Grand Pacific & Asia Voyage

In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico. Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself.

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

Lahaina is the largest census-designated place in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States and includes the Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a resident population of 11,704.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance.

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

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.

Mo’orea is a South Pacific island, part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago. It’s known for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. In the north, Mount Rotui overlooks picturesque Ōpūnohu Bay and the settlements around Cook’s Bay. Inland, hiking trails wind through rainforest on the slopes of Mount Tohivea. The Belvedere Lookout has panoramic views of the island’s peaks and Tahiti beyond.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.

It’s been said that the Bay of Islands is home to some of the bluest skies in the world. Located between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island, this group of 144 islands is truly a sight to behold.

History buffs will want to visit Waitangi, the site of New Zealand’s first permanent British settlement and learn more about the birthplace of the Treaty of Waitangi—an important document signed between the British and the Māori people. If you’re there are the right time, you might just see a live kapahake performance.

The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand. With a warm, costal climate, you can surf at black-sand beaches, enjoy picnics in secluded coves, or go horseback riding nearly year round.

Dominating the CBD—that’s the central business district, or simply downtown—is the Sky Tower. At 1,076 feet tall it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a trip to the top and enjoy a meal and a panoramic view of the city below, including the busy harbor that lends Auckland the nickname “The City of Sails”.

Situated in the heart of the sunniest region of the North Island, Tauranga is a popular seaside getaway for locals and visitors alike. Initially settled by the Māori in the 13th century, the Bay of Plenty area has an abundance of things to see and do.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, Napier is a popular tourist town, and together with inland Hastings, are known as “the Bay Cities of New Zealand”. After Napier was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city rebuilt in spectacular Art Deco style that Mr. Gatsby himself would approve of. Take a stroll through the streets and you’d swear you can hear the clink of glasses and the faint notes of jazz music in the air.

Often referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”, Wellington sits on the southwestern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. For such a small city, Wellington—or Windy Welly as it’s affectionately known—packs a huge reputation. With its fantastic nightlife and renowned entertainment district of Courtenay Place as well as an internationally recognized coffee culture, the city is both cosmopolitan and relaxed.

A seaside town situated close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. Like most of New Zealand, this area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose your own adventure and go fishing, swimming, bird watching, or visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point. Bring your walking shoes and walk to the Snout—located between Picton and Waikawa Bay, this peninsula is still wild and untamed. There are tracks and trails for all abilities, from a few minutes-long stroll, so a full-scale hiking adventure.

“Ōtautahi.” “The Garden City.” “The Most English City Outside England.” Christchurch may go by many names, but one thing is for certain: There’s so much to see and do in this lovely, energetic city, you’re going to have to plan strategically.

First, how would you like to explore Christchurch? You can go punting through the city center on the Avon River. Hop on a tram, double-decker bus, or a bike to take advantage of the excellent cycleways and paths. Or head to the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular 360° views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is sure to be a pleasant chapter in your voyage. Known both as a City of Literature, and the Edinburgh of the South, it’s no surprise that there’s a statue of Robbie Burns in the heart of town. Though a Scottish influence can be felt throughout town, Dunedin is still distinctly Kiwi.

White Bay is a bay on Sydney Harbour with a surrounding locality near the suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

White Bay is a bay on Sydney Harbour with a surrounding locality near the suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle in the Inner West of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

If you’re chasing paradise along the shores of the Sapphire Coast, you’ll find it in Eden. Set on the breathtaking Twofold Bay, Eden’s laid-back atmosphere, charming locals, and stunning natural surroundings make it a destination you’ll never want to leave.

Start by making your way to the Eden Lookout, where the best views of Twofold Bay are found. In the distance, marvel at the vast hinterland, as well as Boyd’s Tower—an elaborate structure crafted from sandstone that was once used as a lookout for whale spotting.

Melbourne has the honor of being “the world’s most livable city” not to mention “Australia’s cultural capital”, a UNESCO City of Literature, the hub of the country’s film and television industry, and the unquestioned sporting capital of Australia. But don’t mistake Melbourne for a relentless overachiever, it’s got a laid-back and easy vibe that will leave you wanting more.

Adelaide, to some, is the civilized part of Australia. Pretty and leafy, with spacious green parklands, history buffs can download several walking tours around Victoria Square. Foodies will relish the vibrant culinary scene here. And everyone will be fascinated with the Aboriginal Culture Gallery at the South Australian Museum with an amazing collection of boomerangs, grouped according to purpose – hunting, fighting, ceremony.

Wander through the glass houses in The Botanic Gardens and see everything from endangered plants to noisy pitta birds to water lilies that only open at night. Or visit the Cleland Wildlife Park where you can hold a koala (cute) or a snake (scary).

Off the coast of Esperance in Western Australia whales swim right up to paddle boarders—just another day in this lovely remote town on the beautiful Bay of Isles. Framed by aquamarine waters and pristine white beaches, Esperance has an easygoing vibe that doesn’t exist in busier ports—you’re more likely to see a crowd of fur seals here than people.

Trampers—that’s the Aussie term for hikers—will find one of the most breathtaking walks in all of Australia near here, the Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail. Covering nine miles of incredible beaches and turquoise coves, your efforts will be rewarded with unbelievable views.

European explorers fell in love with Albany in the 17th century and we’re betting you’ll do the same. The beauty of its rugged coastline befits its dramatic whaling, convict and settler history, and the city retells it in exceptional ways.

