More than 60 ports in 32 countries are visited on this 142-day journey from Miami to Barcelona. Overnight stays in 10 cities and late-night stays in 16 ports are included in the voyage, allowing visitors to spend more time in each location. In addition to crossing two oceans, the Seabourn Sojourn traverses the Atlantic along the coast of Africa, stopping in renowned ports such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Mombasa, and Cape Town, as well as Papeete. Easter Island, Papua New Guinea, Western Australia, Seychelles, Cape Verde, West Africa, and more are just a few of the lesser-known destinations the ship stops at while sailing the South Pacific.
Highlights
Explore the volcanic formed islands of Fiji
Snorkel and swim in the pristine off the beaches of Vanuatu
Enjoy Sydney's famous Opera House and Harbor Bay.
Learn about batik fabric decoration in Padang, Indonesia
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. From the hot-blooded Art Deco haunts of South Beach to the natural wonders of the UNESCO-inscribed Everglades and the laid-back charms of the Keys, South Florida offers a bounty of appealing attractions that make an extended stay in the region nearly mandatory for those either embarking or disembarking here.
The renowned natural beauty of the Florida Keys has attracted writers, artists and musicians for generations. Key West, with its carefully preserved "Old Town," boasts one of the largest numbers of historic structures in any U.S. city. Key West's "Conch-style" architecture reflects a unique blend of Victorian gingerbread, New England cottage and Bahamian influence. Narrow streets are lined with stately mansions and "shotgun" cottages, each an important part of this historic town at the tip of the Keys.
As the center and one-time capital of the country, Belize City boasts an array of historic attractions - St. John's Cathedral, the Swing Bridge, Government House Museum and the colorful fruit market, all of which can be seen on a city tour.
Guatemala’s new Caribbean port on the Gulf of Honduras was developed I 1976 following an earthquake. The town was originally a Belgian commercial effort that failed. Today the streets are a lasting clue to its European background. The interior is rich in cultural interest. Lake Izabal was an Spanish staging area for goods to be shipped from the coast. It was protected from pirate attacks by the fortified, 16th century Castillo de San Felipe. Guatemala is the heartland of the Mayan empire, and nearby Quirigua is an excellent example and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous monuments and, most unusually, a river running right through it. The community if Livingston is a treasury of the unique Garifuna culture that grew out of a blend of African and indigenous Guatemalan people.
This port on Honduras’s Caribbean coast is just beginning to welcome visitors. The friendly people have developed a series of experiences to show off their beautiful town and surroundings and satisfy a variety of interests. The town itself has a Central Plaza fronting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and a number of buildings from the Spanish and French colonial periods including the Santa Barbara Fortress. The Campo del Mar Nature Park includes a lovely botanic garden and a popular beach. Another popular attraction is the Three Cascades located in the deep forest. Active visitors can explore on ATVs, snorkel on coral reefs, zipline from tree to tree or go horseback riding on the beach. A visit by boat to the nearby village of Santa Fe introduces guests to the local Garifuna culture.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastal port gives access to a number of natural attractions. The canopy of the coastal rain forest can be visited by gondolas on aerial cable systems at the Veragua Rain Forest Park, which also offers zip-line adventures, as does the nearby Jungle Breeze park. The mangrove forests of the Tortuguero Canal are an easy way to get close to sloths, monkeys and numerous varieties of birds and reptiles on canal boats. Visitors often combine these with visits to one of the area’s banana plantations. Alternatively, it’s possible to head inland to Costa Rica’s cosmopolitan capital, San Jose, just over two hours away by highway through lush highland coffee plantations.
In the early morning, your ship joins the flotilla of hulls of every shape and purpose from the far corners of the globe. They gather in Limon Bay off the shoreline of Cristobal in the Caribbean Sea to form the day’s convoy. Soon you will parade in file into the mighty Gatun Locks, there to be lifted patiently by inrushing water through three steps and exit into Gatun Lake to begin your transit of the canal. In truth, the ship sails from west to east, threading the jungled Gaillard Cut and before arriving at the Pedro Miguel Locks to begin descent to the Pacific Ocean. At the Miraflores Locks, the ship files through the three descending steps, lowered gracefully by the outrushing waters into the mouth of the canal, bidding farewell and sailing on into the largest ocean on earth.
Surrounded by hulls of every sort and purpose from every corner of the globe, ships are gracefully lifted by inrushing water in huge locks, and then sails through narrow, jungled channels and across a broad, shining lake from one ocean to another. At the other end, the waters again eases ships downward to rejoin a different sea.
After a thrilling day passing through the mighty, water-powered locks and jungled channels of the Panama Canal, travelers reflect on the engineering marvel , as ships glides majestically out of the canal and into the Pacific Ocean.
At the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a manmade causeway jutting into the sea, constructed with material excavated from the Canal. Originally built as a fortification, today it is a park, the headquarters of the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research, and landing area for ships anchored off the Canal, with shops and restaurants. With views of the skyline of Panama City, it serves as a staging area for excursions to nearby attractions in the city and the surrounding countryside. Panama City is a modern metropolis that has grown up around its Spanish colonial center, the Casco Viejo. A tour of the historic center and its impressive Gold Museum is one popular option. Other possibilities are sightseeing tours of the canal locks, the Canal expansion projects, a visit to an authentic Embera indian village, or aerial tours of the forest canopy and wildlife by tram.
