Viking Grand Pacific Explorer 2025

Embark your ship in Vancouver, British Columbia’s cultural capital, in a scenic setting between mountains and sea. Settle in to your veranda stateroom, soon to be your front-row seat for some of the world’s most scenic coastline.

Take in the natural splendor of one of Alaska’s most scenic waterways, the famed Inside Passage. You will navigate the Strait of Georgia, the Seymour Narrows and the Grenville Channel, reveling in an endless canvas of beauty. Sail past rain forests spilling down steep cliffs to the shore. Keep a watchful eye for orcas, dolphins and whales. Overhead, a wide array of birds take wing, from bald eagles and cormorants to several species of gulls, all feeding on the plentiful bounty of fish in the waters below.

Discover Alaska’s “first city,” as it is known to travelers coming by ship from the south. Ketchikan was home to the Tlingit long before the arrival of white settlers, as you will see in the many old and new totem poles that grace the town. Learn about Alaska’s native legacy and discover the legends behind their designs during your included tour. If you would like to venture beyond the town, perhaps visit the Misty Fjords National Monument or Tongass National Forest, where seaplanes and 4×4 vehicles take you beyond the beaten path.

Glimpse the Russian influence in Sitka, once the capital of Russian Alaska. Enjoy an enlightening panoramic tour of the city, learning more about the fur trade that first brought the Russians to its shores. Marvel at the beauty of Mt. Edgecumbe, a volcano that has lain dormant for millennia, and the verdant islands of Sitka Sound peppered prettily along the water. Admire Sitka’s fascinating totem poles and immerse yourself in its heritage during your time in this scenic city.

Cruise into Glacier Bay, a UNESCO Site, with its rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests and sheltered fjords. Marvel at dynamic glaciers as they calve into the sea. Look out for the wildlife—whales, otters, seals and more — that call this area home.

Today you will witness some of Alaska’s most breathtaking and pristine scenery. Cruise into majestic Yakutat Bay to the point where it narrows to become Disenchantment Bay, so named by its Spanish discoverer who was hoping to find the fabled Northwest Passage and instead faced the imposing icy wall of Hubbard Glacier. Today, the spectacular glacier steadily advances into the water, blocking tributary fjords and slowly pushing ice and debris down from the St. Elias Mountains.

Call on charming Valdez today, taking in its beautiful setting along a deep fjord in Prince William Sound. Follow your own interests and learn more about this small fishing town during a self-guided exploration. Alternately, you may opt for an excursion to the magnificent Columbia Glacier, or perhaps take to the sky on a breathtaking helicopter tour of the Chugach Mountains.

You have today to explore Seward, renowned as the historic starting point of the world-famous Iditarod dogsled race. Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you will learn about the marine world that thrives right off the coast. If you wish, venture farther afield to the Resurrection River Valley to visit Exit Glacier or take in stunning views of the Kenai Peninsula from the comfort of your private Viking train car.

Take in the magnificent setting of Kodiak, the major city on its namesake island. Inhabited by Alutiiq natives for seven millennia, it became the capital of Russian Alaska during the 18th century. Explore this historic city at your leisure today, perhaps visiting the Bear Town Market to shop for artisanal mementos. Alternately, you might join an exciting bear safari, perhaps spotting humpback whales during your flight to the Katmai coast.

Sail into the Gulf of Alaska today. You might enjoy a workout or yoga session in the Fitness Center or browse our onboard Viking Heritage exhibit as you cruise. Enjoy authentic Norwegian fare at Mamsen’s gourmet deli for lunch and freshly prepared regional dishes at The Restaurant for dinner.

Call in Dutch Harbor today, a charming town on the Unalaska Island of the Aleutians known to locals simply as “Dutch.” This was home to the Aleut people for millennia. The Russian fur trade reached its shores in the mid-18th century, and the United States set up military bases here during World War II. There will be time for you to go ashore and explore on your own, absorbing a rich island heritage in a picturesque island setting surrounded by snowcapped mountains.

Begin your crossing of the legendary Bering Sea today. Take in sweeping views in the Explorers’ Lounge, with its two-story panoramic windows. Or perhaps relax with a book in The Library, or share coffee or a drink with new friends in The Living Room.

As you cross the International Date Line today, you will “cruise into the future,” effectively skipping a day. Crossing this meridian is a time-honored travel milestone long marked by ceremony. You can raise a glass to the event, no matter where on board you are celebrating.

Continue your Bering Sea crossing. This northern body is named for Danish explorer Vitus Bering, who under Russian service chartered these waters in 1728. Join an onboard lecture to learn about your upcoming Alaska ports today. This evening, listen to the strains of jazz over your favorite cocktail at Torshavn.

Call on Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, perched on the lovely hills of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Learn more about the history of this remote region on an included tour of the city, taking in its most noteworthy statues and monuments. Or perhaps explore scenic Avacha Bay on board a fishing boat and try your hand at catching fish.

Cruise the waters of the Sea of Okhotsk today. As you sail, perhaps you will enjoy a soothing spa treatment or learn about your next destination during a lecture. Mingle with new friends in The Living Room and later enjoy a cocktail over the strains of jazz at Torshavn.

Arrive in Sapporo for an overnight stay, allowing you ample time to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Japan’s northern island. An included city tour takes you to the Hokkaidō Shrine, nestled in a deep forest, and to the Historical Village of Hokkaidō. Step back in time as you explore this faithfully recreated 19th-century village and learn more about the city’s days as a frontier town. Alternately, you may set out on a tour of Sapporo’s breweries or attend a special dinner with a geisha performance.

Spend the morning exploring more of Sapporo. Perhaps you will enjoy a breakfast of local delicacies at a nearby café, or stroll through Odori Park with its beautiful fountains and flowers. Or you may choose to visit the Sapporo TV Tower, taking an elevator up to its 300-foot-high viewing platform to take in panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure.

Cross the Tsugaru Strait today in northern Japan. More than a geographic boundary between Japan’s two largest islands, it was also declared a zoological border when English naturalist Thomas Blakiston observed animals related to northern Asian species on Hokkaidō and others related to southern Asian species on Honshū. As you sail, enjoy Japanese-inspired cuisine at the World Café and perhaps sip some sake, a Japanese rice wine, this evening.

Formerly known as Edo, today’s Tokyo is the cultural and economic heart of Japan, residence of its emperor and a fascinating study in contrasts. Take in sweeping views of Tokyo as you drive across the Rainbow Bridge, and admire some of the city’s signature landmarks before strolling through the plaza of the emperor’s primary residence, the Imperial Palace. You may choose to join a walking tour of Tsukiji Market, one of the world’s largest wholesale seafood markets, followed by a visit to a local restaurant to learn how to make the city’s signature Edomae sushi. Or immerse yourself in Japan’s ancient traditions on a visit to a bonsai museum.

Enjoy another full day in Japan’s bustling capital. Explore Tokyo on your own today. Perhaps you will explore Shinjuku Gyoen, a picturesque garden influenced by French, English and Japanese styles. Or ride the city’s famous subway to the Ginza district, Tokyo’s glittering shopping district of neon lights, luxurious shops and bustling coffeehouses, anchored by the Wako store and its famous Hattori Clock Tower. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or join us for an after-hours tour of Tokyo’s most dynamic nighttime sights.

Discover more of Tokyo during your final day in this vibrant city. Or you might wish to learn more about Tokyo’s past on an optional excursion to the Edo-Tokyo Museum and serene Kiyosumi Gardens. Enjoy dinner on board this evening as your ship departs for Shimizu.

Arrive in Shimizu for an overnight stay, affording you time to get to know this historic city. Travel to beautiful Nihondaira, where the area’s elevated topography allows you to take in sweeping views of the city and the famous Mt. Fuji. This included tour also features a guided walk through scenic Miho no Matsubara. Alternately, you may opt to learn more about one of Shimizu’s most important industries on a visit to a tea plantation. Tonight, enjoy dinner in town or on board and an evening at leisure.

Take the morning to relax and enjoy the lush natural surroundings of Shimizu. Stroll the streets of this scenic port city and soak up its seaside atmosphere before returning on board for lunch. Your ship departs for Osaka this afternoon.

Home to two of Japan’s oldest shrines, Osaka is a pilgrimage site for many devout followers of Shinto. At Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), admire the fine architecture that stretches back 17 centuries, a stark and elegant style with vivid red beams and columns. On the way back to your ship, admire the nearly 1,000-foot-tall Abena Harukas, Japan’s tallest building. If you wish, you may journey to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial city of stunning shrines, bamboo forests and the splendid Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).

Arrive in Hiroshima for an overnight stay, giving you time to ponder this resilient city. Once at the forefront of industry and education, it grew from the 19th century to become one of Japan’s most important industrial centers. Contemplate the city’s decades-long recovery from its devastation on August 6, 1945, at the burned-out shell of the Industrial Promotion Hall and the Peace Memorial Park. Perhaps you will choose to travel to historic Hiroshima Castle and the charming “shrunken scenery garden,” or board a ferry to discover the wooded hills and cherished Itsukushima Shrine on the picturesque Itsukushima Island.

Today, you may combine a visit to the beautiful Mitaki temple with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. If you prefer, you may explore more of Hiroshima on your own, perhaps paying your respects at the Children’s Peace Monument; its Flame of Peace will burn until the last nuclear weapon on the planet has been dismantled.

Explore Japan’s leading hot spring resort, Beppu, with its nearly 3,000 gushing vents in a small area. Marvel at the clouds of steam rising through the city’s streets, caused by the underground volcanic activity. The springs boast properties that are said to boost health and well-being because of their mineral content. At one of the best-known examples, Myoban Yunosato, experts will introduce you to the benefits of these minerals and the process of extracting crystals to produce bath and skin care products.

Situated on a scenic bay formed by a sunken caldera and overseen by the Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima is often called the “Naples of the Eastern World” for its setting. During a city tour, head to the hilltop Shiroyama Park for splendid views of the city and Sakurajima volcano, and visit the Reimeikan museum in the old city castle to view exhibits on Japan’s history and culture. Or, you may opt to participate in a unique “sand bath” experience at a nearby hotel.

Call in Nagasaki today, where East meets West—most notably in the city’s delicious cuisine. Embark on an included tour of Nagasaki, pausing at the Nagasaki Peace Park to stroll among its moving statues. You will also see the Urakami Cathedral and the island of Dejima, built to house European merchants. If you like, you may choose to enjoy lunch and a geisha performance followed by a visit to a 1,000-foot-high observatory on one of our optional excursions.

Spend a relaxing day on board as you cruise the East China Sea. Perhaps you will learn about your next destination, Japan, in The Library or at an enrichment lecture. Enjoy a Norwegian-inspired lunch at Mamsen’s gourmet deli. This evening, savor wine pairings with your dinner at The Chef’s Table.

Visit the fascinating Taiwanese capital of Taipei on the island’s northern shore. This city boasts a curious blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a monument dedicated to the founding father of Taiwan, and the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine to those who have fallen in China’s wars. You will stop for photos of Taipei 101, a stunning skyscraper that held the title as “tallest” from 2004 to 2009.

The East China Sea welcomes you today. This strategically important shipping lane is also a key stretch of water for several nations’ fishing industries. As you cruise today, enjoy regional cuisine in the World Café or treat yourself to a massage at The Spa.

Explore more of Hong Kong with a visit to a local institution. Witness the sights, sounds and aromas of a wet market—an outdoor market made up of various stands selling meat, seafood and fresh produce. After your tour, enjoy a dim sum and tea breakfast.

Arrive in dazzling Hong Kong today. Witness where deeply held Eastern traditions meet modern Western sensibilities during an included city tour that takes you up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the metropolis. Continue to the former fishing village of Aberdeen, now a dense and fascinating cluster of residential towers, then sail through a floating village on a traditional sampan. Two overnight stays give you ample time to experience Hong Kong’s rich cultural tapestry and unmistakable British influence.

Enjoy a third full day in Hong Kong. Amid the city’s bright neon and bustle, temples and shrines to Buddhism offer tranquility and provide insight into the spiritual life of locals. The Chi Lin Nunnery in the city’s heart, a Buddhist complex of gardens, comprises 16 timber-built Tang Dynasty structures recreated here without a single nail. Meditative gardens are adorned with lotus ponds, bonsai plants and other soothing features. Tonight, return on board for a late-evening departure.

Enjoy a full day indulging in the amenities of your ship as you cruise the South China Sea. You might find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Lounge by the Main Pool with its retractable roof and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar. After an al fresco dinner at the World Café, settle in for some light jazz and a nightcap at Torshavn.

Today, arrive in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most magnificent landscapes. As we dock here overnight, you will have ample time to explore the bay and its surroundings. Alternatively, you may embark on a journey to visit one of the world’s oldest capitals, Hanoi, and delve into the charm of a bygone era.

