P&O Arcadia 52 Night Brisbane – Southampton Cruise 22nd February 2023

Day 1: Brisbane

Embark your ship P&O Arcadia

Sophisticated city galleries and rooftop bars, desolate subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards: the greater Brisbane region deals in Queensland’s most gasp-inducing contrasts. Star of the show is Brisbane itself, a lush, sultry metropolis with flourishing restaurant, bar and cultural scenes that attest to its coming of age. Lapping at the city’s eastern fringe is Moreton Bay, home to low-lying sandy isles that beckon with their turquoise waves, sparkling forests and passing parade of whales, turtles and dolphins.

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Airlie Beach

Atop on a lush peninsula at Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach is a popular starting point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Swim in the man-made lagoon, visit one of the many local pubs or restaurants or for those looking for a little more adventure, try the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.

Day 4: Cairns

The Cairns Esplanade is bordered by the city centre and the Coral Sea and covers 12 hectares of public open space. The jewel in the crown is the 4800-square-metre saltwater lagoon pool with sandy edges and shallow areas for the youngsters. The precinct also includes cafes, restaurants and bars, a huge skate park. Visit Daintree National Park or head to the Kuranda Scenic Railway before enjoying an evening of magical dreamtime by the fireside at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Centre, and don’t forget the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 5: At Sea

Day 6: Kiriwina Island

Day 7: Rabaul

Despite the volcanic ash from the 1994 eruption still almost entirely covering Rabaul in deep black ash,there are still beautiful sights to see such as the botanical gardens and the city’s wartime history has left much to explore on the island, such as the Japanese tunnels and bunkers. Go diving and discover the remains of sunken Japanese battleships as well as amazing coral and sea-life.

Day 8: At Sea

Day 9: At Sea

Day 10: At Sea

Day 11: At Sea

Day 12: At Sea

Day 13: Kagoshima

Capital of Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Kagoshima faces the Kinko-wan Bay and the Sakurajima Volcano. Visit the Iso-teien Garden laid out in 1660 by the Shimazu lord of the time or one of the city’s many museums, including the Shōkō Shuseikan, next to the Iso Garden, the City Art Museum or the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Culture on the site of the former Tsurumaru-jo Castle.

Day 14: Nagasaki

The beautiful city of Nagasaki is, set on a plain between the harbour and a backdrop of stunning mountains. Nagasaki has one of Japan’s most complex histories due to the influences of the Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese; all of which can be seen around this vibrant, bustling city. The Atomic Bomb Museum gives you an insight into the devastation of the war and the resilience of the people of Nagasaki. Glover Gardens is an outside museum set in at the base of the beautiful hillside and offers a day of relaxation and discovering  more of the history of this amazing city.

Day 15: At Sea

Day 16: At Sea

Day 17: Hong Kong

Hong Kong. mix of feng shui and finance, trams and temples still make it one of the most fascinating – and safest – cities in the world. Be sure to eat some of the best food you will ever taste, you’ll be dazzled by the stunning harbour and you’ll feel energized by a combination of the urban, the rural and the maritime. Hong Kong is where China and Britain have moulded and created something very unique. It’s a joy to explore every corner.

Day 18: Hong Kong

Day 19: At Sea

Day 20: Chan May

Chan May is situated between the historic towns of Hue City and Hoi An. Visit the Citadel where the emperor once lived in Hue City, or wander the shops, art galleries and cafés of Hoi An as you marvel at its ancient buildings. Both offer plenty of temples, museums and galleries as well as diverse local cuisine.

Day 21: At Sea

Day 22: At Sea

Day 23: Singapore

Singapore to see the real Singapore, veer off the beaten path to Tiong Bahru. Start with local breakfast of mee pok (flat egg noodles) at Hua Bee a 70-year-old stall. Then, on to Tiong Bahru market to see how Singaporeans do their morning grocery shopping. Break for coffee at 40 Hands, pop into the hipster bookstore, “Books Actually”, and if feeling a little peckish, head back to the market for wallet-friendly hawker fare. If you’re in this area in the evening and want to splash on a good meal, head back to Hua Bee. By night, the coffee shop morphs into Bincho, a modern yakitori joint.

Day 24: Singapore

Day 25: Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)

Port Klang. is 45km from Kuala Lumpur, and officially a 90min trip by road. So, this is one occasion you would be well advised to book on board for your shore trip. The fishing village of Port Klang is a short boat ride out of Klang. This fishing village will provide an interesting look into the life of a Malaysian fisherman. Most of the fish caught by these individuals are sold locally in markets. The fishermen use traditional methods that have been used for thousands of years, relying on nets and arm strength to catch fish. Of course, you can also grab some fresh fish here for a tasty meal.

Day 26: Langkawi

Magnificent beaches, mystical folklore and jungle-covered hills make Langkawi one of Malaysia’s most popular tropical destinations. Pulau Langkawi is the largest island and is home to Kuah, the main town which is great for a spot of duty-free shopping and nearby you can make your way to Mahsuri’s Mausoleum – a shine erected in honour of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery.

 Day 27: At Sea

Day 28: At Sea

Day 29: Colombo

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most visitors. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a beautiful and popular beach.  Tale a trip to explore the Talangama Wetland or explore the temples of the Sinhalese Kingdom or take a guided tour to an Elephant orphanage. Alternatively, if shopping is your thing take look at the Pettah Bazaar where you can buy almost anything and everything!

Day 30: At Sea

Day 31: At Sea

Day 32: Mumbai

The Gateway of India is one of India’s most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbour, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. Then make your way to Crawford’s Market where Rudyard Kipling’s childhood home is located. Bargain hunters should not miss the famous Chor Bazaar.

Day 33: At Sea

Day 34: At Sea

Day 35: Dubai

For all Dubai’s futuristic appeal and abundance of western entertainments – a sleek metro that zips through the sky like something out of Blade Runner, sumptuous shopping malls, an indoor ski park, and countless bars – there is just as much fun to be had in the simple pleasures of “the Orient”: haggling for gold and frankincense in the bustling souqs, savouring the sunset from the back of a camel, inhaling from a fragrant sheesha pipe on the fairly-lit deck of an old wooden dhow.

Day 36: Dubai

Day 37: Muscat

Muscat is one of the Middle East’s oldest cities and is filled with fascinating history, charm and natural beauty. Wandering through Muscat you can enjoy rare glimpses of the rich and opulent cultural heritage of the land. Tourists who come from all over the world, Muscat holds a special charm with its grand forts, parks and museums all of which help one to understand the history of Oman.

Day 38: At Sea

Day 39: At Sea

Day 40: At sea

Day 41: At Sea

Day 42: At Sea

Day 43: Port Suez

Port Suez is in north-eastern Egypt. Historically, Suez has been a pathway for Muslim pilgrims travelling to and from Mecca. The Suez Canal opened in 1896 and in 1956 drew the world’s attention following the Suez Crisis. Travel west from the port to Cairo, gateway to The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza.

Day 44: Limassol

The city of Limassol has some fascinating ancient ruins to explore. Governor’s Beach has a view of the beautiful white stone coast to the west, and there are several beach-side fish restaurants to be found. There are festivals throughout the year and many of the taverns host traditional live music.

Day 45: Haifa

The city is lined with sandy beaches, crystal waters and is overlooked by the stunning Mount Carmel. A city of six faiths living side by side with each other and offers visitors a different face of Israel. Visit the beautiful Baha’I Gardens. At the base of the garden is the German Templar Colony, where you can see 19th century mansions, shops and restaurants all leading down to the water side.

Day 46: At Sea

Day 47: At Sea

day 48: At Sea

Day 49: At Sea

Day 50: Cadiz

Cadiz. Positioned on a narrow spit of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Cadiz has been the home of the Spanish navy since the 18^th century. Founded 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians, Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. The beautiful Gothic Cathedral of La Giralda can be found in the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz which is renowned for its array of whitewashed house and scented Bougainvillea which seems to grow everywhere. In the new town can be found the ultra-modern “City of Arts and Sciences” which is certainly worth a visit.

Day 50: At Sea

Day 51: At Sea

Day 52: At Sea

Day 53: Southampton

Disembark your ship – P&O Arcadia