Southern Lights Sojourn Cruise

Itinerary and Ports    Show / Hide Port Details

DAY	DATE	PORT OF CALL	ARRIVAL	DEPARTURE
1	Tue 1 Dec 2020	Sydney, Australia	Embark	6:00 PM
Cruise ships berthed at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes’ walk. The White Bay Cruise Terminal for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge docks two cruise ships. White Bay is 30 minutes’ drive by taxi or shuttle bus from the CBD and Central Station, or take a ferry from Circular Quay (am) or Darling Harbour (pm) on cruise days. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base. more info
2	Wed 2 Dec 2020	At Sea
3	Thu 3 Dec 2020	Brisbane, Australia	8:00 AM	10:00 PM
Approaching Brisbane River via beautiful Moreton Bay is a scenic delight. The most commonly used Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal is 14 km up-river and 6 km from the CBD, but only accessible to ships that clear the twin Gateway Bridges and less than 270m in length. Regular users of this terminal are P&O Australia and Princess vessels. They sail to the South Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and PNG. Larger cruise ships berth at the commercial Port of Brisbane (Fisherman Island) at the river mouth, 25 km from the CBD. Smaller ships also berth here when Portside is fully booked. The new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal on the north side of the river mouth will open October 2020. It will berth the world's largest cruise ships. more info
4	Fri 4 Dec 2020	Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, Australia	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Mooloolaba is a tourist resort township on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia. It is located 97 km N of the state capital Brisbane and is part of the Maroochydore urban centre. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly people and endless scenic beauty make it a hugely popular destination. The world famous Mooloolaba Beach offers perfect views over the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, as well as having some of the Sunshine Coast's best dining, shopping and scenic tours, and a range of golf courses. It also offers great year-round weather. more info
5	Sat 5 Dec 2020	At Sea
6	Sun 6 Dec 2020	Airlie Beach, Australia	7:00 AM	2:00 PM
Airlie Beach is a coastal town in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia. It is a major hub for daytrips to the Whitsunday islands, on the world famous Great Barrier Reef. So visit the islands. Hayman and North Molle are visible from Airlie and if you make it down to Shute Harbour then Daydream, South Molle and Long Islands are just 15 minutes away by ferry. Airlie Beach township itself is a delightful tourist destination. As the sea is inhabited by marine stingers from November to May, the town has its own artificial lagoon, 200m by 50m, with a bridge and delightful surrounds. Life guards oversee the lagoon day and night. more info
7	Mon 7 Dec 2020	Cairns, Australia	10:00 AM	9:00 PM
Cairns, located on the warm waters of Trinity Bay, 400km south of the northernmost tip of Queensland, is the gateway to the Tropical North. The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal (a $120M upgrade opens early 2020, for ships to 300m) is a few minutes’ walk from the heart of town. Nearby are the Great Barrier Reef (90 min. by boat) and the Daintree National Park. The city itself has several theme parks that offer an overview of its natural surroundings. These include: Rainforestation Nature Park, Tjaipukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This is a gondola cableway over the rainforest canopy, between Cairns and Kuranda, offering unsurpassed views of ravines and waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. more info
8	Tue 8 Dec 2020	At Sea
9	Wed 9 Dec 2020	Milne Bay (Alotau), Papua New Guinea	8:00 AM	4:00 PM
Milne Bay is home to almost five hundred islands, ranging from typical tropical islands and atolls through to huge volcanic and continental islands. It is situated at the easternmost inlet on the coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, and gives good access to coral reefs and diving. With no roads connecting it to the rest of the world, it truly is a quiet piece of paradise. It has some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world, and is fast becoming an established mecca for divers, as well as a destination for game and sports fishermen. Alternatively, one can hire a boat and explore the nearby islands, or take a local cultural cruise. more info
10	Thu 10 Dec 2020	Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea	10:00 AM	4:00 PM
Port Moresby, situated on the Gulf of Papua on the SE coast of New Guinea island, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. The Port lies on the underside of the Bird’s Tail Peninsula with Australia’s northernmost tip 500 km to the WSW. Before colonisation the local Motuan people traded their pots for food (sago) in large scale canoe expeditions to the west. Their language was the basis for an official language Hiri Motu, the other being English. Colonisation in the late 19th C ended in 1975. The city of over 400,000 is an administrative and business hub. more info
11	Fri 11 Dec 2020	At Sea
12	Sat 12 Dec 2020	At Sea
13	Sun 13 Dec 2020	Darwin, Australia	11:00 AM	5:00 PM
The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. A score of cruise ship lines include Darwin in their itineraries for Australia, Indonesia, South-East Asia and World Cruises. The harbour, seven times the area of Sydney Harbour, and bounded by mangrove forest, offers great fishing, sunken ships, and sea life. more info
