Itinerary

Sydney, Australia photo — Day 1 Mar 9, 2027 Sydney, Australia If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Day 2 Mar 10, 2027 Sydney, Australia Departs 16:00 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia

Day 4 Mar 12, 2027 Hobart Arrives 13:00 Mount Wellington's looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. View less With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants, or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines, and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren't left in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by. Hobart

Day 5 Mar 13, 2027 Hobart Departs 23:00 Mount Wellington's looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. View less With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants, or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines, and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren't left in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by. Hobart

Day 7 Mar 15, 2027 Burnie, Tasmania 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Breathe in deep – here in Burnie, you’re tasting untouched air that is some of the cleanest anywhere in the world. Nearby Cradle Mountain once registered some of the world’s purest air - and the breezes here are purified by miles of uninterrupted ocean, stretching south to Antarctica. Tasmania itself is a place of sweeping National Parks, soaring granite mountain ranges and lakes reflecting spectacular scenery in glass-smooth surfaces. With dense eucalyptus forests coating the hills, and hikes rewarding with deserted sandy beaches, it’s no surprise that Burnie life revolves around getting outdoors and exploring the natural splendour of this shield-shaped island state of Australia. If mountain hikes sound a little strenuous, spend some time getting to know the island’s adorable wildlife. Visit Fern Glade Reserve to see the spade-like beaks of platypuses gliding through the waters, or the Little Penguin Observation Centre where Burnie’s own colony of adorable penguins waddle playfully. West Beach’s golden sand is also close by, perfect for lying back and soaking up some sun, or for watching on as surfers skip across the curling waves. Burnie has always been a place where things get made - in the past this came with a tinge of grey industry, but the city has now reinvented itself as a hotspot for all things creative. View the island’s most revered works, learn how to fold your own paper creations in workshops, and marvel at skilled local creators working hard in their studios at the Maker’s Workshop. Great food is also on this maker’s city’s agenda - feast on freshly shucked oysters, and award-winning cheeses. Later, you can toast the artisan spirit of Burnie with a glass of cool climate wine, or by swirling a nightcap of single malt – some of the world’s best whiskeys are produced here. Burnie, Tasmania

Day 8 Mar 16, 2027 Melbourne 10:00 – 21:00 11.0 hrs ashore In many ways, Melbourne is the most European of all the Australian cities, its highlights making it one of the most unique stops on an MSC Grand Voyages cruise:magnificent landscaped gardens and parks provide green spaces near the centre, while beneath the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD), an understorey of solid, Victorian-era facades ranged along tree-lined boulevards presents the city on a more human scale. The CBD lies at the heart of the city, a grid bounded by La Trobe, Spring, Flinders and Spencer streets, dotted with fine public buildings and plenty of shops. To the north of the CBD, a wander through lively, century-old Queen Victoria Market will repay both serious shoppers and people-watchers. In the east, the CBD rubs up against Eastern Hill, home to Parliament House as well as the landscaped Fitzroy Gardens, from where it’s a short walk to the venerable Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a must for sports fans. A shore excursion on your MSC Grand Voyages cruise can be the opportunity to visit the riverside’s most innovative development: the new 92-storey Eureka Tower located on the Southgate site and named after a landmark rebellion in Victoria’s gold-rush era (the top levels are clad in gold). Finished in 2006 and towering 300m, it is the tallest building in Melbourne. Visitors can enjoy amazing views of the city and beyond from the 88th-floor Skydeck, which features the stomach-churning “skywalk”, The Edge, a 3m glass cube that juts out over the city below. Another MSC excursion is the Serendip Sanctuary: a square kilometre of bush, marsh and wetlands where you can observe kangaroos, wallabies and emus, as well as numerous other water birds, in their natural habitat. Melbourne

Day 10 Mar 18, 2027 Adelaide 10:00 – 22:00 12.0 hrs ashore For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches. Adelaide