Ha Long Bay is home to about 2,000 limestone islands rising from the water to astonishing heights. Legend says they were created by dragons who breathed out jewels into the bay to prevent enemy ships from coming ashore. On an included tour, board an authentic junk for a scenic cruise, passing rock formations and caves that have been whittled away over centuries. If you would like, visit Yen Tu Monastery, where you will learn about Vietnam’s history and Buddhist traditions at one of the country’s major religious centers.

From your port in Chan May, discover the ancient Imperial City of Hue, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The crumbling stone walls of the citadel hold stories of long-fought battles and are a delight to explore. Despite being bombed during the 1960s and 1970s, much of the structure remains and is well preserved. You may also experience locals’ morning trading activities on a visit to a traditional food market, where you will have the opportunity to take in the tantalizing smells and flavors and browse the colorful stalls.

As you cruise the South China Sea, attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef’s Table.

Call on Ho Chi Minh City today, formerly known as Saigon. Join an included excursion to view the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Chinatown, and meet artisans at a lacquer workshop. Or you may choose to take a Vietnamese cooking class, or explore the city by pedal cab. With two nights here, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the south on our optional tours or a two-day excursion.

Enjoy another day in this captivating city. You might choose to tour the fabled Mekong Delta, known to many as “Vietnam’s rice bowl.” This fascinating region, seemingly untouched by the passage of time, is one of the most fertile areas in the nation, with much of its abundance of fruit, vegetables and seafood sold at the many floating markets.

Take the morning to further explore Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps you will pay a visit to Bến Thành Market, breathing in the heavenly scents as you sample regional dishes and admire the handiwork of local artisans. Or you may choose to enjoy the city’s modern bustle and colonial charm on your own. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure.

As you cruise the Gulf of Thailand today, perhaps you will indulge in a morning cup of coffee on your veranda while keeping watch for marine life, or unwind on the couch with your favorite book. Later, meet new friends for stories and drinks in the Wintergarden.

Call on Cambodia’s coastal town of Sihanoukville, surrounded by stunning beaches. Spend the morning experiencing the authentic Khmer culture of Sihanoukville, ringed by cerulean waters. Take in the local ambience at the town’s market, return to Independence Beach or explore the beaches lined with colorful fishing boats. During your included tour, visit Wat Krom with its colorful murals and Buddha sculptures, stroll Independence Beach, and explore a local market and fishing village.

For an authentic taste of life in this Cambodian seaside town, see its main sights on board a traditional tuk-tuk. Sihanoukville is the also gateway to Cambodia’s stunning Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a supreme example of classical Khmer architecture. If you wish, you may join an overland excursion to witness this magnificent, sprawling temple complex.

Arrive in Bangkok today, beautifully set on the Chao Phraya River. Settle into your stateroom, and take in the sights and sounds of one of Southeast Asia’s most colorful and cosmopolitan cities, including its many canals plied by traditional longboats and other small vessels.

Experience another day amid the splendor of Bangkok and explore more of this magnificent capital on your own. Perhaps head out to marvel at the temples and elegant buildings of the renowned Grand Palace, or take a ride in a tuk-tuk to view the city’s main sights. Your ship remains docked overnight.

Enjoy another day in Thailand’s cultural and political capital. You may choose to join an optional tour to a tropical fruit farm, picking ripe fruit off the trees and observing a rubber tapping demonstration. Or you may visit the Pak Khlong Talat flower market, taking in the beautiful sights and scents. Enjoy lunch on shore or on board before your ship departs this evening.

Cruise through the Gulf of Thailand today. As you do so, perhaps soothe your body with a hot sauna and a few minutes amid the gently falling snow of the Snow Grotto. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers’ Lounge and a dinner of authentic Thai dishes at The Restaurant.

Sail the Java Sea today. As you cruise, you will have a chance to sample some cuisine of the islands such as rijsttafel, a rice dish adopted by the Dutch and still enjoyed throughout The Netherlands.

Take in the beautiful cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur, the lively capital of Malaysia. From your berth in Port Klang, you will journey to the city for a panoramic tour with many photo opportunities. Pass the National Museum, the huge bronze National Monument and the National Mosque of Malaysia. Stop in scenic Merdeka Square (Independence Square), the most photographed spot in the city, and view the impressive Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest building from 1998 until 2004.

Arrive in Singapore today. This diverse city is a melting pot of varied influences, as you will see during visits to the Colonial District, Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown on an included tour. If you like, join an optional excursion to visit Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertree Grove, and take in sweeping views of the city from atop the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.

Cruise the Java Sea today. Start your day with a walk around the Promenade Deck; once around measures ¼ mile. Later, you might indulge in a manicure or pedicure at The Salon and enjoy a first-run or classic movie in The Theater, popcorn included. Tonight, enjoy an elegant meal in The Restaurant.

Arrive in Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling and colorful capital, for an overnight stay. Discover its treasures during a city tour that takes you to the National Monument, enormous Fatahillah Square and the Wayang Museum (dedicated to Javanese puppetry). Alternately, embark on an optional tour of the city’s fascinating Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park to see exhibits on traditional Indonesian arts, architecture and culture.

Enjoy another morning in Jakarta. Uncover more of its cultural landmarks on your own, perhaps pausing to sample some Betawi cuisine, rich in the food traditions of nearby nations. Return on board for an afternoon departure.

Call in Semarang today on the island of Java. Stop for photos of the oldest church in Central Java, visit a historic Chinese Muslim temple and walk through the stunning Rainbow Village on an included tour. Alternately, you may choose to board a vintage railcar for a ride through the Javanese countryside before visiting a coffee plantation.

Explore Surabaya, the capital of East Java. View the Heroes Monument, then enjoy a panoramic tour that reflects the city’s diversity, from its mosques and churches to its Arab and European districts. If you prefer, you can immerse yourself in the city’s colonial past and vibrant present on a tour of some its main sights and take in a traditional Balinese performance.

After spending a relaxing evening at sea on board your ship, you will arrive on the deeply spiritual island of Bali, with its colorful markets and rich culture of arts, crafts and traditional dance. Explore its bustling provincial capital of Denpasar on an included tour, admiring the colors, flavors and fragrances of the local market, the Bali Museum and the sublime temple of Jagatnatha.

You have another day to experience the vibrant culture and magnificent landscapes of Bali. Continue uncovering the wonders of Denpasar, or opt to immerse yourself in the island’s spirituality and arts during an optional excursion. Alternately, see how the traditional Balinese once lived and witness the creativity of talented artisans during an arts and crafts tour.

Call on the port of Lembar on the Indonesian island of Lombok. Journey to the foot of Mt. Rinjani, the nation’s second tallest volcano, to the town of Senggigi. Here, you can spend the day relaxing on the island’s best beach, stretching several miles along a green and lush coast. This resort town is quite young, making your leisurely visit an uncrowded affair. Alternately, you can tour the island’s capital of Mataram, renowned for its pearl shops and excellent artisans. Or explore two of the island’s craft villages, where wood-carvers and potters keep rich traditions alive.

Anchor among the stunning vistas of Indonesia’s Komodo Island. Go ashore to visit Komodo National Park and the Tamarind Woods, a magnificent menagerie of wildlife including the famed Komodo dragon. If you wish, don a snorkel and mask and explore the vibrant underwater world at Pink Beach, so called for the rose-hued coral washed ashore and crushed to a fine powder by crashing waves.

As you sail the Timor Sea today, you might enjoy some yoga on the Sports Deck and indulge in a soak in the Thermal Pool of The Spa.

Arrive today in Darwin, Australia, capital of the continent’s Northern Territory. Take in the city’s highlights on an included panoramic tour, passing Christ Church Cathedral, the seven-gabled Government House and the Old Admiralty House. A stop at the East Point lookout reveals the coastal beauty of the Top End. If you would like, you can set out along the Adelaide River to view the area’s famed jumping crocodiles, or travel by seaplane, boat and airboat through the forest and wetlands of Sweets Lagoon.

Spend the morning exploring more of Darwin’s charms. Perhaps you will have breakfast at a local café, or stroll through harborside Bicentennial Park. You may also choose to join an eco cruise through Darwin Harbor and discover a diverse and surprising marine world. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure.

Sail the shallow tropical waters of the Arafura Sea. As you cruise today, enjoy coffee or a drink in the Explorers’ Lounge or stroll the wraparound Promenade Deck.

Explore Thursday Island today, home to a thriving artistic community. You will have time to explore on your own, or perhaps join an optional excursion to discover the history of the island’s defense during a visit to Green Hill Fort. Alternately, learn about the indigenous people of Torres Strait during an optional excursion that includes a traditional outdoor dance performance.

Sail the waters of the Coral Sea today, home to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Your day at sea provides the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in The Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure, shave or Nordic scalp massage.