14	Mon 14 Dec 2020	At Sea
15	Tue 15 Dec 2020	Komodo Island, Indonesia	1:00 PM	7:00 PM
Komodo Island may be closed to visitors throughout 2020, following which numbers may be limited to 5000 annually. The decision will be made in mid 2019. Komodo Island lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east. It makes up part of the Komodo National Park that consists of generally young, oceanic volcanic islands that are constantly rising, eroding and subsiding in the sea. While the park is mostly a diving destination, with visitors from around the world, another attraction here is its incredible nature. So go trekking the Island’s hills and the Kelimutu Volcano, explore the Python cave, or enjoy snorkelling on a day trip cruise. more info
16	Wed 16 Dec 2020	Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia	2:30 PM	Overnight
Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Activities on offer include white water rafting, jungle trekking, river kayaking, mountain cycling and scuba diving. Visit the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge where you can feed and ride an elephant through the tropical jungle. An ideal place for families is the Circus Waterpark Bali with its exciting rides. more info
17	Thu 17 Dec 2020	Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia	Overnight	5:00 PM
Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Activities on offer include white water rafting, jungle trekking, river kayaking, mountain cycling and scuba diving. Visit the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge where you can feed and ride an elephant through the tropical jungle. An ideal place for families is the Circus Waterpark Bali with its exciting rides. more info
18	Fri 18 Dec 2020	At Sea
19	Sat 19 Dec 2020	At Sea
20	Sun 20 Dec 2020	Exmouth, Australia	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Exmouth is a small resort town situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 1100km north of Perth in Western Australia. The location was a WWII military base, and the town was established in 1967 to support the nearby US Naval Communication Station. Some structures are still used by the Australian navy. The town lies on the eastern shore of North West Cape, facing Exmouth Gulf. Exmouth Gulf Station is a 923 sq.km. pastoral sheep lease that also lies on the eastern side of the Cape. Within its area the first significant oil strike in Australia was made in 1953, 54km south of Exmouth at Rough Range. more info
21	Mon 21 Dec 2020	At Sea
22	Tue 22 Dec 2020	Geraldton, Australia	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Geraldton, located about 450 km north of Perth, boasts a beautiful coastline overlooking the Indian Ocean and rolling hills and breakaway ranges inland. The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, year-round sunny climate, combined with the friendly feel of a modern country town, makes for an enjoyable visit. A highlight is to take a tour on a small plane to the spectacular Abrolhos Islands and even Monkey Mia. Just 30 km north of the city tour the beautifully restored Oakabella Homestead built in 1860, with its lovely collection of antiques and olden day treasures that provide a very clear insight into its history. more info
23	Wed 23 Dec 2020	Fremantle, Australia	9:00 AM	8:00 PM
All cruise ships berth at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal on Victoria Quay, in the heart of Fremantle’s bustling commercial port. Fremantle is a day-out destination with historic buildings, eateries, tourist attractions and ferries up the Swan River to the City, and off-shore to Rottnest Island. Cars can set-down passengers and find long-term parking nearby. The distance to Perth’s CBD is 30 minutes, and to the airport 40 minutes. Trains, buses and taxis are all handy. In addition to the regular round-the-world cruise vessels, a number of cruise ships are homebased in Fremantle, meaning they have a complete passenger transfer when they call. more info
24	Thu 24 Dec 2020	Margaret River, Australia	7:00 AM	3:00 PM
Margaret River is a town in the SW of Western Australia, located in the valley of the Margaret River, 277 km south of Perth, the state capital. It is located 9 km inland from the Indian Ocean. An exciting dimension to the Margaret River cruises, passengers come ashore at Busselton, which has at 1.8km the world’s longest jetty. Also of interest is that with only 55 sq.km. under vine production, the region produces just three percent of total Australian grape production, but commands over 20 percent of the Australian premium wine market. Visitors can enjoy 40 tastings of Margaret River wines and boutique beers, along with local gourmet food. more info
25	Fri 25 Dec 2020	At Sea
26	Sat 26 Dec 2020	At Sea
27	Sun 27 Dec 2020	Port Lincoln, Australia	12:00 PM	6:00 PM
Port Lincoln is a city of 16,000 situated on Boston Bay which opens into Spencer Gulf, at the southern extremity of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It lies 270 km due west of the State capital Adelaide. The waters are fished for southern bluefin tuna and sardines, and are home to Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleet. Aquaculture is a thriving industry, and large quantities raised in tuna ranches supply the Japanese market. The city claims to be the "Seafood Capital of Australia," It is reputed to have the most millionaires per capita in Australia. The port also has large grain-handling facilities. more info
28	Mon 28 Dec 2020	Adelaide, Australia	9:00 AM	11:00 PM
The Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal is 22 km from Adelaide city centre. Access is via a vehicle drop-off zone, or a 200 m walk to Outer Harbour railway station. Park cars nearby, but note there is no long-term parking. Adelaide is an architecturally-planned city, set beside the River Torrens between the Adelaide Hills and Gulf St Vincent. The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide offers the convenience of a big city without the frustrations. The 1920s Adelaide Railway Station is an attractive casino, and an historic tram takes visitors out to Glenelg beach with its own special ambience. Hahndorf, home to some delightful craft shops, is the oldest German community in Australia. It reflects the early architecture of the community. more info
29	Tue 29 Dec 2020	Kangaroo Island, Australia	7:00 AM	4:00 PM
Cruise ships anchor off the town of Penneshaw and tender to the jetty. Kangaroo Island, named by Matthew Flinders in 1802, is Australia's third largest island. Situated 112 km SW of Adelaide, it is a pristine untamed wilderness where the koalas aren't being cuddled, they're relaxing at home in native trees. The seals aren't performing, they're lazing beside you on the beach. With more than one third of the island being National or Conservation Parks, see echidnas, platypuses, goannas, wallabies and kangaroos. There’s a magnificent coastline, with surf-pounded cliffs, dense forest, towering sand dunes, wetlands and massive becalmed coves of bone white beach. Visit the historical Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum, once a school. more info
30	Wed 30 Dec 2020	Portland, Australia	10:00 AM	7:00 PM
The thriving city of Portland is steeped in history, and as Victoria's birthplace it also boasts the State's oldest European settlement. With a population of approximately 10,000, the city is based around the picturesque Portland Bay, which features one of the deepest international ports in southern Australia. Visit the Maritime Discovery Centre for an insight into Portland's long seafaring history and get back to nature in this thriving city by the sea. Wander streets and dine on great pub fare while overlooking the harbour. Then head out into the blue to catch the perfect wave or a tuna or two. more info
31	Thu 31 Dec 2020	Melbourne, Australia	10:00 AM	Overnight
Cruise ships dock 4 km from the Melbourne CBD at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, in Port Phillip Bay. Trams commute to the city centre, and a regular coach service links the railway station with Tullamarine Airport (with long-term parking). Station Pier is also the terminal for Spirit of Tasmania, a passenger-vehicular vessel that crosses Bass Strait to Tasmania. The Pier is closed to the general public during cruise ship visits. There is limited short-term parking at Waterfront Place nearby. Smaller (and occasional larger) cruise ships also dock SW of the city at Geelong (75 km) and SE of the city at Phillip Island (78 km). more info
32	Fri 1 Jan 2021	Melbourne, Australia	Overnight	11:00 PM
Cruise ships dock 4 km from the Melbourne CBD at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, in Port Phillip Bay. Trams commute to the city centre, and a regular coach service links the railway station with Tullamarine Airport (with long-term parking). Station Pier is also the terminal for Spirit of Tasmania, a passenger-vehicular vessel that crosses Bass Strait to Tasmania. The Pier is closed to the general public during cruise ship visits. There is limited short-term parking at Waterfront Place nearby. Smaller (and occasional larger) cruise ships also dock SW of the city at Geelong (75 km) and SE of the city at Phillip Island (78 km). more info
33	Sat 2 Jan 2021	Phillip Island, Australia	8:00 AM	11:00 PM
Phillip Island is approximately 140 km SE of Melbourne, joined to the mainland by bridge, and is the home of the world famous Penguin Parade that can be viewed each evening at dusk when the fairy penguins stroll up the beach to their burrows. There's a great range of activities to enjoy that include surfing, snorkelling, and swimming in summer, kayaking, jet skiing, aqua biking and yachting. Add to this: bush walking on the many tracks and enjoying the many parks; bird watching; pelican feeding; and don’t miss out of visiting some of the wineries. But Phillip Island is synonymous with the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix held annually in October. more info
34	Sun 3 Jan 2021	Burnie, Australia	11:00 AM	8:00 PM
Burnie, on the NW coast of Tasmania, is a regional city best known for its busy container port and major industries. It is becoming famous for the wealth of unexpected places for visitors to explore. The central business district provides a thoroughfare to the beach-side board-walk, while Burnie Park with its historic tearoom the 'Burnie Inn', a wildlife sanctuary and a walking track to Oldaker Falls, are close to the city centre. Just a few minutes’ drive away you can view wild platypuses along the banks of the Emu River, then head to the Lactose Cheese Tasting centre and enjoy the region's famous cheeses, specialty products, and the best Tasmanian wines. more info
35	Mon 4 Jan 2021	At Sea
36	Tue 5 Jan 2021	Sydney, Australia	7:00 AM	Disembark
Cruise ships berthed at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes’ walk. The White Bay Cruise Terminal for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge docks two cruise ships. White Bay is 30 minutes’ drive by taxi or shuttle bus from the CBD and Central Station, or take a ferry from Circular Quay (am) or Darling Harbour (pm) on cruise days. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base. more info