Know more about “Pollywogs,” creatures who has never crossed the line at sea. Pollywogs are expected to undergo a mock trial by King Neptune and his court for the entertainment of the “shellbacks” who have already done so. Mild but hilarious indignities will be conjured, and in the end a good time will be had by most, if not all.
Manta is Ecuador's second largest port, north of Guayaquil which is the largest, and just south of the equator. With a population of approximately 140,000, Manta is a commercial center for fish and fruit, particularly bananas and plantains, which thrive in the tropical climate. However its beaches and quaint fishing villages have long attracted tourists. Shrimp, tuna and giant blue and striped marlin run in abundance in the waters off its coastal plain. Manta's culture is a vibrant patchwork of the heritage and traditions of the country's early Native American, Spanish and black African slave settlers.
A 45-minute drive from the port city of Callao brings the weary traveler to exciting Lima, the City of Kings. From its founding in 1535 until today, it remains one of the most important cities in all South America. The handsome old buildings from the earliest colonial days surrounding the Plaza de Armas contrast with the soaring modern towers rising in the newer sections of the city.
The southeastern-most point in the Polynesian Triangle, tiny Easter Island in the South Pacific is one of the most remote places on earth. Even more oddly, it belongs to Chile, which lies 3,700 miles away over the eastern horizon. In fact, a large slice of the island is Chile’s Rapa Nui National Park, preserving the sculptural heritage of the indigenous Rapa Nui people, whose ancestors carved the huge human effigies called moai that give the island its renown and earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. These stylized sculptures stand on the slopes of the island, gazing implacably out to sea, often on stone platforms called ahu. They were apparently carved between the 13th and 16th centuries, for reasons that are debated. But the enigmatic effigies, the dramatic volcanic landscape, the Rapa Nui people themselves and the sheer isolation of the island combine to draw visitors from every corner of the globe to this speck in the world’s largest ocean.
Pitcairn is the only inhabited island in a group of four remote, volcanic islands that outlie the Tuamotu Group in French Polynesia. The island is famous as the final home of the mutinous crew of the HMS Bounty in 1790. The mutineers, along with a number of Tahitian consorts, landed on the uninhabited island and set fire to the ship, which remains submerged in the offshore waters. The population of Pitcairn today are all descendants of the original group. Landing on the island is a hit-or-miss proposition, totally dependent on the sea conditions allowing safe transport by tenders from the ship to Bounty Bay landing. If landing is deemed unsafe, a group of islanders will frequently come aboard with handicrafts to sell and stories to share. If landing is possible, visitors are welcomed warmly and invited to explore the tiny community and discover the life of this extended family isolated from the outside world for centuries.
The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.
Day 34: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.
Day 35: Days at Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the amenities of Seabourn Soujourn and relax while travelling the seas.
Rarotonga was one of the last of the Cook Islands to be visited by European ships, but since its "discovery," it was always a favorite of sailors and merchants. Today, Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, and the location of the country's capital, Avarua. Isolated for years from major tourist routes, travelers began to arrive in Rarotonga following the opening of the international airport in 1974, many lured by the untouched beauty of pristine white sand beaches edged with swaying palms and crystal-clear lagoons.
Aitutaki is the second largest of the Cook Islands, a “semi-atoll” consisting of a volcanic main island and a series of coral atolls, uninhabited motus and barrier reefs enclosing a spectacularly turquoise-hued, triangular lagoon of about 30 square miles. The Polynesian islanders arrived about 900 A.D., and thrived on the fertile volcanic area surrounding the hill of Maungapu. The first European contact was Captain William Bligh’s arrival on board the Bounty, in 1789. The sleepy town of Arutanga offers a charming, recently restored church, the oldest in the islands from 1828, with stained glass windows and carved woodwork. If possible, don’t miss an opportunity to hear the local choral music (either live or recorded). Cook Islanders are marvelous singers, and join in four-part harmonies that are positively spine-tingling. Along with the view from the top of Maungapu, their sound will live in your memory for a long time.
The International Date Line is an imaginary line of navigation on the surface of the earth running between the North Pole and the South Pole to demarcate a change from one calendar day to another. It passes across the middle of the Pacific Ocean approximately along the 180th degree of longitude, but deviating at various points to include overlapping areas governed by some island groups and territories to maintain internal uniformity. It is located halfway around the globe from the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian at 0 degrees longitude. Traveling from east to west, the local time gains one hour (clock set back one hour) for each 15 degrees of longitude traveled. This would amount to 24 hours gained for one circumnavigation, unless the calendar date was changed one day forward upon crossing the halfway point. Likewise, when traveling west to east, the calendar date is changed one day backward when crossing the date line. Seabourn voyage itineraries are based upon days actually spent on board, and the dates are noted for convenience, including days lost or gained in crossing the International Date Line. Departure days and disembarkation days are always quoted in local time and date.
