Manila to Darwin

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

• visit Fort Santiago
• admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
• take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Meet the extraordinary wildlife of Sabah, a place where orange orangutans move through the rainforest and elusive sun bears hide out in the safety of dense canopy. Join the extraordinary animals in rehabilitation centres, where they are lovingly cared for, before often being released back into the jungle's interior. Coming face to face with orangutans is a moving experience for many - afterall, these animals are some of our closest cousins, sharing 97% of our genetic makeup. You'll also have the chance to encounter one of nature’s more unusual creatures, the bizarre proboscis monkey, named after the bulbous, swinging noses they sport.

Sandakan stretches along a scenic bay, looking out over the Sulu Sea. A former trading hub, ships voyaged here seeking riches from the thick jungle, especially sought after bird nests. Nowadays, the city has found its niche as a major palm-oil and cacao exporter. Bridges, creaking planks, and wooden walkways form an elaborate floating maze over the waves at Sim-Sim Water Village. Visit this fishing hotspot to sample some of the succulent local fare, tasting freshly prepared meals like butter prawns, seafood broths and fried squid snacks.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Palopo is a municipality in the South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, with a population of approximately 150,000. The city has an ancient history dating back to its founding in the early 1600s. The port has always had a trade link to the highlands of Sulawesi known as Tana Toraja, and a physical link through a twisting mountain pass making it a perfect gateway to Toraja.

The land of Toraja is an ancient and mysterious place where residents adorn their homes with the horns of water buffalo killed in funeral ceremonies and ornate carvings painted in bold reds and black. In many ways the Tana Toraja customs of honoring the dead dictate their ways of life. Human remains rest in stone chambers in the hillsides and burial caves high in the cliffs. Elaborate funeral ceremonies which can take months or even years to prepare can go on for days and can draw hundreds of people in a festival-like atmosphere.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a heavenly halo of an island like Pulau Satonda comes along. Appearing like a mirage from the intense turquoise waters of the Flores Sea, Pulau Satonda is an impossibly aesthetic ring of jungle-clad slopes, embracing a volcanic crater of tranquil water. Snorkel the reefs that encircle the island, or strap your boots on to hike up to the ridge. Trek with monkeys scuttling above and trees sagging under the weight of sleeping bats for the best, elevated views of the still interior lake.

Formed by the machinations of underwater volcanic activity, the island's central crater dips to a depth of 86 metres. Shrouded in local legend and tradition, Pulau Satonda has many tales to share. It was a close witness to the unimaginable ferocity of Mount Tambora’s wrath, and that ominously beautiful volcano cone is visible from the sandy beaches to the south of the island.

Mount Tambora’s fury devastated the entire planet, with the largest eruption in recorded history. The catastrophic explosion caused the Year Without a Summer in 1816, darkening and subduing skies around the world with ash. It’s theorised that a tsunami triggered by the eruption washed a wave of salt water to Pulau Satonda’s previously fresh-water lake. Dip into the refreshing waters, or make an offering on the shore by hanging a stone on a branch. If your wish comes true, you are obligated to travel back to give thanks - but a return trip to a place as beautiful as this is certainly no burden.

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.

Benoa is located on the southern tip of Bali and is the key gateway for travellers exploring this Indonesian island. The port is approximately 12 kms (7.5 miles) from the bustling city of Denpasar - a journey of around 30 minutes. You'll dock directly at the terminal, allowing easy access to transport options.

Indonesia’s isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild.

The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visitors must be escorted by a park ranger, independent exploration of the park is not permitted.

If you're leery of these reptiles, the ecologically diverse waters around the island provide superb diving and snorkelling and are home to graceful manta rays, dolphins and even seahorses.

Alor, a remote island in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, is celebrated for its vibrant traditional culture and exceptional marine life. This lesser-known destination thrives on its intricate ikat weaving and ancient moko drum traditions, providing a deep cultural experience unlike any other.

The surrounding waters are a diver's paradise, known for their strong currents and teeming with a diverse array of marine species, including thresher sharks and manta rays. Ships visiting Alor typically anchor near Kalabahi, the island’s only town. From here, passengers can easily explore local villages, dive sites, and markets.

Kalabahi, the sole town on Alor in Indonesia, serves as the gateway to exploring the island's rich traditions and stunning natural landscapes. Known for its vibrant local culture, Kalabahi is surrounded by villages such as Takpala where traditional customs like ikat weaving and ceremonial dances are part of daily life. Kalabahi itself is bustling with markets that offer a variety of local crafts and fresh produce.

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.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens