Want to add a hotel stay or change your flights?
Just call our team of cruise specialists to help build your dream cruise holiday today!
Want to add a hotel stay or change your flights?
Just call our team of cruise specialists to help build your dream cruise holiday today!
Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.
Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The fumes of the volcano Tavurvur can be seen continually and the town suffered greatly during the last major eruption of 1994 when some 80% of the houses collapsed due to the ash raining down onto their roofs. Rabaul has a Volcano Observatory sitting atop the town’s centre, monitoring the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. A small museum opposite the bunker used by Yamamoto during World War II shows exhibits relating to Rabaul’s local, German, Australian and Japanese past from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea’s independence in the 1970s.
Gizo, the vibrant capital of the Western Province, invites cruise travellers to explore its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located amidst crystal-clear waters, this charming port is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, featuring colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by visiting traditional villages, wandering through bustling markets, and enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking and island-hopping. With its warm hospitality and breathtaking scenery, Gizo offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Solomon Islands.
Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. It is the hub of all activity in the archipelago which has recently undergone an ‘urban boom’. Discover the cities beautiful landscapes and the significance of the city in the World War II.
Vanikoro Island, a hidden gem in the Solomon Islands, beckons cruise travellers with its stunning natural beauty and intriguing history. Known for the tragic wreck of the French ship La Perouse in 1788, this remote island offers visitors a unique glimpse into maritime history. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Vanikoro is ideal for snorkelling and diving, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The island's lush landscapes provide opportunities for hiking and exploring its unspoiled nature. With its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Vanikoro Island promises a tranquil escape and unforgettable experiences for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
Unlike Espiritu Santo with its raised coral reefs and white sand, Ambrym is a volcanically active island with dark sand beaches. Ambrym is known as the island of magic and is the source of five local languages that all evolved on Ambrym. This handful of languages contributes to the well over 100 languages of Vanuatu. Some of Ambrym’s magic takes place in the lush greenery of the local community of Ranon. Here the people perform a very special and traditional ‘Rom’ dance. Participants prepare their masks and costumes in secrecy and the dance is reserved for special occasions.
North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.
*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.
Entertainment | |
WiFi | |
Shuttle service to and from ports and airport where available | |
Almost 1:1 staff to guest ratio | |
Personal Suite Stewardess | |
Marina and complimentary watersports, Caviar in the Surf beach barbeques | |
Seabourn Conversations with visionary experts | |
Luxurious, all-suite accommodation |
Return flights included (UK airports) | |
24-hour room service | |
In-suite mini bar replenished daily | |
In-suite bar replenished with your preferences | |
Complimentary laundry where applicable | |
Gratuities are neither required, nor expected | |
Selected wines and spirits on-board |