Cruise Voyages
Balmoral World Cruise 2011
Peru-Sydney
Sydney-Singapore
Sydney-Dubai
Singapore-Southampton
Dubai-Southampton
South America Grand Voyage 2011
Southampton-Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires-Peru
Peru-Southampton

Grand Voyage Sectors
Black Watch World Cruise 2012
Southampton-Singapore
Singapore-Sydney
Sydney-Peru
Peru-Southampton
South America Grand Voyage 2012
Southampton-Montego Bay
Montego Bay-Valparaiso
Valparaiso-Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro-Southampton

	Around the World (West)
	BALMORAL L1101
	Departs 5 January 2011, 108 nights
	Price from CAD$14,400
	Sails from Southampton

It must be one of the best ways to chase away the post-Christmas blues: Southampton is left behind and soon the days become warm, the clouds disappear, and the spirits lift. Ahead are sights and sounds of stunning variety, including traversing the two great canals: Panama, between the Atlantic and Pacific, and Suez – linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean.

After a brief stop in Tenerife, leisurely days of cruising provide time to unwind and look forward to the warmest of Caribbean welcomes, first in Barbados, then Grenada and finally in Willemstad, Curacao’s version of Amsterdam. After Panama and a stopover in Peru, there is the long, slow cruise down into the South Pacific. Then, after days of seeing nothing but seabirds, dolphins and powder-puff clouds, tiny islands appear on the horizon. These are jewels that have entranced travellers for centuries: it’s easy to understand why French Polynesia inspired the artist Paul Gauguin. Tahiti is still magical, and in its capital Papeete, visitors can buy black pearls and Tahitian sarongs - or simply enjoy the flowers, the smiles and the sound of the breeze in the palms.

New Zealand’s Fjordland is a complete contrast. The scenery surrounding these glacial lakes is breathtaking, and they teem with marine life. Another contrast follows, with three days to enjoy the style and vibrancy of Sydney. See the Harbour, the Bridge, the Opera House, the Rocks, Bondi Beach and much more before relaxing to enjoy days of cruising the 2,400km length of the Great Barrier Reef.

Cruising towards Singapore, we visit cities as different as Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital with its gilded Royal Regalia building housing the Sultan’s treasures, and Bangkok’s noise, excitement and masses of motorbikes. Singapore is different again, an eclectic mix of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Western cultures.

Three different Indian destinations –Cochin, Goa and Mumbai – provide yet more variety, each one a mix of different influences from Portuguese to Hindu to British. Dubai also intertwines a traditional past with a commitment to the future, although this high-tech city is resolutely modern, with stunning skyscrapers that take one’s breath away.
Our journey through the Mediterranean follows the many influences that have shaped European civilization. Alexandria is often considered the birthplace of western science, while in Valletta memories of the Knights Templar live on in great public buildings.

Gibraltar is an appropriate final port of call, with strong British traditions. And after a few more days cruising, an English springtime welcomes us, at the end of a truly astonishing odyssey.