Seabourn Sojourn, World Cruise ex Los Angeles to Southampton

113 Night World Cruise departing from Los Angeles to Southampton onboard Seabourn Sojourn.

Seabourn Sojourn is the second of three 450-guest vessels being added to The Yachts of Seabourn's fleet of intimate, yacht-like cruisers, which have won numerous awards and consistent acclaim for highly personalized service, sumptuous, all-suite accommodation, superb cuisine and exceptional delivery of the most desirable destinations worldwide, resulting in exceptional value for money.

Highlights of this cruise include:

Los Angeles, Ca, Usa
Los Angeles is a city spinning with energy and creativity, where tomorrow's trends are born, nurtured and released. Having one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles draws visitors year-round from all over the world. Officially founded in 1781, the modern-day metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped San Gabriel mountains. Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, a vibrant city of visual delights with more museums than any other U.S. city.

Papeete, Tahiti, Fr. Polynesia
The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures where locals speak both French and Tahitian. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill theircalabashes with fresh water. Now it is the capital city and gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining and unique restaurants, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastallands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches. Attractions include a museum honoring Paul Gauguin, the site where Captain Cook landed, interesting Polynesian marae or open-air sanctuaries, and Papeete's colorful municipal market.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Formed approximately 20 million years ago, the 130 islands that make up French Polynesia are considered fairly new from a geological point of view. The most acclaimed of these islands, Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island (less than 20 miles in circumference),Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes covered in coconut palms, blossoming Tiare and hibiscus. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful pareu (Tahitian sarong), sculptures carved from native woods and precious black pearls.

Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harborson two separate bodies of water. The central part of urban Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Auckland's diverse geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle regularly ranked in theworld's top ten. Within a half hours drive from the city is an abundance of activities: sailing to a secluded island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or exploring a black sand beach. Auckland's highest point, Mount Eden (643 feet), offers incredible city views, reinforcing the claim that the twin harbors are among the most beautiful in the world.

Akaroa, New Zealand
Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbor and nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa is a popular resort village. Located 50 miles southeast of Christchurch, thisquaint seaside town is situated on the southern side of the Banks Peninsula and has a distinct French flavor to it. Many street names are of French origin because of its French Whaling and colonial history. One of the first settlements in the Canterbury region of the South New Zealand Island, the town has a rich Maori and British heritage, as well as its French history. Today, the town center is dotted with colonial architecture, and the harbor area is lined with boutiques and cafes.

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Port Chalmers is the main port for the city of Dunedin, New Zealand.Beautifully situated in a natural amphitheater at the head of a long fjord-like inlet, Dunedin was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, founded in 1848. Not long afterwards, gold was discovered in the region, and the province quickly became the richest and most influential in thecolony. Dunedin is the home of New Zealand's first university and is known for its octagon-shaped streets and quaint Victorian buildings. While Christchurch is New Zealand's most English town, Dunedin is its most Scottish; the name Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. A great many distinctive and historic buildings remain from the time of its predominantly Scottish settlers and much has been done to preserve its architectural heritage.

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Located south of Australia's mainland, tiny Tasmania is one of the country's most fascinating tourist destinations for overseas visitors, and a favorite holiday retreat for Australians. The island was settled in 1803 as a British penal colony, then called Van Diemen's Land. Over 70,000 prisoners were sent to the island between 1803 and 1850, with the result that today a sixth of the island's inhabitants are direct descendants of convicts. The arrival of prisoners stopped in 1853, and in 1856 the island's name was changed to Tasmania in honor of the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. For many visitors the lure of Tasmania lies not in historical mementos but in the island's scenic variety: from the blustery western coastline, to rugged mountain ranges and tranquil valleys, to quaint east coast fishing ports and beach resorts. Historic Hobart, the capital city, is surrounded by one of world's finest deep-water harbors, and forested Mount Wellington provides a spectacular backdrop. Along the harbor, ships' bows loom over the side streets, and fishing vessels, draped with nets, prove irresistible to photographers. Winding streets, Georgian cottages, and tiny gardens are part of the city's first settled area, Battery Point.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney owes much of its splendor to its magnificent harbor; arriving by ship provides an unequalled impression, showing off the city's famous landmarks: the dramatic white sails of the iconic Opera House and the celebrated Harbor Bridge, looming over the skyline. The historic buildings of The Rocks district offset the dramatic contrast of old and new, soaring glass, and steel skyscrapers. Central Sydney contains many of the city's major sights, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Queen Victoria Building, a landmark in its own right, and one of Sydney's premier shopping centers. Located just west of Sydney are the magnificent Blue Mountains, and on a north shore promontory is the acclaimed Taronga Zoo, with a distinct emphasis on an open, natural environment for the animals.

Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia, and serves as the state capital of Victoria. Located at the mouth of the Yarra River, Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after the first European settlement of Australia. Transformed rapidly into a major metropolis by the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, "Marvelous Melbourne" became Australia's largest and most important city, and by 1865 was the second largest city in the British Empire. Today, Melbourne is a major center of commerce, industry and cultural activity, and is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Melbourne is notable for its mix of Victorian, Gothic and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network and beautiful Victorian parks and gardens, as well as its diverse, multicultural society.

Adelaide, Australia
Southern Australia's most graceful city lies nestled along the coastal plain between the Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. Unlike its eastern Australian city counterparts, convicts did not colonize Adelaide. Europeans, most of whom were British, first settled Adelaide in 1826. Other settlers to the region included German, Polish, Afghan, Chinese, Italian, Lebanese, Spanish and Scandinavians. The city was designed from the very beginning with wide streets and numerous town squares, marvelous Victorian and Edwardian architecture, parks and wide-open spaces. The city preserved many of its unique stone houses built by the original settlers, as well as the more grand historic public buildings constructed during the Gold Rush years.

Fremantle (Perth), Australia
Historic Fremantle is the gateway port for Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Located 12 miles upriver from Fremantle on the banks of the Swan River, Perth was founded on June12, 1829 by Captain James Stirling, the political center of the free settler Swan River Colony. Perth is considered one of the most isolated metropolitan areas on Earth, with Adelaide in South Australia, the closest city with a population over one million. Perth is geographically closer to East Timor, Singapore and Jakarta than it is to Sydney or Melbourne. Today, Perth is a lively cosmopolitan city, and the Swan Valley Region is home to more that 40 vineyards, many of which are still run by their original families. Perth became known worldwide as the "City of Lights" when city residents lit their house and street lights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead while orbiting the earth on Friendship 7 in 1962.

Padang Bay, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is more than a destination. It is a journey for the spirit and a sojourn for the senses. Bali creates lasting impressions to all who visit: a delicate woodcarving, a bold painting, a village procession, and the costumed dancers of the Barong. It has been called an island of temples, and with more than 10,000 scattered across the landscape, the title is appropriate. It is an island where rice paddies carpet the lowlands, cling to hillsides, and climb the steep slopes of Mount Agung. Considered the "Navel of the World" and home to Bali's gods, Mount Agung soars over 10,000 feet and dominates the surrounding area. Nowhere will you find a more exotic, spellbinding or entrancing synthesis of humanity, nature and the spiritual world.

Sandakan, Borneo, Malaysia
Founded in 1879, Sandakan became the second capital city of British North Borneo in 1884. It was once claimed to have the greatest concentration of millionaires during its heyday as a timber center. The region was known for centuries for its pearls, camphor, bees wax, sea cucumbers and edible bird's nests, attracting traders from the nearby Sulu Sultanate and from as far away as China. At the end of the Second World War, the capital city was moved to Kota Kinabalu. Today Sandakan remains an important town for palm oil and seafood. Sandakan is also known as the gateway to see exotic wildlife, including Orang Utans and Proboscis Monkeys.

Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is divided into four sections: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the numerous outlying islands. One hundred sixty-four square miles of dense real estate dominate Hong Kong Island, including massive banks and financial houses, enormous skyscrapers with futuristic architecture, opulent hotels, residential compounds on Victoria Peak, beautiful beach resorts and some of the oldest Chinese communities in the region. All these elements create one of the most exotic and exciting ports of call in the world, one that is universally loved by tourists and its own enterprising citizens.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City covers an area of more than 800 square miles, stretching westward from the South China Sea to the Cambodian border. Its land is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with villages and clusters of houses set amidst rice paddies. The downtown section of Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon, and it is here the economic changes sweeping Vietnam and their social implications are most evident. The level of activity and energy of this city will amaze you, and make it clear that this country does not intend to stand still.