“The capital of the Margaret River region.” “The gateway to Margaret River wine country.” “The events capital of Western Australia.” Whatever you want to call it, “the coastal playground” of Busselton sure does have a lot of monikers—and even more things to do.

The adventures begin the moment you step off the ship, as we dock next to the famed Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden pier in the world. From here you can walk to the beach and waterfront district, where there are more than enough water sports, shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars to entertain you for the rest of your stay in Busselton.

Perth, once an Australian backwater, is now at the vanguard of cool, with cutting-edge art, miles of stunning beaches, and a culture that’s both relaxed and impatient for the future.

Situated beside the Swan River, Perth is a magical place to explore. Start in Kings Park on Mount Eliza for the best views and an enchanting treetop walk. To indulge in some retail therapy, visit the high-end fashion boutiques of King Street. Art lovers will want to get acquainted with the center of Perth’s art scene—the Art Gallery of Western Australia which features the best collection of Aboriginal art in the country.

The Batavia coast of Western Australia has miles of white sand beaches, emerald seas, and some lovely small towns, one of which is Geraldton. “Gero” to the locals, is blessed with sun and consistent winds, and has become Australia’s wind surfing capital. And kite surfing capital. And not bad for surf surfing either, with miles of famous reef breaks.

You can take an eco-cruise of the Abrolhos Islands, a beautiful archipelago that is home to 90 species of seabirds. Watch the sea lions play and feed the huge Sampson fish by hand. Or jump in with them and snorkel around the wreck of the Batavia—the treacherous reef-surrounded atolls have claimed many like her.

Bali is enchanting – a lush, verdant isle where rice terraces color every available acre with the brilliant green of young shoots, and volcanic peaks said to house the gods tower above. It is a deeply spiritual place, where artful offerings of flowers and incense are ever present, and on any given day at least one of the thousands of temples scattered around the island will be hosting a colorful festival. Culturally rich, each village has its own artistic specialty – music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The beaches are tempting, but if you want the real Bali, head for the hills – the Balinese occupy that middle ground, and demons reside in the sea.

This commercial port, busily exporting the island’s most important products (including of course the beans for your next cup of java), is your gateway to two amazing religious sites. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world – a 3D mandala (diagram of the universe), and perhaps a gigantic textbook to guide mortals striving to attain enlightenment. Prambanan is a complex of lofty, sharply sculpted towers honoring the Hindu triumvirate of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Both religions traveled this way with Indian traders in the early centuries AD.

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world’s busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world’s largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions meld in this island-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The site of the world’s busiest port, Singapore offers the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall and Sunte, the world’s largest fountain. Play evening golf on lighted fairways; experience the nightlife on Mohamed Sultan Road; or relax at an outdoor spa. Be certain not to miss the savory seafood.

Kota Kinabalu (Malaysian pronunciation: [ˈkota kinaˈbalu]; formerly known as Jesselton) is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. It is also the capital of the Kota Kinabalu District as well as the West Coast Division of Sabah. The city is located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea.

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

Manila is a city with more sights to see than Imelda Marcos had shoes. There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Augustín Church, the scenic Baywalk , and largest Chinatown in the world, and that’s just the ABCs. But one of the best known, and not to be missed sites is Intramuros—the remnants of the walled settlement founded by the Spanish in 1571. Spanish colonial-style buildings house an eclectic mix of ruins, churches, and some of Manila’s most interesting museums like the Bonsai Library and Museum, the Light and Sound Museum, and the Rizal Shrine Museum just to name a few.

The best way to travel between these sites is to take a ride in the unofficial symbol of the city, the Jeepney. Originally created by enterprising Filipinos out of surplus Jeeps left behind by the US Army, today these elaborately decorated and brightly colored taxi busses jam the streets and lend a certain attitude to the commute.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

Neon signs galore, dim sum, and amazing temples are a few of the favorite experiences in Hong Kong. Take is as much as you can of this thrilling city with its endless shopping and towering skyscrapers. Your agenda for Hong Kong should include Victoria Peak, an Aberdeen Fishing Village, the Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan Dried Food and Herbal Market. Be certain to have extra room in your suitcase for the bargains you are bound to discover.

The Nguyen Dynasty founded this former capital in the 17th century on the banks of the Perfume River. Today it sits as a massive open-air museum of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Explore the Imperial Citadel, then take a river cruise for a view of the Tombs of the Emperors and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

Located on the edge of the Mekong Delta, this dynamic metropolis also features the ageless beauty of an ancient culture. French colonial architecture mixes with modern and Asian influences, providing a diverse backdrop for the many motorbikes, scooters, pagodas and street markets. Stroll the wide boulevards of this city, formerly known as Saigon, and visit The History Museum, which houses artifacts from two thousand years of Vietnamese history.

This tiny beach town on the southern coast of Cambodia is a palm-fringed place to relax and unwind. Island hop, dive, snorkel, or simply find a spot in the white sand and soak up the sun on Occheuteal, Sokha, Independence, Otres and Victory beaches.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.

Laem Chabang is a port city municipality in Si Racha and Bang Lamung districts Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes Thung Sukhla subdistrict and parts of subdistricts Bueng, Nong Kham and Surasak of Si Racha District and part of Bang Lamung township of Bang Lamung District all of Chonburi province.