51 Night Grand World Voyage sector sailing from Sydney to Cape Town aboard Amsterdam.

The ms Amsterdam is the third ship to bear the name of the Dutch capital in Holland America Line's over 135-year history. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the ms Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.

At the heart of the ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a commissioned signature sculpture soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time. Dutch heritage and tradition is clearly displayed throughout the ship in original Art Deco pieces that once graced the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938. For a contemporary touch, works of the noted maritime artist Stephen Card adorn public spaces.

Highlights of this cruise:

Sydney
First came the Aborigines, 50,000 years ago; then 759 British convicts, followed by a wave of military settlers known as the Rum Corps. The result: Sydney's bold, egalitarian charm. History, opera, opals and koalas are all here.

Hobart
The capital of Tasmania, Hobart lies along the Derwent River and is dominated by the breathtaking Mount Wellington. Stroll the harbor side docks to browse artist studios, relax at a local café, and visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Nearby, sample the famous wines of Coal River Valley or view the magnificent cliffs of Port Arthur.

Albany
Albany lies on the dramatic scenic coast of Western Australia and offers great attractions for history buffs and nature lovers. Take the Amity Trail Heritage Walk and discover 19th century buildings including a convict labor hiring depot, cottages, churches and pubs. Explore nearby Torndirrup National Park to witness the incredible views of King George Sound and watch for whales off the coast.

Perth
Located between the Indian Ocean and Australia's famed Outback, Perth and Fremantle are rich in Aboriginal and British colonial history. Explore historic Fremantle and modern Perth; visit the Swan Valley region for vineyard tours and witness koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat; and travel to the Outback and watch a desert sunrise over Ayers Rock.

Manila
Called the Island of Gold during the latter half of the Ming Dynasty, the area that is now Manila has known Burneian, Spanish, British, American and Japanese rule. This long and diverse history is reflected in Manila's architecture and neighborhoods. Explore Binondo, Manila's Chinatown dating back to 1594, Intramuros, Asia's only medieval, European-style walled city, and the posh neighborhood of Malate.

Hong Kong
Can any city in the world top Hong Kong's phenomenal energy? Judge for yourself as you ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, join the surge into countless markets and watch the hardworking world of Aberdeen's fishing junks.

Nha Trang
White sand beaches, turquoise waters, beachfront cafés. Nha Trang's days as an underappreciated treasure are over. Still very much intact since the 7th century are the venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex.

Singapore
The cultural crossroads of the world, where in the space of a few hours you can relax in a quaint Chinese teahouse, purchase a colorful sari in Little India and visit a Sultan mosque. Ponder it all on the verandah of the famous Raffles Hotel.

Phuket
Situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Gain an understanding of Phuket history at the Talang National Museum; marvel at the elaborate ornamental design of Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple; and of course spend time on one of the islands many incredible world-class beaches.

Victoria
Seychelles is an archipelago of 158 islands in the Indian Ocean located northeast of Madagascar. Tiny Victoria is its capital city, located on Mahe Island.

At the market, you can sample juicy fruits and succulent vegetables. Wander the narrow streets in the old town, where crumbling colonial buildings and quaint alleyways await discovery. Or you might prefer the wide promenades and sumptuous gardens of the modern city center, home to a clock tower and two cathedrals. Check out the lush Victoria Botanical Gardens and the Victoria Natural History Museum.

Nosy Be
Located just off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be is a beautiful tropical island covered with palm trees and bougainvillea. Nicknamed "the scented island" for its aromatic cultivation of coffee, cocoa, ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cinnamon, Nosy Be is a heavenly place to swim, snorkel or simply relax on un-crowded beaches. You can also tour Lokobe Reserve, a nature reserve protecting Madagascar's famous Black Lemurs and the beautiful Panther Chameleon.

Richards Bay
A bustling port town with year-round warm weather, Richards Bay is home to South Africa's largest harbor. The golden sands of the coastline stretch from the Tugela River to the border of Mozambique. These serene beaches are also home to the Richards Bay Game Reserve, a protected lagoon that is home to aquatic birds, hippos, sharks and crocodiles.

Nearby, the endless rolling hills, valleys and plains of Zululand give way to lush forests that bear witness to the land's rich history, including the great Anglo-Zulu war. The Zulu are considered one of the great nations of Africa. Activities include wilderness adventure and exploration of the many museums and historical sites.

Durban
The coastal port of Durban lies along the Indian Ocean in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province of South Africa, where golden sand beaches meet warm blue-green waters. This stretch of pristine beach in the central area of the city is called the Golden Mile, but in fact stretches out for four miles, making it a beachcomber's paradise. If surfboards and sunbathing are not your thing, the promenades fronting the beach are a haven for flea markets and shops.

Jump into a three-wheeled 'tuk-tuk' for a unique look at the city. Head to the Victoria Indian Street Market, where you can visit temples, shop and sample local flavors. Amid British colonial buildings, a variety of historic museums and quiet parks await your exploration. Nearby, enjoy the lush Umgeni River Bird Park, home to more than 3000 bird species.