Crystal Serenity - February 19, 2026

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty and is the region's largest residential and commercial area, boasting profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape. The township is the center of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area and houses a population of approximately 91,000 people, including those residing in Mount Maunganui.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Christchurch has a long historic connection with Antarctic exploration. It is from the port of Lyttleton (about 10 miles North of Christchurch) that Captain Scott sailed for Antarctica. Today Lyttleton is a port of call for ships of the United States and New Zealand Antarctic programs A monument to Captain Scott (created by his wite Katherine) stands alongside the banks of the River Avon in Christchurch.

Timaru is an attractive, safe coastal city situated on rolling hill country at the southern end of the Canterbury Plains. It has excellent sporting, cultural and recreational facilities and lies within two hours of Christchurch city and international airport.

Milford Sound is the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier carved fiords scattered along New Zealand's south western coast. Mountain peaks with sculptural, hanging valleys, send waterfalls cascading over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. Boat trips on the Sound are a must and provide close up views of awe inspiring scenery.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Brisbane, located in Australia's Queensland, enjoys beach-perfect summers and mild winters. Other reasons to stay in this sunny city include its wealth of good food, diverse shopping, and copious arts and entertainment choices. Ride one of the ferries, paddlewheels, or pleasure boats on the Brisbane River. Stroll among the gardens of the city center or relax on the beach.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Cairns was founded in 1876 as a port for the inland gold mines of Queensland. It is now the heart of the Tropical North of Queensland, and is one of Australia's most welcoming cities. Stroll, relax, fly a kite, or have a barbecue on the Esplanade, a popular gathering area. Enjoy several great beaches just north of the city. Cairns is also a great place to watch migratory birds.

Cairns was founded in 1876 as a port for the inland gold mines of Queensland. It is now the heart of the Tropical North of Queensland, and is one of Australia's most welcoming cities. Stroll, relax, fly a kite, or have a barbecue on the Esplanade, a popular gathering area. Enjoy several great beaches just north of the city. Cairns is also a great place to watch migratory birds.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Thursday Island is one of the islands of the Torres Strait, the body of water that lies between the Cape York Peninsula of Australia and Papua, New Guinea. At one time, Thursday Island was a major pearling center--a dangerous profession, as exemplified by the historic cemetery and maritime museum.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Levelled by a cyclone in 1974, Darwin has rebuilt itself from scratch. Wide tree-lined streets, well-designed public buildings, and acres of park land make this an ideal tropical capital. The attitude of the locals is casual and relaxed, and the young demographic keeps things moving. Darwin's location makes it the ideal jump-off point for sojourns into Australia's natural splendour.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Kupang is the urban center of the west Timor region. Visitors to the Timor section of Indonesia should consult their government before traveling to Kupang.

Did you ever imagine that you would see a dragon in person? On the remote island of Komodo, travelers have been know to see the Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards are the last vestiges of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. As if that weren't enough, the other wildlife on Komodo is stunning as well.

The exotic island of Bali is marked by the natural beauty of the island and the strong artistic community and history of the Balinese. Divided by a string of volcanoes through the center of the island, Bali's fabulous beaches and offshore reefs offer numerous opportunities for scuba diving, surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. Or visit the temple and museum of Pura Jagatnatha, with exhibits of prehistoric and modern art.

The exotic island of Bali is marked by the natural beauty of the island and the strong artistic community and history of the Balinese. Divided by a string of volcanoes through the center of the island, Bali's fabulous beaches and offshore reefs offer numerous opportunities for scuba diving, surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. Or visit the temple and museum of Pura Jagatnatha, with exhibits of prehistoric and modern art.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

This Malaysian coastal trading town was once the capital of the province of Sabah. Surrounded by thickly jungled mountains where wild orchids grow, it serves as a loading port for the rich tropical hardwoods found in the interior of Borneo. About 15 miles from Sandakan, Sepilok is the home of the famous orangutan sanctuary, one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals in their natural setting.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

Bustling Manila is the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city turmoil are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals, dramatic Spanish forts. Choose from the cultural riches of the Metropolitan Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros, Manila's famous walled city, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. A "must see" is the Malacanang Palace with its opulent displays of Ferdinand and Imelda's decadent indulgences.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.

One of the most popular destinations in Asia, Hong Kong offers a plethora of options: some of the world's best cuisine, first-class entertainment, and of course, shopping! For a more relaxing afternoon, watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour or take a stroll downthe beach, alongside the green mountains and the South China Sea.