Set sail on a journey that spans continents, cultures and coastlines as you follow the rhythms of the world’s great oceans.
Around the world, across the water
From the volcanic isles of Polynesia to the fjords of Norway, this voyage is designed for those who want to see more and travel deeper. Over the course of several months, you’ll experience iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems, UNESCO World Heritage sites and unforgettable wildlife encounters. With time to explore, relax and connect, this is travel as it should be – unhurried, immersive and extraordinary.
This itinerary is perfect for Journey for Longer, On the Water, Enchanting Cultures
Suggested duration
10 Chapters
Pauline Duffin
Director
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Your journey begins in Los Angeles before sailing west across the Pacific to Hawaii and the islands of French Polynesia. There’s time to linger in laid-back ports like Honolulu, Hilo and Kahului, where you can explore volcanoes, waterfalls and island culture. In Nuku Hiva, follow in the footsteps of Herman Melville through quiet beaches and wild valleys, while Mo’orea and Rangiroa offer postcard-perfect beauty. Discover the cradle of Polynesian culture in Raiatea and visit a vanilla plantation or a pearl farm for an authentic taste of island life.
Chapter 1
With curated experiences and late departures, this chapter invites you to ease into the voyage at a relaxed, tropical pace.
French Polynesia to Fiji
From the shores of Papeete, continue your voyage through the remote beauty of the South Pacific. Bora Bora stuns with its lagoon of vivid blues and coral reefs – once described as created by the gods. In Rarotonga, explore jungle-clad hills, quiet beaches and the warm, unhurried rhythm of island life. Sail onward to Samoa, where Apia’s mix of traditional fale houses and colonial churches reveals the cultural crossroads of the Pacific. Cross the International Date Line (a moment celebrated on board!) before arriving in the friendly shores of Fiji.
Chapter 2
With new world cruise destinations like Pago Pago and Nuku’alofa, this chapter invites you into island life at its most authentic: full of colour, history and warm welcomes.
From Lautoka to Brisbane
Sail from the Fijian port of Lautoka through the sun-soaked isles of Melanesia, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to Kadavu Island, home to the pristine Great Astrolabe Reef and vibrant marine life. Glide through Vanuatu’s famous Champagne Beach, where volcanic gases fizz through soft sands at your feet. In Lifou, untouched shores and turquoise bays invite quiet exploration far from the tourist trail. Continue to New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, a cosmopolitan mix of Kanak traditions and French flair.
Chapter 3
This chapter ends in Australia’s east coast hub, Brisbane: the gateway to your next adventure. Expect warm seas, coral reefs and island charm at every turn.
From Brisbane to Singapore
Follow Australia’s northeast coastline into the tropics, to see coral reefs, rainforests and reef-fringed islands. From Brisbane, sail north to Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef stretches out in vibrant technicolour and Aboriginal heritage runs deep.
Stop in at Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, before venturing onward to Darwin, a frontier city with both nature and outback culture. Cross into Indonesia, where Bali’s Benoa port offers a glimpse of traditional island life beyond its temples and turquoise bays.
Explore Java’s spiritual heart in Semarang and the ancient temple complex of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chapter 4
The chapter closes in Singapore, a dazzling mix of old and new where gardens climb skyscrapers and hawker stalls sit beside Michelin stars. An overnight stay lets you savour it all.
From Singapore to Mahé
Sail across the Indian Ocean on a route rich in colour, culture and contrast. Begin in Malaysia’s George Town, where colonial architecture and vibrant street food reflect a unique blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences.
In Thailand, Phuket’s golden beaches and turquoise waters are matched by lush interiors and quiet temples. Continue south to Sri Lanka, where Hambantota offers safari adventures and coastal calm, while Colombo is a fusion of old-world charm and a modern pulse. Cross into the Maldives for a stop in Malé, a compact capital with views of coral-fringed atolls.
Chapter 5
Then arrive in the Seychelles, where the palm-lined shores of Praslin and Mahé bring this vivid chapter to a serene close.
From Mahé to Cape Town
Venture across the southern Indian Ocean toward Africa’s wild and wonderful southern coast. Begin in Port Louis, Mauritius, a lively capital where French, Indian and Creole cultures combine beneath sugarcane-covered hills.