Vava’u is really a group of islands in the northern part of Tonga, consisting of the large island of Utu Vava’u and a cluster of some forty smaller islands. Utu Vava’u is blessed with one of the most protected harbors in the South Pacific, dubbed the Port of Refuge by a grateful early mariner, making it a favorite of yachtsmen. The capital of Neiafu is located on that harbor. The islands are all coral, either raised limestone or atolls. Polynesian mythology insists that the land was created by the god Maui, who hooked the sea bottom while fishing and raised it up. Gazing at the islands popping above the crystal-clear, azure tinted seas, it seems a logical conclusion. The town of Neiafu reflects the laid-back Polynesian spirit of Tonga. Its white church is central to the town. If you are lucky enough to be there when the choir is singing you will hear the clear harmonic blend that has made the Polynesians renowned as singers throughout the world. Activities center on the clear sea and coral reefs, with snorkeling and fishing among the most popular. The fjord-like Pulepulekai Channel is a great place for a lagoon cruise. The island also boasts Ene’io, Tonga’s only Botanical Gardens, and farms producing pineapples and world-famous vanilla. The island does have a progressive coconut products company that produces oil, soaps, cheese, and various other products in an eco-friendly, sustainable way.
The capital of Tonga is on Tongatapu, its largest island. Learn about the history and heritage of the Tongans at the Tonga Cultural Centre, a complex of traditional buildings holding museums and artisans workshops where traditional crafts are made. In the nearby village of Mu’a, see the marvelously crafted stone tombs of Tongan kings from the past.
Enjoy the amenities of Seabourn Soujourn and relax while travelling the seas.
Day 44: Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fiji’s capital is the second-largest and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the South Pacific outside Australia and New Zealand. Located on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, it was designated as the capital in 1877 after the original capital outgrew its location between mountains and sea. It has a distinctively youthful atmosphere, due to its significant population of students attending one of the island’s many universities or other institutions. The city center is a mix of modern and colonial-era structures. The main downtown shopping street, Cumming Street, is markedly narrow and lined with colonial-era buildings. The Fiji Museum, located within the large Thurston Gardens park, was founded in 1904 and holds a large collection of traditional Fijian and other Pacific Islands cultural artifacts. Thurston Gardens is also a botanical conservatory and holds other important sites including the 1909 Carnegie Library. Suva’s government buildings and Parliament are clustered around Government House, a former palace built in 1882 and reconstructed in 1928 after being struck by lightning. Many visitors choose to visit a Fijian Cultural Village to become acquainted with the country’s rich and colorful traditions including handicrafts, music and dance. Others prefer to explore the large Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve outside town and perhaps have a swim in one of the pools below a waterfall there.
A call at this tiny (less than one square mile) island set in the midst of the Great Astrolabe Reef in the South Pacific is a rare opportunity to see what life is like for many Fijians. The island is home to fewer than 200 souls, who are uniformly friendly and welcoming. Although the island has a volcanic core, it is mostly made up of, and is a part of a coral atoll, surrounded by living reefs. When your ship arrives, much of the population will be round about the island jetty to greet you and offer all manner of goods and services, from colorful wrap-around pareus waving like flags in the fresh breeze to a chance to have a brilliantly colored parrot perch briefly on your shoulder for a picture. The local primary school is one of the island’s most imposing structures, and its inmates are as charming as can be imagined. An easy path leads up to the island’s highest peak, which is less than 150 feet in altitude, but offers breathtaking views. Snorkeling is likewise spectacular on the surrounding reefs. The island is also home to a research station of the University of the South Pacific.
The Vanuatu archipelago, consisting of 13 large islands and 60 smaller islands stretches for 450 miles through the southwest Pacific Ocean. Formerly known as New Hebrides, the name was changed to Vanuatu when the nation gained independence in 1980. An abundance of vividly colored flowers brighten the islands along with fifty-four types of native birds, among them green pigeons and multihued parrots. The warm waters, calm lagoons and miles of beautiful beaches provide the visitor to this off-the-beaten-path island with a perfect setting for a variety of recreational activities.
On the north shore of Vanuatu’s large island of Espiritu Santo is a beautiful pink-tinged sand beach ringing a clear warm lagoon. A freshwater spring bubbles up through the volcanic rock substrate beneath the bay, and at low tide this phenomenon creates tingling bubbles like a geothermal spa. Thus the name. Your ship will anchor offshore, and you can take a tender ashore to bask and swim or snorkel in the bay or follow one of the short trails into the surrounding forest. Local craftspeople will be there to offer handwoven mats or other crafts, and perhaps cold drinks. The site is one from a South Pacific dream, and sufficient unto itself.
This 32-acre slice of paradise is located on the Marau Sound near Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. It is privately owned, originally purchased in exchange for some ammunition by a party of Norwegian traders who operated a coconut plantation. Some of their gravestones are still to be found among the tall grasses. Today it is a luxury private resort, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge vacationed in 2012. Its warm, clear waters, lush coral reefs and soft sand beaches make it an ideal spot for your ship’s hospitality staff to mount their signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue party.
The Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation consisting of multiple island groups, scattered in the South Pacific east of Papua New Guinea. Its capital is Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal. Many of the outlying islands in the nation are relatively untouched, but Honiara is a busier hub of international commerce. The islands’ recent history is scarred by the desperate battles fought between the Japanese and American forces during World War II. In 1942, the Japanese launched their last great land offensive in the islands, which culminated in the Battle of Henderson Field fought at Honiara. Of the estimated 36,000 Japanese troops on Guadalcanal at the beginning, only 1,000 survived, the rest having either been killed directly, or succumbed to disease and starvation. Ghostly evidence of this horrific warfare dots the island, and it is memorialized at the American Memorial overlooking the town and at a smaller Solomons Peace Memorial erected by the Japanese outside the city. On a lighter note, traditional arts and crafts are on display at the National Museum, which also boasts a display of eight traditional Melanesian houses from various parts of the country. Behind the museum is a cultural center. Above town there is a pleasant botanical garden, and the bustling Central Market is a great place to get a feel for everyday life in Honiara. Although English is the official language, only a small percentage of Solomonese speak it. The common language is Pijin.
Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay province of Papua New Guinea, located on a peninsula in Milne Bay in the Coral Sea. The town and water comprise the site of the 1942 battle of Milne Bay, in which the invading Japanese army suffered its first decisive defeat in the Pacific Theater of World War II at the hands of Allied, mostly Australian forces. A War Memorial commemorates the battle. Today the area is largely given over the palm oil plantations. The local people keep their Tawala cultural traditions alive, with the exception of the long-past ritual cannibalism. In Bibiko Village, they will be pleased to show them off in displays of prowess with Kundu drum ceremonies and exhibitions of their impressive war canoes. At the Ahioma village of Dodobana, the many specialized skills of daily Melanesian life are demonstrated in a family-style setting, such as basket weaving, grass skirt making and gardening.
Kitava is a small, unspoiled island in the Trobriand Islands group in the Solomon Sea. Its undiluted, Eden-like nature is a big part of its appeal. Visitors are treated hospitably and usually greeted with traditional dancing on the white beaches. Local crafts such as quality woodcarvings of masks, bowl and animal figures, woven baskets and other local items are offered near the landing site. Local people are also available and happy to guide visitors to the Kumagea village and show their lifestyle including the large yam gardens and the yam houses where they are stored. European scientists have conducted extensive studies of the traditional local diet, which keeps the islanders unusually healthy. They will probably also show you the ‘skull caves” related to traditional burial practices. For small fee, local boats will take to you the nearby atolls such as Nurata for very scenic snorkeling in clear, warm water. Many visitors bring small gifts such as books, pencils or little toys for the children. After asking permission of the parents, these are generally gratefully accepted.
Day 55: Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea
Don’t let the name scare you. This idyllic archipelago of 21 coral atolls off the coast of New Guinea was named after the British ship HMS Conflict by its discoverer, a most patriotic captain. You could hardly ask for a more conflict-free paradise. The island group is privately owned by a passionate conservationist, who insists on sustainable methods for any activity within his tropical domain. Activities are therefore tailored for enjoying the exceptionally beautiful beaches, the supremely biodiverse coral reefs and the clear, warm waters. Kayaking, snorkeling and paddle-boarding are the more strenuous varieties. Simply relaxing mindfully on the sugary fringes of the lagoon are also acceptable. The area is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.
A cosmopolitan city flanked by pristine rainforests and golden beaches, Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree rainforest, a World Heritage protected area. The city was recently renovated to enhance its image and provide a relaxing place for visitors and locals to congregate and have fun. Cairns Esplanade, once a huge grassy park, now features an excellent facility incorporating an outdoor amphitheatre, a sandy swimming lagoon, walking tracks, shops and restaurants, and an environmental interpretation center.
Sydney is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney owes much of its splendor to its magnificent harbor. Arriving by ship provides an unequaled impression, showing off the city's famous landmarks: the dramatic white sails of the iconic Opera House and the celebrated Harbor Bridge, looming over the skyline.
At the Conservation Centre, view koalas at tree-top level on a skywalk, and attend the sunset “Parade” when Little Penguins waddle from the sea to their nests among the dunes.
Located at the mouth of the Yarra River, Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after the first European settlement in Australia. Transformed rapidly into a major metropolis by the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, Melbourne became Australia's largest and most important city, and by 1865 was the second largest city in the British Empire. Today, Melbourne is a major center of commerce, industry and cultural activity, and is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.
South Australia’s capital is a compact city set between the Adelaide Hills and some spectacular beaches. City attractions include the sprawling Central market and the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Zoo with its enchanting giant pandas, plus a bevy of fine art and culture museums. Outside the city, the splendid wineries of Barossa, Coonawara, Eden and Clare Valleys and the Adelaide Hills keep an open cellar door policy for tasting their wares.
Australia’s third-largest sea island, after Tasmania and Melville Island, is a haven for wildlife and a popular escape for nature-loving mainlanders from Adelaide and Melbourne. Seabourn Sojourn’s call will occur during the annual birthing season of the New Zealand sea lion and Australian fur seal colonies on the nearby beach conservation areas. Marine tours seek the playful porpoises and dolphins offshore, while land-based excursions visit preserves for koalas and wallabies, as well as the popular local wineries.
