Duration
70 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
38 Ports
26 October
Setting sail from Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Our tip
Once you have seen the essentials, explore further afield and you will immediately escape the tourist crowds. Visit Kerameikos cemetery, for example, or Mount Lycabettus.
27 October
At sea
28-29 October
Egypt: Alexandria
Alexandria was one of the great cities of antiquity, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and home to the Pharos lighthouse, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The Pharos is long gone and the city has lost some of its lustre, but there are still plenty of reminders of Alexandria’s glorious past scattered around.
30 October
At sea
31 October - 1 November
Egypt: Safaga (Luxor)
Safaga is the nearest sea port to Luxor, and ships often stop here overnight to give you time to see everything. Prepare to be amazed – the thin belt of greenery along the banks of the Nile gives Luxor a lush setting for an extraordinary collection of tombs and temple complexes that hint at the magnificence of this former Ancient Egyptian capital.
2 November
Egypt: Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is Egypt’s most popular beach resort, situated on the Red Sea coast on the Sinai Peninsula. The wonderfully warm waters of the Ras Mohamed National Park offer fantastic snorkelling and diving, and other nearby attractions include the impressive Byzantine-era St Catherine’s Monastery.
3 November
Jordan: Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan’s principal beach resort, situated on the Red Sea coast close to the Israeli border. The main attraction in Aqaba itself is the incredible diving, though many visitors will choose to instead use the port as a jumping off point for the 'Rose City' of Petra and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
4 November
At sea
5 November
Saudi Arabia: Jeddah
The port city of Jeddah has long been a cultural crossroads, serving as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims making the Hajj, and there's a cosmopolitan feel here that other Saudi cities lack. The old Al-Balad neighbourhood is home to the city’s most characterful buildings, while the buzzing Corniche promenade is a great spot for people watching.
6-10 November
At sea
11 November
Oman: Muscat
Oman’s capital is low-rise and laid back, a far cry from the towering bling of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Take a stroll along the waterfront Corniche promenade, soak up the sun on one of the excellent beaches, or explore the mosques and forts of the atmospheric old quarter.
12-13 November
United Arab Emirates: Dubai
Amazing high rise buildings, extensive air-conditioned shopping malls and extraordinary man-made tourist attractions (such as indoor ski-slopes) abound in the glamorous city of Dubai, home to some of the most glitzy and expensive hotels in the world.
14-15 November
United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s gleaming capital gives Dubai a run for its money in terms of extravagant excess, an ever-multiplying forest of skyscrapers looming over the golden sand and brilliant blue waters of the Gulf. Don’t miss the shining white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s biggest.
16 November
United Arab Emirates: Sir Bani Yas Island
The majority of Sir Bani Yas Island is given over to the Arabian Wildlife Park, established in 1971 by founder of the UAE and animal lover Sheikh Zayed. The park is home to a mixture of indigenous and introduced species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
17 November
Bahrain: Manama
Manama is the capital of Bahrain, a nation spread across an archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf. The city was an important centre for the pearl trade in the early 20th century, though in recent years it’s the oil industry that has powered the economy, embodied by the shimmering array of skyscrapers and shopping malls.
18-19 November
Qatar: Doha
Qatar's capital is a city on the up, with vast sums of money being poured into construction projects for the 2022 World Cup and cultural venues such as the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art. There are also plenty of more traditional attractions, such as the atmospheric souks and the lovely waterfront Corniche promenade.
20-21 November
United Arab Emirates: Dubai
Amazing high rise buildings, extensive air-conditioned shopping malls and extraordinary man-made tourist attractions (such as indoor ski-slopes) abound in the glamorous city of Dubai, home to some of the most glitzy and expensive hotels in the world.
22 November
United Arab Emirates: Fujairah
The port of Fujairah is an important transit point for the oil that has made the Emirates so rich, though the skyline is nothing like as impressive as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Points of interest include an impressive fort and a handful of markets, but this is unlikely to be the most exciting stop on your itinerary.
23 November
Oman: Muscat
Oman’s capital is low-rise and laid back, a far cry from the towering bling of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Take a stroll along the waterfront Corniche promenade, soak up the sun on one of the excellent beaches, or explore the mosques and forts of the atmospheric old quarter.
24-25 November
At sea
26 November
India: Mumbai
Formerly known as Bombay, this amazing city is larger than life and packed to bursting with things to see and do. Here people of all religions and nationalities live cheek by jowl, thriving communities from all over the world with the foods, smells, languages and rituals maintained at top volume.
27 November
India: Goa
28 November
India: Mangalore
Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, sits on the coast of Karnataka, sandwiched between Goa and Kerala. The port was an important hub for trade with Arabia and Persia, and was later colonised by both the Portuguese and the British, leaving a rich architectural legacy of mosques, temples and churches.
29 November
India: Kochi
The port of Kochi, commonly known as Cochin, occupies a strategic location on India’s Malabar Coast, and its history as a trading hub is reflected in the blend of European, Chinese and Arabian influences. It’s also the gateway to the idyllic Kerala Backwaters, which are best appreciated on a houseboat cruise.
30 November - 1 December
Sri Lanka: Colombo
Colombo may be a little chaotic, but there is plenty to recommend Sri Lanka's colourful capital. Faded colonial architecture and beautiful Buddhist temples hint at the city's considerable history, while the excellent restaurants, lively bars and characterful streets provide the perfect introduction to contemporary Sri Lankan culture.
2 December
Sri Lanka: Hambantota
Investment has poured into Hambantota since the city was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, and this is now one of South Asia’s biggest ports. Hambantota is a jumping off point for Yala National Park, famous for its leopards, and the less well known Bundala National Park, rich in birdlife including flamingos and storks.
3-4 December
At sea
5 December
Thailand: Phuket
As well as a plethora of luxury resorts, Phuket has a charming old town replete with pretty Sino-Portuguese architecture, and acts as a jump-off point for exploring nearby islands and coastline. Koh Phing Pan, better known as James Bond Island, and Ko Phi Phi are breathtakingly beautiful, as are the limestone formations that surround Krabi.
6 December
Malaysia: Penang
The Malaysian island of Penang is a fascinating blend of East and West, far more than just a beach destination. Lovely Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to British colonial architecture, crumbling Chinese shophouses and incense-perfumed temples.
7 December
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital is a hot and humid cultural melting pot, defined by its distinctive Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. The dazzling Petronas Towers are KL’s most recognisable landmark, while at street level you’ll find temples and mosques, elegant colonial buildings and bustling markets.
8 December
Singapore: Singapore
Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.
9-10 December
At sea
11 December
Indonesia: Semarang
The sweltering city of Semarang, on the north coast of Java, is an intriguing mish-mash of Chinese, Islamic and Dutch colonial influences. We recommend escaping the heat with a trip up into the mountains to visit a coffee plantation, or joining an excursion to the extraordinary temple complex at Borobudur.
12 December
Indonesia: Surabaya (Java)
Surabaya, situated on the northeast coast of Java, is Indonesia’s second largest city and the place where the country’s struggle for independence began. The warren-like Arab Quarter is worth exploring, though many visitors use the city as a base for visiting nearby Mount Bromo.
13-14 December
Indonesia: Benoa (Bali)
The beaches, spectacular volcanic scenery and lush green rice terraces lend Bali a natural beauty that seems to dovetail perfectly with the island’s distinct Hindu culture, which adorns the landscape with stunning temples.
15-17 December
At sea
18 December
Australia: Geraldton
The coastal town of Geraldton is the capital of Australia’s midwest, and offers ideal conditions for watersports including snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s also the gateway to the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, a beautiful chain of 122 islands and coral reefs bathed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
19-20 December
Australia: Fremantle (Perth)
The capital of Western Australia, Perth sits in glorious isolation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, where the Swan River meets the sea. Laid back and relaxed, this must be one of the most easy-going capital cities in the world, with everything within easy reach.
21 December
Australia: Busselton
Situated to the south of Perth on the west coast of Australia, the seaside town of Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River wine region. Situated on the sandy shores of Geographe Bay, the town is best known for its remarkable wooden jetty, which stretches over a mile out to sea.
22 December
Australia: Albany
The historic port of Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia, and the town still has plenty of photogenically faded colonial architecture. Albany sits on Princess Royal Harbour, one of the world’s best natural deep water harbours, and the surrounding coastline is spectacular.
23 December
Australia: Esperance
The town of Esperance is situated on one of Western Australia’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, surrounded by stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and scattered islands. Highlights include the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park and the Recherche Archipelago, home to the vivid pink Lake Hillier on Middle Island.
24-25 December
At sea
26-27 December
Australia: Adelaide
Residents of Adelaide still take pride in the fact that their city was freely settled rather than founded as a penal colony, and the city traditionally had a reputation as a stuffy and pious sort of place. Adelaide has moved on, however, and these days it’s a thriving cultural hub with a superb culinary scene.
28 December
Australia: Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest island, situated to the south west of Adelaide. It’s a rural and underdeveloped place, with an abundance of wildlife and some spectacular scenery, such as the weird, weather-sculpted boulders of Flinders Chase National Park.
29 December
At sea
30 December
Australia: Eden
The sleepy town of Eden, on the beautiful and unspoilt Sapphire Coast, was once an important whaling town. Nowadays the waters of Twofold Bay are a whale watching hotspot, and this is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales during their spring migration.
31 December - 2 January
Australia: Sydney
One or our favourite cities in the world, we love pretty much everything about Sydney. Offering outdoor living at its best, the city is known for the excellent beaches but offers so much more, including a thriving and varied food scene inspired by Asian and European flavours.
3 January
At sea
4 January
Arriving in Melbourne
Culturally sophisticated and fashionably hip, Melbourne combines edgy street art with gold rush era architecture while offering excellent restaurants and top museums. We love the upmarket beachside neighbourhood of St Kilda, an ideal base to explore the city, or you could spend a few days seeing Victoria's other attractions, such as the beautiful 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, or tasting the excellent wines of the Yarra Valley.
Don't miss
Go wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s best and most scenic wine regions.
Your home from home
Azamara Journey, Quest, Pursuit and Onward are excellent small ships that offer a welcoming and relaxed club-like atmosphere.
What we love
Azamara's fleet of small ships are focused on providing destination immersion by spending as much time in port as possible with itineraries designed to include overnight stays and late evening departures. Enjoy more time to discover the local culture and when back on board relax and enjoy a vibrant array of inclusions.
Capacity: | 696-702 Guests |
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Crew: | 408 International staff |
Style: | Relaxed club-like atmosphere |
Inclusions: |
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Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.
Where to stay in Melbourne
The Crown Towers – if it’s good enough for Heston, it’s good enough for you and us.
Excursions from Melbourne
See the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. At sunset they are particularly breathtaking.