Call on Cairns today, built on the shoulders of gold prospectors. Today, it is a major sugarcane and fishing port, and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Take in the major sights of Cairns on a city tour, featuring a stop at its historic Royal Australian Navy base, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove, a quaint, beach-loving community. Or perhaps board a catamaran for an exciting sail to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the largest continuous system of its kind on Earth, or join an excursion to the lush Daintree Rainforest.

Call in Townsville today. An included city tour introduces you to the beloved old architecture of this seldom visited coastal city. Take in panoramic views from atop the Castle Hill viewpoint and call on the Strand—a long stretch of tropical beach lined with gardens and the pride of the locals. If you prefer, you can venture into the bush to pay a visit to the Nywaigi Aboriginal people at a cattle station or embark on a guided walk through the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the world’s oldest surviving rain forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This morning, anchor off Whitsunday Island, part of a magnificent archipelago of the same name off the Great Barrier Reef. This dazzling canvas of turquoise waters, green hills and white shores is home to countless inviting beaches. Disembark today to wade in the soothing waters and relax on soft sands. Or challenge yourself on Hamilton Island’s 18-hole championship golf course amid this paradisiacal setting.

With waters stretching far beyond the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea is far deeper but no less spectacular for its crystalline clarity. Many divers pass by the shallower and more famous reef for the countless treasures found here, donning scuba gear to descend into an undersea wilderness said to have a visibility of 160 feet. Fish are said to grow to enormous sizes in these mineral-rich waters, and some shipwrecks host an astonishing variety of marine life. Linger on the Sun Deck or on your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck. This evening, enjoy the jazz strains of live music at Torshavn.

Call on Brisbane, Queensland’s picturesque city. An included panoramic tour introduces you to its main sights, with ample opportunity to step out and take photos. See the historic Parliament House, Treasury Building and Customs House. Pass the botanical gardens before taking in sweeping views of the city and its namesake river. If you prefer, you may learn more about the continent’s famous wildlife on a visit to the world’s largest koala sanctuary.

Trace Australia’s renowned Gold Coast, lined with resorts and picturesque beaches. As you cruise today, mingle with newfound friends in The Living Room, browse the Scandinavian-inspired artwork throughout your ship and attend a talk about your upcoming ports.

Visit modern Newcastle today. Your included tour features a scenic coastal drive, passing the old Fort Scratchley, the Newcastle and Merewether ocean baths, picturesque parks and beaches, and more. Alternately, experience the viniculture of Hunter Valley, stopping to sample some recent vintages. Or take in some of Newcastle’s main sights as your guide regales you with stories about the history of the region on a walking tour.

Arrive in Sydney and embark your ship. The capital of Australian New South Wales is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor, the world’s largest. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the edge of the blue Pacific, Sydney is blessed with a natural setting few cities in the world can rival. Settle in to your veranda stateroom, and explore this culture-rich and much-loved city.

Begin your day in the heart of the city, at Sydney Cove. Explore the charming crooked streets of Sydney’s historic district of The Rocks, where some houses date back to the early days of European settlement. Or, start off your day touring the bustling fish market with a local chef and taking your “catch” on board a harbor sightseeing vessel. Fabulous food and wine and good company enhance this scenic outing. You might also explore the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains. Or set out on your own, perhaps strolling to the famed Sydney Opera House on the stunning harbor.

Cruise the waters off the Australian coast of Gippsland today. This area was once plied by boats piloted by Aboriginal Australians. Today, it is one of the continent’s most scenic regions of stunning beaches, old-growth forest and fertile farms. During your relaxing day at sea, you can learn more about Australia during informative lectures, attend a port talk to familiarize yourself with upcoming destinations and enjoy the many amenities on board. Relax in The Spa, browse the onboard art throughout the ship, or settle in the Living Room with a book from your ship’s Library.

Discover Melbourne, capital of the Australian state of Victoria. During its heyday, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. Today, you can uncover the cultural and historic treasures of, by some accounts, the most livable city in the world during a tour of its highlights. View the city’s stately Victorian-era buildings and visit Fitzroy Gardens, where Cook’s Cottage graces the landscape. Constructed in England by the parents of famed explorer Captain Cook, it was deconstructed brick by brick and reassembled here to celebrate the centenary of the city’s founding. If you wish, join a visit to see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife, such as the koala, wombat, kangaroo and wallaby.