Sail onward to Réunion, where volcanic peaks and dramatic landscapes create an island like no other. In South Africa, explore Durban’s bustling markets and nearby Drakensberg mountains before heading to the wildlife reserves near Richards Bay.
Port Elizabeth offers the chance to spot elephants and rhinos on a guided game drive, while exclusive Langebaan shows a softer side of the Western Cape, with its turquoise lagoon and springtime wildflowers.
Chapter 6
Finally, arrive in Cape Town, framed by Table Mountain and rich in maritime history.
From Cape Town to Dakar
Sail north along Africa’s Atlantic coast, tracing a route shaped by trade, culture and natural beauty. Begin in Namibia with Luderitz, a windswept town where colonial history meets desert stillness, then explore Walvis Bay, home to flamingo-filled lagoons and towering dunes.
Continue to Angola’s capital, Luanda, where Portuguese heritage and modern energy come together along the waterfront. In West Africa, discover Ghana’s colourful ports of Tema and Takoradi before reaching Abidjan, a cultural hub with lively markets and art scenes.
Chapter 7
Gambia’s tiny island capital of Banjul invites slow exploration, while Senegal’s Dakar delivers a vibrant finale: a city of rhythm, resilience and remarkable coastal views.
From Dakar to Lisbon
This chapter traces the paths of early explorers through a series of historic ports along Africa’s northwest coast and into Europe.
From Dakar, cross to Praia on Santiago Island, the capital of Cape Verde, where remote volcanic landscapes meet a rich Creole culture. In Morocco, visit Agadir’s modern coastal promenade and Casablanca’s iconic Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically above the Atlantic.
Continue to the Canary Islands for stops in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Arrecife (both new destinations on this world cruise) offering volcanic beauty and island charm. Then sail into Europe via southern Spain, with a stop in Cádiz, known for its watchtowers and sea-facing heritage.
Chapter 8
End the chapter in Lisbon, once the launching point for some of history’s greatest voyages.
From Lisbon to Belfast
Sail north through the Atlantic fringe of Europe, where centuries of seafaring history come to life in every port. Begin in Porto’s Leixões harbour, gateway to the birthplace of port wine and the city’s UNESCO-listed old town.
Visit Santander and San Sebastian, two Spanish gems new to this world cruise, where elegant boulevards and Basque cuisine are waiting.
Bordeaux offers two full days to explore its historic streets and nearby vineyards, with private tastings of world-renowned reds. Cross to the UK for a glimpse of Cornwall’s rugged charm in Falmouth, then on to Holyhead in Wales and the colourful port of Cobh in Ireland.
Chapter 9
In Dublin, soak up the literary legacy and pub culture before arriving in Belfast.
Helicopter Over the Fjords of Norway
The stillness of Norway’s fjords is breathtaking from sea level – but seen from above, they’re otherworldly. Board a private helicopter from your ship for a panoramic flight over the deep, glacial valleys and sheer cliffs of the Western Fjords. Soar past emerald slopes, snow-dusted peaks and mirror-like waters that stretch into the distance. From this high vantage, the villages below seem like postcards brought to life, tucked between dramatic mountains and quiet harbours. It’s a moment of pure perspective: the scale of nature, the joy of flight and the rare magic of seeing it all from the sky.
From Belfast to Copenhagen
Conclude your journey through the spectacular landscapes and hidden harbours of Northern Europe. From Belfast, sail to Greencastle, a lesser-known spot on Ireland’s rugged northern coast, before crossing to the Scottish Isles. Discover Kirkwall in the Orkneys and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
Then head into the heart of the Norwegian fjords. Explore Åndalsnes, Ålesund and Olden, each one offering dramatic mountain scenery and a deep sense of stillness.
Continue to Trondheim and Bergen, where colourful waterfronts and Viking heritage meet modern Nordic charm. In Stavanger and Kristiansand, uncover quiet beauty and seaside simplicity, before reaching Oslo, an innovative city on the edge of the fjords.
Chapter 10
Your final port is Copenhagen – a fitting end to a voyage shaped by discovery, connection and the rhythm of the sea.
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