83-Day World Cruise: Australia In-Depth & Panama Canal

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Straddling the Derwent River at the foot of Mt. Wellington's forested slopes, Hobart was founded as a penal settlement in 1803. It's the second-oldest city in the country after Sydney, and it certainly rivals its mainland counterpart as Australia's most beautiful state capital. Close-set colonial brick-and-sandstone shops and homes line the narrow, quiet streets, creating a genteel setting for this historic city of 215,000. Life revolves around the broad Derwent River port, one of the deepest harbors in the world. Here warehouses that once stored Hobart's major exports of fruit, wool, and corn and products from the city's former whaling fleet still stand alongside the wharf today.Hobart sparkles between Christmas and New Year's—summer Down Under—during the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. The event dominates conversations among Hobart's citizens, who descend on Constitution Dock to welcome the yachts and join in the boisterous festivities of the crews. The New Year also coincides with the Tastes of Tasmania Festival, when the dockside area comes alive with the best of Tasmanian food and wine on offer in numerous cafés, bars, and waterfront stalls. Otherwise, Hobart is a placid city whose nightlife is largely confined to excellent restaurants, jazz clubs, and the action at the Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay.The Hobart Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre hours are weekdays 8:30–5:30 and Saturday 9–5.

Straddling the Derwent River at the foot of Mt. Wellington's forested slopes, Hobart was founded as a penal settlement in 1803. It's the second-oldest city in the country after Sydney, and it certainly rivals its mainland counterpart as Australia's most beautiful state capital. Close-set colonial brick-and-sandstone shops and homes line the narrow, quiet streets, creating a genteel setting for this historic city of 215,000. Life revolves around the broad Derwent River port, one of the deepest harbors in the world. Here warehouses that once stored Hobart's major exports of fruit, wool, and corn and products from the city's former whaling fleet still stand alongside the wharf today.Hobart sparkles between Christmas and New Year's—summer Down Under—during the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. The event dominates conversations among Hobart's citizens, who descend on Constitution Dock to welcome the yachts and join in the boisterous festivities of the crews. The New Year also coincides with the Tastes of Tasmania Festival, when the dockside area comes alive with the best of Tasmanian food and wine on offer in numerous cafés, bars, and waterfront stalls. Otherwise, Hobart is a placid city whose nightlife is largely confined to excellent restaurants, jazz clubs, and the action at the Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay.The Hobart Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre hours are weekdays 8:30–5:30 and Saturday 9–5.

Burnie overlooks Emu Bay, on the north-west coast. This proudly industrial city is Australia’s fifth largest container port and a vibrant place to visit. Burnie was once surrounded by dense rainforest, but this has slowly disappeared, while fortunes were made felling and milling timber. The paper and pulp mill on the city’s outskirts operated from 1938 to 1998. Burnie was first explored by Bass and Flinders and was known as Emu Bay when it was settled by the Van Diemen’s Land Company in 1827. Today, Burnie has a population of almost 19,000. Burnie experiences temperate conditions, with an average maximum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) in January and 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (13.5) degrees Celsius in June.

Consistently rated among the "world's most livable cities" in quality-of-life surveys, Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe of Port Phillip Bay. The city center is an orderly grid of streets where the state parliament, banks, multinational corporations, and splendid Victorian buildings that sprang up in the wake of the gold rush now stand. This is Melbourne's heart, which you can explore at a leisurely pace in a couple of days.In Southbank, one of the newer precincts south of the city center, the Southgate development of bars, restaurants, and shops has refocused Melbourne's vision on the Yarra River. Once a blighted stretch of factories and run-down warehouses, the southern bank of the river is now a vibrant, exciting part of the city, and the river itself is finally taking its rightful place in Melbourne's psyche.Just a hop away, Federation Square—with its host of galleries—has become a civic landmark for Melburnians. Stroll along the Esplanade in the suburb of St. Kilda, amble past the elegant houses of East Melbourne, enjoy the shops and cafés in Fitzroy or Carlton, rub shoulders with locals at the Victoria Market, nip into the Windsor for afternoon tea, or rent a canoe at Studley Park to paddle along one of the prettiest stretches of the Yarra—and you may discover Melbourne's soul as well as its heart.

