Great Barrier Reef
Great Wall of China
The Taj Mahal
Feb 11th - May 9th
Ultimate Asia
Pacific Cruise
An odyssey
through Oceania & Asia
Departing from the shores of glitzy Los Angeles, the second leg of the Ultimate World Cruise cuts a dash through the glittering North Pacific. Enjoy heart-stopping volcanic vistas and dramatic rolling surf in Hawaii before sailing on to French Polynesia, to visit pristine Mo’orea and Tahiti where sapphire waters, emerald mountain peaks and diamond-white sands collide. Travel on to New Zealand for adrenaline sports and Maori culture, before visiting Australia and mesmerizing marine wonder The Great Barrier Reef. Cruising on to Asia, you’ll bask on Balinese beaches, experience city thrum in Manila, Hong Kong and Seoul before seeing staggering feat of human engineering The Great Wall of China first-hand. Get to know high-tech Tokyo and hike iconic Mount Fuji in Japan, be wowed by Supertrees in Singapore, before passing through multicultural Malaysia and Sri Lanka to reach the ultimate monument to love, India’s Taj Mahal. Finally pass through Abu Dhabi to reach Dubai, where this segment ends.
Amenities
Included in your adventure
Wash & fold service
Deluxe beverage package
Voom Surf & stream
Gratuities
Feb 11th - May 9th
Discover
Oceania
Rugged beauties: Polynesia and Australia
Atolls and
Adventure
In tropical Hawaii, where jungle mountains soar, waterfalls rush, and epic surf rolls, get to know the multi-faceted history of these otherworldly islands. First settled by Polynesians, and more recently an important US naval base, tour USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, and visit Iolani Palace, the residence of the Hawaiian royal family. Next, watch traditional tiki dances in French Polynesian heart-shaped isle Moorea, before learning about Maori toanga (treasures) at Auckland Museum in New Zealand. Onwards in Australia, get immersed in Sydney’s urban swell, contemporary architecture, and the country’s Aboriginal heritage, before plunging into the teeming waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living organism, which was formed millions of years ago. Home to more than 1500 species of reef fish, swimming through flurries of humbug damselfish and blue tang surgeonfish, spotting white-tipped reef sharks, hawksbill turtles and impressive Maori Wrasse in this coral masterpiece is the ultimate underwater adventure.
Life in Hawaii is rooted in the belief that all living things are inextricably connected. Whether surfing in Waikiki on Oahu, discovering temples in the Kaloko-Honokahau National Park, or hula-ing in Honolulu, expect to feel the welcoming spirit of aloha - sharing the essence of life - in abundance. In New Zealand, a country as renowned for its showstopping glacial mountain peaks and high-drama valleys as its residents’ down-to-earth attitude, twin Maori culture with Mother Nature in the Bay of Islands, hiking through Maori villages and spotting pods of bottlenose dolphins offshore. During your travels Down Under, wonder at Australia’s art through-the-ages, from Aboriginal bark paintings through to contemporary ceramics at the Newcastle Art Gallery, food safari around Sydney’s culinary hotspots - or adopt a laid-back Aussie attitude and spend time relaxing on its famous beaches.
From delicious poke bowls (commonly made with raw tuna or octopus) - to lau lau - pork and butterfish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed - seafood plays an important part of Hawaiian cuisine, and fish dishes are sensational. For dessert, don’t miss playful shaved ice cones, topped with tropical syrups and red adzuki beans. In French Polynesia, toast spectacular sunsets with mai tai rum cocktails or coconut water, feast on juicy mangoes and rambutan fruit, and try local specialty poulet fafa, a chicken, coconut milk and taro stew. In New Zealand, expect tender roast lamb with rosemary and roasted veggies, Maori hangi dishes - cooked in a traditional earth oven - and stonking Pinot Noir from Wairapa’s wineries. As for Australia? As well as chargrilled meats served fresh from the barbie, try a chicken parmigiana - or parmi - a breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and cheese, and lamingtons - squares of delicious chocolate and coconut sponge cake.
