68 nights · NSW Australia · Departs Sydney (Australia) · Visiting Newcastle NSW, Mooloolaba, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo Island Indonesia, Benoa, Celukan Bawang, Sandakan, Puerto Princesa, Busuanga Island Philippines, Manila, Hong Kong, Da Nang, Saigon, Laem Chabang, Koh Samui Island Thailand, Singapore, Klang, Hambantota, Colombo, Cochin, Male City, Port Louis, Saint-Denis, Tolagnaro, Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town · Aboard Azamara Cruises on the Azamara Onward
Image courtesy of Azamara Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Azamara Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Azamara Onward |
| Duration | 68 nights |
| Port calls | 31 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $32,819 per person |
| Year built | 1999 |
| Guests | 804 |
| Cabins | 352 |
| Crew | 373 |
| Length | 181 m |
| Beam | 25 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
From the water, Sydney’s harbour frames the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and ferries crossing between historic quays. Beyond the waterfront, central Sydney pairs nineteenth-century buildings with contemporary architecture and leafy streets. Walk the Royal Botanic Garden for harbour views, or take a ferry to Manly for a coastal perspective. Allow time to explore The Rocks, where the city’s colonial beginnings meet galleries, cafés and a lively weekend market.
Newcastle is a working harbour city with surf beaches, sandstone heritage and a confident food scene. Begin in the East End, where Fort Scratchley overlooks the Pacific and recalls the city’s military past. Follow the Bathers Way, a coastal walk linking beaches, ocean baths and dramatic headlands. At the table, look for fresh seafood and Hunter Valley wines, produced in the region west of the city.
Set on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba pairs a broad, patrolled beach with a working marina and an easygoing seaside centre. Walk the Esplanade for cafés, boutiques and views across the water, or follow the coastal path towards Alexandra Headland. Mooloolaba prawns are a local speciality, best enjoyed overlooking the marina. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast offers a look at the region’s marine life. Beyond the shore, the hinterland rewards a longer excursion with villages and the Glass House Mountains.
Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, on Queensland’s Coral Sea coast. Boats leave its marina for island beaches, reef snorkelling and sailing, on day trips or overnight cruises. The foreshore lagoon offers a saltwater swim and bay views; cafés and shops line the town centre. Conway National Park’s rainforest trails provide a quieter inland counterpoint.
Cairns puts two World Heritage landscapes within reach: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. Boats leave the marina for coral reefs and islands. Inland, the scenic railway and Skyrail connect Cairns with Kuranda, a mountain village above the rainforest. The Esplanade’s waterfront lagoon offers a refreshing pause in the tropical city. Allow time for Cairns itself: its markets, cafés and relaxed waterfront reward a slower pace between excursions.
Darwin is Australia’s northern gateway, where the Timor Sea meets a city shaped by tropical heat and Asian influence. Its compact waterfront puts the harbour within easy reach. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers insight into Indigenous cultures and the region’s wartime past. Beyond town, Kakadu’s wetlands and Litchfield’s waterfalls reward a longer stay. Visit in the dry season for easier travel and clear, warm days.
Komodo is a rare landfall where the world’s largest lizard still lives in the wild. The island lies within Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape of dry hills, clear bays and coral-rich waters. Ranger-guided walks offer a chance to see the dragons, while boat trips reach quiet coves and rewarding snorkeling. Expect heat and uneven trails; the island rewards those who explore at an unhurried pace.
Benoa is Bali’s principal cruise gateway, set on the island’s sheltered southeast coast. From the pier, Bali’s contrasts are close at hand: Nusa Dua’s resorts and Sanur’s seafront. Denpasar offers markets, museums, and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort belt. Allow time for traffic; journeys inland can take longer than the map suggests. For a deeper excursion, Ubud pairs galleries and rice terraces with a lively arts scene.
Celukan Bawang opens onto Bali’s quieter north coast, far from the island’s crowded southern resorts. From this working harbour, journeys lead east to Singaraja, Bali’s former colonial capital, and the Lovina coast. The route reveals rice fields, volcanic foothills and villages where daily life still sets the pace. Visit the island’s largest Buddhist monastery at Banjar, or pause at nearby hot springs beneath tropical greenery.
On Sabah’s northeast coast, Sandakan offers a compelling introduction to Malaysian Borneo. Visit Sepilok, where rescued orangutans are rehabilitated, and the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. At the Rainforest Discovery Centre, elevated walkways bring you close to the forest canopy. Back in town, explore the central market and waterfront. Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates prisoners of war held here during World War II.
Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s unhurried capital, where a working waterfront and forested hills meet the Sulu Sea. Use the city as a launch point for Honda Bay’s islands. The UNESCO-listed Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park lies near Sabang, reached by road from town. Back in the centre, discover local museums, cafés and seafood restaurants, then stroll the Baywalk beside the water.
Busuanga, the largest island in the Calamian archipelago, pairs fishing villages with a dramatic limestone coast. Most visitors arrive through Coron town, then cross by boat to Coron Island’s lagoons and sheltered beaches. Nearby waters hold Japanese shipwrecks, drawing divers to bays rich in marine life. On land, hot springs and the Calauit wildlife sanctuary offer a change of pace from island-hopping.
Manila asks you to look beyond its traffic and modern skyline. Inside Intramuros, Spanish-era walls enclose stone churches, leafy courtyards and Fort Santiago, where Philippine history feels close at hand. Nearby, the National Museum complex displays Filipino art and heritage. Make time for a meal of adobo or fresh seafood, then watch sunset over Manila Bay. This is a port best explored with a clear plan—and room for discovery.
Hong Kong is best approached from the water, where the Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour beneath a skyline of towers. Ride the Peak Tram for sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding islands. In Central, colonial landmarks stand beside glass towers; across the harbour, Kowloon’s markets and temples offer a different pace. Cantonese kitchens range from dim sum teahouses to polished dining rooms. Leave time for the harbour after dark, when the city’s lights come into focus.
Da Nang is Vietnam’s most appealing blend of city energy, broad beaches and easy access to remarkable heritage. The Museum of Cham Sculpture offers an exceptional introduction to the ancient kingdom of Champa. The Marble Mountains rise above the coast; Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town is about 30 kilometres south. Choose a beach day, a museum visit or an outing into central Vietnam’s layered past.
Ho Chi Minh City rewards curious travellers with a vivid collision of old Saigon and modern Vietnam. French-colonial landmarks, busy markets and motorbike-filled streets make the centre a study in contrasts. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering account of the conflict, while local cafés invite a slower pause. For a deeper look at Vietnam’s wartime history, the Cu Chi tunnels make a memorable excursion beyond the city.
Bangkok makes its first impression in motion: river boats, temple roofs and traffic threading between modern towers. At the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and ceremonial halls reveal the city’s royal heritage. Nearby, Wat Pho holds the famous Reclining Buddha; a Chao Phraya boat ride offers a quieter view of old neighborhoods. Come hungry: markets and street kitchens serve fragrant curries, grilled seafood and mango with sticky rice. Allow time for heat and distance; Bangkok rewards an unhurried visit.
Ko Samui rewards those who look beyond its beach resorts. Thailand’s Gulf island pairs coconut groves and fishing villages with polished dining and quiet coves. From Nathon, explore the island’s temples, including the gold-toned Big Buddha, or follow the coast to Chaweng and Lamai. Boat trips reach Ang Thong Marine Park, where limestone islands rise above clear water. Choose a driver for the day; distances and heat make leisurely exploration easier.
Singapore rewards the curious with a rare mix of order, energy and invention. Within a short ride of the waterfront, explore Chinatown’s shophouses, Little India’s temples and Kampong Glam’s Malay heritage. Follow pepper crab and satay aromas into a hawker centre, where local cooks make a persuasive case for lunch. For a quieter hour, Gardens by the Bay pairs dramatic Supertrees with cool conservatories and views across Marina Bay.
Port Klang is Malaysia’s busiest seaport and the practical gateway to Kuala Lumpur, about 40 kilometres inland. Stay nearby to explore Klang’s royal history and lively Little India. Follow the scent of bak kut teh, the peppery pork-and-herb soup that made the town famous. Or head to Kuala Lumpur for grand mosques, markets and city views; allow extra time for traffic.
