NT Australia Cruise from Darwin to Keelung — 18 Days

Darwin, Australia

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.

At Sea (At Sea)

Kai Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Banda Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Misool Island Indonesia, Indonesia

Misool is the southernmost of Raja Ampat’s four main islands, set among the reefs of Indonesia’s Southwest Papua province. Limestone towers rise above clear lagoons, while coral reefs shelter manta rays, turtles and abundant reef fish. Reaching Misool requires a boat journey, commonly aboard a liveaboard or via a remote resort. Bring time for diving or snorkeling: the island’s appeal lies beneath the surface as much as along its dramatic coastline.

At Sea (At Sea)

Raja Ampat Islands Indonesia, Indonesia

Raja Ampat rewards travellers who value wild places over polished resorts. This Indonesian archipelago lies off West Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, famed for exceptional marine life and clear, warm seas. Its four principal islands—Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool—anchor a maze of forested islets and limestone karsts. Snorkel above coral gardens, look for manta rays, or boat into sheltered lagoons. Here, nature sets the itinerary.

North Sulawesi Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

Bucas Grande Island Philippines (Scenic Stop)

Bohol Island Philippines, Philippines

Bohol offers striking landscapes, close-up wildlife and a relaxed coastal finish. From Tagbilaran, the Chocolate Hills rise in rounded formations across the island’s interior. At a responsible sanctuary, you may see the wide-eyed Philippine tarsier resting among the trees. A Loboc River cruise leads through lush scenery; Panglao adds white-sand beaches and clear water. For a change of pace, visit Baclayon Church, one of the Philippines’ oldest stone churches.

At Sea (At Sea)

Manila, Philippines

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.

At Sea (At Sea)

Batan Island Philippines (Scenic Stop)

Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien faces Taiwan’s broad Pacific coast, where a lively city meets steep green mountains. Its best-known excursion is Taroko Gorge, famed for marble cliffs, tunnels and the Liwu River. Earthquake recovery may affect access, so check current conditions before setting out. In town, browse local crafts at the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. Then sample Taiwanese street food at Dongdamen Night Market. Hualien rewards travelers who look beyond the shoreline.

Keelung, Taiwan

Keelung is Taiwan’s northern gateway, a busy harbor city with an easy rail connection to Taipei. Taipei’s museums, temples and shopping districts make a rewarding day ashore; Keelung offers local life closer to port. At Miaokou Night Market, sample seafood and Taiwanese snacks beneath the lantern signs. Heping Island Geopark offers wave-shaped rocks and broad coastal views.