DAY 1 – BALI, INDONESIA
Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.
DAY 2 – BALI, INDONESIA
Explore the road-less-traveled charms of northern Bali from this busy port. In Bali Barat National Park, immerse yourself in brilliant coral reefs, mangrove forests and wildlife that includes over 160 different bird species. Gaze upon the stunning water temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur on the shores of Lake Bratan. And in Singaraja, admire architectural remnants of the Dutch colonial period as well as the Royal Palace of Singaraja, which descendants of the last Raja of Buleleng still call home.
DAY 3 – SURABAYA, INDONESIA
From Buddhist temples to an historic Arab Quarter, the capital of Indonesia’s East Java province is known as a gateway city but you’ll find charms throughout its diverse neighborhoods. One of the most unusual is the House of Sampoerna, a well-preserved historical site built in the 19th-century Dutch colonial style that includes a museum, café and art gallery. You’ll spot the turquoise, dome-shaped roof of the remarkable Al Akbar Mosque Surabaya from anywhere in the city. Opened in 2000, the stylish masterpiece provides spectacular views from atop the freestanding, ottoman-style minaret. Dine on a variety of East Javanese dishes made from locally caught seafood.
DAY 4 – SEMARANG, INDONESIA
Semarang is a city on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, the city is known in Indonesia for its large ethnically Chinese population. Today, Semarang is a commercial port and administrative capital of Central Java. More a business center than a city for tourists, it is, however, an excellent gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and only some 60 miles away from world-famous Borobudur.
DAY 5 – CRUISING THE JAVA SEA
Enjoy all that Seven Seas Mariner has to offer, whether it’s the cuisine, daytime enrichment activities or the spa or fitness facilities.
DAY 6 – CRUISING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Enjoy all that Seven Seas Mariner has to offer, whether it’s the cuisine, daytime enrichment activities or the spa or fitness facilities.
DAY 7 – HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Sitting on a giant bend in the Sài Gon River, the quintessentially cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) boasts glistening skyscrapers, bustling food markets and magnificent French-Colonial buildings. Gain important perspectives of Vietnam’s 20th-century war history at the War Remnants Museum and tunnels of C? Chi. Admire the grandeur of the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, HCMC’s iconic symbol, and nearby Central Post Office. Get a local’s view of the frenetic city center while zipping through alleyways on a motorbike. Embrace the spirituality of the Jade Emperor Pagoda and 1960s architecture of the Reunification Palace, stopping to savor Vietnamese street food like pho (noodle soup) or savory crepes.
DAY 8 – HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Sitting on a giant bend in the Sài Gon River, the quintessentially cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) boasts glistening skyscrapers, bustling food markets and magnificent French-Colonial buildings. Gain important perspectives of Vietnam’s 20th-century war history at the War Remnants Museum and tunnels of C? Chi. Admire the grandeur of the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, HCMC’s iconic symbol, and nearby Central Post Office. Get a local’s view of the frenetic city center while zipping through alleyways on a motorbike. Embrace the spirituality of the Jade Emperor Pagoda and 1960s architecture of the Reunification Palace, stopping to savor Vietnamese street food like pho (noodle soup) or savory crepes.
DAY 9 – NHA TRANG, VIETNAM
By far Vietnam’s most popular seaside resort town, Nha Trang offers more than a turquoise bay ringed by a nearly four mile arc of golden sand and a lively promenade. Visit the impressive brick structures of the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries. Take in the nearly 80-foot-tall white Buddha of Long Son Pagoda and spectacular surroundings of Hai Duc Pagoda. Snap photos of grass-eating buffalo and terraced rice fields on a drive to villages that dot the countryside around Nha Trang. Or simply relax at a beachside bar with a coconut cocktail.
DAY 10 – CRUISING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Enjoy all that Seven Seas Mariner has to offer, whether it’s the cuisine, daytime enrichment activities or the spa or fitness facilities.
DAY 11 – SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA
This beach-rimmed resort city sits on the beautiful, island-studded Bay of Thailand. Serendipity Beach is a mile-long stretch of white sand that is the island’s prettiest. Wats, or Buddhist temples, are abundant and often modest architecturally, as seen at Wat Otters behind Otres Beach. Visit Wat Lu Pagoda to see a stone statue of a three-headed elephant with a statue of Buddha atop each head. There are even two wats in Ream National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise. On a tuk-tuk ride through the provincial capital, pass the Golden Lions Monument on your way to Phsar Leu (Sihanoukville market) in the heart of downtown.
DAY 12 – BANGKOK, THAILAND
From the port city of Laem Chabang, discover the contrasting charms of Krung Thep (City of Angels) amongst the exotic temples, lavish palaces, teeming markets and urban skyline of Bangkok. Once a small trading center, Thailand’s capital city thrums equally on vendors selling legendary street food, graceful Thai architecture and saffron-robed monks. Ride a ubiquitous tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to an immense, reclining, gold-plated Buddha. See floating grocery stores and teakwood houses built on stilts on a boat tour along the Chao Phaya River. After shopping for Thai silk and jewelry, dine on classic Bangkok dishes like pad Thai, Khao mun gai and mango sticky rice.
DAY 13 – BANGKOK, THAILAND
From the port city of Laem Chabang, discover the contrasting charms of Krung Thep (City of Angels) amongst the exotic temples, lavish palaces, teeming markets and urban skyline of Bangkok. Once a small trading center, Thailand’s capital city thrums equally on vendors selling legendary street food, graceful Thai architecture and saffron-robed monks. Ride a ubiquitous tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to an immense, reclining, gold-plated Buddha. See floating grocery stores and teakwood houses built on stilts on a boat tour along the Chao Phaya River. After shopping for Thai silk and jewelry, dine on classic Bangkok dishes like pad Thai, Khao mun gai and mango sticky rice.
DAY 14 – KO SAMUI, THAILAND
An isolated, self-sufficient community called ‘Coconut Island’ until tourists began arriving in the early 1990s, Ko Samui is today the second most popular island destination in Thailand (after Phuket). You’ll find a plethora of white-sand beaches, dazzling coral reefs and unspoiled rainforest dotted with waterfalls. At a picturesque plantation, learn how locals use monkeys to pick ripe coconuts from towering trees. See the Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), a striking, 49-foot-tall gleaming gold statue that’s beautifully silhouetted against an azure sky and sea. Dine on simply prepared yet incredibly tasty cuisine with a cold, coconut cocktail, lost in Thailand’s bright-blue bliss.
DAY 14 – CRUISING THE GULF OF THAILAND
Enjoy all that Seven Seas Mariner has to offer, whether it’s the cuisine, daytime enrichment activities or the spa or fitness facilities.
DAY 15 & 16 – SINGAPORE
This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers an extraordinary array of culture, history and cuisine. Embrace exotic sights and sounds strolling through Chinatown, the Arab Quarter or Little India. Head to the Boat Quay for unrivaled views of the harbor before dining at one of many international eateries. Shop along Orchard Road for treasures from every corner of the Pacific Rim; embark on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo or relax in the verdant shade of the Bukit Timah Nature Preserve. Wander the wondrously futuristic Gardens By the Bay before relaxing with a refreshing Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.