Hambantota sits on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, where lagoons, salt pans and open plains shape the landscape. From the port, wildlife reserves and quiet stretches of shoreline invite exploration inland. Yala National Park, known for leopards and elephants, is within reach, while Bundala protects wetlands rich in birdlife. In town, visit the Martello Tower and discover a working southern region beyond Sri Lanka’s better-known hill country.
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, set between the Indian Ocean and the Kelani River. Its streets move from colonial facades and Buddhist temples to modern cafés, markets, and leafy residential avenues. Visit Gangaramaya Temple, browse the Pettah bazaar, or follow the Galle Face promenade at sunset. Colombo rewards curiosity, but traffic matters; choose a few neighborhoods for your day.
Kochi rewards curious travellers with a rare blend of living history and coastal life. Its harbour has drawn traders for centuries, leaving Portuguese, Dutch and British traces across Fort Kochi. Watch Chinese fishing nets rise against the Arabian Sea, then explore Mattancherry Palace and its celebrated murals. Nearby Jew Town offers spice shops and the Paradesi Synagogue, dating to 1568. Allow time for a ferry ride: water remains the most revealing way to understand this working port.
Malé puts the Maldives’ everyday life within walking distance. In this crowded island capital, prayer calls rise above motorbikes, cafés and the working waterfront. Visit the Old Friday Mosque, built from coral stone, then browse the fish market and National Museum. Sultan Park offers a brief pause in the city’s busy rhythm. Beyond the harbour, ferries and speedboats connect visitors with the atoll’s resort islands and clear lagoons.
Port Louis brings Mauritius into focus: a working harbour, a lively market and green volcanic peaks behind the city. Start at Central Market, where vendors sell tropical fruit, spices and street food. Nearby, the Blue Penny Museum traces the island’s maritime and postal history. Fort Adelaide rewards the climb with broad harbour views. Allow time for the waterfront’s restaurants and shops; this is a port best explored on foot.
Saint-Denis is Réunion’s compact, French-speaking capital, set between the Indian Ocean and the island’s steep volcanic interior. Walk Rue de Paris past Creole mansions to Jardin de l’État, then visit the nearby museums. At the Petit Marché, island produce and spices fill the stalls; the Grand Marché showcases local crafts. Come ashore for architecture and local life, then look inland: Réunion’s dramatic mountain landscapes begin just beyond town.
Tolagnaro, also called Fort Dauphin, sits between the Indian Ocean and the green slopes of southeastern Madagascar. Its history reaches back to an early French settlement, while its working harbor keeps the town connected to the sea. Visit nearby Nahampoana Reserve for lemurs and rainforest, or explore beaches backed by rugged hills. Allow time for the town itself, where harbor, market, and Malagasy life offer a quieter view of the country.
Richards Bay is less a postcard harbour than a practical gateway to KwaZulu-Natal’s wild north. Beyond its busy industrial waterfront, the Indian Ocean coast opens to long beaches, lagoons and bird-rich wetlands. From here, excursions reach iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the game reserves of Zululand. Choose a safari for rhino and elephant, or head to St Lucia for boat trips among hippos and crocodiles. Richards Bay rewards travellers who look beyond the port gates.
Durban meets the Indian Ocean on South Africa’s east coast, with long beaches and cosmopolitan energy. Along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade offers a bracing walk and views of Moses Mabhida Stadium. Try bunny chow, the city’s celebrated curry-filled bread, then browse spices and crafts at Victoria Street Market. Durban’s Zulu heritage and Indian influence give the city a character—and a cuisine—well worth exploring.
Port Elizabeth, now officially Gqeberha, faces Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. See the city’s maritime past at Donkin Reserve, then follow Route 67’s public art and heritage landmarks. Long beaches invite a coastal walk, while Addo Elephant National Park is within easy driving distance. Choose a wildlife excursion or time beside the water; both offer a rewarding introduction to this coastal city.
Few ports make a first impression like Cape Town, where Table Mountain rises above a working harbor and the Atlantic. From the waterfront, you can reach the city’s museums, gardens and historic quarters within minutes. Ride the cableway to the summit, or follow the coast toward the Cape Peninsula’s beaches and vineyards. Look beyond the views: Cape Town’s layered history and lively food scene reward a slower visit.
Published September 21, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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