49 Night Cruise sailing from Southampton to Sydney aboard Borealis.

Discover paradise islands, captivating cities and an abundance of simply unforgettable experiences as you sail halfway around the world via the Caribbean, the Americas and stunning Pacific archipelagos. Authentic cultures, amazing wildlife, iconic landmarks, out-of-this-world landscapes and beaches, and much more awaits. This is the holiday of a lifetime.

After setting sail from Southampton, you’ll revel in an unrivalled sense of escapism during six uninterrupted days of Atlantic Ocean cruising as you head for the Caribbean. When you finally make landfall in the Caribbean, you can discover the best of historic, pastel-hued Bermuda and sample the laidback life of the beautiful, beach-laden Bahamas. Continuing on to the USA, there’s two days on Florida’s coast to look forward to; sun-kissed beaches, streets, boulevards and promenades, cultural highlights and culinary delights, and even the Kennedy Space Station awaits. Heading to South and Central America next, a visit to the engrossing, fortified Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias is followed by another unforgettable cruise experience – a navigation of the astonishing Panama Canal. That’s before a visit to Costa Rica, where Golfito and Puerto Caldera serve as gateways to lush rainforests and nature reserves teeming with native flora and fauna, and the Mexican city of Manzanillo, a beach lovers paradise, with golden, sun-bathed sand stretches aplenty to choose from.

You’ll then experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the ‘Land Down Under’, stopping at a string of spectacular Pacific islands en route. Glorious Hawaii beckons, with three islands awaiting discovery. Take in iconic sights such as Oahu’s Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the emotive Pearl Harbour Memorial; immersive yourself in the culture and beauty of Maui; and marvel the volcanic gems of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. When your ship breaks the waters of the South Pacific, Paradise awaits you at a trio of idyllic destinations; Raiatea, Tahiti and Bora Bora boast spectacular volcanic landscapes and jungle-rich interiors to explore, and the beaches that frame each island are as unspoilt and postcard-perfect as your dreams have made you believe. You’ll then experience both sides of New Zealand, feeling the energy of bustling Auckland and absorbing the tranquillity of picturesque Picton and breathtaking waterways, before your unforgettable adventure ends in Sydney. Enjoy time to see Sydney’s world-famous attractions, including the instantly recognisable Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the revered Royal Botanic Garden; and even tour to Bondi Beach, to capture one of Australia’s most photographed scenes.

Highlights of this cruise:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
With its subtropical climate and beaches ready-made for hours of relaxation and sun worshipping; quaint, yet vibrant boulevards and districts; and close proximity to The Everglades, Fort Lauderdale provides a taste of Florida at its quintessential best.

Upon arrival at the port, you’ll find that you’re close to the highlights that make this particular part of America’s southeast coast so special and enticing. Just two miles north, the beautifully landscaped promenade, fronted by inviting stretches of gorgeous golden sands, awaits and makes the perfect place to take a stroll in the sunshine.

Away from the coast and into the city, the boulevards, streets, squares and historic districts offer an engrossing insight into the local arts, culture and way of life. The famous Las Olas Boulevard – boasting a plethora of shops, galleries, restaurants and museums – is an unmissable gem, while Millionaire’s Row is well worth a wander too, to gaze in awe (and jealousy, perhaps) at the multi-million-dollar mansions and yachts on show. Don’t miss the ‘red brick road’ walk along the river too; it’s a great way to see the sights of downtown.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
For those whose thoughts of Hawaii invoke dreams of paradise beaches and laidback life, Honolulu – with it’s skyscrapers, office blocks and commercial districts – may come as a bit of a surprise. The state’s cosmopolitan capital, Honolulu is at the very heart of Hawaii’s industry and commerce, and in some ways is typical of many U.S cities.

That is not to say that visitors should be disappointed by Honolulu though, far from it. This is Hawaii after all, and so this bustling city is of course situated amongst some of the most spectacular scenery you could ever wish to discover. Where the Pacific Ocean laps the shore, mile-upon-mile of warm, inviting sands – encompassing the world-famous Waikiki Beach – provide an escape from the hustle and bustle, while views of surrounding volcanic peaks such as Diamond Head and lush forested landscapes entice you into exploring magical Oahu Island further.

Within the city itself, there are plenty of authentically Hawaiian experiences to be had; you can wander through the fascinating Chinatown, following in the footsteps of 19th century whalers and immigrant traders, take in landmarks such as Aloha Tower and impressive Victorian-era buildings, and meet the locals at the world’s largest open-air shopping centre. You’ll find museums and galleries aplenty too, while the iconic Pearl Harbour Memorial is also within reach.

Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
The small South Pacific island of Bora Bora to the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a special kind of paradise. This popular resort destination is surrounded by sand-fringed motu (islets) and a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef. With incredible sandy beaches that stretch on forever, grand palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and turquoise waters filled with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish, many visitors find it hard to describe the magic that emanates from this island.

A haven for scuba divers, one of Bora Bora’s more unusual sites are the ‘bungalows’ perched over the water on stilts. Since water is a way of life here, popular lagoon excursions include snorkelling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing.

At the island's centre the extinct volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu tower over the whole island, the latter rising to a height of 727m.

Auckland, New Zealand
Founded in 1840 by British settlers on a Maori site, Auckland is a cosmopolitan city with a large Polynesian population. Situated within two large harbours, the City of Sails is a major city on New Zealand’s North Island.

The iconic Sky Tower underlines the city’s prosperity and self-confidence, and offers fabulous views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of millionaire yachts and lined with cafes and bars. Indeed, Auckland boasts more boats per head than any other city in the world.

The port is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, which are perfect for wild adventures. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Winter gardens. Dense rainforests, beautiful black-sand beaches and pretty bays add to the natural beauty of the place, and Mission Bay Beach, near the downtown area, has a wonderful seaside promenade.
Show less

With its glittering high-rise developments and a delightful pier-side area brimming with tempting shops and restaurants, this modern metropolis is a joy to explore.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is one of the world's most exciting, must-see modern cities. Home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House – two of the most iconic cityscapes on Earth – the capital of New South Wales has a visual wow factor that most other cities can only dream of.

Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline that surrounds it, Sydney is a timeless, cosmopolitan metropolis that is easy to fall in love with. The imposing Darling Harbour, plus the smaller Circular Quay Port are the hubs of waterside life, with the revered Royal Botanic Garden nearby. For the more adventurous, Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Compared with its Australian counterparts, Sydney is loud and brash. It has glamour and casualness in equal measure: there is a balance between the beach culture found on Bondi Beach and the fine dining and vibrant nightlife found in Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Museums and memorials abound and include The Australian Museum, which opened in 1857 with the purpose of displaying the natural wealth of the colony, and the modern Museum of Sydney, which details the city's development. The Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park is a public memorial dedicated to the achievement of Australia's armed forces in World War I.

The neoclassical Greek frontage of the NSW Art Gallery underlines the prominent and gregarious role art has in Sydney society. Major international exhibitions regularly arrive here and there's an outstanding permanent collection of indigenous art. And everything that’s best in contemporary Australian cuisine can be found at Circular Quay and The Rocks.

For those wanting to escape the city and go off the beaten path, the spectacular Blue Mountain or the Australian Bush offer spectacular sights and experiences. Sydney Harbour National Park protects large swathes of bushland, while Botany Bay’s history and connection to Britain is a big draw.