60-DAY GRAND AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

While cruise ships call it "Kona," this stop on the western part of the island of Hawaii is actually a region rather than an actual city. Ships anchor in Kailua Bay and tender their guests to the Kailua Pier, which is right in the middle of Kailua Village, the historic heart of Kailua-Kona. Kona's sunnier and dryer than Hilo to the east -- it almost never rains -- and features the island's best beaches, snorkelling and surfing. (The east coast is more tropical, with waterfalls and mountainous regions closer to the town of Hilo. Believe it or not, the island has 11 climatic zones!) Coffee grown in the hills above Kailua-Kona (the one place where it rains more in the summer than in the winter) is very delicious and highly prized. Beaches in the area range from black sand to sugar white, with sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and -- in season, November to May -- humpback whales visible from the surf or the shore. Whereas Hilo is the business anchor of the Big Island (with a more authentic, local feel), the area just north of Kailua-Kona -- the Kohala Coast -- houses the island's most desirable resorts, with renowned restaurants, spas and golf courses.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Welcome to the Equator, where the Earth's hemispheres meet and the sun shines directly overhead twice a year, creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Crossing this imaginary line is often found on a cruiser's bucket list. 

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Crossing the International Date Line is a unique experience, marking the point where the calendar day changes. As you journey across this imaginary line in the Pacific Ocean, you'll effectively travel forward or backward in time by a whole day, a fascinating concept that highlights the way we measure time and the world's diverse time zones.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Savusavu, on Fiji's Vanua Levu island, is a hidden gem offering a truly authentic Fijian experience. With lush rainforests, volcanic hot springs, and world-class diving, it's a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

As you approach the New Caledonian island of Lifou, the impossibly turquoise waters almost seem too surreal to believe. But they're certainly real and, in fact, the crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life, including green sea turtles. There are three main attractions to visit on Lifou: Notre Dame de Lourdes Church at the top of the hill, Jinek Bay and the Grotto Caves. Tickets need to be purchased from the ship before disembarking to snorkel in Jinek Bay. While you can bring your snorkel gear, reef shoes are not permitted (to protect the coral). Foam (pool) noodles are available to use for free while in the bay. There is an abundance of colourful coral and marine life, and the bay is ideal for families to explore. There is a lovely little church at the top of a hill. The walk is not overly strenuous, but comfortable, closed-toed footwear is recommended, as well as a hat and a bottle of water. There are rugged concrete steps and some parts of the climb are a little steep. There are numerous vantage points to take photos on your way to the top, so make sure you stop to take in the breathtaking scenery. Your efforts will be rewarded as the views are magnificent. The small Catholic church provides a quiet spot for reflection and a cool spot to catch your breath. You'll find the Grotto Caves in the opposite direction. You can purchase tickets for AUD$10 at the mouth of the bush walk. The walk is challenging as there are knotted tree roots and vines along the path. It is also a steep climb down once you reach the entrance to the caves. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is covered with leaves and other debris. After a steep descent, you'll find a deep, cool pool -- but be careful as it's dark and slippery.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

The capital of the Solomon Islands is the only real port with sufficient infrastructure to cope with full-size cruise ships. Even then, it's a bit of an effort to get a whole ship ashore. Mostly, the Solomon Islands are geared for expedition ships that will put small numbers of guests (typically fewer than 200) ashore by Zodiac or other tender. In this respect, the Solomon Islands are one of the most exciting adventure cruise destinations in the South Pacific, with dozens of suitable locations to go ashore where small communities welcome visitors with dances and cultural displays.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Cairns, Australia's closest port city to the Great Barrier Reef, was once little more than a jumping-off place to the reef or the remote Daintree rainforest to the north. Now, with the busiest airport and cruise port in Australia's northeast state of Queensland, and enough tour operators to plan a month of activities, there's reason for travellers to venture beyond the reef and the rainforest. Most cruise passengers won't have enough hours to do the best of what Cairns offers -- a major diving or snorkelling trip to the outer reef, for instance, takes a full day -- but there are plenty of tour choices that are unique to Australia. They include a half-day snorkelling trip to see an amazing array of sea creatures on a nearby portion of the reef, hugging a koala at a tropical zoo, or just hanging around the beach of a city-built saltwater lagoon swimming pool designed to separate tourists from the crocodiles that frequent some of Cairns' ocean beaches. Cairns is a pedestrian-friendly city that buzzes with travellers day and night. Don't miss its vibrant waterfront. Within 10 minutes from the cruise terminal (if you dock downtown), you'll find shopping, dining and, most important to the economy of Cairns, dozens of tours designed to get you out of town. Excursions include bungee jumping and white-water rafting, glass-bottom boat rides and a Skyrail cableway that runs above the rainforest canopy.

Ribbon Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia, is a breathtaking stretch of coral reefs renowned for its pristine beauty and vibrant marine life. Part of the Great Barrier Reef, it is a diver's paradise, offering an extraordinary underwater world with an abundance of colourful coral formations and an array of marine species. Snorkelers and divers are treated to encounters with majestic manta rays, playful dolphins, and graceful sea turtles amid the crystal-clear waters. The conservation efforts in the area are vital to protect this fragile ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonder and splendour of Ribbon Reef's natural treasures.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Cruising the Far North region of Australia is a captivating expedition into the untouched beauty of the country's northernmost reaches. Setting sail from tropical ports like Cairns or Darwin, travellers embark on an unforgettable journey through the remote and diverse landscapes of the Northern Territory and Queensland. The pristine coastline reveals hidden gems like the mesmerizing Torres Strait Islands and the breathtaking Kimberley region, with its rugged gorges and ancient rock art. Cruisers can witness unique wildlife, from saltwater crocodiles to elusive dugongs. This immersive experience allows guests to connect with Australia's indigenous culture and gain a profound appreciation for the unspoiled wilderness.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Darwin is a departure point for visits to Australia's Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks but this modern city in the Northern Territory also has plenty of attractions for the one-day cruise visitor. Its streets are lined with Aboriginal art and craft galleries, boutiques selling locally cultured pearls, and restaurants and cafes where the ethnically diverse cuisine highlights Australia's bountiful produce and seafood. From feeding crocodiles in the central business district (CBD) to historic World War 2 oil storage tunnels and a lively waterfront wave pool, Darwin offers an enjoyable day out for travellers with a variety of interests. The city was named after naturalist Charles Darwin, who stopped there aboard HMS Beagle in 1839. As home to a growing population of 132,000, it is the smallest Australian capital city. Closer to the capitals of five countries in Asia than it is to Canberra, the capital of Australia, Darwin is a modern mix of Aussie and Asian culture -- at least in its food options. Many buildings also look relatively new as the city was rebuilt after it was largely levelled by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve in 1974. Kakadu is too distant to reach on a shore excursion, but if you're looking for natural beauty, you should have enough time to squeeze in a day trip to Litchfield National Park. Just a 90-minute drive from Darwin, this delightful park is noted for its waterfalls cascading into swimmable pools as well as trails through lush tropical forests and giant termite mounds, many two metres (6.5 feet) high or taller.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Exmouth is well deserving of its description as the 'Eco Capital of Western Australia' offering spectacular sights both in and out of its turquoise waters and stunning coastline. The Port of Exmouth is located at the tip of North West Cape, about 1270 kilometres north of Perth, on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast. Originally established in 1967 to support the nearby United States Naval Communication Station, it is now known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park with its coral reefs, colourful fish, migratory whale sharks and humpback whales. With a population of 2500, the small resort town swells to triple its size from April to July when travellers visit to swim with whale sharks known as gentle giants of the sea. It also has its own welcoming committee -- emus and their chicks often wander the streets and walk through the town centre. Exmouth is also one of the few places that offers a Range To Reef experience with the Cape Range National Park on its doorstep stretching over 506 sq. km. With its red, rocky gorges and sheer cliffs, the scenery is impressive. Kangaroos also make an appearance. Jurabi Coastal Reserve that's on the Cape's northwest coast, is a seasonal nesting ground for marine turtles and there are tidal rock pools and beautiful beaches. Exmouth gets pretty hot -- temperatures can hit 40 degrees Celsius in summer. Winters are mild and pleasant with daytime temperatures about 25 degrees Celsius. Unlike many Top End destinations, Exmouth doesn't experience a specific wet and dry season, but rain is most likely to fall between January and July, with monsoonal showers and storms expected from January to April. May, June and July see cooler temperatures while the period between August and December is usually dry. Cruise passengers arrive by tender boats at the Exmouth Marina, which is a short walk or a few minutes' drive to the town.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Port Arthur is located on the southern tip of Tasmania's isolated Tasman peninsula about 60 kilometres from Hobart, is home to about 500 residents. The allure for cruise ships is not to visit the tiny town, but instead to see one of the world's largest and best preserved 19th-century penal colonies in an incongruously beautiful bayside setting. The Port Arthur Historic Site is an impressive open-air museum that comprises 30 buildings, ruins and restored period houses and is encircled by brooding hills on a cove that leads out to a large harbour and the chilly waters of the Southern Ocean. The settlement is spread over 40 hectares (100 acres) and has undergone a major restoration and facelift. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's also one of Australia's most significant historic places and one of Tasmania's top attractions. Port Arthur is undoubtedly a spooky place with a long history of horror, not only as a penal colony, but also for an infamous modern-day massacre. On April 28, 1996, a lone gunman arrived at the site and started shooting, killing 35 innocent victims and injuring 23. There's a memorial at the site where the shooting took place. Originally named after George Arthur, the lieutenant governor of Van Diemen's Land (later Tasmania), the town's colonial history dates back to 1830 when it was designed as a small timber station. It quickly became important within the penal system of the colonies, a settlement hacked out of the bush and built on convict hard labour. Men, women and even children, many hailing from rural areas or the big city slums of Great Britain who had been convicted more than once for crimes including stealing were punished by being unceremoniously transported to the Australian colonies. Ironically, these unfortunates were probably better fed and clothed in Port Arthur than they were at home. But it was a hard, isolated life and they were prisoners set to work as loggers or housemaids. In the first decade of its existence, Port Arthur was a hive of industry, including timber, ship building, shoe making, blacksmithing and brick making. Then, in the 1840s, when the convict population exceeded 1,100, there was a consolidation of these industries within the penal structure of the settlement. In 1842, a huge flour mill and granary and a hospital were added to the line-up of buildings. In 1848, the first stone was laid for the Separate Prison, where repeat offenders were housed. Over time, the settlement expanded geographically, too, as its boundaries and convicts pushed out into the encircling hills to extract more valuable timber. The relocation of convicts ended in 1853, which eventually led to fewer criminals being transported to Port Arthur. But the settlement remained one of the few secondary punishment stations in Tasmania and continued to receive men sentenced to prison. In 1857, the old flour mill and granary was converted into a large penitentiary and 1864 saw the beginning of construction on the last great project at the site -- the Asylum. The settlement's turbulent and colourful life began to wind down in the 1870s as the number of convicts dwindled, and those left behind were too old, sick or insane to work. Port Arthur finally closed in 1877. The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority has overseen the settlement since 1987, along with the Coal Mines Historic Site, near Saltwater River about a half hour's drive from Port Arthur, and the Cascades Female Factory Site in South Hobart. Today, the Port Arthur site has beautifully restored buildings, English trees and manicured gardens, giving it a picturesque quality.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.