Laem Chabang, Thailand
Laem Chabang is a township located in Chonburi Province, 68 miles south of Bangkok and home to Thailand's largest port. Bangkok is a city of endless fascination. Spiked with countless high-rise buildings of concrete and glass, Bangkok is an exhilarating mix of chaos and refinement, of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, early-morning alms-giving rituals and ultra hip designer boutiques. In the heart of the city is the Chao Phraya River, its vast network of canals (klongs) as important to local transportation as the intricate road system. There is a wealth of history and culture to be discovered here: palaces, temples, markets, and exquisite classical Thai dance performances.

Singapore
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.

Phuket Island, Thailand
Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 536 miles south of Bangkok. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader's ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, mesmerizing sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations.

Cochin, India
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, in the spectacularly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world and for centuries was the center of the spice trade. Ancient mariners from the Middle East, China and Europe all left their mark on this beautiful city, and its diverse past is reflected in its steep-roofed bungalows, colonial buildings, spice and antique shops, its cathedral, palaces and synagogue.

Mumbai (Bombay), India
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a captivating city, known for its striking contrasts. The fastest growing, most affluent and industrialized city in India, Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of today's India - the old coupled with the dynamic new. This vibrant city is a kaleidoscopic mixture of wonderful peoples and incredible places, where within a block or two you can find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West. The traditional trading routes from Asia and the Far East to Europe and further afield are even more significant today than they were a hundred years ago. Today's Arab Emirates are a modern melting pot and an interesting blend of cultures. Nestling at the very heart of the Islamic world, the country is unique in its embrace of the Western world. Here you can see the contrasts of the desert Bedouin people, and the opulence and splendor of the Sheiks, set against a backdrop of Western lifestyles.

Muscat, Oman
Oman, "The Pearl of Mystic Arabia," is one of the oldest civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula. Wedged between the Arabian Gulf and the Western Al Hajar Mountains, Muscat boasts an ancient history and rich Islamic heritage, evident in its prominent landmarks such as forts, castles, towers and mosques. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development, leading to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

Salalah, Oman
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 it is the beautiful sand beaches, the cultural history and archaeology, and the natural diversity that draws visitors to this ancient paradise.

Safaga (Luxor), Egypt
Set on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, the port of Safaga provides access to the impressive reef walls and black sand dunes of the Red Sea. More importantly, it 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; 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.

Aqaba, Jordan
In 1965, King Hussein traded the Saudis 400 miles of Jordanian desert for eight miles of coastline on the balmy Gulf of Aqaba. The land was the site of Aqaba, 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 3rd-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 deepwater port and the jumping-off point for excursions to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's premier historical attraction.

Port Said, Egypt
Port Said sits on a landfill at the Mediterranean entrance to the Suez Canal. Convoys of ships parade past the Canal Authority Building here to begin the journey to the Red Sea. Founded at the start of the canal excavations, Port Said once was the major entry point for tourists stepping off the great Peninsular and Orient passenger liners. More recently the city of half a million has been transformed into a duty free port where Cairo consumers flock to purchase cheap goods. Despite the damage of three recent wars and the current emporium atmosphere, this resilient city retains a good deal of character.

Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece's largest island, once cradled the Minoan culture one of the most important and complex of ancient civilizations. It flourished here between 2000 B.C. and 1200 B.C. and extended across the Mediterranean as far as Sicily. Remaining frescoes show bejeweled women, elegantly gowned and elaborately coifed at a time when most of Europe was inhabited by primitive tribes.