Australians think of Adelaide as a city of churches, but Adelaide has outgrown its reputation as a sleepy country town dotted with cathedrals and spires. The Adelaide of this millennium is infinitely more complex, with a large, multiethnic population and thriving urban art and music scenes supported by a "space activation program" that encourages pop-up shops, markets, performances, street food, mini festivals, art exhibitions, and other "off-the-cuff" experiences in the cities underutilized streets and public spaces.Bright and clean, leafy and beautiful Adelaide is a breeze to explore, with a grid pattern of streets encircled by parkland. The heart of the greenbelt is divided by the meandering River Torrens, which passes the Festival Centre in its prettiest stretch.

Kangaroo Island is with 1,740 square miles the third largest island off the coast of Australia. It is 96 miles long and 34 miles wide, and known for its outstanding natural beauty. Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development. To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere. As one of the world’s last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks. The most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind. Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young. Kingscote, formerly known as Queenscliffe, is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot. Tourism is a significant element in the local economy. A mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.

Port Lincoln is the second-largest city on the lower Eyre Peninsula in the Australian state of South Australia. Nestled on the shore of Boston Bay, Australia's largest natural harbour, Port Lincoln opens eastward into Spencer Gulf. Port Lincoln is the largest city in the west coast region, and located approximately 174 miles (280 kilometres) from the capital city of Adelaide. Port Lincoln has a contrasting coastal landscape, ranging from sheltered waters and beaches to surf beaches and rugged oceanic coastline. The Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System brings cold, nutrient-rich water into nearby waters of the Great Australian Bight and Spencer Gulf. This phenomenon supports lucrative fisheries, including that of the southern bluefin tuna and sardine, making Port Lincoln locally-renowned as the 'Seafood Capital of Australia'. The Eyre Peninsula has been home to Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) being the predominant original cultural groups present at the time of the arrival of Europeans. Port Lincoln was discovered by Matthew Flinders under his commission by the British Admiralty to chart Australia's unexplored coastline. Flinders dropped anchor in Boston Bay in February 1802, and named the spot Port Lincoln after his native Lincolnshire in England. Port Lincoln was initially considered as the alternative site for the State's capital, but was subsequently rejected by Colonel Light in 1836 in favour of Adelaide; a lack of fresh water supplies was a major determining factor. The first settlers arrived in Port Lincoln in March 1839 aboard the Abeona, the Dorset and the Porter. There is an historic plaque at the First Landing site to commemorate the event. In the years since, Port Lincoln has evolved into one of the nation's biggest combined agricultural, fishing and aquaculture industries, with tourism becoming a major contributor towards the local economy. Port Lincoln offers ample opportunities to explore its unique blend of cultures and storied past. The local culture, traditions and storied past can be experienced during visits to any of Port Lincoln's scenic and informative museums. The Axel Stenross Museum is filled with maritime history, relics and artefacts from windjammer days. The Koppio Smithy National Trust Museum is a vast, Heritage-listed, open-air museum nestled amidst the rolling hills of Koppio, and replete with buildings and artefacts representing the early pioneer heritage of Eyre Peninsula. The Mt. Dutton Bay Woolshed Museum is a Heritage-listed 'working' museum consisting of hundreds of local artefacts depicting the history of Port Lincoln's historic shearing, farming and fishing era. The National Trust 'Mill Cottage' offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the pioneering life of the Bishop family, one of Port Lincoln's first settlement families, during a visit to their 1866 home. The Railway Museum provides an authentic setting for many of the museum displays, with many internal features still intact from the days when it was an active railway station. Port Lincoln is home to 148,263 acres (60,000 hectares) of national parks, with abundant beaches, local wildlife, flora and fauna, 250 bird species, and breath-taking panoramic vistas of Boston Bay, Spencer Gulf and beyond. Port Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park and Kellidie Bay Conservation Park are all located nearby, and represent a unique opportunity to explore Port Lincoln's exquisite natural and coastal beauty. Land-based outdoor excursions include bird-watching, scenic walking tours, off-road 4WD excursions and wildlife tours at the Glen-Forest Tourist Park and Wilderness Wanders Adventure Tours, or a relaxing round of golf at the Port Lincoln Golf Club, located 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) from Port Lincoln. The abundant blue waters off Port Lincoln, Boston Bay, Spencer Gulf and the ocean beyond are ideally-suited for aquaculture tours, windsurfing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, fishing, boating, sailing, swimming with bluefin tuna at Swim with the Tuna, and shark cage-diving and swimming with sea lions, seals, rays, and grouper at Calypso Star Charters and Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions. Due to its compact size, Port Lincoln can be easily explored in just a single day.

Proclaimed a city on July 1, 1998, Albany with a population of 28,000 is rapidly expanding. It is the commercial center of Western Australia's southern region and the oldest settlement in the state, established in 1826. Boasting an excellent harbor on King George Sound led to Albany becoming a thriving whaling port. Later, when steam ships started traveling between England and Australia, Albany was an important coaling station and served as a penal and a military outpost. The coastline offers some of Australia's most rugged and spectacular scenery. At certain times of the year, whales can be spotted off the coast. Among the city's attractions are some fine old colonial buildings that reflect Albany's Victorian heritage. Various lookout points offer stunning vistas.

Located on the south shore of Geographe Bay, Busselton was settled by the Bussell family during the early 1830s. Traditionally focused on agriculture and cattle ranching, the city is also a popular resort destination, renowned for its sheltered beaches, mild climate and the nearby Margaret River wine region. Its charming beachfront features the 19th-century Busselton Jetty; the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 6,000 feet into the bay and culminating at the Underwater Observatory, where visitors can view a vibrant coral reef.

Perth is the vibrant capital city of Western Australia, spectacularly positioned between the vast Indian Ocean and the ancient Darling Range. It is renowned globally as one of the most isolated yet highly liveable metropolitan cities, consistently boasting more sun-drenched, blue-sky days than any other Australian capital. The city center is framed by the winding Swan River, creating a scenic waterfront backdrop that blends urban architecture with natural beauty. Crowning the city skyline is Kings Park and Botanic Garden, a massive inner-city parkland that stands larger than New York's Central Park and showcases diverse native wildflowers. Culturally, Perth thrives with dynamic arts and dining precincts like Northbridge and the historic, nearby port city of Fremantle. Pristine, white-sand stretches like Cottesloe Beach lie just minutes from the central business district, offering world-class swimming and spectacular ocean sunsets. The nearby Swan Valley region serves as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, featuring Western Australia's oldest vineyards. The city's thriving economy is historically driven by a booming mining and resource sector, making it a major financial engine for the nation. Modern public transport, including a free inner-city transit zone, makes navigating the clean, relaxed metropolis incredibly simple for visitors. Ultimately, Perth offers an exceptional quality of life that seamlessly balances a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a booming, modern economy.

Surrounded by beaches, sun-drenched Geraldton in Western Australia is a thriving city facing the Indian Ocean. Located on the Coral Coast, the city has a friendly country town feel but is infused local history and cultural heritage. Like many coastal towns, the dining and café culture is superb and the choice of which restaurant to choose is a happy dilemma for most travellers!Celebrated for its annual display of spectacular wildflowers, Geraldton’s flora attracts visitors from all regions, with guides taking tourists on as much as 300 mile/500 kilometre round trips in order to make sure that they receive the best possible experience. A haven for visitors especially during the cooler months, the views differ year-in year-out and vary greatly depending on the rainfall. Whole fields become blanketed in colour and rare plants, such as the wreath-flower, burst into splendorous bloom. The well-informed guides keep a track of what is flowering where and visitors only have to ask to be pointed in the right direction. With over 300 species of native plants, it is only expected that insects and birds are attracted to the area. Over 120 types of bird have been classified as well as 22 types of reptile and seven types of frog. Happily, the iconic kangaroo also makes the plains their home, so visitors can expect a real Aussie welcome if they happen upon one!

Exmouth is a remote, world-famous coastal town located on the tip of the North West Cape in Western Australia. It serves as the primary eastern gateway to the spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, this pristine coral system sits just meters from the shore, allowing visitors to snorkel directly off the beach at pristine bays like Turquoise Bay. The region is internationally celebrated for providing once-in-a-lifetime marine wildlife interactions, notably swimming alongside massive whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays. Inland, the town gives way to the rugged limestone gorges, deep red canyons, and sweeping arid paths of Cape Range National Park. The area offers exceptional deep-sea game fishing, drawing global anglers to chase marlin and sailfish right outside the continental shelf. Accommodations range from luxury eco-retreats tucked away in the sand dunes to relaxed, family-friendly caravan parks within the town center. The weather is characteristically warm and sunny year-round, though the town experiences a massive influx of ecotourists during the peak autumn and winter reef seasons. Navigating the vast region typically requires renting a car, as the main township sits roughly 36 kilometers away from the regional Learmonth Airport. Ultimately, Exmouth provides an unmatched, raw wilderness experience where the ancient Australian outback directly collides with a thriving turquoise ocean.

