About the cruise
Aurora's 2012 World Circumnavigation first heads westward for the verdant island of Madeira, and then on to the sun-baked Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Curacao. She'll then transit the spectacular Panama Canal, passing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean for a call at Acapulco, Mexico's most glamorous playground. Hilly, spectacular San Francisco is next, and you get two full days ashore to explore its famous Fisherman's Wharf and magnificent Bay.
Hawaii's warm waters provide a perfect winter nursery for humpback whales. Gliding serenely along they make a sight as enthralling as the soaring volcanoes, dazzling waterfalls and sugar white beaches ashore. There will be many more unspoilt beaches to enjoy as Aurora makes her way through the paradise islands of the South Pacific, calling at Upolu and Tutuila in Western Samoa, and Denarau on Fiji en route to New Zealand.
First call here is the country's largest city, beautiful Auckland, and you'll have a full day to explore its bustling waterfront, or take a 10-minute ferry ride to Devonport, just along the headland. Next, Aurora cruises through the spectacular Bay of Islands where you'll stand an excellent chance of spotting whales, penguins and dolphins. Make sure you're out on deck at the next port too, to see Sydney's magnificent Opera House is all its gleaming glory as Aurora begins her cruise around Australia's most vibrant cities and attractions.
As well as Sydney, Aurora's World Circumnavigation will visit Brisbane, home to some of Australia's sunniest and most beautiful beaches, and Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. At Aurora's last Australian landfall, Darwin, enjoy beautiful Botanical Gardens and sophisticated art galleries.
Next, it's time to explore the magical Far East, starting with the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali and Vietnam's wonderfully unspoilt beach resort of Nha Trang, site of the exquisite Long Son Pagoda - you'll see more stunning pagodas in Vietnam's capital Ho Chi Minh City. After Vietnam, Aurora takes you to Sihanoukville, before calling at Bangkok, a city rich in attractions including ancient temples, the fantastic Grand Palace and the iconic Damnern Saduak Floating Market. After a relaxing beach day in Thailand's exquisite Ko Samui, explore the lively street markets of Singapore and the myriad attractions of Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia.
Aurora's World Circumnavigation then heads for the Indian Ocean, the tea plantations of Sri Lanka and the bazaars and exotic gardens of India, calling at Colombo, Cochin and exotic Mumbai before reaching the Middle East and a brand new destination for Aurora and P&O Cruises; Abu Dhabi. Here you can hop aboard a traditional Dhow for a ride through the crystal waters of the Arabian Gulf, and discover Bedouin traditions and crafts at a heritage village.
And the magic carpet ride is far from over yet. Aurora spends two whole days at her next port, Dubai, before heading back to Britain via Egypt, Cyprus, lovely Haifa in Israel and legendary Istanbul, the fabulous `East meets West' city. Aurora's World Circumnavigation nearly over, there?s still time to explore Athens and Lisbon before arriving home with suitcase full of treasures and a heart full of unforgettable memories.