Located at the southern tip of Western Australia, Albany was the first colonial settlement in the west, founded in 1826, when Major Edmund Lockyer claimed the western third of the continent for the British Crown. It was the only deep water port on the continent’s western third until the founding of Fremantle and was crucial to the gold rush era. Several decades later, it was also the last port from which Australian troops left to join World War I, and thus integral to the ANZAC legend. Architectural heritage in Albany includes the Old Farm, Strawberry Hill, which as founded in 1827 to feed the troops, and was later a gentleman’s residence. The picturesque St. John’s Church, Town Hall and the fanciful Old Post Office each represent different traditions which thrived here. The Princess Royal Sound area is rich with natural wonders preserved in national parks. Torndirrup National Park is a granite prominence assaulted by the swells of the Southern Sea, resulting in phenomena such as the blowholes and the picturesque granite Natural Bridge.
Western Australia’s second city is a bright, pleasant place that welcomes visitors with a towering, checkerboard-patterned lighthouse. Known as the dolphin capital of Australia, the sheltered Koombana Bay draws visitors to interact with downright playful cetaceans. The nearby Geographe Wine region attracts touring tasters as well, along with the charming, rural communities such as Donnybrook, with orchards full of ripening fruit.
Western Australia’s capital is a burgeoning, bustling city straddling the Swan River. You can catch a boat from the port of Fremantle into the city for a swan’s eye view on arrival. Climb up to Kings Park and Botanic Gardens for an overview of Perth, at over a million citizens the most isolated large city on earth. The Aviation Heritage Museum is a must for airplane buffs. Stop by the Perth Mint to handle a $200,000 dollar gold bar and watch one of the hourly gold pours. Ferry to Penguin Island to see fairy penguins.
Isolated on the farthest northwest corner of the continent, Broome thrived from its founding in 1883 based on the bounty of South Sea pearls found in offshore oyster beds. Even today, the pearling industry is active here, though most are now cultured. But Broome has grown into one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, offering an amazing variety of attractions and activities for visitors. It boasts a splendid, 14-mile strand of soft white sand at Cable Beach, where people flock to enjoy sunset camel rides. And with 2,600 islands in the area and warm seas, it is a sportsman’s paradise. But the unique allure of the region is the unspoiled expanse of bizarre geological formations, waterways and ancient Aboriginal lands called the Kimberley. Corrugated with red-hued cliffs and escarpments, and laced with pristine waterways, swimming holes and waterfalls, the Kimberley is unlike any other landscape on earth. It invites visitors to cruise the coast, fly over the ranges, kayak the islands and explore the rugged terrain in 4WD vehicles. The only difficulty is deciding which adventure to partake of next.
Located on the southeastern coast of Bali is the small village of Tanjung Benoa. Still considered a fishing village, Benoa has developed over the past 20 years into a major player in the tourism sector. The calm waters and the beautiful white sand beaches have made Benoa the prime water sport area of Bali. Being a peninsula that is only accessible from one direction, Tanjung Benoa is still relatively quiet with a more relaxed feeling.
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city with a population of over 2.7 million (5.6 million in the metropolitan area), and the capital of the province of East Java. Shoppers will enjoy the extensive shopping centers and boutiques throughout the city. Others may wish to take in Bonbin Surabaya, one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia. Other points of interest include the Grand Mosque of Surabaya (the largest mosque in East Java), the Mpu Tantular Museum of Javanese culture, and the Submarine Monument, also known as Monumen Kapal Selam. City sightseeing buses with English-speaking tour guides are available at the House of Sampoerna museum.
Semarang is a commercial port located roughly halfway between Jakarta and Surabaya, along Java's north central coast. Today, many of the island's most important exports, including tobacco, sugar, rubber, coffee, and cacao are shipped through Semarang. Because of its accessibility to the island's interior, it is an ideal gateway to numerous coffee plantations and the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur.
Padang, on the west coast of the island of Sumatra, was an important port of the Dutch East Indies during the colonial period. Many distinctive Dutch colonial buildings survive in the Old Town. The town was centered around the port, which is located at the entry of the Arau River. The most memorable sight in Padang is the Adityawarman Museum, a striking traditional Rumah Gadang building with curved spires swooping along its multiple roof arches. Inside it reveals the intricate details of the traditional Sumatran culture, including the artistic legacy of batik fabric decoration. There is also a picturesque old Chinatown in Padang. Mosques attract attention from visitors, the newer West Sumatra Grand Mosque has stylized, swooping spires on its roof, and the Ganting Grand Mosque is one of Indonesia’s oldest. The colorful Muhammadan Mosque was built by an Indian merchant. The beach of Pantal Air Manis fronts a monolithic stone resembling a reclining man, which spawned a local legend. West Sumatra is a seismically active zone. It is not unusual to experience a tremor, and the city has on occasion been inundated by tsunamis over its history.
Scattered across the surface of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is and archipelago of 115 islands, mixed between granitic isles, coral islands and atolls. Mahe, the largest island, is granitic and home to about 90% of the archipelago’s population. Being an island nation in the midst of a huge ocean traversed by diverse populations during the annual monsoon cycles, the population of the Seychelles is among the most genetically diverse on earth. As a result, the handsome, hardy Seychelloise reflect every color of the human rainbow, and it is not uncommon to encounter a person of a café-au-lait hue with startling blue eyes. The island’s architecture is also affected by this diversity, tempered by the demands of living in a tropical climate. Careful inspection of some antique buildings will reveal shards of Ming Chinese pottery and ancient Delft worked into the decorative mosaics. In Victoria, see the Clock Tower and the Botanic Gardens to marvel at several endemic species of flora. The island is ringed with the gorgeous beaches for which the islands are famous, and there are nature hiking trails and marine parks for snorkeling everywhere. The Victoria Market is a cultural experience, and usually holds a wide variety of colorful fishes from the surrounding seas and many varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as crafts and souvenirs.
This idyllic island in the archipelago of the Seychelles was once thought to be the mythic Eden, largely because of the Valle de Mai forest of huge and ancient Coco de Mer palms, whose immense fronds can roof an entire house.
Founded on an island on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya about 900 C.E., Mombasa has been a trading hub between the riches of the continent and the far-flung empires of China, India, the Middle East and later Europe. It was one of the premier cities of the Swahili Coast, developing a unique Islamic, Arab-influenced culture that is and has always been very cosmopolitan. Domain has been contested and re-contested throughout its history, with rule by Omani, Portuguese, British, and Ottoman entities at various periods. The looming Fort Jesus guarding the Kilindini (Deep) Harbour was built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. Today it houses a museum that offers some insights into the city’s past. The Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and Swahili vernacular architecture, preserves the ancient character of the city, which was the first capital of Kenya until 1906, when the government was moved inland to Nairobi. Traditional local crafts are taught to disabled Kenyans at the Bombolulu Workshops, where they are produced and sold to visitors. One or two swatches of the vividly printed African fabrics worn by local women are also popular souvenirs. Outside the city, Haller Park is a nature park offering close-up contact with hippos and giraffes, among other fauna. The Shimba Hills National Park is unusual for Kenyan game parks, being set in a lush tropical ecosystem rather than savannah.
Zanzibar was an important island in the Swahili Coast trading network of cities in Africa. Its oldest Stone Town center dates from the period when Persian traders used it as a base for trade with the Middle East and Asia. Its products, spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, combined with the cultivation of the perfume essence ylang ylang, remain important today. The Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed because of its unique hybrid culture influenced by the Arab, Persian, African and Indian peoples who traded across the Indian Ocean following the seasonal monsoon routes. Important architectural features include the Old Fort, the 18th century House of Wonders, the house where Dr. Livingstone lived, the Old Dispensary of Zanzibar and the Hamamni Persian Baths built in the 18th century in the town of Kidishi.
At its founding in 1835, the city was named in honor of the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D'Urban. Sugar cane transformed Durban into a vital port city, and its attractive parks and meticulously groomed gardens continue to testify to the land's richness. Today, the city sprawls along the coast, its golden beaches hugging the ice-blue Indian Ocean.
The Portuguese called Port Elizabeth “Algoa” when their trading ships sailed from here to Goa. Its world-class beaches attract surfers and yachtsmen to the Indian Ocean coast
Traditionally considered the Southern tip of the African continent, the Cape of Good Hope is actually about 90 km west of the southernmost point, Cape Arguilhas. However, the point at which the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet fluctuates between those headlands, moving endlessly as the place where the warm Arguilhas Current and the colder Benguela Current merge. This mixing of two currents and sea temperatures results in turbulence that doubtless gave the point its first name, the Cape of Storms, given by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, the first European to round the point in 1488. The named was changed by John II of Portugal to inject some optimism into the search for a shorter route from Europe to India by sea. Today the beach cradled between the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point is named Dias Beach. “The Cape” has been and still is a global landmark for sailors rounding the African coast, as it marked a significant waypoint in the Cape Route and Clipper Route for ships operating between Europe, the Far East and Australia. There are not many places on earth where you are likely to encounter ostriches and penguins, zebras and whales during a morning walk.
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and flanked by Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, Cape Town is known by South Africans simply as 'the Cape", an acknowledgment of its uniqueness and its status as the Mother City. The first area to be settled by Europeans in the 17th century, it is today a major seaport and the legislative capital of South Africa.
In 1883, a German businessman, Adolf Luderitz, purchased a parcel of land enclosing a small bay for purposes of speculation. The so-called Skeleton Coast had limited potential in many ways, being largely made up of the shifting sands of the Namib Desert. Then, in 1906, a local railway worker noticed an oddly sparkly stone beside the tracks. It proved to be a diamond, and it became clear that there were many like it lying literally on the surface of the sands. By 1909 a diamond rush was in full sway, and a thriving, German-styled town called Kolmanskop sprouted out of the desert to house the gem-seekers. When the easy pickings ended, the townspeople simply walked away, and the desert climate preserved the town as it was slowly engulfed by the shifting sands. Today it makes an evocative and haunting place to visit. The bay still hosts a bounty of wildlife as well, including seals, whales and flamingos. Other endeavors have started, too, such as the culture of delicious oysters in the clean, cold ocean waters.
Its name in Afrikaans means "Whale Bay," but those days are long gone. Today its dramatic setting is inseparable from any impression of this deep-water port on Namibia's desolate, but beautiful "Skeleton Coast." Here the undulating dunes of the Namib Desert meet the sea, and its lagoon is spangled with white pelicans, pink flamingos and other seabirds. Up the coast road is Dune Seven, the highest along Namibia's coast, and a great place to take off your shoes and feel some sand between your toes after your Atlantic crossing.
If you are a “pollywog,” who has never crossed the line at sea, you will be expected to undergo a mock trial by King Neptune and his court for the entertainment of the “shellbacks” who have already done so. Mild but hilarious indignities will be conjured, and in the end a good time will be had by most, if not all.
Cotonou is a busy port that serves both Benin and neighboring Togo. Although Porto-Novo is officially Benin’s capital, Cotonou is the economic heart of the nation, which stretches northward inland from the Bight of Benin. The city’s red-and-white Cathedral of Notre Dame and the twin white minarets of its mosque stand out about the low-lying cityscape. But in the teeming Grand Marché de Dantokpa, there is a thriving fetish market showing the continued popularity of traditional animist Vodun religion. Every sort of native botanical product and mummified portions of a wide variety of African wildlife are actively traded in this quarter of the city’s main marketplace. The Fondation Zinsou is a museum of contemporary African art. Two nearby attractions make this a fascinating stop. The stilt-village of Ganvie in Lake Nokoue is a unique offshore community where residents live practically their whole lives without touching dry land. Their houses are on stilts, and even the youngest children are gleefully acclimated to swimming and darting about in boats. The town of Ouidah down the coast was an important Portuguese colony where slaves were exported for the farms of Brazil. An old Portuguese Fortress is there, as well as an intriguing Vodun temple dedicated to python snakes which live in the temple. All told, Cotonou is a very unusual port of call with memorable highlights.
Tema port is about 25 km from Ghana’s teeming capital. The cultures of West Africa share a traditional propensity to be busy. It’s exciting and can be dazzling to newcomers. Accra is a bustling, colorful city where everybody is rather joyfully struggling to get ahead. Enjoy it. The oldest section, Jamestown, is centered around the 17th century James Fort, where the British converted a traditional market for precious metals to a trade in slaves. Climb the red-and-white lighthouse for a view of the busy city. Visit the National Museum to get a glimpse of the elaborate and very ancient cultures of Ghana through exhibits of art and artifacts. Then survey Independence Square, and its memorial to the independent nation’s first leader Kwame Nkrumah. Once your pulse is up to speed, perhaps venture into the sea of humanity that is the Makola Market. The Artists Alliance gallery contains works in every medium imaginable from the fertile community of Ghanaian artists. The ANO Centre for Cultural Research is another place to discover the rich vein of creativity that runs from antiquity into today’s culture. A more vivid example can be experienced at Labadi Beach, where enterprising entertainers, venders and artists gather to ply their trades among the visitors from neighboring luxury hotels. Like the pulsing, jazzy Ghanaian popular music, the beat of Accra is fast-paced and insistent, but full of joy.
Like much of West Africa, Togo is a result of European colonial disruption of long-standing African kingdoms. Togo’s long, thin territory reflects its history as a trade franchise for Germany, which controlled the coastline and plundered the interior. The country’s citizenry is made up of 40 ethnic groups. Blessed with broad golden beaches and a sunny, warm climate, Togo is a favorite of European vacationers. The huge Grand Market distributes everything required for life in the city. The picturesque and fragrant Akodessewa fetish market dispenses all sorts of botanicals and mummified animal parts to the 51 percent of Togo’s population who are practitioners of Vodun or other native animist religions. It is the largest such market in Africa and draws devotees from all over the continent. The smaller Centre Artisanal offers handcrafts. The National Museum is a good place to learn more about the history and cultures of Togo, with displays of traditional jewelry, clothing, pottery, sculpture and musical instruments. Modernist monuments around town include the Independence Memorial and the Peace Dove Monument, while the tall steeples of the red-and-white Cathedral are a memorial of German colonial occupation. The city’s pace is slower and more relaxed than other West African capitals, and the golden sands of Lomé and Aneho beaches invite you to admire the rolling sapphire surf from the Gulf of Guinea
The Gambia takes its name from the river that runs through it. In fact the nation consists largely of the river and a narrow band of riparian land on either side of it. The smallest nation on the African mainland, it is only 30 miles wide at its broadest point, and surrounded on three sides by Senegal. The capital of Banjul, formerly known as Bathurst, slumbers on small St. Mary’s Island near the river’s mouth. The town’s life centers around the bustling Albert Market, where nearly everything is traded in any (or several) of the country’s five official languages, plus French and English. The National Museum is a good place to get a look at the historic and ethnographic makeup. South of the town is Abuko Nature Reserve, a 180-acre section of savannah forest preserved in 1968 through the efforts of the country’s first forest officer, Eddie Brewer. The reserve is a good place to see examples of the native fauna including several species of monkeys, hyenas, antelope, and reptiles including crocodiles and monitor lizards. It also attracts more than 270 species of birds.
One of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan African cities, the Senegalese capital bears many visual reminders of its past as a French colonial outpost. Despite the Parisian-style boulevards and buildings, however, there is a distinctly African feel to the city. Bankers and executives can be seen going about their businesses dressed in the flamboyant traditional Grand Boubou costume, and women wear the feminine version with an equally striking headpiece. The common language is French, although many citizens may also speak as many as five or six ethnic languages, since the whole coast of West Africa has been steeped in a heritage of mutual trade for centuries. Among the many sights and sounds greeting visitors, none is more evocative and sobering than a visit to Goree Island and its House of Slaves. This fortress, just offshore of the city waterfront, displays many reminders of the brutal trade in human beings, including an unimposing doorway, set just above the waterline in the seaside wall, identified simply as the “Door of No Return.”
Santiago is the largest of the Cape Verde islands, and nearly half the nation’s population lives on the island. Originally volcanic, Santiago is unusually fertile, and agriculture is an important part of the islands’ economy. The Cape Verde Islands only won their independence from Portugal in 1974, following a violent revolution. The nation is struggling valiantly to progress after a repressive history. Accordingly visitors will notice a striking difference in development between it and many of its neighbors. The Cape Verdeans, though, are friendly and optimistic, and welcoming to visitors. The old capital, formerly known as Cidade Velha, has been renamed Ribeira Grande de Santiago, which was its name when it was an important port in the infamous slave trade. Dating from 1466, it was the first European colonial settlement in the Tropics. Visitors will notice a cluster of well-restored colonial-period houses, as well as a monument to the original pelourinho, or pillory where slaves were both punished and sold. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most important city on the Cape Verde island of Sao Vicente, Mindelo originally thrived as a coal depot for steamships plying the Atlantic. With the advent of diesel engines, its importance waned, although it is still an important port for the maritime trade. The island is volcanic, dry and mostly low. The town has replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower, located near the fish market, in an interesting part of the city. The late Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora started her career singing in the taverns of Mindelo, and later brought the uniquely lilting CapeVerdean form of fado music to the world through her bestselling records and concert tours.
Las Palmas is a large Spanish city, which just happens to be on the island of Gran Canaria. That fact adds the exotic, slightly African and international flavor to the place. It played an important part in the early exploration and exploitation of Africa and the New World, some of which is recounted in the Casa de Colon Museum. Columbus may have slept there, but it was never his house. It was actually the mansion of early governors. Other museums of note are the Museo Canaria with a number of Cro Magnon skulls, and the fascinating Elder Museum of Science and Technology. For shopping, strolling and general local interest, head to La Vegueta, the oldest quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the adjacent Triana high street shopping district. Most visitors are here for the beaches, and the municipal Playa de Las Canteras is a long, clean and safe option if that is your intention. The Canaria in the name of the islands refers to the indigenous Presa Canaria breed of dogs, which are large, strong and made quite an impression on the earliest Spanish visitors.
Day 137: Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Lanzarote is the northernmost of the Canary Islands, often known as "volcano island." Its capital is Arrecife, a quiet town of about 30,000 inhabitants. Present day Lanzarote consists of two quite distinct massifs: Famara in the north, and Los Ajaches in the south, where centuries of erosion have sculpted abrupt cliffs and deep ravines, contrasting sharply with the smoothly rounded hills of the island's central region.
Casablanca, located on the Atlantic coast, is with 4 million inhabitants Morocco's largest city, and at the same time the largest port in Africa. Built on the site of ancient Phoenician Anfa, it remained a small fishing village for many centuries until the French arrived in 1912. Since then Casablanca has become a vast modern city, ever on the increase since Morocco's independence from France in 1956. A successful blend of oriental-style, white cubic dwellings with modern Moroccan quarters gives the city an interesting flair. Lovely beaches and attractive hotels make for a popular year-round holiday resort. To help understand Moroccan culture a visit to the Medina, the quaint old Moorish quarter, is a must for all visitors.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$192,598
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Ocean View Suite (OS)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A1)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(OB)
Total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V1)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*The veranda railings in categories V1 and V2 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail.
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Veranda Suite (V2)
Located on Deck 7 and 8; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V3)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V4)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite Guarantee (PG)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Approximately 436 square feet (41 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 98 square feet (9 square meters)
All Penthouse Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity.
Select a Date
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Approximately 536 to 539 square feet (50 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 167 to 200 square feet (16 to 19 square meters)
All Penthouse Spa Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O1)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O2)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Signature Suite (SS)
Approximately 859 square feet (80 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 493 square feet (46 square meters)
Signature Suites feature:
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Wintergarden Suite (WG)
Approximately 914 square feet (85 square meters) of inside space, one veranda of 183 sq. ft. (17 square meters.).
Wintergarden Suites feature:
Large windows
Dining for six
Whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Two closets
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Grand Wintergarden Suite (GR)
Approximately 1189 square feet (110 square meters) of inside space, plus two verandas totaling 214 square feet (20 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature
Large windows
Dining for six
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Two bedrooms
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Notes
The ship offers interactive, experiential and participatory excursions to the localities they will be going to, These are made possible by partnering with local suppliers to provide these side trips.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO VENTURE?
Ventures by Seabourn excursions are easy and fun — no experience is required.
We Venture in small groups — for a more personal experience.
All equipment is provided — we Venture rain or shine.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