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Get away on the Regatta experiencing 35 relaxing nights on the Southern Lights Sojourn Cruise exploring Asia. The voyage starts out from Sydney and visits 21 ports in 3 countries before returning to Sydney. Your 4 star cruise from Oceania Cruises has 1 more forward departures. We have a limited number of cabins available from $354 per person/day, twin share. So call now and get expert, friendly advice.

Regatta Overview

After Regatta’s cruises around French Polynesia, by May 2020 she is back sailing the Alaskan fjords out of Vancouver and Seattle. Some voyages visit Anchorage. During October Regatta crosses the North Pacific to Japan, and winds her way south to Sydney by late November. Through December 2020 a 35-night curated journey circumnavigates Australia, and include ports in PNG and Indonesia. Regatta again arrives in Sydney in December 2020, to circumnavigate Australia over 35 nights and visit 16 mainland ports. In early 2021 there’s a selection of cruises from Australia to the South Pacific and New Zealand. Then you can cross the Pacific to Seattle and repeat the itineraries along the North American Pacific coast. This particular vessel is very appealing to its guests, who prefer the atmosphere of a smaller vessel. Cruises range from one to six weeks, and usually visit a port a day. Many sectors are available. In ports that hold special interest the ship stays for two or three nights to allow for serious on-shore excursions. No itineraries could be considered ordinary or repeated.

Accommodation

Most cabins have an outside view, and two-thirds have a private balcony. The standard interior and outside cabins are smallish but comfortable, with twin/queen-size bed and ‘best beds at sea’, bathrobes, plenty of built-in cabinets, flat-screen TV, DVD player, writing desk, satellite phone, wireless Internet, and personal safe. Décor is attractive with dark wood accents. Maid service is twice daily. Cabins with balcony have a fridge mini-bar, lounge area with breakfast table, and balcony with teak chairs and table. Speedy room service is available from a separate in-room dining menu.

Food and Dining

All dining is open-seated and dining is when you choose. There are four different restaurants. The Grand Dining Room features 'American-inspired continental cuisine' in an elegant atmosphere with fine table settings and top service. The Toscana Italian Restaurant offers genuine Tuscan cuisine and wines, with unique touches. The Polo Grill features steakhouse and seafood in a leather-chair club setting. (Reservations, but no extra charge for these last two venues.) The lido Terrace Cafe - indoors and outdoors - is the ship's self-service buffet, that transforms in the evenings to Tapas on the Terrace, servicing an eclectic mix of dishes.

Entertainment

On-shore itineraries are the main daytime fare. However, on the ship, day classes include small-group Microsoft software instruction, use of the Internet, and digital photography - that is, if you are not absorbed in the Library, wine tasting, or relaxing in a top-deck Jacuzzi. In the evening the ship is filled with music in several bars and lounges. The Regatta Lounge is the centre for lectures, some social events, and a mix of comedians, magicians, classical recitals, and staff entertainers.

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