Judge for yourself whether Kaanapali Beach’s three-mile stretch of white sands of on Maui lives up to its reputation as America’s best beach, snorkel alongside turtles at Manini'owali Beach on Kailua Kona, and pay your respects at the Pearl Harbor memorial on Oahu. Speed though the French Polynesian forest across ziplines and rope bridges at Tiki Parc, surf at black sand beaches, or learn all about Tahiti’s famous black pearls at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Climb Auckland’s Harbour Bridge for beautiful city panoramas - or if you're a real thrillseeker take things to the next level by bungee jumping off it, or parasailing over the azure waters of the Bay of Islands. Australia’s a dream for ocean enthusiasts, hit Manly Beach in Sydney, dip in the largest ocean baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere in Newcastle, before being mesmerized by the marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Bora Bora
Feb 11th - May 9th
Tropical isles
& city
style
Asia’s treasures: Island hops and city stops
Shore-fire
Winners
Inhabited since prehistoric times, the 17,000 islands of the Indonesian archipelago have a history as diverse as its golden sands, vivid blue waters and volcanic mountains. Some three hundred different native languages are spoken here, and agriculture - seen in its vivid paddy fields - still plays an important role. A key destination along historical trading routes, ancient Buddhist temples, churches and mosques reflect Indonesia’s time under European and Asian rule. In the Philippines, visit mega-metropolis Manila where skyscrapers rub up against the 16th-century walled city of Intramuros, while in Beijing, feel the presence of Ming and Qing dynasties in the Forbidden City, and wonder at the Great Wall. Simultaneously intoxicatingly futuristic and rooted in history, you’ll get to know Japan’s crumbling castles and vermillion-hued shrines, alongside Tokyo’s city thrum.
A real cultural melting pot, Asia has plenty to enthrall, and at every stop you’ll uncover a different side to this captivating region. Connect with Indonesia’s spiritual side in Bali, visiting sacred temples such as Caow Eng Bio - a Buddhist holy site with color-popping pagodas - and soul-stirring Uluwatu - set on a dramatic clifftop with stretching Indian Ocean views. In China, where old-meets-new, expect to be just as wowed by Beijing’s imperial palaces as Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers. Whether you’re sipping a brew at a theatrical tea ceremony in Shizuoka, or making lacquered chopsticks using Edo-era techniques, a Japan vacation brims with artistry. In Tokyo, embrace the country’s deep connection with nature, forest bathing near Meiji Shrine, and shop for all-things kawaii (cute) on kitsch and colorful Takeshita Street.
Loosen your belt; Asian cuisine is across-the-board divine. In Hindu Bali, try Babi guling, whole-roasted suckling pig, Indonesian gado-gado - a mixed vegetable salad served with tempeh (fermented soy beans), hard-boiled eggs, tofu and a peanut dressing. Unmissable Filipino dishes include sinigang, a sour meat or seafood soup made with tamarind and vegetables, and kinilaw - raw fish doused in the juice of tangy local citrus fruit calamansi. From crispy eomuk fish cakes and kimchi (spicy, fermented cabbage) in Korea’s Haeundae Market washed down with punchy shots of soju, to dinky dim sum bites in Hong Kong and China’s night markets, Asia’s street food is sensational. Dining in Japan is a gastrophile’s dream; expect top-quality cuts of Kobe and Wagyu beef, artwork-like sushi, comforting bowls of ramen noodles, tempura’d vegetables and dango, brightly-colored skewers of chewy, sweet rice balls.
