29 Night Cruise sailing from Sydney to Dubai aboard Borealis.

Diverse Australian cities combine with picturesque Indonesian islands and a marvellous modern metropolis to create a tempting menu of destinations serving up an eclectic mix of highlights, from iconic landmarks and cultural delights to beautifully unspoilt landscapes and breathtaking beaches, which are sure to invigorate and inspire you throughout your holiday.

In the ‘Land Down Under’, your voyage kicks-off in the legendary city of Sydney. Simply settle in to life on board Borealis, or perhaps use your time to take in Sydney’s world-famous attractions. You could climb the Harbour Bridge and marvel at the instantly recognisable Opera House; or even visit Bondi Beach to revel in one of Australia’s most photographed scenes. After setting sail, it’s on to New South Wales and the historic city of Newcastle, before there’s a visit to Queensland, where Cairns will serve as gateways to the wonders of the state and beyond. You can tour to the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, which is also a starting point for exploring fauna-rich tropical rainforests and wetlands. Within the city, there are plenty of highlights – from museums and galleries, to cultural parks and botanical gardens – to take in too.

Continuing on to Asia, you’re set to be immersed in the fascinating contrasts of the continent. Connect with the tribal cultures of Alotau in Papua New Guinea, surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes; experience paradise amongst the beauty of Bali and Phuket; and even explore the natural habitat of the world’s largest lizards at Komodo Island. In between your Asian island adventures, there’s also an overnight stay in Singapore, a striking modern metropolis of soaring skyscrapers, bright lights, busy commercial districts and striking temples. Finally, you’re in for an incredible Indian exploration; at Kochi, you can see the famous Chinese cantilever fishing nets and the British Commonwealth’s oldest synagogue, or even opt for an overland tour to the iconic Taj Mahal, while Goa is a treat to savour. Explore Old Goa and the Latin Quarter or relax at postcard-perfect beaches, before continuing on to magnificent Mumbai for an enthralling mix of old and modern India. Take chances visit the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station, Dhobi Ghat – the world’s largest open-air laundry district – and more. You’re sure to spot busy Dabbawallas delivering lunches across the city as you explore.

Highlights of this cruise:

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.

Singapore, Singapore
Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, this dynamic city-state is the perfect cocktail of culture, cruising, arts and architecture. This global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population is passionately working towards its dream of a ‘City in a Garden’.

Getting around Singapore is a fairly rapid affair, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems. Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, and its multitude of Corinthian columns. The 19th century red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, allegedly houses one of Buddha's teeth.

The concrete that once dominated the city skyline is slowly being replaced by ‘green skyscrapers’, which look more like living ecosystems than office buildings. Visitors stepping out of the centre will find walking trails, treetop bridges, indigenous wildlife and the city's green jewel, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tantalizing selection of food sold from street markets is dotted around the city. Food is taken very seriously: from cheap street fare to Michelin-starred dining, Singaporean foodies will happily queue for it. Of course, for sheer elegance, nothing beats a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has always drawn visits from a variety of sea craft. Merchants of every race, colour and faith were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore’s population comprised of 48 races, speaking 54 languages. Malay is now the official language.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
To the south of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai uniquely blends traditional Arabia with the lure of an ultramodern city. The emirate is a relatively new tourist destination that has gained popularity through its luxury shopping and stunning architecture. It is a world of sharp contrasts: from the contemporary malls, hotels and theme parks to the historic culture of Dubai’s Shindagha and Bastakiya districts.Experience the soaring Burj Khalifa Tower, the world’s tallest building, visit the man-made Atlantis Palm Island or take a drive through the Arabian Desert, where the sand dunes display a spectacular sight at sunrise. The beaches stretch as far as the eye can see – the water sports on Kite Beach are a particular attraction – and limitless culinary delights await in award-winning Michelin star restaurants. The city is alive 24/7, and the nightlife is famously upbeat. Some tranquillity, however, can be found at the Al-Mamzar Park.Dynamic Dubai is constantly developing and evolving, including what can be picked up in the traditional Souks. From the usual spices and delicious local treats to more extravagant items including gold, silver, precious stones and perfumes, the atmospheric lanes of old Dubai are piled high with aromatic and glittering surprises.