Melbourne to Auckland

The capital of Victoria is a dynamic melting pot, shaped by influences from every corner of the world. A thriving café culture, world-class wine bars, and a city-wide croissant obsession (a visit to Lune Croissanterie is a must) will transport you to the boulevards of Paris, but the city is also famed for its old-school Italian delis, traditional Greek tavernas, and authentic bánh mì joints. To sample the myriad flavors of Melbourne in one place, visit the historic Queen Victoria Market and stock up on supplies, before enjoying your delicious bounty in one of the many urban parks – from the historic Fitzroy Gardens to the sculpture-dotted Gasworks Arts Park.

The broad-backed giants of the ocean, mighty Southern Right whales, come within meters of the shore during their annual migration off this seafaring city in Victoria. Venture to nearby Cape Bridgewater to also spot the powerful blows of blue whales as they feast on this coast’s abundant krill, as well as hundreds of long-nosed fur seals nonchalantly lolling on rocks. There are many layers of history to be unearthed, too: the ding-ding-dinging cable tram rolls from the maritime discovery center to a clutch of museums; while inland, Budj Bim national park – in a dormant volcano – is central to the culture of the Gunditjmara people, who are the traditional owners of the land.

Few places in the world have more diverse flora and fauna than this epic outcrop off South Australia. From bottlenose dolphins, black cockatoos, echidnas and goannas to kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and wallabies, it’s an A-Z of Antipodean zoology. As soon as a nearby leaf rustles, you’ll want your binoculars at the ready. But if the adrenalin of a wildlife sighting isn’t enough, there are more full-throttle experiences on offer: quad-biking in the bush; sandboarding down the dunes; and exploring a two-kilometer-long subterranean labyrinth of sinkholes and caverns. Lower your pulse once more in the boutique vineyards that craft cool-climate wines with minimal intervention.

Discover Adelaide, South Australia's elegant capital, where a fusion of charming architecture, lush parklands, and a thriving food and wine scene create a refined and inviting urban experience. Adelaide straddles the Torrens River on a narrow plain between the Mt. Lofty Ranges and the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Vincent, boasting a profusion of gardens, playgrounds, sporting fields and colorful flower beds. Affectionately known as the "City of Churches," the combination of verdant parklands and stately buildings imbue this prosperous center with enduring grace and character.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Remote and utterly remarkable, the easygoing town of Esperance has a coastline that would rival any in the world. Fine quartz sands edged by tumbles of rounded boulders meet placid ocean and endless islands. With some of the whitest beaches and clearest waters in Australia, this southern gem is worth the visit. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Esperance:

• explore Cape Le Grand National Park
• check out some of the world's best beaches
• fly over the bubble-gum pink lake, Lake Hillier

Nature at its most wild and rugged is the wondrous spectacle on offer in this corner of Western Australia. To take it all in, impressively engineered lookouts are cantilevered over towering cliffs as the sapphire ocean foams and froths below, while hikes to a granite skywalk scale rocky outcrops that were millions of years in the making. This area also has some of the country’s most incredible beaches: green pools sheltered by giant boulders; scoops of squeaky white sand and rolling surf. Even the eerie Historic Whaling Station seems in awe of the natural world, with its huge sperm whale skeleton reminding us of the powerful creatures of the deep.

The Margaret River Region, in Western Australia's southwest, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional gourmet offerings. Begin your day with a visit to one of the numerous vineyards that produce some of Australia's finest wines. A trip to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory promises a delightful indulgence in locally-made chocolates.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the rugged coastline at Prevelly Beach and the towering karri trees in Boranup Forest. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave, a limestone marvel filled with ancient fossils. The quaint townships dotted throughout the region offer charming cafes and boutique shops, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of exploration.

Cruise ships visiting Busselton dock at the Busselton Jetty, a short walk from the town center. Busselton is renowned for its 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) jetty, the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere which features an underwater observatory at the end. This quaint town offers charming shops, cafes, and beautiful beaches. For those looking to explore further, Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River region, famous for its wineries, gourmet food, and stunning coastline, about 50 kms (31 miles) away, with a travel time of roughly 45 minutes.

Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Start your day with a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River. The park's diverse flora and tranquil walking trails provide a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

Explore the Perth Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum, which showcase indigenous and contemporary art and artifacts. For a unique experience, visit the Swan Bells at Barrack Square, a set of 18 bells that you can ring yourself. End your day with a sunset visit to Cottesloe Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear waters.

Despite its proximity to Western Australia’s capital Perth, Fremantle, or “Freo” to the locals, has an identity all its own. This eclectic port city is renowned for its creative spirit, and a lively arts scene means there’s always something to see. Visit the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, housed in a historic gothic revival building, for events and exhibitions that showcase local artists and performers, or meander through the historic West End to discover independent galleries and studios. Foodies should make a beeline for South Terrace, also known as Cappuccino Strip, where you’ll find outdoor restaurants, artisanal coffee shops, and bustling pubs and craft breweries.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The rugged Indonesian island of Rinca is smaller and lesser known than its famous neighbor Komodo, making it an ideal destination to spot the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, in its natural habitat. You'll find the magnificent creature – endemic to a small pocket of southeast Indonesia – amongst golden grasslands, dense mangrove forests, rocky valleys, and even sandy beaches. As you explore the island, be sure to also keep an eye out for macaques, water buffalo, and Timor deer.