Day 11 Mar 19, 2027 Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The Australian continent’s third-largest island—Kangaroo—enchants visitors with its mellow rhythms, which seem to be coming from a quieter and much simpler time. Even Penneshaw, its main ferry port, has a population of less than 300 people . . . and farmers sometimes still advertise for spouses on bulletin boards. Long roads run arrow-straight through the fields, scrub and dense gum forests of this spectacular unspoiled destination. It remains one of the best places to see Australian marsupials in the wild. Almost half the island remains bushland or national park, sheltering koalas, echidnas and a million or so tammar wallabies. Weighing just five to seven kilograms (11 to 15 pounds), these mini-roos flourish here, thanks to a dearth of foxes and other mainland predators. (Despite this strong population, the species, Macropus eugenii, remains on the endangered list.) Marine mammals also make a healthy showing on Kangaroo Island. Visitors can walk through one of the country's largest sea lion colonies and watch for rare southern right whales offshore. Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island

Day 13 Mar 21, 2027 Port Lincoln 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a foodie paradise. Home to Australia's largest fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants and a prized local wine region, this is one destination where it pays to travel with your taste buds. The city’s traditional name in Barngala is ‘Kallinyalla’ (pronounced Galinyalla), literally translating as ‘sweet waters’. That should give you some indication of how seriously the ocean is taken in these parts – it provides employment, entertainment and experiences that are just unseen in other parts of the country. View less Add in contrasting coastal landscape that ranges from quiet coves to surf happy beaches to rugged oceanic coastline, and you’ll soon see why Port Lincoln is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite places. The city is located on the lower Eyre Peninsula, on the shore of Boston Bay. Discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, Port Lincoln was once under consideration to become the state’s capital. However, a lack of freshwater mired that idea, forcing settlers to look 280 kilometres east, to Adelaide. While European discovery is fairly recent, historians should note that the region had been inhabited by Aboriginal groups including the Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) for over 40,000 years. For those who want to look beyond the city boundaries, Port Lincoln is home to some extremely diverse and abundant nature, and a trip to the National Park is well worth it. Port Lincoln

Day 16 Mar 24, 2027 Albany, Australia 07:00 – 15:00 8.0 hrs ashore Established in 1826, Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia and quickly grew into a bustling commercial hub. Its historic heart has a certain faded grandeur, while the modern waterfront is undergoing major redevelopment. The area’s most striking features, however, predate the original settlement. Its natural wonders include stunning coastline stretching from Torndirrup National Park’s majestic cliffs to the tranquil bay at King George Sound. In the interior, the peaks of the Stirling Range reach heights of more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and offer opportunities for day hikes with breathtaking views. During the 19th century, Albany played an important role as a center of shipping between Britain and its Australian colonies, as it was long the only deepwater port on the continent. It was through Albany that some 40,000 Anzac troops departed for Europe, an event that is being recognized through 2018 with a series of events marking the centennial of World War I. The Whaling Station here, which did not cease operations until 1978, has been converted to a fascinating museum on the history of the industry. It has the distinction of being the last operating station in both the Southern Hemisphere and the English-speaking world. Humpback, southern right and blue whales continue to be pursued here, though now by curious sightseers on whale-watching cruises during the annual whale season from June to October. Today, “Amazing Albany” earns the adjective the city has bestowed upon itself, as it draws travelers eager to explore an unexpected and amazing corner of Australia. Albany, Australia

Day 17 Mar 25, 2027 Busselton 11:00 – 22:00 11.0 hrs ashore Known as Western Australia’s premier resort town, Busselton is the perfect getaway to experience the combination of a slow-paced seaside town and a bustling cosmopolitan city. This beautiful city is an interesting locale on its own, but it is also a gateway port to the well-known Margaret River wine region. Busselton is known for its impeccable coastline and the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the Underwater Observatory, a fantastic aquarium with more than 300 marine species waiting to be enjoyed. If you love natural beauty, enjoy the beautiful beaches and astonishing limestone caves. Culture and history lovers should visit the Busselton Museum or the Old Courthouse Art Complex, both providing an inside look into the ins and outs of the region both now and hundreds of years ago. Busselton Busselton port guide Search cruises visiting Busselton