Get to know the peaceful beaches of Nusa Dua, or kayak through mangrove forest in Bali. Explore Manila by horse-drawn carriage, swoon at the grand San Agustin Church or head souvenir shopping in Makati’s trendy shopping malls. Awake your adventurous spirit in Subic Bay, hiking rainforest trails and learning traditional survival skills from the Aetas people. Head up high in Hong Kong aboard the Peak Tram to the top of 1800-foot Victoria Peak, or climb to new heights summiting Taipei’s 101 Tower. Stretch out on blissful white sands as you travel through the Okinawa Islands, aka ‘Japan’s’ Hawaii,' before witnessing the astonishing feat of human artistry that is The Great Wall of China. On Korea’s Jeju Island venture underground to Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes, and wonder at Japanese mist-shrouded icon Mount Fuji.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Feb 11th - May 9th
Across
Southeast Asia
& The Subcontinent
Fall for South East Asia & India
Be awed
SE Asia & India
Whether you’re wandering the peaceful Hai Duc and Long Son pagodas in Nha Trang or visiting the poignant War Remnants Museum or Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, your journey through Vietnam will illuminate the country’s complex past. With its gleaming skyscrapers and Supertrees which cleverly convert sunlight into energy, Singapore’s unapologetically futuristic, but its pastel-fronted shophouses with Malay, Chinese and European influences, intricately-carved Hindu temples and gold-domed Sultan Mosque represent its multicultural heritage. As you cruise up the Strait of Malacca, wonder at the modern and the Moorish in Malaysia, before discovering Sri Lanka’s sacred temples, fortresses and fringing beaches. As you travel through India, get lost in the awe-inducing Mughal architecture of the Taj Mahal, before marveling at Mumbai's historic arches and seaside temples. Finally, learn about the Bedouin roots of the ultra-modern UAE.
Strap in and prepare to be amazed; there’s culture in every corner of Southeast Asia and the Subcontinent. In Vietnam - where respect for elders, and spirituality is paramount - wonder at the sandy-colored Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang, dating from the 700s it’s an important place of Buddhist worship today. In Malaysia marvel at the world’s tallest twin towers, visit a world-class Islamic Arts Museum, and admire Penang’s contemporary street art. During your vacation time in historic trading port Colombo in Sri Lanka take in bright Buddhist temples, tuk-tuk-filled streets, historic fortresses and colonial-era villas. As for India? Marvel at Mughal design masterpiece The Taj Mahal, beach-hop in laid-back Goa, or shop for Bollywood memorabilia in glitzy Mumbai.
Another way to get a real flavor for these diverse regions is through its fantastic cuisine. Relying on nuoc mam (fermented fish sauce), kalamansi juice, tamarind and chilli, Vietnamese food is a riot of hot, sweet, salty and sour. Slurp on bowlfuls of pho (pronounced ‘fuh’), flavorful beef or chicken broth packed with rice noodles and veggies, and devour banh mi sandwiches - which combine pork or tofu, pickled vegetables and a crusty French baguette. Singapore and Malaysia are also street food superstars. Don’t miss crispy duck noodles, dim sum, and kaya toast - grilled bread served with coconut jam, soft boiled-eggs and soy sauce in Singapore, and nasi lemak - coconut rice with pandan leaf and spicy sambals in Malaysia. Sri Lanka’s hoppers - thin rice flour and coconut milk pancakes - are legendary, as are India’s curries which range from daal (lentil) through to tomatoey butter chicken.
With laid-back beaches, patchworks of rice paddies and city hustle, there’s something to delight everyone here. Jump in to the waters of the Ba Ho Waterfall, or DIY spa, nature-style in Thap Ba’s hot springs and mud baths. Surround yourself with tropical plants at Gardens by the Bay, hawker stall-hop in Tiong Bahru, or shop at Orchard Road’s high-end boutiques in Singapore. Travel to the Kuala Lumpur suburbs and visit the Batu Caves, a series of impressive caves which house Hindu shrines. Chill out on Tangalle Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s prettiest stretches of sand, or head to the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary to spot glossy ibis and reef herons. In India, see sloth bears and panthers at Goa’s Bhangwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, or indulge in street food eats and urban beaches in Mumbai.
Step back in time at Ho Chi Minh’s War Remnants Museum for a sobering and moving reminder of the impact of war. Take in Singapore’s sparkling scenery, from the iconic Merlion Statue to the surreal triple-towers of the Moshe Safde-designed Marina Bay Sands. Find your own pace; whizz past Colombo Fort and bustling Pettah Market by tuk tuk in Sri Lanka, and pause for contemplation and feel your heart swell at the symmetrical beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra. There’s plenty of opportunity to connect with nature too; leisurely through Palolem Beach’s turquoise waters, be dazzled by orchids in-bloom at the Singapore Botanical Garden, or make for Yala National Park - just an hour from Hambantota - home to the world’s largest population of leopards.
