Porthole Cruise and Travel

South Seas Trifecta

A marathon flight Down Under may require diligent planning, but there is nothing more rewarding than scheduling an indulgent multisegme­nt cruise or two (or even three).

- BY STEVE L E LAND

LIKE ITS CELESTIAL NAMESAKE, VIKING ORION’S stellar design elements shimmer in discreet sophistica­tion, tastefully influenced by a sleek Scandinavi­an aesthetic. Viking Cruises has parlayed its well-deserved, award-winning legacy in river cruising into acclaimed ocean cruises with a fleet of six nearly identical, smaller, all-veranda ships plying the seven seas in upscale style with amenities rarely included on similar vessels.

A 15-day journey to the South Sea destinatio­ns of Australia and New Zealand begins with two days of exploring the treasures of Sydney via a compliment­ary city highlights tour or alternativ­ely day-tripping to the mesmerizin­g Blue Mountains. Sailing out of the stunning harbor with the iconic Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, the ship journeys southward with a day spent at sea savoring the elegance of dazzling public spaces and a program of inspiring enrichment programs.

The multipurpo­se Star Theater serves as a venue for TED talks, seminars, and special entertainm­ent, while Torshavn is a club-like nightspot replicatin­g the vibe of a swinging jazz lounge with nightly musical entertainm­ent. For those that seek solace with a good book or easy listening music, The Atrium and The Viking Living Room are ideal settings to kick back in comfort surrounded by Viking nautical touches. Explorers’ Lounge, overlookin­g the bow, is more reminiscen­t of a tastefully decorated living room than a typical ship lounge and is home to sweeping views of the ocean and the Explorers’ Dome with 3D cinematic presentati­ons.

Day 4 finds the city of Melbourne sporting vintage Victorian facades sandwiched amongst towering skyscraper­s. Excursions encourage wildlife encounters with cuddly koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and

In a land far, far away — from

Porthole HQ, at least — lies the Down Under continent of Australia, flanked on the southeast by New Zealand and the petite island paradise of Fiji to the northeast. A marathon flight to these far-flung destinatio­ns may require diligent planning, but there is nothing more rewarding than scheduling an indulgent multi-segment cruise or two (or even three).

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