The downfall of this mighty civilization has the world puzzled to this day. However, one theory blames a geological catastrophe the eruption of the volcano in Santorini for bringing Minoan culture to its dramatic end.In the early 1900s archaeologists were able to begin putting together the story of King Minos thanks to Sir Arthur Evans' determined efforts to uncover Knossos and to establish the main lines of Minoan chronology.With the island's location marking the boundary between Europe and Africa, heavy influences also remain from Arab, Egyptian, Venetian and Ottoman occupations. Crete was not united with the rest of Greece until 1913.Majestic mountains rise in the center of the island, and the plateaus are split by deep gorges ending up in fertile valleys. The scenery is constantly changing in one place harsh and barren, in another wooded and gentle. Small villages and ancient monasteries are perched on mountain ridges, and old stone farmhouses are surrounded by olive trees, orange groves and vineyards. Crete's shore is lined with forbidding rocks, but also boasts numerous sandy or pebbly beaches.Heraklion is the administrative capital of the island and the main center of commerce. Since the discovery of nearby Knossos it has also become the main tourist stopover. Among its major attractions are the Archaeological Museum, dedicated solely to Minoan archaeology, the Venetian Square with its Morosini Fountain, the Church of St. Mark and the 17th century Loggia, which once served as the center for Venetian administration. In the harbor area remain impressive fortifications, adorned with the Venetian symbol of the Lion of St. Mark.The heart of modern Heraklion is the vibrant market, located not far from the Morosini Fountain, and offering a cornucopia of spices, herbs, masses of fish, fruits and vegetables, local baskets and typical everyday notions. From the square in front of the museum are several shopping streets and a pedestrian mall lined with numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535. The port city is pleasant enough in itself with a variety of shops along the main street, a colorful market and a number of restaurants. However, true lovers of "la dolce vita" head straight for Rome, the Eternal City that forever beckons.

Its beginnings are shrouded in romantic legend that attributes the city's birth to Romulus in 753 BC, although earlier traces of habitation have been found on Palantine Hill. The Etruscans made it their center first in the 6th century BC and for centuries to follow. The city built on seven hills reigned as the ancient capital of the Western World and a center of Christianity for nearly 2000 years. Rome was not built in a day - and 2,500 years of history crammed into a maze of alleys, squares and monuments cannot be seen in one day either. For a short visit there are "must sees" that combine ancient, papal and modern Rome. However you choose to approach your visit, Rome has much to offer both the first time and the seasoned visitor.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Cartagena, Spain
Founded by Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC, this ancient Mediterranean port city exemplifies the region's tumultuous history. Romans, Visigoths, Castilians and Moors have all left their marks; Sir Francis Drake sacked the town in 1588. Under King Philip II, Cartagena's naturally deep, sheltered harbor was developed into the nation's premier naval base, a position it still enjoys today. Ancient ramparts remain, as does a lighthouse erected in Moorish times. The port area features one of the world's earliest submarines, a 72-foot, 85-ton vessel built in 1888 by a local inventor.

Lisbon, Portugal
The great period of "the Discoveries" accounted for phenomenal wealth brought back from India, Africa and Brazil by the great Portuguese navigators. Gold, jewels, ivory, porcelain and spices helped finance grand new buildings and impressive monuments in Lisbon, the country's capital city. As you sail up the Tagus River, be on deck to admire Lisbon's panorama and see some of the great monuments lining the river. Lisbon is one of Europe's smallest capital cities but considered by many visitors to be one of the most likeable. Spread over a string of seven hills, the city offers a variety of faces, including a refreshing no-frills simplicity reflected in the people as they go unhurriedly through their day enjoying a hearty and delicious cuisine accompanied by the country's excellent wines.

Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is the starting point for many exciting excursions into the surrounding wine country. The patricians of Bordeaux have always been merchants and shipbuilders. Under the Romans the city had a flourishing trade with Spain and Britain. In 1154, as a part of the dowry of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it became English and remained so until 1453. In the 18th century, Bordeaux prospered from the slave trade, and later in commerce with French colonies in Africa. Since Roman times the quality of the region's vines and wines has been zealously maintained.

Southampton, United Kingdom
The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline which encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downland and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton, the United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, and home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear, has a rich and varied heritage. The remains of the medieval town walls are among the best preserved in the country and fascinating monuments can be found all around the city.

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