Grand Southern Seas Sojourn

Situated on Australia's east coast is Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. Cruising guests have the privilege when departing Sydney ports to view the iconic and famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge while leaving Sydney Harbour. In 1973, the Opera House completed construction and is the most popular building in Australia and one of the most famous in the world. Read more about Sydney, Australia

Hobart is the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Tasmania is located at the southernmost part of Australia. Hobart was founded in 1803, making it the 2nd oldest city in the country, after Sydney, New South Wales and was first established as a penal colony for British convicts. Read more about Hobart, Australia

Dunedin is the principal city of the Otago Region of New Zealand. It was founded in 1848 by Scottish migrants, and today the city still contains many Scottish relics, including a statue of the Scottish Bard Robbie Burns. Fine examples of working heritage include the Speight’s Brewery, the Gasworks Museum and the very popular Taieri Gorge Railway. Read more about Dunedin, New Zealand

Timaru is a major New Zealand port that is located 160km SW of Christchurch. Timaru has been constructed on rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano. This results in most of the main streets being undulated, a clear contrast with the flat landscape of the Canterbury Plains to the north. Read more about Timaru, New Zealand

Christchurch, in the Province of Canterbury, is the largest city of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located mid-way down the island's east coast just north of Banks Peninsula, on the edge of the Canterbury Plains. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Read more about Christchurch, New Zealand

The picturesque seaside town of Picton near the NE corner of New Zealand's South Island is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand. It’s also the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds. It offers a relaxed setting with beautiful beaches, easy bush walks and an outstanding climate. Read more about Picton, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is situated on the SW tip of the North Island, and is set on the edge of a stunning harbour surrounded by rolling hills. As the political centre of New Zealand, it houses Parliamentary buildings as well as the bulk of foreign diplomatic missions. However, it is also renowned for its cafe-culture, as there are more cafes per capita than in New York City, and they rival the world’s top culinary destinations for flavour and variety. Read more about Wellington, New Zealand

Napier is a port city in Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known as the 'Art Deco' capital of the world because following the earthquake which almost levelled the city in 1931 the rapid rebuilding was strongly influenced by Art Deco architecture. The building style of clean simple lines and bas-relief decoration was not only at its height of popularity, it also suited the needs of the city. Read more about Napier, New Zealand

The city of Gisborne is located at the north end of Poverty Bay in the east coast region of North Island, New Zealand. The Gisborne region has been settled by Maori tribes for over 700 years, where they built their fishing villages and hill forts. Here Captain Cook made his first landing in New Zealand with the Endeavour in 1769. Read more about Gisborne, New Zealand

Rotorua (Tauranga) is a centre of tourism and a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is a smallish city on the shores of a lake of the same name, in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The entire area is thermally active, and the smell of sulphur, a 'rotten eggs’ smell that is never far, results in the nicknames 'Sulphur City' and 'Rottenrua'. Read more about Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand

Auckland, one of New Zealand's most populous cities, is located on the North Island of New Zealand. Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau, is based around twin harbours called Waitemata and Manukau Harbour extending up to volcanic hills to the west. Auckland has so much to offer when you combine an urban environment, stunning diverse landscapes and warming polynesian culture. Read more about Auckland, New Zealand

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is the main hub for all Reef activities and access to the Whitsunday Islands. Experience stunning views by day and a vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a spot to relax then head to the Airlie Beach Lagoon to relax and unwind. Read more about Airlie Beach, Australia

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Cooktown, Australia's first European settlement, was charted and settled by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. It is a small frontier town located on the Endeavour River (named after Captain Cook's ship) in far north tropical Queensland. A century later thousands, including many Chinese, came to Cooktown, the port for the Palmer River gold rush, leaving a fascinating history that can be explored at the James Cook Historical Museum. Read more about Cooktown, Australia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia

Komodo Island may be closed to visitors throughout 2020, following which numbers may be limited to 5000 annually. The decision will be made in mid 2019. Komodo Island lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east. Read more about Komodo Island, Indonesia