Bali is an island paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. Start your day with a visit to the sacred Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering breathtaking sunset views and traditional Kecak dance performances. For nature enthusiasts, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud provide a picturesque backdrop perfect for a leisurely walk or a photo opportunity.

Don't miss the bustling markets of Ubud, where you can find unique handicrafts and local delicacies. Bali is also home to world-class spa experiences, making it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you're exploring the art scene in Ubud or simply lounging on the beach, Bali offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Capital of the Sumba Timur regency, Waingapu allows you to soak up the local Sumbanese culture before striding out into nature's beauty. Explore the preserved royal village of Prailiu, all lofty straw roofs and megalithic tombs, and observe the crafting of ikat, the vibrant local textiles. Discover lush, undulating hills dotted with traditional villages on a scenic hike – Wairinding Hill is particularly beguiling. For showstopping drama, visit one of the area's spectacular waterfalls. Tanggedu rewards those who make the rugged journey with its series of enchanting cascades. Or discover wow-factor galore at Walakiri Beach, famed for its gnarly mangrove trees that create dancing silhouettes in the water – utterly hypnotic at sunset.

Kupang, the capital of West Timor in Indonesia, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. This bustling port city features stunning coastal views and vibrant local markets. The Lasiana Beach, with its golden sands and clear waters, is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

History enthusiasts will appreciate visiting the Museum of Nusa Tenggara Timur, which showcases the region’s diverse cultures and traditions. The nearby Crystal Cave, with its clear underground lake, offers a unique adventure. Kupang is also known for its friendly locals and delicious seafood, making it a delightful and engaging destination for travelers exploring West Timor.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Many travelers will think of Darwin as the jumping-off point for The Kimberley, the port is, of course, the gateway to the Northern Territory’s famous 1,800-million-year-old red rocks, but Darwin has many other things to offer the day-tripper. Two of Australia’s most spectacular National Parks (Kakadu and Litchfield) are within an easy drive of the city, so even if you don’t want to get the full Kimberley experience, the ancient rock formations, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, jumping crocodiles and breathtaking gorges give a bite-sized version of the region’s natural diversity. If you prefer to stay in the city, expect a multicultural experience. Darwin is closer to Jakarta than Canberra, so local markets, cafes, and restaurants overflow with Asian influence.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Airlie Beach is best experienced below the waves. The port is one of the main gateways for the Great Barrier Reef, so if underwater adventures surrounded by reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and countless colorful fish are on your bucket list then look no further. While the town’s proximity to the 1,430 mile (2,300 km) living coral reef is undoubtedly one of Airlie Beach’s main attractions, you can easily enjoy a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the town’s relaxed backpacker vibe. For those who prefer their wildlife to be above the ground, Conway National Park offers tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and 447 native species.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Sydney might have its beaches, Melbourne great shops and restaurants, and Queensland is famous for its coastline but Brisbane is blessed by a mix of all three, albeit on a smaller scale. This city has a dynamic culinary scene, with local specialties including Moreton Bay Bugs, a lightly seasoned barbequed lobster cooked in its shell. The city’s relative youth (200 years) means that it’s a city hungry for art, music, and literature, and a fundamental stop for culture vultures would be QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), which homes over 17,000 works including a fabulous selection of Aboriginal art.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Discover Sydney, Australia's most iconic city home to architectural wonders such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis where nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Arrive in Wellington and its ambitious spirit is clear to see in the skyline of shiny towers. Yet New Zealand’s capital is a friendly place with an independent air, where just wandering around the streets is a pleasure, stopping for a great coffee or a glass of locally brewed craft beer. You can delve a little deeper into New Zealand’s culture and history at the national museum, Te Papa Tongeriwa, on the waterfront, with stories and objects from pre-colonial days. In fact, at Zealandia, you can travel even further back in time – this urban eco-sanctuary is attempting to restore nature to its pre-human state. Movie fans won’t want to miss a tour of the Weta Workshop, the film effects company that worked on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit among other blockbusters. But find time, too, for a ride on the cable car to the Kelburn Lookout for a spectacular overview.

Perched on the East Coast of the North Island, Gisborne is a place of rich history, beautiful uncrowded beaches, and legendary wines. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the port.

Top Things to Do in Gisborne:

• embark on a reef tour at low tide and feed stingrays
• visit a winery and discover why Gisborne is recognised as the 'Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand'
• take the steam train to Muriwai
• visit the Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Delve into Tauranga, New Zealand's picturesque coastal gem, where golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, and a blend of Maori and contemporary cultures create a captivating town. The spectacular Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island is home to the resort town of Tauranga. Known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and galleries, the city is also a hot spot for water sports and a gateway to nearby attractions, such as the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. At the southern end of Tauranga’s harbor lies the relaxed beach town of Mount Maunganui, named after its distinctive peak, Mauao, which towers 750 feet above the town’s white-sand surf.

Set on New Zealand’s North Island astride a narrow isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland – or Tamaki Makaurau in Maori – is an urban oasis ringed by natural beauty. The CBD (Central Business District) is brimming with artisanal coffee shops, fine-dining restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, but venture just beyond the skyscrapers to discover ancient mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, black-sand beaches, and lush rainforests.

Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach.

In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.