Busselton photo — Day 17 Mar 25, 2027 Busselton 11:00 – 22:00 11.0 hrs ashore Known as Western Australia’s premier resort town, Busselton is the perfect getaway to experience the combination of a slow-paced seaside town and a bustling cosmopolitan city. This beautiful city is an interesting locale on its own, but it is also a gateway port to the well-known Margaret River wine region. Busselton is known for its impeccable coastline and the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the Underwater Observatory, a fantastic aquarium with more than 300 marine species waiting to be enjoyed. If you love natural beauty, enjoy the beautiful beaches and astonishing limestone caves. Culture and history lovers should visit the Busselton Museum or the Old Courthouse Art Complex, both providing an inside look into the ins and outs of the region both now and hundreds of years ago. Busselton Busselton port guide Search cruises visiting Busselton

Day 18 Mar 26, 2027 Fremantle 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Although long since merged into the metropolitan area’s suburban sprawl, Perth’s port of Fremantle – “Freo” – retains an altogether different character to the centre of Perth: one that’s just waiting to be discovered on an MSC Grand Voyages excursion. It’s small enough to keep its energy focused, with a real working harbour and busy yacht marina, and has an eclectic, arty ambience without too many upmarket pretensions. A cruise to Fremantle is a good way to understand how this town attracts people with its famed weekend markets and café-lined “Cappuccino Strip” or South Terrace where funky boutiques are also found. Exploring Fremantle on foot, with plenty of streetside café breaks, is the most agreeable way of visiting the town’s compactly grouped sights. The cheery Fremantle Markets include a fruit and veg market, and a more tourist-focused section crammed with stalls selling souvenirs, arts and crafts and New Age paraphernalia. The buskers who play here are said to be some of the city’s best. The lively E-Shed markets are located in a historic warehouse building on the waterside and are worth a quick look, especially for their budget food stalls. A shore excursion on your MSC Grand Voyages cruise can also be the opportunity to visit the city itself, Perth, Western Australia’s youthful capital; it has a reputation for endless sunshine and an easy-going lifestyle. Perth’s closest beaches extend along the Sunset Coast, 30km of near-unbroken sand and coastal suburbs stretching north of the Swan River, bordered by the Indian Ocean and cooled by afternoon sea breezes. Two of the most famous are Cottesloe Beach – 7km north of Fremantle, it’s the most popular city beach, with safe swimming; there are ice-cream vendors, cafés and watercraft-rental outlets aplenty – and Scarborough. Fremantle

Day 19 Mar 27, 2027 Geraldton, Western Australia 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore Surrounded by beaches, sun-drenched Geraldton in Western Australia is a thriving city facing the Indian Ocean. Located on the Coral Coast, the city has a friendly country town feel but is infused local history and cultural heritage. View less Like many coastal towns, the dining and café culture is superb and the choice of which restaurant to choose is a happy dilemma for most travellers!Celebrated for its annual display of spectacular wildflowers, Geraldton’s flora attracts visitors from all regions, with guides taking tourists on as much as 300 mile/500 kilometre round trips in order to make sure that they receive the best possible experience. A haven for visitors especially during the cooler months, the views differ year-in year-out and vary greatly depending on the rainfall. Whole fields become blanketed in colour and rare plants, such as the wreath-flower, burst into splendorous bloom. The well-informed guides keep a track of what is flowering where and visitors only have to ask to be pointed in the right direction. With over 300 species of native plants, it is only expected that insects and birds are attracted to the area. Over 120 types of bird have been classified as well as 22 types of reptile and seven types of frog. Happily, the iconic kangaroo also makes the plains their home, so visitors can expect a real Aussie welcome if they happen upon one! Geraldton, Western Australia

Day 21 Mar 29, 2027 Exmouth, Australia 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Exmouth, the North West Cape's only settlement, will come into view as your Crystal ship rounds the northern tip of this arid North West Cape and enters the Exmouth Gulf. During World War II, Exmouth was a refueling stop for submarines, then later an air force base. In 1967 it became a U.S. Navy communications base and today, the Harold E. Holt Naval Communications Base services both Australian and American vessels in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. Although military legend has left an indelible impression, Exmouth is becoming better known as a tourist base for visits to the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. These two stunning parks are adjacent land- and sea-conservation areas on the western edge of the cape. However you choose to spend your time in Exmouth, your visit to Australia's North West Cape will be one to remember. Exmouth, Australia

Day 23 Mar 31, 2027 Broome, Australia 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore Gateway to the oldest and most elusive of all Australia’s nine regions, Broome is where your Kimberley adventure begins. The ancient landscape has long held travellers spellbound: The Kimberley is three time larger than England but has a population of just 35,000, is over 65,000 years old and is home to 2,000 km of coastline. Almost impenetrable, incredibly remote, the red baked earth, prolific wildlife, majestic canyons and swimming holes are the stuff of Australian wilderness dreams. English explorer William Dampier was the first explorer to set foot in Broome in 1668. However, the land had long been used as a trading route between east and west Kimberley for Aboriginal families. These semi-nomadic tribes respected strict unwritten rules regarding ownership of the land. The Yawuru people remain the Native Title holders for the township of Broome to this day. Broome itself has over 84 Aboriginal communities affiliated to it, 78 of which are considered remote. The city grew from its nascent pearling industry of the late 19th century. Pearl diving was dangerous in the waters surrounding Broome and for many years divers were limited to Aboriginal slaves, skin divers who faced cyclones, sharks, crocodiles, ear and chest infections in order to bring up as many pearl shells as possible for their masters. Natural pearls were rare and extremely valuable, and when found, were placed in a locked box. At the peak of its industry, around 1914, Broome was responsible for 80% of the world’s pearl trade. Broome, Australia

Day 27 Apr 4, 2027 Darwin, Australia Departs 16:00 "Australia's capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honour of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavours, colourful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia's gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city's soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect great place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavours. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war's impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia's worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973." Darwin, Australia

Day 31 Apr 8, 2027 Alotau, Papua New Guinea 12:00 – 20:00 8.0 hrs ashore The sprawling town of Alotau, spectacularly located on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern tip, is an ideal introduction to the relaxed charms of the region. The capital of Milne Bay Province, Alotau is also the main port for the 600 islands that encompass the area. The buzzing harbor, just a short walk from town, is a hive of activity, with ships, boats and canoes transporting passengers and plying their trades.The town was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, resulting in Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Milne Bay was a major Allied base, and some of the war’s fiercest fighting took place in Papua New Guinea. Although there’s not much to see now, a fascinating Battle of Milne Bay tour combines historic war stories with locals’ tales of how modern warfare changed their world. More broadly, Alotau is an excellent place to gain insight into Papua New Guinea's cultures and traditions; don’t miss the Cultural Festival excursion in which you’ll see everything from warrior dances to gospel choirs to traditional drumming. For even more local flavor, wander through Alotau Market with its mounds of betel nuts, which many islanders chew. Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Day 33 Apr 10, 2027 Cairns Arrives 12:00 The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm. Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region. Cairns

Cairns photo — Day 34 Apr 11, 2027 Cairns Departs 18:00 The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm. Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region. Cairns Cairns port guide Search cruises visiting Cairns

Day 35 Apr 12, 2027 Townsville, Australia 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The Townsville region in North Queensland, Australia is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting diversity in landscape, lifestyle and experiences. Experience barra fishing in the Burdekin or Hinchinbrook, snorkeling fringing reefs around Magnetic Island, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, bird watching at the surrounding wetlands, skydiving The Strand in Townsville, or taking a wagon ride in Charters Towers. With reef, rainforest, outback and wetlands all within easy traveling distance of Townsville, Australia’s spectacular natural wonders await your exploration. VIEW CRUISES F Townsville, Australia

Day 36 Apr 13, 2027 Airlie Beach 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore With the finest powder sand, knots of deep green rainforest and ankle-deep shelves of turquoise sea water - Airlie Beach is your gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. This lively town welcomes wide-eyed young adventurers and the yachting crowd alike to the Whitsunday Islands’ serenity, and the hiss of espresso machines, and excited chatter of adventure, spills out from its many cafes and bars. Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon – the social hub of this town - where sun-heated saltwater invites you to wade, before flaming fresh coral trout over a barbecue as the sun sets. Or, take a seat at one of the glorious restaurants offering uninterrupted views out over the waters of Pioneer Bay, towards the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. These heavenly waters don't just attract humans. Humpback and pilot whales also migrate here to indulge in the warm waters and sheltered location. Spot the majestic creatures breaching and gulping in huge gasps of oxygen as you explore. Feeling adventurous? Rainforest walks to secluded pebble beaches await at Conway National Park, where difficulty-graded walking trails are available. Dive among swirls of jewel-coloured marine life, or experience the thrill of skimming into the sky on a seaplane. Take off to admire the scattered island paradises below from a stunning new aerial perspective, before landing and enjoying a picnic amid Whitehaven Beach’s bliss. Airlie Beach