Lembar is a port in Tawun Harbour on the island of Lombok, located 100 km E of Bali in Indonesia. The island has been promoted as "an unspoiled Bali" for quite some time, with beautiful beaches and the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjan (3600m). In Lembar are idyllic conditions for snorkelling amongst pretty coral formations and many colourful fish, swimming, or just relaxing on the island's white sandy beach. Read more about Lembar, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Celukan Bawang, with its large wharf, is the main cargo port of northern Bali, trading in timber and cement from Kalimantan (Borneo) and Java. Bugis schooners, the magnificent sailing vessels that take their name from the seafaring people of Sulawesi, anchor here. What you see here is not the westernised tourist potpourri of Kuta Beach. Read more about Celukan Bawang, Indonesia

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the capital of East Java. It is located on the NE coast of Java, sheltered by the island of Madura in the Java Sea. This is “the city of heroes”, whereby during a battle between Indonesian nationalists and British/Dutch forces in 1945 Indonesia galvanised its claims to independence. Read more about Surabaya, Indonesia

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Jakarta, located on the NW coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is the eleventh largest city in the world with more than 23 million people, and like most of the big cities in the developing countries, it does suffer from urbanisation problems. However many of the locals speak some English and are always friendly and willing to assist visitors if they ask for help. Read more about Jakarta, Indonesia

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Malacca City (Melaka) is located on the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula about 147 km S of inland Kuala Lumpur, and 200 km NW of Singapore. In earlier times Malacca was the greatest port in the region, as evidenced by its architecture that has been influenced by Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Thai traders. Even today it lies on the Maritime Silk Road between China and Pakistan. Read more about Malacca, Malaysia

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. Read more about Male, Maldives

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is a prominent marine port located in the northern part of Madagascar (country code MG). It is situated on the shores of the Antsiranana Bay, which is known for its natural beauty Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is a prominent marine port located in the northern part of Madagascar (country code MG). It is situated on the shores of the Antsiranana Bay, which is known for its natural beauty Read more about Antsiranana, Madagascar

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located on the NW coast of the island. The very large city is dominated by the Citadel from which almost the whole city can be observed, and it is surrounded by a range of mountains. The city as a whole is a place of interest, but of special attraction is the famous China Town, where many still dress in national clothing. Read more about Port Louis, Mauritius

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located on the NW coast of the island. The very large city is dominated by the Citadel from which almost the whole city can be observed, and it is surrounded by a range of mountains. The city as a whole is a place of interest, but of special attraction is the famous China Town, where many still dress in national clothing. Read more about Port Louis, Mauritius

Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean 680km east of Madagascar, and about 170km SW of Mauritius. Two thirds of the island’s western side is covered by mountain ranges. The 3,069m Piton des Neiges (Snow Peak) is the highest point. Read more about Pointe des Galets, Réunion

Nosy Be (‘Big Island’: Malagasy), an island off the NW coast of Madagascar, is its largest port and Madagascar’s most popular beach-resort. Though Nosy Be’s inclination is towards mass tourism, it is still a largely peaceful place with sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries, ylang ylang bushes, and lounging lemurs. This still beautiful island offers some amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities as well as primary forests with great wildlife. Read more about Nosy Be, Madagascar

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. Read more about Durban, South Africa

Port Elizabeth - or PE as it is fondly known - is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Also known as the Friendly City and the Windy City, it tends to live up to both names. The long stretches of white beach and its historical significance make PE a vibrant city, with shopping, flea markets, great restaurants and other entertainment on offer. Read more about Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth - or PE as it is fondly known - is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Also known as the Friendly City and the Windy City, it tends to live up to both names. The long stretches of white beach and its historical significance make PE a vibrant city, with shopping, flea markets, great restaurants and other entertainment on offer. Read more about Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Southern Cape, or Garden Route, of South Africa. It has, over the years, developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area. It was here that the first modern Europeans set foot on southern African shores, so most visitors visit the Da Gama Museum Complex - in the town centre - where this event is commemorated. Read more about Mossel Bay, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa