In 2023 we visited Australia and Fiji for the first time and loved both. We also fully remember enjoying our time in Signapore back in 1978. Thus for this trip we wanted to combine our love for cruising along with these destinations we wanted to return to.
We first had to find a cruise that connect a couple of our destinations. That was harder than we expected and we settled on a Celebrity Cruise out of Syndey. With the cruise selected we proceed to add details to the follow 2025 trip.
Our Celebrity Cruise is departing from Syndey, Australia which is a LONG way from California. So we added a rest stop about 2,000 miles short of Syndey. On the map to the right look for the white arrow, it is pointing to the Fiji islands.
Fiji is in the South Pacific Ocean, located roughly north of New Zealand and southwest of Hawaii. It's composed of over 300 islands. The Fiji International airport is locate on the island of Viti Levu, the destination of our first flight.
Upon arrival we are staying one night at the Fiji Gateway Lodge. We have stayed at this lodge before and it is literally and physically across the street from the airport; no taxi required. This one day stop is simple to make our long travel day easier because our true Fiji destination 15 miles away, on Navini Island.
On our first full day in Fiji we will make our way to the Vuda Marina to catch our shuttle to the Navini Resort. The map to the right shows the location of our resort island and the main island we are shuttling from. For the next 5 days this is home as we slowly recover from jet-leg.
The image to the far right is a bird-eye view of this resort island. Look closely at our resort island, do you see the dock for our water taxi? No, I do not either. I was told to watch "Ticket to Paradise" with Julia Roberts and George Clooney where they demonstrate how to go ashore on an island without a dock. The other image to the right is the day-bed just outside our chalet and in the distance you can see a pair of lounge chairs on our beach.
Besides being a fabulous resort on a beautiful, private and warm south Pacific island. This resort only has 11 beach front chalets and recent reviews all agree their food is fantasic. You can choose to have dinner on your private deck, on the beach, or just about anywhere you want.
After Fiji we have a rather short flight to Syndey. For the next 5 days we plan to explore Syndey from the Hotel Bondi. Located opposite Bondi Beach, Hotel Bondi offers a light hearted atmosphere comprising of boutique accommodation, a bustling bistro, bars and beer garden to take in the beach over a cold one.
After relaxing and exploring Syndey, especially around Bondi Beach, it is time to board our Celebrity cruise ship, the Solstice, for our 14 day cruise to Signapore. The Solstice was built in 2007 and has a capacity of over 2,800 passengers and 1,500 crew. Yes, a big ship but not as big as the Sun Princess which was our last cruise. So, maybe this ship will feel small!!!
Our 14-day cruise takes us up the east and north side of Australia before turning more northerly in route to Singapore. The map to the right is the route we will be taking.
The Australia ports are all new for us as in Bali. We are still deciding what to do in these ports. Below is the fully cruise schedule showing how long we have in each port.
After the cruise we are spending a few days in Singapore, an island country. The country's territory consists of one main island, 63 satellite islands. It is about one degree of latitude (85 miles) north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. While in Singapore we are staying at the The Clan Hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of the old city right next to ChinaTown.
There are lots of fun things to see and do while in Singapore. Since our lodging is very close to Singapore's Chinatown we will of course do the walking tour which includes lunch. Singapore's ChinaTown is rich in history, heritage and culture, it's the only Chinatown with Chinese and Hindu temples, as well as Muslim mosques and Christian churches, interspersed with cool bars, chic eateries and hidden gems. Definately enough to keep us busy for an entire day.
Another must do is the Singapore airport that has the "Rain Vortex" terminal. Not really a functioning terminal but a nature-themed retail and entertainment complex that features the world's tallest (131 feet) indoor waterfall which cascades through a terraced indoor forest. The multi-level indoor garden surrounding the Rain Vortex, features thousands of plants from around the world. The entire complex has various restaurants, cafes and a wide array of stores.
We also plan is to take a half-day city tour designed to introduce visitors to iconic landmarks like the Merlion Park, the Civic District with its colonial architecture, vibrant ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown and Little India, and attractions like the National Orchid Garden and Gardens by the Bay. These tours typically offer a convenient way to experience the city's blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Another must do is the "Singapore Starry Night Cruise". A popular evening tour that combines a Singapore River cruise with visits to the Gardens by the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody light show and the Marina Bay Sands for the Spectra light and water show. The tour offers a comprehensive experience of Singapore's iconic landmarks and stunning nighttime attractions, including a visit to Merlion Park.