Goa, India
Segment 2
World Wonders
- 1/3 — Great Barrier Reef
- 2/3 — Great Wall of China
- 3/3 — The Taj Mahal
Some of the world’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders can be found beneath the waves — like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, located in the aptly named Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. Stretching more than 1400 miles, this vibrant underwater ecosystem is the largest coral reef system on Earth and home to all kinds of diverse marine life. In a nutshell, it’s a dream come true for snorkelers and divers.
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s oldest and most enduring man-made monuments, with some sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 2,000 years. Construction began in the 3rd century B.C. and continued well into the 17th century A.D. — a testament to the lasting impact of ancient China. Today, its 13,000-mile-long path stretches along 23 degrees of longitude, with endless spots to soak up unforgettable views.
Renowned as one of the most iconic sights of India, the majestic Taj Mahal complex is a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, love and symmetry. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was actually constructed as a mausoleum by the heartbroken emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb worthy of his great love Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631.
Explore
Highlights
Step back in time at Ho Chi Minh’s War Remnants Museum for a sobering and moving reminder of the impact of war. Take in Singapore’s sparkling scenery, from the iconic Merlion Statue to the surreal triple-towers of the Moshe Safde-designed Marina Bay Sands. Find your own pace; whizz past Colombo Fort and bustling Pettah Market by tuk tuk in Sri Lanka, and pause for contemplation and feel your heart swell at the symmetrical beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
There’s plenty of opportunity to connect with nature too; fin leisurely through Palolem Beach’s turquoise waters, be dazzled by orchids in-bloom at the Singapore Botanical Garden, or make for Yala National Park - just an hour from Hambantota - home to the world’s largest population of leopards.
Insider tips
Good to know in every situation
Traffic
Crossing the road in bustling Vietnam, where tuk tuks screech and motorbikes fly by can be hair-raising stuff. Make like the locals, and when you cross, walk confidently and steadily, without stopping. Counterintuitive as it seems, driving here is an art, and traffic will miraculously weave around you as you stroll.
Baggage
Pack light when you visit the Taj Mahal, as you’re only allowed to carry small bags with essentials such as a phone, camera and bottle of water into the monument. Make sure your gadgets are fully-charged ahead of time, as it’s a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss, and chargers (and other gear such as headphones and food) can’t be taken in and will need to be stowed in the storage lockers found at the entrance gates.
Weather
Weather can be changeable, and sudden, short sharp bursts of rainfall aren’t uncommon, particularly in SE Asia, so it’s worth keeping a lightweight waterproof coat with you when you explore.
Frequently
asked questions
The Ultimate World Cruise can be taken as a whole, or you can choose from the four available Ultimate Cruise segments to take a portion of the voyage instead. The names and dates of the four Ultimate Cruise segments that make up the Ultimate World Cruise are as follows:
Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations
Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations
Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 39 destinations
Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations
Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.
Ultimate Americas Cruise
Stateroom Category Lead Rate Price per day Interior Stateroom $13,399 Per Person* $213 Per Person* Ocean View Stateroom $14,799 Per Person* $235 Per Person* Balcony Stateroom $18,899 Per Person* $300 Per Person* Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise
Stateroom Category Lead Rate Price per day Interior Stateroom $17,799 Per Person* $205 Per Person* Ocean View Stateroom $19,599 Per Person* $225 Per Person* Balcony Stateroom $25,099 Per Person* $335 Per Person* Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise
Stateroom Category Lead Rate Price per day Interior Stateroom $14,899 Per Person* $240 Per Person* Ocean View Stateroom $15,799 Per Person* $255 Per Person* Balcony Stateroom $20,799 Per Person* $288 Per Person* Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise
Stateroom Category Lead Rate Price per day Interior Stateroom $14,299 Per Person* $231 Per Person* Ocean View Stateroom $15,299 Per Person* $247 Per Person* Balcony Stateroom $19,799 Per Person* $319 Per Person* *Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.
Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:
Embarkation Amenities
Round-trip business class airfare
Pre-cruise hotel and gala
Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship
Onboard Amenities
Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage
VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage
Gratuities for entire voyage
Wash and fold laundry service
Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the New World Wonders.
Guests who join us for one of the four segments will receive the following inclusions:
Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment
VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment
Gratuities for entire segment
Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment
