Riviera
March 7, 2027

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Sydney — see Day 1 above for port info.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to coral shores. Travelers explore Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. Excursions include snorkeling at Great Barrier Reef. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, May to September, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures silica sands and Coral Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Indigenous history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Whitsundays’ marine allure offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and coral reefs, making Whitsundays an engaging destination.

Cairns, Australia, docks at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, a 10-minute walk to the Esplanade, population 150,000. Travelers visit the Cairns Aquarium for reef species. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, 1 hour by boat, offer snorkeling. Kuranda, 30 minutes north, features rainforest cable cars. Local markets sell mangoes. Peak season June to October; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes barramundi at waterfront cafes. Souvenirs feature opals.

Cooktown, Australia, docks at Cooktown Wharf, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 2,600. Travelers visit the James Cook Museum for 1770 landing history. Local markets sell bush tucker. Excursions to Lizard Island, 1 hour by boat, offer snorkeling. Peak season June to October; taxis 10-15 AUD. Dining includes kangaroo steak at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature Aboriginal art.

Darwin in Australia has docking at Port Darwin. Travelers explore Kakadu National Park’s wetlands. Excursions visit Litchfield’s waterfalls. Local markets sell Aboriginal art. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather; taxis cost 10-20 AUD. Photography captures Outback landscapes. Dining onboard includes kangaroo. Souvenirs, like didgeridoos, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover indigenous culture. Light clothing suits the tropical climate. Darwin’s vibrant port offers a gateway to Australia’s Top End.

Komodo Island, Indonesia, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to Loh Liang. Travelers explore Komodo National Park’s dragons. Excursions snorkel Pink Beach’s reefs. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, April to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures dragons and coral reefs. Dining onboard includes sate lilit, an Indonesian dish. Souvenirs, like dragon carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings enforce park rules. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance dragon treks. Komodo Island’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Indonesian stop, blending wildlife with marine splendor.

Benoa, Bali, Indonesia, docks at Benoa Port, 10 kilometers from Denpasar, with shuttles or taxis for 20-minute rides. Travelers visit Uluwatu Temple, a 11th-century clifftop shrine, 30 minutes south. Local markets sell batik sarongs. Excursions to Ubud, 1 hour north, explore rice terraces and monkey forests. Tanah Lot, 45 minutes northwest, features a sea temple. Peak season June to September; taxis 50,000-100,000 IDR. Dining includes babi guling at warungs. Souvenirs feature silver jewelry.

Returning to Benoa — see Day 13 above for port info.

Celukan Bawang, Bali, Indonesia, docks at Celukan Bawang Port, 30 kilometers from Singaraja, with taxis for 45-minute rides. Travelers visit Brahma Vihara Arama, a Buddhist temple 20 minutes south. Local markets sell kopi luwak. Excursions to Menjangan Island, 1 hour west, offer snorkeling. Peak season May to October; taxis 50,000-100,000 IDR. Dining includes sate lilit at village warungs. Souvenirs feature wood carvings.

Surabaya, Java, Indonesia, offers docking at Tanjung Perak Port. Travelers explore House of Sampoerna and Heroes Monument. Excursions visit Trowulan’s Majapahit ruins. Local markets sell soto ayam. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Java Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes nasi goreng, an Indonesian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Javanese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Surabaya’s cultural allure offers a vibrant Indonesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and urban heritage, making Surabaya an engaging destination.

Semarang, Java, Indonesia, offers docking at Tanjung Emas Port. Travelers explore Borobudur’s UNESCO temple and Sam Poo Kong. Excursions visit Ambarawa’s railway museum. Local markets sell lumpia. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for cultural tours. Photography captures ancient stupas and Java Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes soto ayam, an Indonesian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Javanese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple walks. Semarang’s cultural allure offers a vibrant Indonesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic temples and colonial heritage, making Semarang an engaging destination for exploration.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers docking at Phu My Port with excursions to the city. Travelers explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Cu Chi Tunnels. Excursions visit Mekong Delta markets. Local markets sell phở. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Saigon River vistas. Dining onboard includes bánh mì, a Vietnamese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Vietnam’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Ho Chi Minh’s urban energy offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of history and culture, making it an engaging destination.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City (saigon) — see Day 20 above for port info.

