Mariner, 69 Nights Grand Southern Seas Sojourn ex Sydney to Cape Town

Seven Seas Mariner® exudes class, from the delectable offerings of Chartreuse to the debonair atmosphere of the Connoisseur Club.

Hobart (Tasmania), Australia
Hobart is regarded by guests as one of the region's most friendly, exciting and diverse destinations. In the State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. It is rich in character and history, nestling next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of Mount Wellington, which rises 3,600 feet from the sea. The working harbor is unique with Antarctic supply vessels and fishing boats coming and going throughout the year.

Dunedin, New Zealand
This remarkably preserved Victorian city lies at the head of a fiord-like inlet and surrounded by lush, green hills. Due to the Otago gold rush of the 1860s, Dunedin was the largest and wealthiest city in the country and the first to have gaslight, water mains, hydro power and steam trams. Discover the geological wonders of the rugged Otago Peninsula while keeping an eye out for fur seals on the rocks and perhaps some yellow-eyed penguins. Visit Larnach Castle, a historic 19th-century property surrounded by gardens and splendid views. Explore historic Dunedin with its splendid Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings, delightful local crafts and restaurants serving Kiwi specialties.

Timaru, New Zealand
Scenically poised on the east coast of the South Island, Timaru is the gateway to New Zealand’s most majestic mountains, including its highest peak Mt Cook. Timaru has recaptured much of its Edwardian heritage with vibrant plantings of roses and trees, and a pedestrian-friendly landscape of paved areas, seating and vantage points from which to enjoy the city’s setting between ocean and alps. Tour the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and stroll the striking piazza, with its stunning views across Caroline Bay, complemented by the numerous café-bars and restaurants.

Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand
Experience a vibrant city undergoing a true transformation. Christchurch, long known for its English heritage, suffered devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. An epic rebuild has created an urban center filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand, with colorful murals celebrating the city's indomitable spirit. Stroll expansive Hagley Park, home to the indigenous and exotic plants of a lush Botanic Garden. Visit the galleries, boutiques and cafes of the Arts Centre. Drive through the emerald plains of the Canterbury region to visit a working sheep farm for a demonstration of champion New Zealand sheepdogs herding a flock by whistled command.

Picton, New Zealand
Located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the town of Picton is near the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island. The town is named after Sir Thomas Picton, the military associate of the Duke of Wellington, who was killed at the Battle of Waterloo. The Edwin Fox Maritime Centre features the Edwin Fox, the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia, which is undergoing preservation and restoration.

Wellington, New Zealand
Nicknamed New Zealand’s ‘Creative Capital’ and situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington is a compact city brimming with Victorian architecture, museums, theaters and art galleries. Besides the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop and the nation’s distinctive Parliament, you’ll find Kiwis with a passion for expertly made coffee and craft beer served in laneway cafes and vibrant pubs. Stand atop Mt. Victoria for panoramic views of the harbor and stunning mountains and ride a cable car to lush botanic gardens. Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, NZ’s national museum, and the groundbreaking Zealandia ecosanctuary for fascinating insights into New Zealand’s cultural and natural treasures.

Napier, New Zealand
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.

Gisborne, New Zealand
This charming seaside community was named in honor of the crew member aboard Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour who first sighted land in the area in 1769. Not only boasting a long maritime history and a vibrant Maori heritage and culture, Gisborne is also known for its wine, often called the “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand.” Be sure to visit Gisborne’s splendid array of boutique wineries. And for a taste of Gisborne’s history and art, the Tairawhiti Museum is an essential destination in this city of warm smiles and even warmer hearts.

Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand
From the popular beaches of Tauranga, where Mount Maunganui towers over calm Bay of Plenty waters, travel to a wonderland of geothermal oddities and the center of Maori heritage in Rotorua. Walk among the dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and verdant native bush of Te Puia before visiting a re-creation of an early Maori village and a kiwi conservation center. Head south of Rotorua to hike through majestic redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest or perhaps travel to the Waikato region, where the well-preserved Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set is a dream come true for fans of Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s beloved novels.

Auckland, New Zealand
Shimmering Auckland lies on a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Marvel at the cosmopolitan city’s volcanic landscape in suburbs boasting iconic cones with Maori and English names like Maungawhau/Mount Eden (the city’s highest point), Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and Maungarei/Mount Wellington. Browse the shops of Queen Street or the Parnell area with their galleries and boutiques in quaintly restored Victorian buildings, or visit the Skytower for loftier views. See first-hand why Auckland is called the ‘City of Sails’ on a harbor cruise aboard a ketch-rigged sailing yacht before exploring an enticing array of eclectic restaurants, bars and cafes.

Brisbane, Australia
Queenland’s capital city is a sun-drenched jewel with a spectacular riverfront, lush gardens and staggering variety of international cuisines. In popular South Bank, feel the white sand of Streets Beach while gazing at the sparkling ‘Brissie’ skyline. Walk amid brilliant jacarandas, flame trees and bougainvillea on your way to Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, where the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art beckons. Head north to the Sunshine Coast and the Australian Zoo, renowned for its conservation efforts and crocodile shows, or travel south for encounters with the famed fauna of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Visit Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for a taste of ‘Stralia heaven.

Airlie Beach, Australia
Soak up the laid-back, tropical atmosphere of the coastal village of Airlie Beach. This vibrant town is filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Walk down Shute Harbour Road, the main street and back bone of Airlie Beach that is lined with outdoor restaurants, cafes and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays, the 74 pristine islands in the north of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef where you can visit luxurious resorts and sip cocktails by the pool, bask in the sun or relax in a spa.

Cairns, Australia
This laid-back city in Far North Queensland is the gateway to a pair of World Heritage-listed treasures: the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and spectacular Wet Tropics Rainforest. Sail by luxury catamaran to a pontoon moored atop the Outer Reef for a once-in-a-lifetime marine experience. Glide over miles of verdant jungle aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping to explore on foot the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns (pronounced ‘cans’), walk the city’s Esplanade overlooking the Coral Sea, pausing to dip your toes in an artificial saltwater lagoon. Encounter natural splendor at the city’s Botanic Garden and Cairns Aquarium or hit some lively shops and cafes.

Cooktown, Australia
This quaint frontier town, scenically located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Cooktown is the site of Australia’s first European settlement. The town is named after the famous South Seas explorer Captain Cook, and Cook’s Pillar marks the spot where his ship, the Endeavour landed ashore in 1770. Grassy Hill offers a 360° panorama of the countryside and pristine beaches. The area remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heathlands, grasslands, and rivers for the adventurous traveler.

Darwin, Australia
Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought by the French, Dutch and British, and was established as the town of Darwin in 1869. In 1942, the city was under the threat of a Japanese attack, so a major Australian military base was established. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory, offering sights from its colonial past and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Komodo, Indonesia
Indonesia’s isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Lombok (Lembar), Indonesia
Fulfill your wanderlust in a hidden gem island where tranquility meets natural wonders. Dive into the azure waters of Lembar Strait, home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Sink your toes into the powdery sands of Selong Belanak Beach. Trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, for awe-inspiring views and unforgettable sunrises. Learn about the island's culture at traditional Sasak villages like Sade and Ende, where artisans craft intricate textiles and pottery by hand. And save room to savor authentic Sasak cuisine, from spicy sambal dishes to succulent grilled seafood.

Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Bali (Celukan Bawang), Indonesia
Explore the road-less-traveled charms of northern Bali from this busy port. In Bali Barat National Park, immerse yourself in brilliant coral reefs, mangrove forests and wildlife that includes over 160 different bird species. Gaze upon the stunning water temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur on the shores of Lake Bratan. And in Singaraja, admire architectural remnants of the Dutch colonial period as well as the Royal Palace of Singaraja, which descendants of the last Raja of Buleleng still call home.

Surabaya, Indonesia
From Buddhist temples to an historic Arab Quarter, the capital of Indonesia’s East Java province is known as a gateway city but you’ll find charms throughout its diverse neighborhoods. One of the most unusual is the House of Sampoerna, a well-preserved historical site built in the 19th-century Dutch colonial style that includes a museum, café and art gallery. You’ll spot the turquoise, dome-shaped roof of the remarkable Al Akbar Mosque Surabaya from anywhere in the city. Opened in 2000, the stylish masterpiece provides spectacular views from atop the freestanding, ottoman-style minaret. Dine on a variety of East Javanese dishes made from locally caught seafood.

Semarang (Java), Indonesia
Semarang is a city on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, the city is known in Indonesia for its large ethnically Chinese population. Today, Semarang is a commercial port and administrative capital of Central Java. More a business center than a city for tourists, it is, however, an excellent gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and only some 60 miles away from world-famous Borobudur.

Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. It is sprawling with shopping malls and traditional markets, and is known for its inexpensive, but fair quality textile and fashion products. Don’t miss the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, and the National Monument in Merdeka Square. Visit the National Museum to learn more about the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

Singapore, Singapore
This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers an extraordinary array of culture, history and cuisine. Embrace exotic sights and sounds strolling through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head to the Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor before dining at one of many international eateries. Shop along Orchard Road for treasures from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Wander the wondrously futuristic Gardens By the Bay before relaxing with a refreshing Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Melaka, Malaysia
Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a feast for the senses. Founded in the 14th century by Prince Parameswara of Sumatra, the city was named after the abundant Melaka trees (also known as Indian gooseberry) that grew in the area. You can see quite a few of them through the historical red square to see the former town hall built by the Dutch. Hop on a trishaw toward Jonker Street, the center street of Chinatown, for a rollercoaster ride of visual delights. Stay a little while to shop for great mementos to bring home and satisfy your palate with mouth-watering dishes.

Penang, Malaysia
Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

Phuket, Thailand
With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, Colombo has been visited for over 2,000 years by Roman, Chinese, Arab and European traders. Explore this exotic city and view colorful colonial buildings including the Presidential Secretariat, the Grand Oriental Hotel, and the Lighthouse Clock Tower. A “must” to visit is Pettah, Colombo's leading bazaar district. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with shops and street stalls offering the most unimaginable range of goods. Other noteworthy sights include Viharamahadevi Park, the city's largest and oldest green expanse; and the palatial mansions of Cinnamon Gardens.

Malé, Maldives
Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is located at the southern edge of North Male’ Atoll Kaafu Atoll. Traditionally, Malé was the “King’s Island,” from where the ancient Maldive Royal families had their palace and ruled the country. Malé is dotted with mosques, wide streets, parks and markets. Tour the national Museum, the colorful Fish Market and the Friday mosque with its splendid golden dome.

Mahé, Seychelles
Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler’s paradise

Antsiranana, Madagascar
At the northernmost tip of Madagascar lies Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, a city replete with stunning natural wonders and vibrant colonial-style architecture. Visit the breathtaking emerald waters of Diego Suarez Bay and the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Take a walk to the mesmerizing, crimson-colored mountains in Tsingy Rouge Park or the verdant forests of Kakazo-Be, home to century-old trees and diverse wildlife. Delve into the city's colonial heritage, browse bustling markets and experience the unique blend of Malagasy and French influences in this captivating port city.

Port Louis, Mauritius
The charming capital city offers lush mountain ranges, fine beaches, stunning coral reefs and picturesque villages. Learn of the rich cultural heritage Port Louis’ five districts have to offer or admire the natural beauty of this volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.

Pointe des Galets, Réunion Island
Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion Island, is a visual paradise as it emerging from the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Its dramatic landscapes include lush mountains and volcanic peaks and white- and black sand beaches. A major attraction remains the fascinating and still active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise.

Nosy Be, Madagascar
Discover exotic Nosy Be with its rich air fragrant from native spices and flowers and, neighboring Nosy Komba with its lemur population found only in this part of the world. Beginwith a stroll around the city center of Hellville in Nosy Be, visiting the open marketplace. Then hire a driver to take you on an island tour to see the bright blue volcanic lakes, or hire a boat to take you to Nosy Komba to visit the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for locally made perfume, distilled rum, finelinens and hand carved wooden art. Enjoy some of the fresh local seafood prepared with the local spices in this colorful and aromatic destination.

Durban, South Africa
A bustling, subtropical city and Africa’s busiest port, Vasco da Gama is said to have sighted Durban Bay on Christmas Day, 1497, naming the land Natal as a mark of respect for the Nativity. The name Durban was acquired in 1843 when Port Natal was renamed for Sir Benjamin D'Urban. Today , Durban delights the traveler with its colorful mosaic of ethnic neighborhoods and memorable excursions to game reserves and the traditional lifestyle of the Zulu people. Explore Old Market Square, the Golden Mile beachfront and the scented Botanic Gardens and Gray Street Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Located at the endpoint of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City.” While regarded as one of the country’s most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area’s beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Mossel Bay, South Africa
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay offers more than 37 miles of beaches and at least 300 days of sunshine a year. Known as the location where the first Europeans made landfall on South African soil in 1488, today’s Mossel Bay is one of the country’s most popular beach destinations, as well as a haven for outdoor adventurers.

Cape Town, South Africa
Called ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, lush parks and shops. Impressive mountains, magnificent beaches and outstanding wineries add to the attraction. Ride a cable-car to the top of famous flat-topped Table Mountain and gaze at the mosaic of towering mountains, verdant valleys and the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The historical highlight is Robben Island, once the prison holding such outstanding anti-apartheid leaders as Nelson Mandela.