| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 12th12 | NovNov | 202323 | Hong Kong, Hong Kong, embark on the Star Breeze | | 17:00 |
| The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block. Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong's harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court. |
| 13th13 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 14th14 | NovNov | 202323 | Hundred Islands National Park, Philippines | 07:00 | 16:00 |
| There are actually 124 islands at low tide, 123 at high tide in Hundred Islands National Park. Very few of the islands are inhabited but you will find lots of marine life, including crab-eating macaques, civets, dolphins, the occasional dugongs and a number of sea turtle species. Today is a day for island hopping, swimming, lounging on the beach or snorkeling. |
| 15th15 | NovNov | 202323 | Manila, Philippines | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila. Manila is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a delightful blend of cultures and flavors. It has experienced Spanish, British, Japanese and American rule as evidenced in the variety of architecture. Sights to see in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church. The city's Binondo neighborhood is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. Rizal Park is home to many museums, themed gardens and other interesting sights. Overnighting in Manila will allow for plenty of time for the great shopping found there. |
| 16th16 | NovNov | 202323 | Boracay Island, Philippines | 12:00 | 21:00 |
| Another day in tropical paradise. The beaches of Boracay are the feature on this small island only 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Sunbathe on the powdery white sand of White Beach, consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the world, or spend some time snorkeling the pristine waters. |
| 17th17 | NovNov | 202323 | Coron Island, Philippines | 09:00 | 17:00 |
| Spoken of with awed reverence in scuba-diving circles, Coron's dramatic rock protrusions, which jut from emerald seas and glorious sweeps of sand, make it a destination that you can't help but dive into. The perfect base for an adventure holiday, Coron's exquisite setting means you'll face taxing choices on a daily basis - to spend the day relaxing on the soft sand, or to pound through the jungle on horseback? Whether you choose relaxation or all-out-action, you're sure to fall head over heels for Coron's beauty. Coron is famous for divers and snorkelers due to the numerous well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from WWII that are found there. Sought-after snorkeling sites include Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons and Atuwayan Beach. Coron itself is very small but offers beautiful beaches and is the jumping off place for island tours and boat trips. |
| 18th18 | NovNov | 202323 | Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines | 09:00 | 23:59 |
| The Spanish arrived at this beautiful corner of the world in March of 1872, founding the city, that would eventually become the Capital of Palawan. In 2011, the area received a huge boost, when New7 announced its list of the 7 Wonders of Nature – counting 500 million votes in the process. Puerto Princesa’s stunning underground river - complete with a cavernous, sunken lagoon - beat off wonderful sites like the Great Barrier Reef, to claim a spot on the final, prestigious list. Set sail across the glowing green water, on a journey into the gaping mouth of the limestone caves at Puerto Princesa. Known for being one of the least densely populated, cleanest and most environmentally friendly cities in the Philippines, there’s a raft of natural wonders to explore - from diving hotspots to towering limestone cliffs, and the entrancing underworld of the underground river. Voted the "Best Island in the World" by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2016, this island is a center for eco-tourism and home to multiple natural UNESCO sites including the coral reef Tubbataha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest navigable underground river in the world. Other highlights of Puerto Princesa include the Palawan Heritage Centre, Iwahiq Penal Colony and Immaculate Conception Church. |
| 19th19 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 20th20 | NovNov | 202323 | Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| Borneo's forbidding interior made it less attractive to early traders and explorers than neighboring areas, so what is now the state of Sabah remained unexploited by the British until the late 19th century, although traders long visited for exotic items such as bird's nests (for the celebrated Chinese soup). In 1963, Sabah joined Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore (which later seceded) in forming the Federation of Malaysia. Known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it's south of the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies Borneo's northern tip. It shares its southwestern border with Sarawak and the rest of its southern border with the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. Today vast tracts of forest have been replaced by oil-palm plantations, and a sizable portion of remaining forest land is protected in national parks or conservation areas.On the shore of a deep bay, Sandakan was the capital of British North Borneo and one of the most important towns in Southeast Asia from the 1880s through the 1930s. But Japanese occupation during World War II and allied bombing virtually destroyed the town, and the capital was transferred to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) in 1946. Sandakan enjoyed a revival in the 1970s as the center of the region's logging industry. Logging has since declined, but Sandakan is still worth visiting for its rich history and proximity to some of Borneo's most accessible wildlife attractions. Sandakan's downtown, much of it built on landfill, is squeezed between a steep promontory and Sandakan Bay. In recent years, this city of 450,000 (counting its extensive suburbs) has begun redeveloping its downtown waterfront into a shopping and nightlife hub. Its working harbor area for passengers and cargo is 6 km (4 miles) west of downtown. Sandakan is the gateway to several eco-destinations like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the Gomantong Caves, the Kinabatangan River, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Turtle Island and the long Rainforest Directory Centre canopy walk. It is also very important for exports of palm oil, tobacco, cocoa and coffee. |
| 21st21 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 22nd22 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 23rd23 | NovNov | 202323 | Makassar, Indonesia | 06:00 | 16:00 |
| The bustling cosmopolitan city of Makassar is full of attractions, Dutch historical sites, a waterfront boardwalk, architectural landmarks and Amirul Mukminin Mosque, a floating mosque with a double blue dome that can house 500 people. Pristine beaches are nearby where freshly caught seafood is a must try, as is the city's iconic dessert, Es Pisang Ijo, a banana wrapped in thin green dough, shaved ice, syrup and sweetened condensed milk. |
| 24th24 | NovNov | 202323 | Komodo Island, Indonesia | 13:00 | 17:00 |
| Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold. The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges. |
| 25th25 | NovNov | 202323 | Lombok, Indonesia | 13:00 | 22:00 |
| Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia's second largest volcano, Gunung Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands. Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village. |
| 26th26 | NovNov | 202323 | Benoa, Bali, Indonesia | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities. Described as paradise, Bali's spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words. The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country's most highly developed art forms. |
| 27th27 | NovNov | 202323 | Lombok, Indonesia | 07:00 | 15:00 |
| Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia's second largest volcano, Gunung Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands. Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village. |
| 28th28 | NovNov | 202323 | Komodo Island, Indonesia | 13:00 | 18:00 |
| Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold. The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges. |
| 29th29 | NovNov | 202323 | Waingapu, Sumba, Indonesia | 07:00 | 15:00 |
| Waingapu is the largest town on the eastern side of the island of Sumba. With its limestone hills and arid landscape, Waingapu is unique among other areas of Indonesia. Located in the remote southeast of Indonesia it remains largely untouched by tourism and modern living, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of the island. This sunny island is known for its beautiful horses, spectacular surf breaks, traditional villages and unique landscape. |
| 30th30 | NovNov | 202323 | Kupang, Indonesia | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| This remote off the path area is the first port of entry to Indonesia from Australia. During World War II it served as a refueling and landing site for the long flights from Europe. The locals here are very friendly and love to laugh. They will delight in showing you their woven cloths called tenun ikat with their beautiful and sometimes mysteriously formed patterns. For some secluded relaxing try Tablolong Beach or Lasiana Beach. |
| 1st01 | DecDec | 202323 | Dili, Timor-Leste | 09:00 | 17:00 |
| Dili is the largest city and capital of East Timor. East Timor became an independent country in 2002 after declaring independence from Indonesia for the second time. Dili is rarely visited by tourists and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy genuine encounters with the locals and unscripted explorations of the city. Visit the statue of Cristo Rei standing at 89 ft high, the Motael Church, the oldest Catholic church in the country, and Tais Market to buy home-made woven products. |
| 2nd02 | DecDec | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 3rd03 | DecDec | 202323 | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region. This cosmopolitan city where over 50 nationalities are represented is a gateway to large Kakadu National Park and its popular waterfront has several lovely beaches like Mindil Beach, known for its night markets and green areas like Bicentennial Park and Litchfield Park. Crocosaurus Cove and Crocodylus Park both offer opportunities to see the wildlife of the area including turtles, water buffalo and saltwater crocodiles. |
| 4th04 | DecDec | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 5th05 | DecDec | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202323 | Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Part of the fun of Thursday Island is the wet landing needed to get there. It will seem like time stands still on this colorful island paradise, which is home to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders whose lifestyle has evolved from the sea. During World War II Thursday Island became a military base for Australian and U.S. forces. Enjoy a drink on the pub deck overlooking aquamarine waters and offers a chance to interact with the friendly locals. |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 8th08 | DecDec | 202323 | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| Port Douglas is known for sitting adjacent to two UNESCO sites, the world's largest reef system, Great Barrier Reef and the biodiverse Daintree Rainforest. It has delightful beach resorts and popular Macrossan Street, lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Swim in crystal-clear Mossman Gorge, crocodile watch at Daintree River, relax on the palm-fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach or snorkel the Low Isles and the outer reef. |
| 9th09 | DecDec | 202323 | Cairns, Queensland, Australia, disembark the Star Breeze | 07:00 | |
| 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. Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you've come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavor in its bars and restaurants. |
