Beppu is one of Japan's most famous and most touristy hot spring resorts. It is a good place to try out different types of hot springs including sand baths. In addition, there are a few spectacular hot springs, called the "Hells of Beppu", which are for viewing rather than bathing.

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Shimizu is located on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay on the island of Honshu. Protected by a sandspit, it is a major commercial port and fishing centre. Places of scenic and historic interest include the Pine Groves of Miho, the Ryuge Temple, containing a fern palm believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and the nearby Nippon-Daira plateau.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

Dutch Harbour is a port in the Aleutian Islands. Geologically, the archipelago is a continuation of the Aleutian Range, which is on the Alaskan mainland, and contains a number of volcanic peaks. Few trees, all of stunted growth, are found, but grasses grow in abundance. Although a few good harbours are found in the archipelago, navigation is dangerous because of almost perpetual fog and numerous reefs.

Yakutat is a small village located on beautiful Monti Bay, the only sheltered deep water port in the gulf of Alaska. Miles of untouched sandy beaches abound with driftwood and occasional glass balls for the beachcomber. Beyond these beaches lie a surfers dream. The Yakutat Forelands is teaming with wildlife for viewing pleasure. Jump on a charter boat and head up to Disenchantment Bay to marvel at the exciting sites and sounds of the largest tidewater glacier in North America, the ever moving Hubbard glacier. Or rent a car and drive to Harlequin Lake to view and photograph the wildflowers, the awesome freshwater glacier and the iceberg strewn lake. Beautiful hiking trails in the area include the short hike into Russell Fjord or the more taxing walk to Situk Lake. Saltwater kayaks are available for rent. There are numerous Hunting Guides which can put the avid hunter on rare wildlife. A drive to lower Situk River to observe the gillnetter's in action is worth the trip. Grab a license and tackle. Then try your hand at a world class fishery.