Sail across the Bass Strait today. Named after its discoverer George Bass, the shallow stretch of water separates Tasmania from the Australian continent. Enjoy the Sun Deck or scan the horizon from the Explorers’ Lounge for one of the 60 islands that dot the strait. Tonight, try a regional specialty in The Restaurant, or take in a recent movie in one of our three theaters—two indoor and one under the stars on the Main Pool Deck.

Explore the fabled island of Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The capital, Hobart, was founded as a penal colony for some 300 inmates. Today, it is a charming city with a mild climate and a picturesque natural setting on the banks of the Derwent River. Its historic neighborhoods and traditional pubs are best explored on foot. You might wish to tour the former penal colony of Port Arthur, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum chronicling the relocation of convicts here by the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, you will begin your crossing of the Tasman Sea. Just as many refer to an Atlantic journey as “hopping the Pond,” Kiwis and Aussies refer to this voyage as “crossing the Ditch.” Your day at sea provides the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in the Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure or shave.

Enjoy another leisurely day at sea as you cruise past the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island through Foveaux Strait, named after an early lieutenant-governor of New South Wales. Known for its oyster beds, the channel is less than 10 miles wide at its narrowest point and separates Stewart Island from South Island. Learn more about tomorrow’s port at tonight’s port talk and later enjoy a cocktail over the strains of jazz at Torshavn.

Call on scenic Port Chalmers today, whose harbor is faced by the hills of the Otago Peninsula. You will visit the region’s cultural capital of Dunedin, founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers who gave it the Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Nestled among rolling green hills that drop sharply into the sea, it is one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the world and home to a wealth of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, including the stunning Dunedin Railway Station. You might alternately join an excursion to view one of the world’s most accessible albatross rookeries, where you can observe these magnificent birds in their rich natural habitat.

Explore the English-flavored city of Christchurch, spread at the feet of the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island. Today it is a stunning blend of British charm and natural beauty, with so many green parks that it has been nicknamed the “Garden City.” See firsthand how the city is creatively preserving its iconic heritage. Visit the Container Mall, a series of stores set up in giant shipping containers, and the Cardboard Cathedral, welcoming worshippers until the Christchurch Cathedral is repaired. You will also visit the lush Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of the world’s most important of its kind. If you wish, explore the International Antarctic Center, where you can experience life in the continent’s harsh climate and meet some resident penguins.

Visit Wellington today, hailed by many as “the coolest little capital in the world,” brimming with cultural institutions such as the Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery. The political capital of New Zealand enjoys a splendid setting among mountains and the sea. Enjoy a tour of its main sites, including the summit of Mt. Victoria, the Wellington Cathedral and the New Zealand Parliament’s four buildings—including Parliament House, a dramatic neoclassical wonder, and the Executive Wing, known as the “Beehive” for its shape. You will also see the renowned Wellington Botanic Garden, home to the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Perhaps join our Privileged Access visit to the Museum of New Zealand, or join a city tour fashioned for fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Cruise into Hawke’s Bay today, New Zealand’s second largest wine-growing region. Disembark to explore Napier’s art deco architecture, built after much of the city was destroyed during a 1931 earthquake. Its eclectic mix of “Main Street” design and art deco flair combine to create a city unlike any other in the world. Take it all in during a city tour, or venture farther afield to sample some of the region’s beloved wines at its vineyards or to seek out some of the bay area’s abundant birdlife, including the iconic gannet on nearby Cape Kidnappers.

Sail into the turquoise waters of the Bay of Plenty to visit the port of Tauranga, watched over by the dramatic Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano that helped shape this spectacular region of white-sand beaches and azure waters. Discover the highlights of one of New Zealand’s main centers for business and culture. Or, you can explore the thermal region of Rotorua, sacred to the Māori for its bubbling mudpots, spewing geysers, silica terraces and fumaroles.

Arrive in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand’s North Island. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland enjoys a stunning setting between two harbors. This seafaring city has hosted two America’s Cup challenges; its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. During an overnight stay here, you will have ample time to take in this Kiwi city’s beauty and history, touring the tree-lined Albert Park and the neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum. Cross the harbor bridge to enjoy sweeping views from Bastion Point and pass through Parnell Village, lined with upscale shops and cafés. If you wish, visit the region’s wine country this afternoon to sample some of its world-acclaimed vintages.

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay on in Auckland to explore more of this sophisticated and picturesque city.