Join us for a 17-day cruise from Sydney to Bali
From $6,999/person (plus $500 off air per person)
March 2 - 18, 2023
Sail the “Land Down Under”Discover cultural splendors and cerulean beauty on the Indonesian archipelago and Australia’s legendary coast. Viking brings you face to face with the region’s diverse residents, from the Komodo dragon to modern-day Aborigines to good-natured Aussies. Witness colorful traditions on Lombok Island. Explore Komodo National Park with a trained naturalist. Experience the charms of Darwin with a local. And uncover the cosmopolitan culture of Brisbane with a welcoming guide. 17-Day Itinerary Day 1 — Sydney, Australia Embark your ship today in Sydney, home to the famed Sydney Opera House and countless other cultural institutions beloved by Aussies. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and explore your ship this afternoon. Day 2 — Newcastle, Australia Visit modern Newcastle today. Your included tour features a scenic coastal drive, passing the old Fort Scratchley, the Newcastle and Merewether ocean baths, picturesque parks and beaches, and more. Alternately, experience the viniculture of Hunter Valley, stopping to sample some recent vintages. Or take in some of Newcastle’s main sights as your guide regales you with stories about the history of the region on a walking tour. Day 3 — Cruise the Australian Coast Trace Australia’s renowned Gold Coast, lined with resorts and picturesque beaches. As you cruise today, mingle with newfound friends in The Living Room, browse the Scandinavian-inspired artwork throughout your ship and attend a talk about your upcoming ports. Day 4 — Brisbane, Australia Call on Queensland, Australia’s picturesque capital. An included panoramic tour introduces you to its main sights, with ample opportunity to step out and take photos. See the historic Parliament House, Treasury Building and Customs House. Pass the botanical gardens before taking in sweeping views of the city and its namesake river. If you prefer, you may learn more about the continent’s famous wildlife on a visit to the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Day 5 — Cruise the Australian Coast Continue following the east coast of Australia today, often called the “Sunshine Coast.” Linger on the Sun Deck or on your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck. This evening, enjoy the jazz strains of live music at Torshavn. Day 6 — Whitsunday Islands (Airlie Beach), Australia Stumbled upon in 1770 by Captain James Cook 49 days after Easter (Whitsunday), the Whitsunday archipelago emerges from the Coral Sea amid the Great Barrier Reef. The seafaring Ngaro people called this paradise home until 1870 and hunted these waters in bark canoes. Nature’s brushstrokes are astonishing here: pure-white sands meet cerulean waters, swirling together at sandbars to merge into a palette of turquoise, cream and emerald-green hills. Witness these islands and Airlie Beach firsthand; glassy, invigorating and impossibly blue, the waters provide the ideal oasis for relaxation and idling away a few hours on the beach. Day 7 --Townsville, Australia Call in Townsville today. An included city tour introduces you to the beloved old architecture of this seldom visited coastal city. Take in panoramic views from atop the Castle Hill viewpoint and call on the Strand—a long stretch of tropical beach lined with gardens and the pride of the locals. If you prefer, you can venture into the bush to pay a visit to the Nywaigi Aboriginal people at a cattle station or embark on a guided walk through the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the world’s oldest surviving rain forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 8 — Cairns, Australia Call on Cairns today, built on the shoulders of gold prospectors. Today, it is a major sugarcane and fishing port, and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Take in the major sights of Cairns on a city tour, featuring a stop at its historic Royal Australian Navy base, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove, a quaint, beach-loving community. Or perhaps board a catamaran for an exciting sail to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the largest continuous system of its kind on Earth, or join an excursion to the lush Daintree Rainforest. Day 9 — Cruise the Coral Sea Sail the waters of the Coral Sea today, home to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Your day at sea provides the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in The Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure, shave or Nordic scalp massage. Day 10 — Thursday Island, Australia Explore Thursday Island today, home to a thriving artistic community. You will have time to explore on your own, or perhaps join an optional excursion to discover the history of the island’s defense during a visit to Green Hill Fort. Alternately, learn about the indigenous people of Torres Strait during an optional excursion that includes a traditional outdoor dance performance. Day 11 — Cruise the Arafura Sea Sail the shallow tropical waters of the Arafura Sea. As you cruise today, enjoy coffee or a drink in the Explorers’ Lounge or stroll the wraparound Promenade Deck. Day 12 — Darwin, Australia Arrive today in Darwin, Australia, capital of the continent’s Northern Territory. Take in the city’s highlights on an included panoramic tour, passing Christ Church Cathedral, the seven-gabled Government House and the Old Admiralty House. A stop at the East Point lookout reveals the coastal beauty of the Top End. If you would like, you can set out along the Adelaide River to view the area’s famed jumping crocodiles, or travel by seaplane, boat and airboat through the forest and wetlands of Sweets Lagoon. Day 13 — Darwin, Australia Spend the morning exploring more of Darwin’s charms. Perhaps you will have breakfast at a local café, or stroll through harborside Bicentennial Park. You may also choose to join an eco cruise through Darwin Harbor and discover a diverse and surprising marine world. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure. Day 14 — Cruise the Timor Sea As you sail the Timor Sea today, you might enjoy some yoga on the Sports Deck and indulge in a soak in the Thermal Pool of The Spa. Day 15 --Komodo, Indonesia Anchor among the stunning vistas of Indonesia’s Komodo Island. Go ashore to visit Komodo National Park and the Tamarind Woods, a magnificent menagerie of wildlife including the famed Komodo dragon. If you wish, don a snorkel and mask and explore the vibrant underwater world at Pink Beach, so called for the rose-hued coral washed ashore and crushed to a fine powder by crashing waves. Day 16 --Lombok, Indonesia Call on the port of Lembar on the Indonesian island of Lombok. Journey to the town of Senggigi and its stunning six-mile-long beach on an included excursion. Spend the day relaxing at your leisure, taking a dip in the turquoise waters or perhaps exploring local shops and cafés. Alternately, you may tour the island’s capital of Mataram, renowned for its pearl shops and excellent artisans. Or explore two of the island’s craft villages, where wood-carvers and potters create beautiful homemade handiwork. Day 17 — Bali (Benoa), Indonesia Disembark your ship today in Benoa, on the southern tip of the lush and tropical island of Bali. Transfer to the airport or take time to enjoy dinner in Denpasar. The island’s colorful capital is just 20 minutes away. |
Prices start at $6,999/person
All This Is Included
Sydney Opera House
Newcastle
Brisbane
Whitsunday Island
Cairns
Great Barrier Reef
Koala Bear
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Bali
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