Empires of Sun - Singapore to Athens Cruise

Day 1 - Singapore

Arrive: Thu 02 May 2024 / Depart: Thu 02 May 2024 at 15:00

Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world's most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.

Day 2 - Port Klang

Arrive: Fri 03 May 2024 / Depart: Fri 03 May 2024

Port Kelang is your portal to the "Garden City" of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia's famous Batu Caves. Discover Kuala Lumpur's diverse architecture in giant sky scrapers, Malay mosques, Hindu temples, and impressive municipal buildings; marvel at the colorful displays of Hindu deities in the limestone Batu Caves; and visit the 222-acre Lake Gardens with its Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park and Bird Park.

Day 3 - Penang

Arrive: Sat 04 May 2024 / Depart: Sat 04 May 2024

The name Penang comes from the Malay words for the betel nut, Palau Pinang. Ever since its founding over two centuries ago, Penang has been a favored destination of travelers for both its scenic beauty and places of ethnic and historic significance. Today, Penang is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in Malaysia. Established in 1786 as a trading post by the British, the island is a contemporary metropolis with old world charm, offering the best of both worlds while maintaining its illustrious, rich heritage.

Day 4 - Porto Malai, Langkawi

Arrive: Sun 05 May 2024 / Depart: Sun 05 May 2024

The 90 islands making up the Langkawi group lie 20 miles off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. The islands remain quiet and relatively unspoiled, with a total population of only 30,000 inhabitants.

Day 5 - Phuket

Arrive: Mon 06 May 2024 / Depart: Mon 06 May 2024

Phuket, nestled in the balmy Andaman Sea waters, lies 536 miles south of Bangkok. Initially, Phuket derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. Located on a major trade route between India and China, Phuket was frequently mentioned in foreign trader's ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Arrive: Fri 10 May 2024

Sri Lanka. A name that calls to mind the exotic and mysterious. This is a land of jungles inhabited by leopards and elephants, wondrous ruins of the great civilizations of ages past, and a modern city, Colombo, where western technology is superimposed on the passion of a traditional Asian metropolis. Originally known as Ceylon, the island became famous for producing the world's finest teas. Bright fragrant spices, sparkling sapphires, and the colorful trappings of a variety of ceremonies and religious festivals make this a most rewarding destination. Today, Colombo is a bustling mix of diverse races and religions, and contrasts of old and new. The tangible history of the city is a unique mix of relics from its Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements, blended with Indian influences throughout.

Day 10 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Depart: Sat 11 May 2024

Sri Lanka. A name that calls to mind the exotic and mysterious. This is a land of jungles inhabited by leopards and elephants, wondrous ruins of the great civilizations of ages past, and a modern city, Colombo, where western technology is superimposed on the passion of a traditional Asian metropolis. Originally known as Ceylon, the island became famous for producing the world's finest teas. Bright fragrant spices, sparkling sapphires, and the colorful trappings of a variety of ceremonies and religious festivals make this a most rewarding destination. Today, Colombo is a bustling mix of diverse races and religions, and contrasts of old and new. The tangible history of the city is a unique mix of relics from its Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements, blended with Indian influences throughout.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Male

Arrive: Mon 13 May 2024

Known to only a few, this tropical paradise of countless tiny islands is scattered over 34,000 square miles. Tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean, only 199 of some 1190 coral islands are inhabited. The islands form 26 natural atolls, each enclosed by a coral reef cut by several deep natural channels. A protective coral reef and shallow lagoon also surround each island. As most of the islands are no more than 7 feet above sea level, there are no hills or rivers in the Maldives. What you will see are tall palms, white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and crystal clear waters. The protective reefs are home to magnificent underwater gardens, and millions of multicolored fish, corals and shells.

Day 13 - Male

Depart: Tue 14 May 2024

Known to only a few, this tropical paradise of countless tiny islands is scattered over 34,000 square miles. Tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean, only 199 of some 1190 coral islands are inhabited. The islands form 26 natural atolls, each enclosed by a coral reef cut by several deep natural channels. A protective coral reef and shallow lagoon also surround each island. As most of the islands are no more than 7 feet above sea level, there are no hills or rivers in the Maldives. What you will see are tall palms, white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and crystal clear waters. The protective reefs are home to magnificent underwater gardens, and millions of multicolored fish, corals and shells.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Salalah

Arrive: Sat 18 May 2024 / Depart: Sat 18 May 2024

Salalah, Oman's ancient incense capital is an oasis with lush vegetation resulting from seasonal monsoons. The city's roads wind through groves of coconut, papaya and banana trees, and roadside stands sell fresh fruit and coconut water. The tropical atmosphere is a striking contrast to the otherwise arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Even the Queen of Sheba fell under the spell of the area's treasure far greater than gold, and sent gifts of frankincense to impress Solomon. Today, the beautiful sand beaches, cultural history, archaeology and natural diversity draw visitors to this ancient paradise.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Safaga

Arrive: Thu 23 May 2024

Located on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the port of Safaga is the gateway to some of Egypt's most memorable destinations: Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. Luxor has often been called the world's greatest open-air museum, and the number and preservation of the monuments in the area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The ancient Egyptians called Luxor "The City" and Homer called it the "City of a Thousand Gates." The troops of Napoleon, coming upon its grandeur, broke into spontaneous applause. The pharaoh's tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the colossal temples of Luxor and Karnak capture the imagination with splendors that have survived the centuries.

Day 23 - Safaga

Depart: Fri 24 May 2024

Located on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the port of Safaga is the gateway to some of Egypt's most memorable destinations: Luxor, Karnak and Thebes. Luxor has often been called the world's greatest open-air museum, and the number and preservation of the monuments in the area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The ancient Egyptians called Luxor "The City" and Homer called it the "City of a Thousand Gates." The troops of Napoleon, coming upon its grandeur, broke into spontaneous applause. The pharaoh's tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the colossal temples of Luxor and Karnak capture the imagination with splendors that have survived the centuries.

Day 24 - Sharm El Sheikh

Arrive: Sat 25 May 2024 / Depart: Sat 25 May 2024

Some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world is found at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Here, on a slender promontory where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Straits of Tiran, Sharm el Sheikh offers access to serene sand beaches, wind-carved cliffs and a wonderland of colorful fish and coral reefs. The area is revered as a place of prophets and miracles, including St. Catherine's Monastery, the most important religious site in Sinai, situated at the base of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Day 25 - Aqaba

Arrive: Sun 26 May 2024 / Depart: Sun 26 May 2024

Aqaba is a sleepy fishing village with a long and historic past. At various times, the port was a stopover on ancient caravan routes, a garrison for Roman troops and meeting place for pilgrims en route to Mecca. Recent excavations have revealed a third-century church, one of the worlds oldest. In medieval times, Aqaba was an important part of Palestine before being absorbed into the Ottoman Empire, a time when Lawrence of Arabia figured in local history. Today Aqaba is important as Jordan's only deep water port and the jumping-off point for excursions to Petra, the country's premier historical attraction.

Day 26 - At Sea

Day 27 - Enter Suez Canal

Day 27 - Transit Suez Canal

Day 27 - Exit Suez Canal at Port Said

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - Rhodes

Arrive: Thu 30 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 30 May 2024 at 22:00

Best known of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is a fascinating architectural patchwork of her past. Here the legacy of the ancient Greeks mingles with that of besieging Turks, crusading knights, and occupying Italians. Twin bronze deer, the symbol of Rhodes, guard the Mandraki Harbor where the 100-foot Colossus is said to have stood, a wonder of the ancient world. The medieval Crusader City is dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters, while cobbled streets lead to the bustling bazaar and a lively harbor that is a center of the international yachting scene.

Day 30 - Patmos

Arrive: Fri 31 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 31 May 2024 at 18:00

Deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks, this tiny arid island was first settled in 1088 when the Emperor of Constantinople made it a gift to the monk Christodoulos Latrnos so that he could establish a monastery in honor of St. John the Divine on the site. Patmos has been a place of scholarship and religious enlightenment ever since. Today this modern pilgrimage site is a quiet respite from the tourist havens many other Greek isles have become.

Day 31 - Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Arrive: Sat 01 June 2024 / Depart: Sat 01 June 2024

This charming village of white houses climbing up the slopes is beautifully situated on the sparkling Gulf of Mirabello. The attractive Venetian harbor is surrounded by restaurants, outdoor cafes and clusters of shops selling everything from necessities to souvenirs. The ship docks in the center of town, and you are able to wander at will and enjoy the atmosphere of Crete's foremost resort.

Day 32 - Mykonos

Arrive: Sun 02 June 2024 / Depart: Sun 02 June 2024

The quintessential Greek island of Mykonos is marked by whitewashed houses, domed churches, imposing windmills, and a labyrinth of winding streets designed to disorient pirates. Everywhere there is a dash of bright, bold blue - doors, shutters and window frames, sea and sky. The harbor bustles with colorful fishing boats, vendors selling fish and locals gathered with visitors in the casual seaside cafes. The port even comes with two beloved mascots, the pelicans Petros and Irini.

Day 33 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Mon 03 June 2024 / Depart: Mon 03 June 2024

Kusadasi, which means "bird island," is set in a superb gulf known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The city has managed to retain a certain earthiness while doing a brisk trade in Turkish carpets and leather goods to visitors. The town's old quarter is a picturesque maze of winding streets and houses adorned with flowers and birdcages. In the center stands a 17th-century caravanserai, now converted into a hotel. The resort is also gateway to important sites of archaeological and religious interest.

Day 34 - At Sea

Day 35 - Athens

Arrive: Wed 05 June 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 05 June 2024

Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.