Grand Princess
June 15, 2028

Brisbane, Australia, offers docking at Portside Wharf. Travelers explore South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Excursions visit Gold Coast beaches. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban rivers and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like Aboriginal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Yuggera history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Brisbane’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic rivers, making Brisbane an engaging destination for exploration.

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.

Kingston, Norfolk Island, Australia, has docking at Kingston Pier. Travelers explore UNESCO-listed convict ruins. Excursions visit Norfolk’s pine forests and Emily Bay. Local markets sell banana bread. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures colonial sites and coral reefs. Dining onboard includes fish fry, a local favorite. Souvenirs, like pine crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover convict history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Kingston’s historic serenity offers a tranquil Norfolk Island stop, blending heritage with island beauty.

Auckland, New Zealand, offers docking at Auckland Port. Travelers explore Sky Tower and Waiheke Island. Excursions include Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Hauraki Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Auckland’s urban charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic islands, making Auckland an engaging destination.

Tauranga, New Zealand, offers docking at Tauranga Port. Travelers explore Mount Maunganui and Rotorua’s geothermal sites. Excursions include Maori cultural tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures geysers and Bay of Plenty vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance geothermal hikes. Tauranga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and indigenous heritage, making Tauranga an engaging destination.

Suva, Fiji, offers docking at Suva Port. Travelers explore Fiji Museum and Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Beqa Lagoon. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lovo, a Fijian favorite. Souvenirs, like tapa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Suva’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Fijian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and tropical beauty, making Suva an engaging destination for exploring Fiji’s capital.

Dravuni Island, Fiji, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to white-sand beaches. Travelers snorkel coral reefs with tropical fish. Excursions explore village kava ceremonies. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures turquoise lagoons. Dining onboard includes lovo. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover Fijian culture. Sun protection is essential. Dravuni’s idyllic shores offer a serene South Pacific escape.

Cross International Date Line offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers experience the time shift at sea, gaining or losing a day. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season varies by itinerary, typically warm for Pacific crossings. Photography captures vast ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history and navigation. Light clothing suits the variable climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Date Line offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of educational briefings and open-sea relaxation, making the Date Line an engaging destination for exploration.

Apia, Samoa, docks at Matautu Wharf, a 10-minute walk to the town center, population 36,000. Travelers visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, 15 minutes south, in the author’s 1890s home. The Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, 5 minutes east, offers snorkeling with parrotfish. Local markets sell taro and kava drinks. Excursions to To-Sua Ocean Trench, 45 minutes southeast, provide swimming in a 30-meter sinkhole. Falealupo Canopy Walk, 90 minutes west, spans rainforest bridges. Peak season June to October; taxis 5-10 WST. Dining includes palusami (taro leaf wrap) at beach stalls. Souvenirs feature lava-lava fabrics.

Papeete, Tahiti, offers docking at Papeete Port. Travelers explore Point Venus and Bougainville Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Moorea’s lagoon. Local markets sell poisson cru. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures black-sand beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes poulet fafa, a Tahitian favorite. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Papeete’s island charm offers a vibrant French Polynesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic lagoons, making Papeete an engaging destination for exploration.

Moorea, French Polynesia, offers docking at Cook’s Bay with tenders to shore. Travelers explore Belvedere Lookout and Opunohu Bay. Excursions include snorkeling at Tiahura. Local markets sell poisson cru. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush valleys and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes poulet fafa, a Polynesian favorite. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Moorea’s island charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic lookouts and marine adventures, making Moorea an engaging destination.

Raiatea, French Polynesia, offers docking at Uturoa Port. Travelers explore Taputapuatea’s UNESCO marae and vanilla plantations. Excursions include snorkeling at Motu Iriru. Local markets sell poisson cru. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures sacred sites and lagoon vistas. Dining onboard includes poulet fafa, a Polynesian favorite. Souvenirs, like black pearls, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Raiatea’s cultural allure offers a vibrant Polynesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of sacred heritage, scenic lagoons, and island culture, making Raiatea an engaging destination for exploring French Polynesia’s beauty.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, offers docking at Honolulu Port. Travelers explore Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic memorials and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like aloha crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Honolulu’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic beaches, making Honolulu an engaging destination for exploration.

Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, offers docking at Nawiliwili Port. Travelers explore Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. Excursions include snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. Local markets sell shave ice. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rugged cliffs and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes kalua pork, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like kukui nut crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance canyon hikes. Nawiliwili’s natural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of dramatic landscapes and marine adventures, making Nawiliwili an engaging destination.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers docking at Kailua-Kona Port. Travelers explore Hulihe‘e Palace and Kona Coffee farms. Excursions include snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like Kona coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Kailua-Kona’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage and scenic beaches, making Kailua-Kona an engaging destination.

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California, offers docking at San Pedro Port. Travelers explore USS Iowa and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Excursions visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic ships and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes avocado toast, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chumash history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. San Pedro’s maritime charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of naval history and scenic coasts, making San Pedro an engaging destination.

San Diego, California, offers docking at San Diego Port. Travelers explore Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter. Excursions visit La Jolla’s sea lions. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Spanish architecture and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes carne asada, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kumeyaay history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. San Diego’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural parks and scenic coasts, making San Diego an engaging destination.

San Francisco, California, offers docking at Pier 27. Travelers explore Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Excursions visit Napa Valley wineries. Local markets sell clam chowder. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic bridges and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes cioppino, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like cable car crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ohlone history. Light layers and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. San Francisco’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic bays, making San Francisco an engaging destination.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Ogden Point Port. Travelers explore Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell Nanaimo bars. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures floral gardens and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Victoria’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks, making Victoria an engaging destination for exploration.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Canada Place Port. Travelers explore Stanley Park and Gastown. Excursions visit Capilano Suspension Bridge. Local markets sell poutine. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban parks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like Inuit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Vancouver’s urban charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making Vancouver an engaging destination for exploring Canada’s west coast.

Ketchikan, Alaska, offers docking at Ketchikan Port. Travelers explore Totem Bight Park and Creek Street. Excursions include Misty Fjords flights. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Native Alaskan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance historic walks. Ketchikan’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Ketchikan an engaging destination for exploration.

Juneau, Alaska, offers docking at Juneau Port. Travelers explore Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier hikes. Juneau’s natural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning glaciers and marine wildlife, making Juneau an engaging destination for exploration.

Skagway, Alaska, offers docking at Skagway Port. Travelers explore Klondike Gold Rush Park and White Pass Railway. Excursions include hiking Chilkoot Trail. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic railways and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like gold-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gold Rush history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance trail hikes. Skagway’s historic charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of gold rush heritage and scenic mountains, making Skagway an engaging destination.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Hubbard Glacier and Disenchantment Bay from the ship. Excursions include zodiac tours for seal spotting. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for glacier cruising. Photography captures icebergs and Yakutat Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like glacier crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Hubbard Glacier’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial beauty and marine life, making Hubbard Glacier an engaging destination.

Cruise College Fjord, Alaska, no docking; ships cruise Prince William Sound. Travelers spot harbor seals. Lectures cover Harriman Expedition. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; weather unpredictable. Photography captures Harvard Glacier. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include glacier postcards.

Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, offers docking at Whittier Port with excursions to Anchorage. Travelers explore Chugach National Forest and Alaska Native Heritage Center. Excursions include glacier cruises. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Prince William Sound vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chugach history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance forest walks. Whittier’s glacial charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making Whittier an engaging destination.

Returning to Cross International Dateline — see Day 16 above for port info.

Kushiro, Japan, has docking at Kushiro Port. Travelers explore Kushiro Marsh’s red-crowned cranes. Excursions visit Akan National Park’s lakes. Local markets sell crab. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures wetlands and volcanic landscapes. Dining onboard includes kani miso, a crab dish. Souvenirs, like crane crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s ecology. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance crane spotting. Kushiro’s natural beauty offers a serene Japanese stop, blending wildlife with scenic landscapes.

Hakodate, Japan, has docking at Hakodate Port. Travelers explore Goryokaku Fortress’ star-shaped design. Excursions visit Onuma Park’s scenic lakes. Local markets sell fresh squid. The peak season, April to June, brings mild weather. Photography captures night views from Mount Hakodate. Dining onboard includes kaisen don, a seafood bowl. Souvenirs, like glass crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hokkaido’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance fortress tours. Hakodate’s historic charm and scenic beauty offer a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with natural splendor.

Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar, offers docking at Tolanaro Port. Travelers explore Nahampoana Reserve and Libanona Beach. Excursions include lemur-watching at Berenty Reserve. Local markets sell zebu curry. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes romazava, a Malagasy favorite. Souvenirs, like raffia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsitongambarika history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance reserve walks. Tolanaro’s natural allure offers a vibrant Malagasy stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique wildlife and scenic beaches, making Tolanaro an engaging destination for exploration.

Kagoshima, Japan, has docking at Kagoshima Port. Travelers explore Sakurajima volcano’s active trails. Excursions visit Sengan-en Garden’s historic grounds. Local markets sell shochu. The peak season, March to May, brings cherry blossoms. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes kurobuta pork, a Kagoshima specialty. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kyushu’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Kagoshima’s volcanic beauty offers a dynamic Japanese stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

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.

Ishigaki, Japan, has docking at Ishigaki Port. Travelers explore Kabira Bay’s turquoise waters and Yaima Village’s Ryukyu culture. Excursions visit Taketomi Island’s traditional villages. Local markets sell shisa figurines. The peak season, April to June, brings warm weather. Photography captures coral reefs and island vistas. Dining onboard includes goya champuru, an Okinawan dish. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ryukyu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Ishigaki’s island charm offers a serene Japanese stop, blending culture with tropical beauty.

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.

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 68 above for port info.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to limestone karsts. Travelers kayak through emerald waters and caves. Excursions visit floating villages. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, October to April, brings dry weather. Photography captures karst vistas and sunsets. Dining onboard includes pho, a Vietnamese staple. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover UNESCO heritage. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Waterproof shoes enhance kayaking. Ha Long Bay’s surreal beauty offers a stunning Vietnamese stop, blending natural wonders with cultural charm.

Returning to Ha Long Bay — see Day 71 above for port info.

Returning to Ha Long Bay — see Day 71 above for port info.

Chan May (Hue), Vietnam, docks at Chan May Port, 50 kilometers from Hue, with buses for 1-hour rides. Hue, population 350,000, features the Imperial City, a 19th-century Nguyen Dynasty citadel. Local markets sell com hen. Excursions to Hoi An, 2 hours south, explore ancient towns. Peak season November to April; taxis 200,000-400,000 VND. Dining includes bún bò Huế at riverside stalls. Souvenirs feature silk lanterns.

Cam Ranh, Vietnam, docks at Cam Ranh Port, 15 kilometers from Nha Trang, with shuttles for 20-minute rides. Nha Trang, population 400,000, features Po Nagar Cham Towers from the 8th century. Travelers visit Vinpearl Island for cable car rides. Local markets sell dried squid. Excursions to Ba Ho Waterfall, 30 minutes north, offer swimming. Peak season November to April; taxis 100,000-200,000 VND. Dining includes bún chả cá at beach stalls. Souvenirs feature pearl jewelry.

Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam, offers docking at Phu My Port with excursions to Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers explore Notre-Dame Basilica and Cu Chi Tunnels. Excursions visit Mekong Delta. Local markets sell phở. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and South China Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes banh mi, a Vietnamese favorite. Souvenirs, like lacquerware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viet history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Phu My’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Vietnamese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic deltas, making Phu My an engaging destination.

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 78 above for port info.

Lombok Island, Indonesia, has docking at Lembar Port. Travelers explore Gili Islands’ beaches and Pura Meru temple. Excursions snorkel coral reefs. Local markets sell ikat textiles. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures turquoise waters and rice terraces. Dining onboard includes sate rembiga, a Lombok dish. Souvenirs, like pearl crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sasak culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Lombok’s tropical allure offers a vibrant Indonesian stop, blending beaches with cultural heritage.

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 83 above for port info.

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.

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.

Townsville, Australia, offers docking at Townsville Port. Travelers explore The Strand and Reef HQ Aquarium. Excursions visit Magnetic Island’s koala sanctuaries. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, May to September, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures coral reefs and Coral Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal 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. Townsville’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine life and scenic beaches, making Townsville an engaging destination for exploration.

Airlie Beach, in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, anchors as a tender port for cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, with ships docking at Port of Airlie or Abell Point Marina. The town, population around 8,000, sits on a small inlet 1,100 kilometers north of Brisbane. Passengers walk 10 minutes from the tender pier to the lagoon, a 4,300-square-meter saltwater pool providing stinger-free swimming from November to May. Excursions depart for the 74 Whitsunday Islands, including full-day sails to Whitehaven Beach for its silica sands and swirling tides, or Heart Reef for aerial views via seaplane. Snorkeling tours target Hardy Reef's pontoons with underwater observatories and glass-bottom boats. Conway National Park, minutes away, offers rainforest hikes to waterfalls and lookouts along the 20-kilometer Bicentennial Pathway. Local operators provide half-day kayaking in sheltered coves. Dining along the waterfront includes fresh seafood cafes and bakeries serving meat pies. Shops stock sunscreen, hats, and Aboriginal art souvenirs. Peak season December to February brings crowds; book tours in advance. Evening markets feature live music and street food. Buses connect to Shute Harbour for additional reef access.

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