Unspoiled settings and uncrowded beaches abound during this extended cruise featuring visits to China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. Swim and sunbathe before savoring enticing, locally sourced Filipino cuisine at a Windstar Signature beach party with the scenic splendors of the Hundred Islands as your backdrop. Snorkel among coral reefs adjacent to pristine white beaches, and browse boutique shops or dine at one-of-a-kind restaurants in Boracay, a verdant, palm-lined port inaccessible to large cruise ships. Drift through murky limestone caverns sculpted by underground water near Palawan in the Philippines. Amble among brightly painted Dutch architecture and spot the lingering European influences in the former colony of Ambon, now one of Indonesia’s most culturally diverse cities. Browse armor exhibits and military artifacts that protected Thursday Island colonists for nearly two centuries. Uncover an array of environmental threats affecting the world’s coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef during a highly informative tour at Australia’s Lizard Island Research Center.

Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.

There are actually 124 islands at low tide, 123 at high tide in Hundred Islands National Park. Very few of the islands are inhabited but you will find lots of marine life, including crab-eating macaques, civets, dolphins, the occasional dugongs and a number of sea turtle species.  Today is a day for island hopping, swimming, lounging on the beach or snorkeling.

Manila is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a delightful blend of cultures and flavors. It has experienced Spanish, British, Japanese and American rule as evidenced in the variety of architecture. Sights to see in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church.  The city's Binondo neighborhood is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. Rizal Park is home to many museums, themed gardens and other interesting sights. Overnighting in Manila will allow for plenty of time for the great shopping found there.

Another day in tropical paradise. The beaches of Boracay are the feature on this small island only 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Sunbathe on the powdery white sand of White Beach, consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the world, or spend some time snorkeling the pristine waters.

Coron is famous for divers and snorkelers due to the numerous well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from WWII that are found there. Sought-after snorkeling sites include Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons and Atuwayan Beach.  Coron itself is very small but offers beautiful beaches and is the jumping off place for island tours and boat trips.

Voted the "Best Island in the World" by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2016, this island is a center for eco-tourism and home to multiple natural UNESCO sites including the coral reef Tubbataha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest navigable underground river in the world. Other highlights of Puerto Princesa include the Palawan Heritage Centre, Iwahiq Penal Colony and Immaculate Conception Church.

Sandakan is the gateway to several eco-destinations like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the Gomantong Caves, the Kinabatangan River, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Turtle Island and the long Rainforest Directory Centre canopy walk. It is also very important for exports of palm oil, tobacco, cocoa and coffee.

The bustling cosmopolitan city of Makassar is full of attractions, Dutch historical sites, a waterfront boardwalk, architectural landmarks and Amirul Mukminin Mosque, a floating mosque with a double blue dome that can house 500 people.  Pristine beaches are nearby where freshly caught seafood is a must try, as is the city’s iconic dessert, Es Pisang Ijo, a banana wrapped in thin green dough, shaved ice, syrup and sweetened condensed milk.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Gunung  Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands.  Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.

Described as paradise, Bali’s spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country’s most highly developed art forms.

Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Gunung  Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands.  Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Located on the island of Flores, Ende has both a hospital and a university and people with good English skills. This remote harbor is located near Mount Kelimutu volcano where the 3 crater lakes change colors all the time, and also near Blue Stone Beach with rocks of all colors, Walk around the city and visit the market, full of traditional handwoven textiles, discover tropical fruits you may not know existed and explore the fish market at the waterfront.

The islands that make up the Banda Archipelago are perfect for people who want great snorkeling and diving, remote locations away from touristy places and the opportunity to try delicious local cuisine. Up until the mid-19^th century these islands were the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace. The main attractions here now is 17^th century Fort Belgica and the Gunung Api Volcano.

This will truly be your expedition opportunity. Kokas is a small village located on the McClure Gulf and known for ancient rock drawings known as blood paintings. Zodiacs can take you into caves or kayak on your own.

Triton Bay is at the heart of the Kaimana Marine Protected Area, the best diving location in Indonesia. Since it was first surveyed in 2006 the entire region is still being explored and new dive sites introduced every year. The bay has unique underwater habitats, colorful corals, an enormous fish life and is remote, lovely, pristine and the opportunity of a lifetime.

Unique Tual is a city with 66 small islands where only 13 are inhabited. Tual is rich in sea opportunities and visitors are encourage to see Ngurbloat Beach boasting the softest sand in the world.  Located on an unexplored archipelago the locals stay true to their traditional culture and the landscape and beaches are lovingly cared for and the waters are untouched by pollution.

Part of the fun of Thursday Island is the wet landing needed to get there. It will seem like time stands still on this colorful island paradise, which is home to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders whose lifestyle has evolved from the sea. During World War II Thursday Island became a military base for Australian and U.S. forces. Enjoy a drink on the pub deck overlooking aquamarine waters and offers a chance to interact with the friendly locals.

Australia’s northernmost island resort, located on the Great Barrier Reef is not only tranquil and remote, but full of natural beauty. There are 24 powdery white isolated beaches with delightful snorkeling among the coral and abundant marine life.  Some of the world’s best dive sites can be found here. The simple but delicious food of the island embraces modern Australian, European and Asian cuisines using local fresh produce.

Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you’ve come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavor in its bars and restaurants.