Cruise Holiday Pacific & Asia – Seabourn Sojourn – 11 January 2024

Los Angeles - Embark Seabourn Sojourn

Los Angeles. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal, and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hands- and footprints. The Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries, and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes.  

Avalon, Santa Catalina

Avalon is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island, in the California Channel Islands, and the southernmost city in Los Angeles County. The city is a resort community with a waterfront dominated by tourism-oriented businesses.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Hilo

Hilo is a town in Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, in the state of Hawaii. It’s known for Wailuku River State Park, featuring Waianuenue, or Rainbow Falls, with its colorful mist effects. The bubbling basalt-lava rock pools known as the Boiling Pots are nearby. To the south is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to rain forests and the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. San Francisco, California

Hawaii - Lanai

Hawaii. From volcanic landscapes to hidden waterfalls… active adventures to an energetic nightlife… a holiday on the Hawaiian Islands offers infinite experiences in one destination. Each of the six major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii – has its own distinct personality, but no matter which ones you choose, you’ll discover endless opportunities for adventure, dining, culture, and relaxation.      

Honolulu - Overnight Onboard

If Oahu is the heart of Hawaii, then Honolulu is its racing pulse. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you’ll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining to world class shopping. Honolulu stretches across the south eastern shores of the island from the world-famous Pearl Harbour to Makapuu Point encompassing the world famous Waikika beach

Kauai

Kauai is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It's nicknamed "the Garden Isle" thanks to the tropical rain forest covering much of its surface. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations. San Francisco, California

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

International Dateline (Lost Day)

The international date line (IDL) is an imaginary line that runs along the Earth's surface from the North Pole to the South Pole in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When you cross it, you either gain or lose a day depending on which way you are traveling. If you are traveling westward, you gain a day, and if you are traveling eastward, you lose a day.

Kiribati, Pacific

Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an independent island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. The permanent population is over 119,000, more than half of whom live on Tarawa Atoll. The state comprises 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Banaba.    

International Dateline

The international date line (IDL) is an imaginary line that runs along the Earth's surface from the North Pole to the South Pole in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When you cross it, you either gain or lose a day depending on which way you are traveling. If you are traveling westward, you gain a day, and if you are traveling eastward, you lose a day.

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Pago Pago

Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, comprises a string of coastal villages on Tutuila Island. It’s a gateway to the National Park of American Samoa, which protects lush rainforest, coral reefs, and waters visited by humpback whales. Fagatogo village is home to the Jean P. Haydon Museum, exhibiting local historic artifacts in a former U.S. Navy facility. A trail leads up to Blunts Point Battery, a WWII gun site.  

International Dateline

The international date line (IDL) is an imaginary line that runs along the Earth's surface from the North Pole to the South Pole in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When you cross it, you either gain or lose a day depending on which way you are traveling. If you are traveling westward, you gain a day, and if you are traveling eastward, you lose a day.

Apia

Apia, Samoa is the capital city of the South Pacific island nation. Offshore, near Vaiala beach, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is a stretch of the reef with a deep, coral-lined hole. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is housed in the writer’s restored home. Nearby, at the top of Mount Vaea, is his grave. In the city center, the country’s natural history and cultural heritage are the focus of the Museum of Samoa.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Vava, Tonga

Nuku Alofa

Nuku Alofa.  The Royal Family of Tonga lives in Nuku’alofa, and you can walk up to the gates of the Royal Palace.  Other highlights include the local produce and fish markets like the Talamahu Market. Here you can haggle with the sellers and bring home locally produced baskets and trinkets. On a cruise to Nuku’alofa, you will be quickly taken in by the city’s charm, which balances quaintness with island time.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Bay of Islands. For those that love beaches and water activities, it's paradise. A three-hour drive or 35-minute flight north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. It includes the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri.  

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland.  The central city lies across an isthmus straddling the Pacific Ocean on its east and the Tasman Sea on its west. The buzz of a city is defined by its nautical location. Seagulls, sparrows, and the native tui bird occupy the pohutukawa trees above the beach, competing with the sound of young people singing and playing an impromptu game of touch rugby.  

Tauranga

Tauranga. A visit to Tauranga or Mount Maunganui will make you feel like you are in a holiday paradise! With so much on offer in this upbeat city, you’ll never get bored. Swim or take a surfing lesson at one of New Zealand’s best beaches, hire a fat tire bike and ride along the beach or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for exploring, take a scenic cruise or helicopter ride to White Island – an active volcano!  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbor, and colorful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".  

Picton

Picton. Nestled at the head of Shakespeare Bay in the heart of the Marlborough region, Picton is where the ferries arrive and depart. It’s a lovely place to spend a couple of days, enjoying the local eateries, watching boats of all shapes and sizes come and go, or enjoying some of the walks/cycle trails in the area. From Picton, you have access to the Marlborough wine region (inland), famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the Marlborough Sounds which is rich in rich in marine life including 5 species of dolphin, Orca, humpback whales, seals, penguins, and other rare birds.

New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a city on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for its coastal walkway stretching from Bell Block to Port Taranaki. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge has views of towering Mount Taranaki. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery shows contemporary exhibitions. Close by, Pukekura Park has botanical gardens and birdlife. Subalpine forests and waterfalls characterize Egmont National Park to the south.    

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Sydney, Australia - Overnight Onboard

Sydney Australia. With its iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and of course Bondi beach it ranks as one of the world's most stunning cities. Enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty, from unspoilt beaches to public gardens, Before discovering its thriving restaurants and markets. Top it off with a trip to the Blue Mountains, a popular excursion among locals.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island is just off the coast of southeastern Queensland, Australia. The protected sand island is known for its beaches and steep dunes, like Mount Tempest. On the west coast, a dive site features coral and tropical fish around a group of sunken boats called the Tangalooma Wrecks. A dolphin feeding spot is nearby. Humpback whales can be viewed from Cape Moreton, the site of a 19th-century lighthouse.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach. Gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, just north of Mackay and south of Townsville, is a coastal town of palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, and alfresco restaurants. Spend a few days exploring before you head off on your island holiday and you’ll find plenty of action, from sailing to scuba diving to skydiving. Take a seaplane for a picnic on the powder white sands of Whitehaven Beach or learn to sail in clear waters. St. Barthélemy Island  

Townsville

Townsville is a coastal city in northeastern Queensland, Australia. The Strand esplanade, with its pier and water park, is popular. The Reef HQ Aquarium has marine life and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, plus a sea turtle hospital. Southeast of the city, the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park is home to koalas, wombats, and crocodiles. Offshore, Magnetic Island has coral reefs and a national park full of wildlife.    

Cairns - Overnight Onboard

Cairns is often considered to be the gateway city to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The city serves as the starting point for many visitors on a cruise to Australia to make the short jaunt to the world-famous reef. Cairns is located in Far North Queensland and is known for its tropical climate and awe-inspiring natural sights.  

Cooktown

Cooktown is a beautiful, unspoiled, small historic coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside. It is also Australia’s closest town to the Great Barrier Reef. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly people, this is the perfect base to explore the rugged beauty of the Lower Cape, noted for its pristine environment and Aboriginal culture.  

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef,  is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Darwin - Overnight Onboard

Darwin. One of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in the country. Built on the Timor Sea, the city is the gateway to some of Northern Australia’s most striking natural scenery, while its proximity to South East Asia has fuelled Darwin’s status as a bridge between the country and neighboring Indonesia.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Dili, East Timor

Dili East Timor. Known as the “City of Peace,” Dili is the capital of East Timor, nestled between the sea and surrounding hills. Walk the bustling waterfront, hike the unspoiled jungle, snorkel among coral reefs. The island of Timor was colonized by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, and Timor-Leste’s capital city, Dili, retains its Portuguese ambiance, despite occupations by the Japanese during World War II and Indonesia in the late 20th century.  

Kupang, West Timor

Kupang West Timor is the largest city and port on Timor in the Lesser Sunda Islands, with a history of both Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods. The harbor itself will prove interesting, with a variety of ships of all shapes and sizes and from every corner. The city was heavily bombed by the Allies during the Japanese occupation in WWII, but some ruins and remnants of colonial eras can be found.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Banda Neira, Indonesia

Banda Neira or Banda Naira is one of ten volcanic islands in the Banda Archipelago in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands, probably better known as the fabled Spice Islands of ancient times, are covered with towering, aromatic, tropical-evergreens. A sparkling, sapphire sea surrounds these already incredible islands, brimming with exquisite corals and abundant ocean life, making the Banda Islands not only a historically significant destination but also an internationally recognized diving spot. Give us a call at The Cruise Pro and let us organize that special cruise.

Ambon, Indonesia

Ambon Indonesia is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of Maluku. This city is also known as Ambon Manise, which means "beautiful" or "pretty" Ambon. It covers a land area of 298.61 km², and had a population of 331,254 at the 2010 Census; the latest official estimated population was 368,987 in 2014.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Ternate, Indonesia

Ternate Indonesia. Sailing into Ternate in the Maluku Islands, you’ll first see the cone of volcanic Mt. Gamalama, which dominates the skyline at more than 5,600 feet in height. Then you may detect the scent of cloves; the island was the single biggest producer of the aromatic spice in pre-colonial days and clove orchards still ring the mountain. Fort Oranje was the first home of the Dutch East India Company in 1607.    

Bitung, Indonesia

Bitung Indonesia is the busy port for Manado on the island of Sulawesi. Like other Indonesian ports, it’s interesting just to see what sorts of ships turn up in the port. The narrow strait between Bitung and the island of Lembeh is famous for its colorful sea life, particularly smaller species such as nudibranchs, miniature seahorses, and so forth. Manado has ample evidence of its Dutch colonial history. St. Barthélemy Island

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is a coastal city on Palawan Island in the western Philippines. It's a base for boat trips through the massive limestone caves and underground river of the biodiverse Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Dive sites are dotted around Puerto Princesa Bay, home to long-nosed dolphins, turtles, and rays. Close to the port is the 19th-century Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.  

Coron, Philippines

Coron Philippines. Beautiful, spectacular, incredible, breathtaking. Coron is the largest town on Busuanga island in the province of Palawan. The town and the islands just offshore are a magnet for visitors seeking crystal-clear waters, fascinating sea life, and no fewer than ten well-preserved shipwrecks from WWII. Coron Island is a popular choice, with numerous spectacular snorkeling sites, including Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons, and Atuwayan Beach.  

Manila, Philippines - Overnight Onboard

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.  

At Sea

At Sea You’ll always find a place to bask in the sun onboard or find the outdoor whirlpools, swimming pools and ample sun loungers, or simply relax with a book or a cocktail and enjoy the peace of the company of newfound friends.

Keelung, Taiwan

Keelung Taiwan is a port city near Taipei, in northern Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, it’s known for its sheltered harbor. Near the waterfront, street-food stalls at Miaokou Night Market offer traditional snacks and seafood. Several forts around the area include hilltop Ershawan Fort, with cannons and a Chinese-style gate. Both Gongzi Liao Fort and Dawulun Fort offer views over the harbor and ocean.  

Magong,Taiwan

Taipei - Overnight Onboard

Taipei. In many ways, this 300-year-old city is like a living museum. The Taoist temples buzz with the prayers of the hopeful. The wooden boards of Japanese-era mansions creak under the feet of visitors. The pilfered treasures in the National Palace Museum date back 5000 years. Merchant villas to military barracks have been restored, reworked, and now live again as a museum or a shopfront.  

Taipei - Disembark Sojourn

Taipei. In many ways, this 300-year-old city is like a living museum. The Taoist temples buzz with the prayers of the hopeful. The wooden boards of Japanese-era mansions creak under the feet of visitors. The pilfered treasures in the National Palace Museum date back 5000 years. Merchant villas to military barracks have been restored, reworked, and now live again as a museum or a shopfront.