Broome, a coastal town in Western Australia, is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located on the Indian Ocean, it boasts Cable Beach, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and iconic camel rides at sunset. Once a pearling hub, Broome retains its multicultural heritage, reflected in its cuisine and architecture. The town is also the gateway to the Kimberley region, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique natural attractions like the Staircase to the Moon. With warm weather year-round and a laid-back atmosphere, Broome is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

The Kimberley Coast, located in the remote northern wilderness of Western Australia, is one of the world's most spectacular, pristine, and untouched marine environments. Characterised by a dramatic, red sandstone coastline, it features thousands of deserted islands, hidden white-sand beaches, and towering ochre cliffs carved over billions of years. Due to its extreme isolation and lack of road access, this raw wilderness is primarily explored via luxury expedition cruise ships or scenic helicopter flights. The region experiences some of the largest tidal ranges on Earth, creating jaw-dropping natural phenomena like the famous Horizontal Falls and the towering, multi-tiered Montgomery Reef rising from the ocean. Inland from the coast, massive tidal rivers plunge over spectacular vertical drops, most notably the iconic, twin-drop King George Falls. The turquoise coastal waters host a thriving marine ecosystem, sheltering significant populations of humpback whales, dugongs, green sea turtles, and massive saltwater crocodiles. Along the rugged rock faces, visitors can discover ancient, remarkably well-preserved Aboriginal rock art sites displaying distinct Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles. Rich in pioneering history, the coast also features early European pearling shipwrecks and isolated settlements like the historic, isolated harbor of Cygnet Bay. The travel season is strictly seasonal, restricted to the dry winter months between April and September when the tropical weather is clear, warm, and calm. Ultimately, the Kimberley Coast offers a profound sense of isolation, presenting an unforgettable destination where the fiery Australian outback directly collides with a wild, tropical ocean.

Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent’s northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.

Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent’s northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.

Alotau is the provincial capital of the Milne Bay Province located in the southeast bay of Papua New Guinea. The town and surrounding area has been an important staging ground during World War II and we will see remains and memorials dating back or referring to the war. On a tour of the town, visitors will appreciate lovely vistas of the bay and experience the markets, which are frequented not only by locals, but also by islanders selling their products or looking for produce to take back into Milne Bay. Alotau is an important port facility for the islands and attracts many vendors of handicrafts from different islands.

The Conflict Island Group is an extraordinarily remote and pristine coral atoll located in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. Elegantly situated in the Coral Sea about 130 kilometers southeast of the mainland, the group consists of 21 privately owned, mostly uninhabited tropical islands. The islands are structurally arranged in a dramatic teardrop-shaped ring that encompasses a massive, brilliant turquoise lagoon. Despite the uninviting name, they were peacefully named in 1880 by Captain Bower after his naval ship, the HMS Conflict. The atoll is globally renowned for hosting exceptional marine biodiversity, sheltering roughly one-third of the world’s marine fish species. Notably, Irai Island within the group is scientifically recognized as having the second-best coral biodiversity in the entire world. Panasesa Island serves as the central eco-tourism hub for the group, featuring a low-impact resort, a grassy runway, and a cruise ship tender pier. The area is heavily protected by the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative, which operates a crucial turtle hatchery to save endangered green sea turtles. Visitors arriving via premium cruise ships can experience world-class snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, and deep-sea diving adventures. Ultimately, the Conflict Islands represent one of the last untouched marine paradises on Earth, beautifully balancing exclusive eco-travel with strict environmental preservation

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

This coastal city has little in the way of sandy beaches or surf, but it does have shady parks, charming colonial buildings, and a boardwalk-flanked waterfront Esplanade with a terrific man-made beach and picnic facilities. The historic town center has thrived recently, with an influx of lively eateries and bars. There are also some excellent museum and a world-class aquarium.Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has an office on Magnetic Island, but Townsville Enterprise's information kiosks in Flinders Square and the Museum of Tropical Queensland (MTQ), on the mainland, are the best sources of visitor info about the island.

Airlie Beach is a vibrant coastal town and the main gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Known for its relaxed tropical vibe, it offers beautiful waterfront views, lively markets, and a bustling marina. Visitors can enjoy activities like sailing, snorkeling, and exploring the nearby Great Barrier Reef. The town also features a popular lagoon, perfect for swimming and relaxing year-round. With its mix of adventure and laid-back charm, Airlie Beach is a favorite destination for travelers worldwide.

Founded in 1824 on the banks of the wide, meandering Brisbane River, the former penal colony of Brisbane was for many years regarded as just a big country town. Many beautiful timber Queenslander homes, built in the 1800s, still dot the riverbanks and inner suburbs, and in spring the city's numerous parks erupt in a riot of colorful jacaranda, poinciana, and bougainvillea blossoms. Today the Queensland capital is one of Australia's most up-and-coming cities: glittering high-rises mark its polished business center, slick fashion boutiques and restaurants abound, and numerous outdoor attractions beckon. In summer, temperatures here are broilingly hot and days are often humid, a reminder that this city is part of a subtropical region. Wear SPF 30-plus sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat outdoors, even on overcast days.Brisbane's inner suburbs, a 5- to 10-minute drive or 15- to 20-minute walk from the city center, have a mix of intriguing eateries and quiet accommodations. Fortitude Valley combines Chinatown with a cosmopolitan mix of clubs, cafés, and boutiques. Spring Hill has several high-quality hotels, and Paddington, New Farm, Petrie Terrace, West End, and Woolloongabba are full of an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. Brisbane is also a convenient base for trips to the Sunshine and Gold coasts, the mountainous hinterlands, and the Moreton Bay islands.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand, Norfolk Island is a peaceful island destination known for its dramatic coastal scenery, rich history, and relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs, the island offers visitors beautiful beaches, scenic walking trails, and stunning ocean viewpoints.

Norfolk Island is home to a fascinating blend of Polynesian and colonial heritage. Visitors can explore the historic settlement of Kingston, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring restored buildings, museums, and convict-era ruins that reflect the island’s unique past. The island’s friendly local culture and traditional customs add to its distinctive charm.

Nature lovers can enjoy the island’s lush national parks, towering Norfolk pines, and abundant birdlife. Emily Bay, one of the island’s most popular beaches, offers calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the shore. Scenic drives around the island reveal breathtaking coastal panoramas and peaceful countryside landscapes.

With its elegant urban infrastructure in a stunning natural setting, Noumea is a truly unique island and part of the New Caledonia archipelago. Noumea started as a penal colony, but has since evolved to a lovely metropolis and today has almost two thirds of New Caledonia’s population. While much of the archipelago of New Caledonia has a large percentage of Kanak people – the indigenous inhabitants who live in tribal areas across the country – Noumea is predominantly European with a strong French influence. The city’s center and Place de Cocotiers, the main park, are located close to the harbor and several churches date back to the late 19th century. Other attractions include a world-class aquarium at Anse Vata, several long beaches to the south, and a noteworthy collection of Kanak and South Pacific objects at the Museum of New Caledonia. The architectural gem of the city is the Tjibaou Cultural Center, the structure of which resembles sails, or the roofs of Kanak houses hidden behind mangroves.

Mystery Island, officially known by its traditional name Inyeug, is a tiny, uninhabited slice of paradise located in the southernmost reaches of Vanuatu's Tafea Province. The island's local name translates directly to "Small Island," which is highly fitting as the entire pristine shoreline can be leisurely walked on foot in just about forty minutes. There are no permanent residents, roads, electricity, or running water here, leaving the natural environment beautifully preserved and completely untouched. The catchy moniker "Mystery Island" was creatively coined in 1974 during a historic visit by Queen Elizabeth II to generate an alluring headline for international news reports. Today, the surrounding turquoise waters form a strictly protected marine sanctuary, boasting world-class visibility and a shallow coral reef teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish. The atoll serves primarily as a popular South Pacific port of call, where passing cruise liners anchor offshore and ferry passengers to the white-sand beach via tender boats. When a ship arrives, friendly Ni-Vanuatu locals from neighboring Aneityum Island commute over to set up a bustling daytime market filled with fresh lobster and handmade crafts. According to local folklore, the traditional owners consider the island haunted after dark and strictly depart before sunset, returning the land to total quiet. A historic grass runway built by Allied Forces during World War II still cuts straight through the center, occasionally serving domestic flights. Ultimately, this remote getaway provides travelers with a perfect mix of vibrant cultural markets, seaside relaxation, and premier snorkeling adventures.

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.

Fiji is a collection of tropical islands in the South Pacific and is well known for soft coral diving, white sandy beaches, and idyllic and peaceful surroundings. Because of its paradisiac surroundings, Fiji is a popular location for weddings and honeymoons. Suva is the capital of the Fiji archipelago, located on the southeastern coast of the island of Viti Levu and is the second most populated city of Fiji.

Suva, a multiracial city, is the pulsing heart of the South Pacific. Its location is on a hilly peninsula in the southeast corner of Viti Levu Island, the largest in the Fijian archipelago. Suva was named the country's capital in 1882; the former capital was Luvuka. Suva's natural harbour was no doubt a deciding factor that prompted the change. Its port is the country's main shipping facility, accommodating vessels from all over the world. The town is backed by the lush green hills of the Suva-Rewa range. The waterfront district, much of which is built on land reclaimed from tangled mangrove swamps, provides the hub for much of Suva's activities. The downtown centre is a hodgepodge of high-rise office buildings, colonial houses with second-story verandas, parks and government structures. The northern and western mountains catch the trade winds, with the result being damp conditions year-round and frequent tropical downpours. Despite the ever-present possibility of showers, Suva is an excellent place to explore on foot. Many points of interest are located on Victoria Parade and along tree-shaded Queen Elizabeth Drive. Suva's botanical park is lush with flowering plants, trees and green lawns. In its centre stands the Fiji Museum, where objects reflect 3,000 years of Fijian history. The museum boasts a fine collection of Melanesian artefacts and various exhibits that reflect on Fiji's maritime era. Government House stands on a hillside surrounded by landscaped grounds. A stern, uniformed sentry guards the pillared gate entrance. The monthly Changing of the Guard is executed with almost as much pomp and ceremony as at London's Buckingham Palace. Friendly Fiji will charm you; here Melanesia mixes with Polynesia, ancient India with Oceania and tradition with the modern world. The Fijian greeting "Bula!" is extended warmly to strangers on city streets and country roads. Fiji is one of the South Pacific's most hospitable countries and a holiday destination that has much to offer in recreational activities, shopping and joyous celebrations.

Samoa is a group of ten islands located in the South Pacific. The tropical climate and volcanic landscape create a picturesque location for visitors to explore, together with the experience of Fa'a Samoa, the three thousand year old way of life on Samoa.

Capital of Hawaii, and a popular tourist destination, Honolulu is known for surfing and water sports. However, there's more to the city than surfing; with museums, the only royal palace in the country, and a mall, there's bound to be something of interest for any visitor.

Kailua-Kona is a town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church. On Kailua Bay, reconstructed thatched houses at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark mark King Kamehameha I’s residence. Colorful coral lies off Kamakahonu Beach. Kailua Pier has boat moorings.

Long Beach is a vibrant, sun-drenched coastal city located in Southern California, anchoring the southern portion of the massive Los Angeles metropolitan area. It serves as one of the world's most critical maritime gateways, housing the Port of Long Beach, which operates as the second-busiest container port in the entire United States. The city's scenic waterfront is permanently graced by the legendary ocean liner RMS Queen Mary, which now stands as a historic floating hotel, museum, and iconic tourist attraction. Just steps away, the world-renowned Aquarium of the Pacific showcases the incredible marine biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean across massive, interactive galleries. Along the coastline, miles of wide sandy beaches provide an ideal venue for breezy bike paths, beach volleyball, and a thriving local kitesurfing community. Culturally, Long Beach boasts an incredibly diverse population that fuels a dynamic arts scene, highlighted by the Museum of Latin American Art and vibrant street murals. Distinct, eclectic neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, the East Village Arts District, and Cambodia Town offer unique dining, vintage shopping, and lively nightlife options. Every spring, the city's coastal streets are transformed into a high-speed racetrack for the famous Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, drawing motorsport fans from around the globe. The picturesque Naples neighborhood features a network of scenic, man-made canals where visitors can enjoy authentic gondola rides reminiscent of Italy. Ultimately, Long Beach seamlessly blends a relaxed, classic Southern California beach vibe with the dynamic energy of a booming, culturally rich metropolis.

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in Jalisco state. It is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife scene. Its cobblestone center is home to the ornate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, boutique shops and a range of restaurants and bars. El Malecón is a beachside promenade with contemporary sculptures, as well as bars, lounges and nightclubs.

Huatulco, officially known as Santa María Huatulco, is a premier, eco-focused resort destination beautifully situated along the rugged Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Developed with a strict commitment to low-density sustainability, the region is highly unique for its strict environmental building codes that prevent high-rise hotels from obscuring the natural landscape. The jewel of the destination is the breathtaking Huatulco National Park, a massive protected reserve sheltering vibrant low-growth deciduous forests, rare wildlife, and untouched shorelines. Along its jagged coastline lie nine spectacular bays and thirty-six pristine beaches, offering an expansive playground of golden sands and hidden coves. The crystal-clear, emerald-tinted waters boast some of the finest coral reefs on the Mexican Pacific, drawing snorkelers and scuba divers to thriving marine communities. While the modern tourist zone centers around the beautiful marina of Bahía de Santa Cruz and the shopping hubs of Tangolunda, the authentic inland town of Santa María Huatulco preserves traditional Oaxacan charm. Visitors can easily indulge in world-class regional gastronomy, famously sampling authentic Oaxacan mole, fresh seafood dishes, and artisanal mezcal at lively open-air restaurants. The region's gentle ocean breezes and steady thermal winds create ideal conditions for eco-adventures like ocean kayaking, deep-sea fishing charters, and sailing. Travelers can seamlessly arrive via the modern Bahías de Huatulco International Airport, which links the tranquil paradise to major hubs across North America. Ultimately, Huatulco offers a sophisticated yet laid-back coastal escape that masterfully balances modern luxury travel with pristine tropical preservation.

Puerto Chiapas, formerly known as Puerto Madero, is a distinct commercial and cruise port situated on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico, just miles from the Guatemalan border. Operating as the only major maritime gateway for the state of Chiapas, it serves as a critical economic hub for exporting regional agricultural goods like coffee and bananas. The modern Puerto Chiapas Cruise Terminal welcomes international cruise lines with an impressive, palm-shaded palapa complex that features a swimming pool, artisan craft markets, and local food vendors. Upon arrival, travelers are traditionally greeted with lively, authentic marimba musical performances and colorful folkloric dances inside a unique sunken theater. The port sits roughly 30 kilometers south of Tapachula, a culturally diverse city known for its colonial-era plaza and traditional architecture. Positioned along a lush tropical coastline, the area provides a launching point for peaceful boat tours through nearby mangrove estuaries teeming with native birdlife. For history enthusiasts, it is the primary gateway to the ancient Izapa archaeological site, a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican center famous for its intricately carved stone stelae and pyramids. The surrounding volcanic highlands feature fertile soil that supports historic highland coffee and cacao estates established by European immigrants in the late 19th century. Culturally, visitors can take excursions to the nearby town of Tuxtla Chico to witness traditional Mayan-style chocolate-making demonstrations directly from raw cacao beans. Ultimately, Puerto Chiapas offers an immersive, less-crowded alternative to standard cruise stops, beautifully bridging ancient history, coastal nature, and deep-rooted agricultural heritage

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest Pacific Ocean port. It is important for both cargo traffic and as a stop-off point for cruise liners

This town is not on the Nicoya Peninsula, but rather on Costa Rica's mainland. It is best known as a cruise-ship port and launching pad for ferries heading southeast to the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and for cruises sailing out on the Gulf of Nicoya. Puntarenas is also a major fishing port with a lively fish market. The town’s reputation suffers from the unimpressive parts you see from your car as you roll through town on the way to the ferry dock. But the town has a lot of character off the main drag, thanks to its illustrious past as an affluent port town and principal vacation spot for San José's wealthy, who arrived by train in the last century. Once the port was moved and roads opened to other beaches, Puntarenas's economy crashed, but it's making a comeback. Sitting on a narrow spit of sand—punta de arenas literally means "point of sand"—that protrudes into the Gulf of Nicoya, the town boasts a beautifully groomed, wide Blue Flag beach with views of the Nicoya Peninsula and spectacular sunsets, along with a public swimming pool, the San Lucas Beach Club, and a marine-life museum. Ticos arrive by bus and car to enjoy the beach and stroll the Paseo de los Turistas, a beachfront promenade lined with tree-shaded concrete benches and seafood restaurants. Crowds of locals, called porteños, cruise by on bicycles, the town’s most popular form of transport.

Cartagena's magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena's walls protected the city's riches as well as the New World's most important African slave market.

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.