Optional tours are available from most ports for an additional charge.
Itinerary
Day Cape Town, South AfricaDeparts 11:00 PM 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. The feeling here is not African but cosmopolitan, and a sense of history remains.
Day Passing the Cape of Good HopeCRUISING ONLY
Day At Sea
Day Durban, South AfricaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 10:00 PM 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.
Day Richards Bay, South AfricaArrives 07:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM Dumazulu is a living museum of Zulu life and culture, populated by members of the group, and Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is famous for its population of rare white
rhinos.
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Ilha de Mocambique, MozambiqueArrives 10:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM This small, narrow coral island a couple of miles off the mainland in the Mozambique Channel looks unimpressive from a distance. But for centuries it was one of the
most important trading ports on Africa's Swahili Coast. The Indian Ocean dhow flocked here to trade in gold, ivory, spices and slaves. An important Arab trader, Musa
al Big, gave the island, and later the country, his name when the Portuguese Vasco da Gama sailed there at the end of the 15th century. The Portuguese held it long
after the opening of the Suez Canal and the abolition of slavery starved its trade. Walk the narrow streets of its UNESCO-inscribed Stone Town, lined with uniform
Swahili-styled houses. The Nossa Senhora de Baluarte church from 1522 is considered the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere. Fort São Sebastião was
built in 1608 to fend off Dutch attacks. The 1610 Palace and Chapel of São Paulo is now a museum. The turquoise waters off the beaches are plied by lateen-rigged dhows
that look identical to those that arrived in centuries past.
Day At Sea
Day Andoany (Hell-Ville), Nosy-Be, MadagascarArrives 08:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM Madagascar is a world apart. And Nosy Be, which means âlarge islandâ, is apart from that. The islands have unique wildlife and cultural traditions long separated from
the African mainland. Some 90 percent of the plants and animals in Madagascar are endemic. Nosy Be's port, Andoany, was formerly called Hell-ville, but is not really
that bad. The major attractions for many visitors are the clear waters and prolific coral reefs surrounding the island. There are shops in the town selling the many
essential oils, of ylang-ylang, vanilla, black pepper and other plants, that originally attracted the attention of the wider world. Outside town, near the village of
Mahatsinjo, there is an immense banyan tree planted by a Malagasy queen in 1836. It is still sacred, and the current queen makes a pilgrimage to sacrifice at the tree
annually. The Lokobe Natural Reserve is the place to see the endemic forest and the endearing lemurs that are the iconic wildlife species of Madagascar, along with
crater lakes, waterfalls and other types of wildlife. At Lemurlandia, lemurs are captive, and the park also offers up-close access to vanilla orchids, ylang-ylang,
cacao trees and other specialty plants. The island also has a distillery that flavors local rum with essential oils of all flavors.
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Zanzibar, TanzaniaArrives 08:00 AM Depart 06:00 PM 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.
Day Mombasa, KenyaArrives 06:00 AM 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.
Day Mombasa, KenyaDepart 11:00 AM 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.
Day Praslin, SeychellesArrives 08:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM 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.
Day At Sea
Day Crossing the EquatorCRUISING ONLY The equator is an essential component of our planet's geographyâeven though it's just an imaginary line drawn on a map. In addition to being the widest spot on the planetâa full 43 kilometers (27 miles) wider than at the polesâthis is also the planetary dividing line for the Coriolis effect, which explains why cyclones rotate clockwise north of the equator and counterclockwise south of it. It's also the place best suited for launching spacecraft because the gravitational pull gives rocket ships an extra boost out of the stratosphere. And for a bit of light-hearted fun, if you're onboard a craft where any of the crew are crossing this imaginary line for the first time, you'll likely witness a King Neptune (or Crossing the Line) ceremony. This ancient naval tradition puts newbies, or âPollywogs,â through a series of pranks and tests to prove themselves worthy of being a son or daughter of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
Day At Sea
Day Male, MaldivesArrives 08:00 AM Departs 08:00 PM Known to only a few, this tropical paradise of countless tiny islands is scattered over 34,000 square miles. Tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean, only 199 of some 1190 coral islands are inhabited. The islands form 26 natural atolls, each enclosed by a coral reef cut by several deep natural channels. A protective coral reef and shallow lagoon also surround each island. As most of the islands are no more than 7 feet above sea level, there are no hills or rivers in the Maldives. What you will see are tall palms, white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and crystal clear waters. The protective reefs are home to magnificent underwater gardens, and millions of multicolored fish, corals and shells.
Day At Sea
Day Colombo, Sri LankaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 07:00 PM Sri Lanka. A name that calls to mind the exotic and mysterious. This is a land of jungles inhabited by leopards and elephants, wondrous ruins of the great civilizations of ages past, and a modern city, Colombo, where western technology is superimposed on the passion of a traditional Asian metropolis. Originally known as Ceylon, the island became famous for producing the world's finest teas. Bright fragrant spices, sparkling sapphires, and the colorful trappings of a variety of ceremonies and religious festivals make this a most rewarding destination. Today, Colombo is a bustling mix of diverse races and religions, and contrasts of old and new. The tangible history of the city is a unique mix of relics from its Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements, blended with Indian influences throughout
Day Hambantota, Sri LankaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Day At Sea
Day Chennai (Madras), IndiaArrives 07:00 AM Two long full days give you time to experience one of India's premier cities. Recognized as one of the world's best cities to visit, Chennai has attracted a huge
expatriate population, and boasts a dynamic culinary scene that National Geographic ranks with the best anywhere, a thriving and innovative wellness industry and a
musical tradition that UNESCO has cited.
Day Chennai (Madras), IndiaDepart 11:00 PM Two long full days give you time to experience one of India's premier cities. Recognized as one of the world's best cities to visit, Chennai has attracted a huge
expatriate population, and boasts a dynamic culinary scene that National Geographic ranks with the best anywhere, a thriving and innovative wellness industry and a
musical tradition that UNESCO has cited.
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Sabang, Pulau Weh, IndonesiaArrives 07:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM Sabang is a cozy town on the Indonesian island of Pulau Weh with a sleepy yet charming old colonial atmosphere. Many old colonial buildings are still standing, shadowed by huge trees that the Dutch once imported from Suriname. Thanks to its excellent harbor and good water supply Sabang became an important coal loading station for ships en route between Europe and Asia, and at one time was even larger than Singapore. Enjoy the local restaurants and coffee shops (don't miss the traditional Acehnese coffee), the morning market and the nearby beaches. The reefs along nearby Sabang Fair are particularly nice for snorkeling.
Day Phuket, ThailandArrives 08:00 AM Departs 11:00 PM Phuket, nestled in the balmy Andaman Sea waters, lies 536 miles south of Bangkok. Initially, Phuket derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. Located on a major trade route between India and China, Phuket was frequently mentioned in foreign trader's ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations.
Day Langkawi, MalaysiaArrives 10:00 AM Departs 08:00 PM The question here is not if you will spend your day enjoying nature but how. Explore this UNESCO Global Geopark of the mangroves by kayak or launch, or take a gondola up the mountain for outstanding views of the rainforest. Sea eagles and hornbills fly overhead, jungle and rice paddies cover 80 percent of the island, and most of the rest is covered by beautiful black or white beaches. What an ideal place to spend the day.
Day Penang, MalaysiaArrives 07:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM The name Penang comes from the Malay words for the betel nut, Palau Pinang. Ever since its founding over two centuries ago, Penang has been a favored destination of travelers for both its scenic beauty and places of ethnic and historic significance. Today, Penang is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in Malaysia. Established in 1786 as a trading post by the British, the island is a contemporary metropolis with old world charm, offering the best of both worlds while maintaining its illustrious, rich heritage.
Day Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), MalaysiaArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM Port Klang is your portal to the "Garden City" of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia's famous Batu Caves. Discover Kuala Lumpur's diverse architecture in giant sky scrapers, Malay mosques, Hindu temples, and impressive municipal buildings; marvel at the colorful displays of Hindu deities in the limestone Batu Caves; and visit the 222-acre Lake Gardens with its Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park and Bird Park.
Day Singapore "City-states are rare in the present dayâand none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore's urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city's mix of ethnic groupsâmainly Malays, Chinese and Indiansâand you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community.
Singapore's food sceneâwhich is arguably the world's most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venuesâwould merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.
"
Day SingaporeArrives 12:00 PM "City-states are rare in the present dayâand none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore's urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city's mix of ethnic groupsâmainly Malays, Chinese and Indiansâand you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community.
Singapore's food sceneâwhich is arguably the world's most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venuesâwould merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.
"