Day 38 Apr 15, 2027 Brisbane 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and Brisbane’s modern metropolis fully exploits its sun-blessed location, basking in Queensland’s generous year-round glow. The envied climate makes Brisbane a city of outdoor adventure, activity and relaxation, where days drift by surfing rollers, or relaxing in the shade of swaying palms. While Brisbane may play second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne at times, it radiates a creative and contemporary energy, offering visitors a refreshing combination of laidback waterfront luxury and urban sophistication. Sandy islands nearby provide scenic diving and oceanside relaxation opportunities, while the city's animal santuaries offer opportunities to meet unbearably cute koalas and kangaroos. Brisbane’s impressive skyline of metallic cylinders rises high above the broad Brisbane River below, which curves lazily through downtown. The rolling waves of the Pacific are close by, but there’s something special about relaxing on soft sand in the very heart of the city, on the beautifully executed South Bank Parklands man-made beach. With golden sand and shallow lagoon waters to cool off in, it’s a dreamy spot to lie back with a book, amid the landscaped gardens. Nestled in a river meander of its own, Brisbane Botanic Park glows with colour, tropical plants and wading ibis birds, and is easily walkable from the Parklands. The South Bank is the cultural hub of city, and houses the celebrated Queensland Gallery of Modern Art - a surreal and vibrant jaunt through contemporary Australian art. The city’s award-winning restaurants also serve up elite food, matched with generous splashes of wine, direct from the nearby Granite Belt’s wine regions. Brisbane

Day 41 Apr 18, 2027 Norfolk Island, Australia 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore 750 kilometers northwest of New Zealand and 1400 kilometers east of Gold Coast, NSW, Norfolk Island, an External Territory of Australia consisting of Norfolk Island and uninhabited Phillip Island and Nepean Island, was self-governed until 2015 when it came under the laws of New South Wales. Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, the island has had different settlements, starting with Polynesians that had already disappeared before Cook’s visit, followed by convicts and soldiers in 1788. This penal colony was abandoned in 1814 yet used again from 1825 to 1855. View less The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, with its elegantly restored Georgian houses at Quality Row, is among the 11 historic Australian Convict Sites, UNESCO World Heritage. Most of today’s population can be traced back to the 194 descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives who had left Pitcairn for Norfolk in 1856. In 1867 the Church of England’s Melanesian Mission moved its headquarter to Norfolk. A few years later St Barnabas Chapel was built of stone from the ruins of the New Gaol. The wooden seats have beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay work in Solomon Island style. 14% of the island is national park and the Botanical Gardens feature plants that are endemic to Norfolk Island. Golden Whistlers, Sacred Kingfisher and Norfolk’s symbolic Green Parrot can often be seen and heard. Norfolk and close by Phillip and Nepean Islands are important breeding sites for seabirds such as Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Sooty Terns, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and Masked Boobies. Norfolk Island, Australia

Day 43 Apr 20, 2027 Noumea, New Caledonia 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Perched overlooking the life-filled reefs of Noumea Lagoon, Noumea is the vibrant and colourful capital of New Caledonia. Catch some shade in the city’s centre, below Coconut Palm Square, and absorb the vibrant fusion of French and Kanak cultures. Or take a leisurely open-air stroll along the waterfront, where white boats bob and jostle on the lapping waters. Bring your tongs - the local word for flipflops - there will be plenty of time to swim, sunbathe and leaf through paperbacks on dazzling beaches. View less Noumea is a perfect jumping-off point for serene island adventures too. Enjoy a voyage to the island paradise of Amedee Isl - a tiny green land with a narrow historic lighthouse rocketing up from its centre. Climb 247 steps for the stunning view of the blotchy blue waters all around. Or, explore the waters to swim among turtles and orange clownfish. Set among the New Caledonian barrier reef, there are incredible diving opportunities, and glass-bottom boats offer you a dry window into the underwater world. Kick back on some of the softest sands imaginable and enjoy glorious sea views from the inviting shade of coconut palms. More island jaunts like Illot Maitre - which translates as the Master Isle – tempt, where you’ll find idyllic strings of stilted bungalows laced across the crystal-clear, shallow waters. Swim in the sparkling sea, and sprawl across the white sand beaches that are waiting. Back in the city, try soft coconut crab, following a starter of New Caledonian prawns. Bougna is the traditional Melanesian meal of choice, and a social experience where locals share a mix of vegetables and chicken in coconut milk, slow-cooked for hours in a bed of banana leaves. Noumea, New Caledonia

Day 44 Apr 21, 2027 Mystery Island, Vanuatu 11:00 – 20:00 9.0 hrs ashore Offering an alluring blend of nature and tranquility, the small island of Anatom (aka Aneityum) is one of the South Pacific's lesser-known but dependable tropical hotspots. The southernmost island of Vanuatu, its diminutive size (159 square kilometers, or 61 square miles) and lack of modern amenities—there's no Internet nor even running water or electricity—lends the place something of a Robinson Crusoe-esque atmosphere. Although it's possible to walk around the entire island in less than an hour, there is much to explore in a day trip. As well as taking advantage of the many soft, sandy beaches and the sparkling azure waters and coral reefs, it's possible to hike the many trails that crisscross the island's sandalwood-studded and mountainous interior. In addition, you can visit the village of Anelghowhat (or Anelcauhat) on the south side of the island, which has discarded whaling-industry equipment, former irrigation channels and the ruins of missionary John Geddie's church. It's also possible to visit picturesque Port Patrick, climb to the top of the extinct volcano Inrerow Atahein, or Inrerow Atamein (853 meters, or 2,800 feet), and admire various waterfalls dotted around the island, such as the impressive Inwan Leleghei. Off the shore of Anatom is the unpopulated Mystery Island, where cruise ship tenders moor and passengers get to spend some quality beach time on a deserted island paradise. Islanders from Anatom paddle out to meet the visitors and set up temporary shops near the dock, where they grill fish and sell a few snacks and souvenirs. Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Day 46 Apr 23, 2027 Lautoka 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Lautoka is often described as the sugar city. Sugar cane is the major industry of Fiji and Lautoka is its main base. Here are the industries' headquarters, the largest sugar mill, modern loading facilities and a large wharf. It features 70 miles of roads, almost all paved, a wonderful botanical garden and royal palm trees decorating the city's main street, Vitogo Parade. The municipal market is another attraction from both outside and inside. Fiji typifies the image of paradise. The people here live as they have done for centuries, retaining their ancient traditions and simple and carefree lifestyle supported by the harvest of a generous land and bountiful sea. Lautoka

Day 47 Apr 24, 2027 Suva 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore In the time before time, the people who would become the Fijians were shaped of wet earth, pulled from the sea on a giant fishhook and given more than 300 islands to live on. Or if you want to be a little more prosaic, the people of Fiji were part of the great Lapita migration, which began somewhere around Taiwan and headed east. The first boats to arrive stopped migrating when they found this maze of islands formed by the earth turning itself inside out with volcanoes. The new Fijians spent a couple centuries involved in internecine war and developed the bad habit of using clubs to bop all strangers. But strangers kept showing up for the simple reason that Fiji, especially the southeast coast of Viti Levu, was geographically wonderful: the kind of spot that made mariners chuck their anchors and start trying to make a living as a settler. And who knows, maybe the Fijians just had tired arms, but by the time missionaries came, powers had shifted and the bopping had stopped. Today that southeast corner of the largest island in Fiji, the city of Suva, holds three-quarters of the nation’s population. It’s also shielded by shimmering green mountains opening to a calm sea, a land lush with afternoon rains. Suva

Day 48 Apr 25, 2027 Savusavu 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore An island paradise of rich colours and verdant scenery, Savusavu is a staggeringly beautiful, and gloriously undeveloped South Pacific island. Fiji's more tourist-orientated Viti Levu island is close by, but the joy of Savusavu comes in venturing off the beaten track and delving into the heart of a tropical idyll, where hidden villages welcome you with open arms. Revelling in its nickname as Fiji's hidden paradise, the country's second-largest island is a place of adventure - and geothermically fuelled relaxation. View less Mud baths burble and hot springs simmer across the island, adding to the sense that the land itself is alive and breathing. Trek the rainforests, with parrots chattering overhead, and see the colours splashed across the green landscapes and gardens by orchids and water lilies. Gardens overlook the gorgeous Savusavu Bay, and you can walk between hundreds of palm varieties and trees that droop, laden with exotic fruits. The sprawling rainforest opens up briefly to reveal Savusavu, the island’s compact main town. Thriving coral reeds add yet more colour and life to the surrounding seabeds, with spectacular snorkelling opportunities, and the chance to spot bottlenose and spinner dolphins skipping and skimming acrobatically across the tips of the waves. The fertile environment also encourages black lip pearl oysters to thrive here, leading to the development of one of the island’s treasured exports, beautiful black pearls. Visit the bay’s farm to find out more. Savusavu

Day 50 Apr 27, 2027 Apia 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore The Samoan Islands, pristine and majestic, offer spectacular beaches and panoramas that have no equal. Vast stretches of mountain forests, tropical forests, lakes, rivers and towering waterfalls. Perfect for those who love nature and relaxing, these islands offer an unforgettable experience that starts in Apia, capital of Samoa and the first stop on your spectacular holiday with MSC World Cruise. Apia is located on the northern coast of the island of Upolu and is positioned in a natural cove at the mouth of the river Vaisigano. This city's ability to combine metropolitan progress with traditional Samoan culture will amaze you, starting with the modern parliament building surrounded by a lush green area, or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, an ornate architectural gem made of beautiful stained glass windows, the other must-see of your excursion into the heart of the city with MSC Cruises. The local population has remained very anchored to its traditions and religion, preserving a culture that can especially be seen in its songs and dances. The highlight of Samoa is undoubtedly the seaside, which includes places like the natural pools of Piula Cave, two freshwater caves a short distance from the sea, which are able to transport visitors to another world with their magical beauty. And how can we not mention the Papapapaitai Falls, the highest waterfall in Samoa and the climax of your journey with MSC Cruises along with a visit to Robert Louis Stevenson's residence on Mount Vaea. You can embark on an adventure immersed in green paths and, once you have reached the highest peaks, you can enjoy the view of the ocean and idyllic landscape. Apia

Day 57 May 4, 2027 Honolulu 06:00 – 21:00 15.0 hrs ashore Discovering Pearl Harbor Who hasn't dreamed of going to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii on the beautiful island of Oahu, home of the most famous beaches in the world? Thanks to your MSC World Cruise, you will have the opportunity to disembark in this charming place made for relaxation and peace of mind, where you can sunbathe, enjoy typical Hawaiian food and cocktails and take a trip into the past, reliving the story of Pearl Harbor. The old military base made famous by the Japanese air force attack in 1941, during the Second World War, can be found in the county of Honolulu. A historical site filled with memories and reflections where you can round out your MSC Cruises excursion with a visit to the USS Missouri, a battleship from the time period kept in perfect condition with some of the original parts like the wooden bridge. A tour for lovers of history and events that began the Second World War in the Pacific Ocean. Exploring Honolulu also means talking a walk in the city center, which boasts not only excellent museums and the only royal palace in the United States, but also numerous restaurants and bars, all within easy reach thanks to a dense network of buses that allows you to travel to every part of the capital. With MSC Cruises, you will have the opportunity to experience a great vacation, discovering the infinite beauty of Oahu whose white sandy beaches are a symbol of unparalleled natural beauty. Honolulu

Day 58 May 5, 2027 Kona 09:00 – 23:00 14.0 hrs ashore The island of Hawaii, called the Big Island, is the largest, youngest and most changeable of the Hawaiian Islands. It was the last in the chain to be formed and is still creating and re-creating itself. Lava flowing to the ocean in a sustained, years-long eruption of Kilauea, the world's most continuously active volcano, has added 300 new acres of topography, while it has demolished some of the island's most treasured landmarks, including a 200 year old black sand beach. It was on this island that the Polynesian voyagers are believed to have first set foot in Hawaii about 500-750 CE, and it was here that Kamehameha the Great was born and died, and Captain James Cook was killed. Kona

Day 65 May 12, 2027 Long Beach Arrives 08:00 Long Beach is a coastal city and port in Southern California. Moored in its Queensway Bay, RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and museum ship. The waterfront Aquarium of the Pacific features touch tanks and a shark lagoon. Modern and contemporary works are on display at the Museum of Latin American Art. Rancho Los Cerritos is a 19th-century adobe home and museum set in expansive gardens. Long Beach Long Beach port guide Search cruises visiting Long Beach

Long Beach photo — Day 65 May 12, 2027 Long Beach Arrives 08:00 Long Beach is a coastal city and port in Southern California. Moored in its Queensway Bay, RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and museum ship. The waterfront Aquarium of the Pacific features touch tanks and a shark lagoon. Modern and contemporary works are on display at the Museum of Latin American Art. Rancho Los Cerritos is a 19th-century adobe home and museum set in expansive gardens. Long Beach Long Beach port guide Search cruises visiting Long Beach

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 151-day span: $35,132 · range $35,132–$55,213

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $35,132

$548 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $35,132

$548 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

from $41,214

$643 / night

Fare rows

Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $41,214

$643 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $43,870

$685 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Veranda Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $50,513

$789 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Suite

Not available

Prices verified Aug 24, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Seabourn and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Price history

30 days

We've tracked this sailing's fares every day for the past 151 days. Here's what each cabin type has cost.

Price history by cabin type
Cabin	Current	Lowest	Highest
Oceanview	$35,132	$35,132 · Aug 22	$40,644 · Mar 27
Balcony	$41,214	$41,144 · Jul 8	$55,213 · May 12
Suite	$83,658	$83,644 · Mar 27	$83,659 · Apr 11

Lowest and highest fares we've recorded for each cabin type · verified 11 hours ago.

○ = last seen (sold out or delisted). · Verified 11 hours ago.

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Cabin grades

Lines step when the price changed; a gap means sold out or no public fare that day. Plot up to 6 at once.

Show all 14 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Veranda Suite Guarantee	RB	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V1	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V2	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V3	Balcony
Veranda Suite	V4	Balcony
Ocean View Suite	A	Oceanview
Ocean View Suite	A1	Oceanview
Grand Wintergarden Suite	GRWG	Suite
Owner's Suite	O1	Suite
Owner's Suite	O2	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PH	Suite
Penthouse Spa Suite	PS	Suite
Signature Suite	SS	Suite
Wintergarden Suite	WG	Suite

Ship

Your ship Seabourn Quest 6★ **32,000** GT **450** guests Built **2011** Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the vessel design that has been called “a game-changer for the luxury segment.” True to her Seabourn bloodlines, wherever she sails around the world, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. Seabourn Quest offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and every mood, with never an extra charge. Seabourn Quest Seabourn Quest ship guide Search cruises on Seabourn Quest

Similar cruises

Compare similar cruises

Japan, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Polynesia, Chile, Argentina

Costa Serena · Transatlantic · 65 nights

from $9,368

$144 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Oct 18, 2026

64-Day Kimberley Expedition & Islands of the Pacific

Seabourn Pursuit · South Pacific Islands · 64 nights

from $76,978

$1,202 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Aug 16, 2027

27-Day World Cruise: South Pacific Explorer & Hawaii

Seabourn Quest · South Pacific Islands · 27 nights

from $11,184

$414 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Apr 15, 2027

China, Philippines, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Polynesia, Chile, Argentina

Costa Serena · Transatlantic · 60 nights

from $9,081

$151 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Oct 23, 2026

Yokohama to Miami

Queen Elizabeth · South Pacific Islands · 50 nights

from $8,609

$172 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Mar 9, 2028

Australia, Asia & Alaska from Vancouver

Viking Orion · Worldwide · 78 nights

from $36,995

$474 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Sep 23, 2026

Browse all cruises in search →