Nha Trang, Vietnam, offers docking at Nha Trang Port. Travelers explore Po Nagar Cham Towers and Vinpearl Amusement Park. Excursions visit Hon Mun Island for snorkeling. Local markets sell pho. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for beach tours. Photography captures ancient temples and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cham history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Nha Trang’s vibrant coastal beauty offers a dynamic Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and marine adventures, making Nha Trang an engaging destination for exploring Vietnam’s coastal culture and natural splendor.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, offers docking at Sihanoukville Port. Travelers explore Otres Beach and Ream National Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Koh Rong. Local markets sell lok lak. The peak season, November to March, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Gulf of Thailand vistas. Dining onboard includes kuy teav, a Cambodian favorite. Souvenirs, like krama scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Khmer history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Sihanoukville’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Cambodian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and marine adventures, making Sihanoukville an engaging destination for exploration.

Laem Chabang, Thailand, has docking at Laem Chabang Port with excursions to Bangkok. Travelers explore Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha and Grand Palace. Excursions visit Pattaya’s beaches. Local markets sell mango sticky rice. The peak season, November to February, brings dry weather. Photography captures temples and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes tom kha gai, a Thai soup. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thai history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance temple tours. Laem Chabang’s access to Bangkok offers a vibrant Thai stop, blending culture with urban energy.

Returning to Laem Chabang (bangkok) — see Day 25 above for port info.

Ko Samui, Thailand, has docking at Nathon Port. Travelers explore Big Buddha Temple and Chaweng Beach. Excursions visit Ang Thong Marine Park. Local markets sell coconut candy. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures palm-lined beaches and limestone islands. Dining onboard includes khao soi, a Thai noodle dish. Souvenirs, like silk scarves, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thai culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances marine park exploration. Ko Samui’s vibrant beaches offer a lively Thai stop, blending culture with tropical allure.

Singapore offers docking at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Travelers explore Gardens by the Bay and Merlion Park. Excursions visit Sentosa Island. Local markets sell Hainanese chicken rice. The peak season, November to March, brings milder weather for city tours. Photography captures futuristic skylines and Singapore Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes laksa, a Singaporean favorite. Souvenirs, like orchid crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Peranakan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Singapore’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural heritage, making Singapore an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Singapore — see Day 29 above for port info.

Returning to Singapore — see Day 29 above for port info.

Muara, Brunei, provides docking at Muara Port. Travelers explore Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer’s water village. Excursions visit Ulu Temburong National Park’s canopy walk. Local markets sell ambuyat. The peak season, November to March, brings milder weather for sightseeing. Photography captures golden domes and stilt villages. Dining onboard includes nasi katok, a Bruneian dish. Souvenirs, like woven mats, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Brunei’s Islamic heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Muara’s blend of Islamic culture and natural beauty offers a vibrant Brunei stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural splendor, unique water villages, and jungle adventures, making Muara an engaging destination for exploring Brunei’s rich traditions and lush landscapes.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, has docking at Kota Kinabalu Port. Travelers explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s islands. Excursions visit Mount Kinabalu’s trails. Local markets sell pearls. The peak season, February to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures coral reefs and rainforest vistas. Dining onboard includes laksa, a Malaysian favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sabah’s biodiversity. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Kota Kinabalu’s coastal vibrancy offers a lively Malaysian stop, blending marine beauty with rainforest adventures.

Puerto Princesa, Philippines, offers docking at Puerto Princesa Port. Travelers explore the Subterranean River’s UNESCO-listed caves and Honda Bay’s islands. Excursions include island-hopping tours. Local markets sell cashew nuts. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for cave tours. Photography captures limestone karsts and turquoise bays. Dining onboard includes kinilaw, a Filipino favorite. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Palawan’s ecology. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance island exploration. Puerto Princesa’s natural allure offers a vibrant Filipino stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of underground rivers, scenic islands, and tropical beauty, making Puerto Princesa an engaging destination for exploring the Philippines’ Palawan.

Boracay, Philippines, docks at Caticlan Jetty Port, with ferries to Boracay’s Tambisaan Port, a 15-minute ride to White Beach. The island, population 30,000, offers kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach. Travelers explore Puka Beach, 20 minutes north, for shell collecting. Local markets sell calamansi muffins. Excursions to Ariel’s Point, 30 minutes by boat, include cliff diving. Peak season December to May; taxis 100-200 PHP. Dining includes adobo at beachfront stalls. Souvenirs feature shell necklaces.

Manila, Philippines, provides docking at Manila South Harbor. Travelers explore Intramuros’ colonial walls and Fort Santiago. Excursions visit Rizal Park and Taal Volcano. Local markets sell adobo. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures Spanish-era architecture and Manila Bay sunsets. Dining onboard includes sinigang, a Filipino sour soup. Souvenirs, like barong tagalog shirts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Philippine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Manila’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern energy offers a dynamic Philippine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic beauty, making Manila a captivating destination for exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and urban vitality.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has docking at Kaohsiung Port. Travelers explore Love River’s scenic waterfront and Cijin Island’s beaches. Excursions visit Fo Guang Shan’s Buddhist monastery. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures urban skylines and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes beef noodle soup, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taiwan’s history. Light clothing suits the subtropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Kaohsiung’s vibrant energy offers a dynamic Taiwanese stop, blending culture with coastal charm.

Hong Kong offers docking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Travelers explore Victoria Peak and Temple Street Market. Excursions visit Lantau Island’s Big Buddha. Local markets sell dim sum. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour vistas. Dining onboard includes char siu, a Hong Kong favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cantonese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Hong Kong’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural markets, making Hong Kong an engaging destination.

Returning to Hong Kong — see Day 40 above for port info.

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan, offers docking at Keelung Port with excursions to Taipei. Travelers explore Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. Excursions visit Yehliu’s rock formations. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures urban skylines and Taiwan Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes xiaolongbao, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like oolong tea, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Formosan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Keelung’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Taiwanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and coastal beauty, making Keelung an engaging destination.

Busan, South Korea, in the southeast, sits on the Korea Strait, facing the Sea of Japan. The port is near Jagalchi Fish Market, where fresh seafood is sold daily. Haeundae Beach offers urban waterfront access, while Beomeosa Temple, in the forested hills, provides cultural history. The Gamcheon Culture Village, with colorful houses, draws visitors for its art and narrow alleys. Busan’s port history as a trading hub is evident in its maritime museum. The nearby Nakdong River Estuary is a birdwatching site, and the city’s coastal cliffs offer walking trails with ocean views.

Nagasaki, Japan, offers docking at Nagasaki Port. Travelers explore the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. Excursions visit Glover Garden’s colonial mansions. Local markets sell champon noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures historic sites and Dejima Island views. Dining onboard includes sara udon, a Nagasaki dish. Souvenirs, like castella cakes, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nagasaki’s WWII history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Nagasaki’s blend of history and resilience offers a poignant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of somber memorials, colonial heritage, and scenic harbors, making Nagasaki an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and historical depth on Kyushu Island.

Beppu, Japan, docks at Beppu Port, 3 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 10-minute rides. The city, population 120,000, features the Hells of Beppu, geothermal hot springs for viewing. Travelers relax at Kannawa Onsen, 15 minutes east. Excursions to Mount Tsurumi, 20 minutes north, offer cable car rides. Local markets sell yuzu products. Peak season April to October; taxis 800-1200 JPY. Dining includes toriten (chicken tempura) at onsen cafes. Souvenirs feature bamboo crafts.

Osaka, Japan, provides docking at Osaka Port. Travelers explore Osaka Castle and Dotonbori’s vibrant food scene. Excursions visit Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple. Local markets sell takoyaki. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures samurai castles and neon-lit canals. Dining onboard includes okonomiyaki, an Osaka favorite. Souvenirs, like tenugui cloths, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kansai history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Osaka’s dynamic urban culture offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, culinary delights, and modern energy, making Osaka an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s Kansai region and cultural heritage.

Returning to Osaka — see Day 48 above for port info.

Nagoya, Japan, provides docking at Nagoya Port. Travelers explore Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Excursions visit Toyota’s factory museum for automotive history. Local markets sell kishimen noodles. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms and mild weather. Photography captures samurai castles and urban skylines. Dining onboard includes hitsumabushi, a Nagoya eel dish. Souvenirs, like noren curtains, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aichi’s industrial history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Nagoya’s blend of history and modernity offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of samurai heritage, spiritual sites, and industrial innovation, making Nagoya an engaging destination for exploring Japan’s cultural and technological richness in the Chubu region.

Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan, offers docking at Yokohama Port with excursions to Tokyo. Travelers explore Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya Crossing. Excursions visit Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Local markets sell yakitori. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures neon streets and Tokyo Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes sushi, a Japanese favorite. Souvenirs, like ukiyo-e prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Edo history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Yokohama’s urban gateway offers a vibrant Japanese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic temples and modern cityscapes, making Yokohama an engaging destination.

Returning to Yokohama (tokyo) — see Day 51 above for port info.