31-night Grand Australia Circumnavigation Cruise

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Sydney was founded as a penal colony in 1788 and is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor. It has grown into the major cultural center of Australia, beloved for its all-embracing, free-spirited nature. The cultural jewel in its crown is the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled harborside like a gleaming white bird taking flight. Adjacent, the Royal Botanic Garden displays one of the world's most important horticultural collections across its 70 acres of flora-lined pathways.,

Trace the scenic Australian coastline and enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.,

The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is situated on its namesake river and spreads over picturesque hills rising from Moreton Bay. One of the oldest cities in Australia, its first European settlers were the secondary offenders from the Sydney penal colony. In addition to its riverside skyscrapers, the city is host to some decidedly less dramatic architecture: the quaint Queenslander homes characterized by their terraces and raised living spaces. Art galleries, museums, and beloved musical venues also make the city one of Australia's most vibrant and active cultural centers.,

Follow the route of English explorer James Cook, who famously laid eyes on Australia's "Sunshine Coast" from the deck of HMS Endeavour. As you sail, take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. You may visit Mamsen's, our casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or, dine at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant for authentic fare with options ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan-inspired classics.,

The Whitsunday archipelago emerges from the Coral Sea amid the Great Barrier Reef. The seafaring Ngaro people called this paradise home until 1870 and hunted these waters in bark canoes. Nature's brushstrokes are astonishing here: pure-white sands meet cerulean waters, swirling together at sandbars to merge into a palette of turquoise, cream and emerald-green hills. Glassy, invigorating, and impossibly blue, the waters provide the ideal oasis for relaxing and idling away a few hours on the beach.,

Being the focal point of activity on the mainland and the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday in paradise. Popular activities in the Airlie Beach area include: Sailing the islands, day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, skydiving, snorkeling, and even crocodile safaris. Moreover, Airlie Beach is not only perfect due to it's vast array of activities, but also its many dining options, shops, and pubs.

Townsville is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and a favorite cultural center. The city's location on the banks of the Ross River and along the shores of Cleveland Bay hints at the local love of outdoor life. Riverway, a path-lined green park that traces the Ross, leads walkers and joggers past scenic views and the city's original wharves and ports. Nearby, the Strand, a tranquil walkway, follows the long tropical beach. And no matter which corner of Townsville you are exploring, the red sandstone monolith of Castle Hill is always in view.,

Queensland's seaside resort town, Cairns is the gateway to a rich array of natural beauty onshore and off. Catamarans take marine lovers to the Great Barrier Reef; stretching for 1,400 miles, it is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. Inland, the wet tropics have given rise to Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems of extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of birdlife. For all its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, thriving culture of Cairns is a pleasure to absorb from the outdoor cafés or along the scenic waterfront promenade.,

Traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Coral Sea, where the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef welcomes divers to explore its spectacular marine life. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine onboard. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.,

Trace the route of early civilizations as you sail the Arafura Sea. During the Ice Age, entire populations were once able to walk between continents, exchanging languages and customs. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.,

Follow in the footsteps of Indonesia's indigenous people and sail the Timor Sea. This stretch of water shares its name with the island of Timor, which lies to its north. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in The Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.,

Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent's northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.,

Measuring approximately 300 miles wide and reaching a maximum depth of almost 11,000 feet in the Timor Trough, the Timor Sea is home to numerous reefs, uninhabited islands, and important underwater deposits of oil and gas. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.,

Komodo is one of the world's most unique and prehistoric-feeling national parks with a magnificent menagerie of wildlife. Its most famous denizen is the legendary Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. These breathtaking creatures can grow up to ten feet long and typically weigh about 150 pounds. Gentler-looking animals also roam, including the island's graceful Timor deer, beautiful wild horses, and stout little boars. Resident giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are a sight to behold with their jet-black capes.,

With a thriving arts scene, lush beauty, and magnificent seaside vistas, Bali has long beckoned travelers in search of ultimate beauty. The island's rich Hindu culture has forever held that gods live in all things natural—from mountains to streams to pebbles on the beach—lending the island a peaceful air. Denpasar is the island's thriving capital. Founded as a market town, it still bustles with colorful stalls and vast emporiums selling bright sarongs and intricately patterned batik.,

With its distinct flavors and traditions, Bali's food culture stands apart from that of the rest of Indonesia. Indigenous ingredients, recipes, and techniques blend with influences from the island's Chinese and Indian heritages to create dishes found nowhere else. For many, a daily ritual may involve shopping for ginger, turmeric, and kaffir lime in spice markets or for fruits, vegetables, and meats in a pasar pagi. Traditional warungs, tiny family-owned food stands, often specialize in a particular dish, such as babi guling (suckling pig) or bebek betutu (crispy duck).,

Sail the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, used to transport gold, myrrh, pottery, grain, dates, and countless other products for more than 7,000 years. Renew your body, mind, and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto, or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.,

Situated along Champion Bay, Geraldton was originally a military post before being declared a town in 1871. It is a gateway to Australia's Coral Coast, a striking combination of pristine islands, rugged outback landscapes, and undersea attractions. Offshore lie the Abrolhos Islands, the "Galápagos Islands of the Indian Ocean", a biodiverse archipelago that is home to an array of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Onshore, the city's most famous landmark is the Point Moore Lighthouse; operating since 1878, it is the oldest surviving Commonwealth lighthouse in Western Australia.,

Sunbathers will appreciate Geraldton, Australia, known as the Sunshine City for it's record year round sunshine.  Geraldton maintains some beautiful sandy beaches where visitors can swim and enjoy a variety of water sports. Also, off the coast of Geraldton is Abrohos Island, which can be reached by boat and allows for snorkeling and reef diving in the colorful underwater environment. The town itself is very attractive, and tidy streets are designed to make full use of Geraldtons long summer days.

Culture-rich Perth is located along the banks of the Swan River just before it flows into the Indian Ocean. While other settlements were established as penal outposts, Perth was founded as a true British colony. The city's 19th-century gold rush days were followed by the completion of the continental railroad, opening new economic opportunity. Today, Perth is home to one of the largest city parks in the world, Kings Park and Botanic Garden. This massive swath of green space covers almost 1,000 acres, hosting planned gardens, untamed bushland, and 80 species of birds.,

Located on the south shore of Geographe Bay, Busselton was settled by the Bussell family during the early 1830s. Traditionally focused on agriculture and cattle ranching, the city is also a popular resort destination, renowned for its sheltered beaches, mild climate, and the nearby Margaret River wine region. Its charming beachfront features the 19th-century Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 6,000 feet into the bay and culminating at the Underwater Observatory, where visitors can view a vibrant coral reef.,

Bussleton (Busselton) is one of Western Australia's favorite seaside port towns, and the gateway to Margaret River's wine region.
Busselton Jetty and the surrounding waterfront is the highlight of the city, with many seaside cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, as well as a white sandy beach and bike paths to enjoy.

Long before the Portuguese, the Greeks and Romans sailed the Indian Ocean to establish trade with southern India. The Tamil exported spices, silk, and exotic animals, which can be seen in the mosaics of ancient Roman villas. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers' Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.,

Western Australia's southernmost city, Albany was the first settlement in Western Australia. The city was established in 1826 as a military garrison to defend against possible French encroachment on the Crown's new colonies. Before long, it also served as a penal colony. Throughout its first 70 years, Albany enjoyed prosperity as home to the colony's only deepwater port. As other ports opened, agriculture, timber, and whaling sustained the city. Stone churches and other public buildings exude a distinctly British charm, many boasting English garden landscaping.,

Albany is a popular resort town located on one of southwestern Australia's most beautiful stretches of coast. It lies on the northern shore of Princess Royal Harbour - one of the world's best natural deep-water harbours. Built soon after the first convicts arrived, Albany's oldest buildings include the Old Gaol, the Old Post Office and the Old Farmhouse. In the area around Albany discover the rugged coastline of Torndirrup National Park, forests, and arable and sheep farms.

Sail past towering oceanside cliffs that guard the Great Australian Bight like sentries watching over the sea. Its waters are a rich marine ecosystem and are a calving ground dedicated to protecting the southern right whale. Admire the views as you sail today and enjoy an al fresco dining experience. The Aquavit Terrace serves a range of International fare and casual dining favorites, as well as a range of superb cocktails inspired by our destinations.,

The oldest European settlement on the mainland and one of the continent's few cities without a penal past, Adelaide is Australia's unsung center of high culture, history, and beauty. Often called "a city within a park", almost half of Adelaide is green spaces, from the lush flora and gurgling fountains of the Adelaide Botanic Garden to the Japanese-style retreat at Adelaide Himeji Garden. The surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges enhance the city's close-to-nature atmosphere, and its progressive politics contribute to its oft-cited standing as Australia's most livable city.,

Separating mainland Australia from the island of Tasmania, the Bass Strait was discovered by British explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1799. The largest archipelago in the waterway's eastern reaches, the Furneaux Group, once formed a land bridge between Tasmania and Australia. In the strait's western region, King Island hosts several settlements and is on the migration route of several bird species.,

Melbourne has been called the world's most livable city. It enjoys a scenic setting on the large bay of Port Phillip. Soon after Queen Victoria declared it a city of the Crown in 1847, the rush to find gold in its rivers made it one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities. Today, it is celebrated as the country's cultural capital of the arts and exudes a rich and lively British flair, from its narrow shopping lanes to the fanciful Victorian buildings along Collins Street. A literal slice of England can be found within 64 acres of beautiful blooms at Fitzroy Gardens.,

Burnie sits on Emu Bay, an inlet of the Bass Strait, at the mouth of the Emu River. Founded in 1827, it was later named after William Burnie, the director of Van Diemen's Land Company. One of Tasmania's largest cities, its deepwater harbor makes it an important commercial center. The city is also a gateway to Tasmania's rugged natural beauty, including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, the park is a breathtaking landscape of trails, streams, ancient pines, and wildlife set in the shadow of jagged Cradle Mountain.,

Burnie is situated on Emu Bay at the mouth of the Emu River on the northern coast of Tasmania. Established in 1829 as Emu Bay Settlement, the settlement was renamed as a town in 1866. Burnie is served by the Sydney-Tasmania ferry and is the commercial centre for northwestern Tasmania. Nearby is Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park, incorporating Cradle Mountain itself with its lava peak rising to 5,069 feet.

Trace one of Australia's most scenic regions along the southeastern shore of the continent on the Bass Strait. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your veranda.,

Eden was an important port for Australia's powerful whaling industry for more than a century. The whalers who operated out of Eden had an advantage over their competitors. In a unique example of mutualism, a local pod of orcas, apocryphally led by Old Tom, would assist in the hunt by herding the whales into nearby bays for easy dispatching by the whalers, in exchange for an easy meal. Today, the town's focus is on whale conservation, but its intriguing whaling history is on display at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, including the skeleton of Old Tom.,

The southern gateway to the Sapphire Coast, Eden is set in rugged beauty with golden sandy beaches and crystal waters to the east and forests and parklands to the west.

Sydney was founded as a penal colony in 1788 and is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor. It has grown into the major cultural center of Australia, beloved for its all-embracing, free-spirited nature. The cultural jewel in its crown is the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled harborside like a gleaming white bird taking wing. Adjacent, the Royal Botanic Garden displays one of the world's most important horticultural collections across its 70 acres of flora-lined pathways. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.,