Australia uses three Australian Eastern Standard Time, Australian Central Standard Time and Australian Western Time. Darwin is in Australian Central Standard Time which is UTC+9:30 and it is 13:30 hours ahead of New York's Eastern Standard Time zone, so when it's noon in New York, it's 1:30AM in Sydney. 

DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Even though we'll be visiting Australia in summer, the weather here can be very changeable, especially since we'll be on the water and on the coast. Even in summer, you will need to pack warm and weatherproof clothing, including a rain jacket and comfortable, rain-proof walking shoes. Make sure you leave some space in your bag for the wonderful gifts you can buy in Australia.

A valid passport is required for all entering visitors, and it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Australia. All visitors (except citizens of New Zealand) must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), an electronic visa prior to arriving. The visa itself is free, although there is a service charge for getting it via Internet. It allows for unlimited visits to Australia, up to 3 months each, within one year period. To apply online, go to www.eta.immi.gov.au, or you can apply at Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world.

This tour starts and ends in Darwin (airport code DRW).

The tour starts in Darwin, Australia on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Because one day is lost flying over the International Date Line, you'll probably depart North America on Friday, June 20, 2025. If you are prone to jet lag and travel fatigue, we recommend arriving a day early.The Silversea's executive private transfer service will pick you up from your doorstep and transfer you to your home airport. Your international flight to Santiago, Chile is included in the tour's price (major airports only, otherwise an air credit and economy class only, otherwise an air credit). On arrival in Santiago, you will be met by a uniformed chauffeur for your private transfer to the Silversea Cloud.

This tour ends on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Darwin, Australia. Your departing flight will most likely depart sometime during the day on July 2, 2025 and you will have a private airport transfer in accordance with your departing flight's time.

To avoid jet lag (common when crossing more than five time zones), drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and eat light meals. Upon arrival, get exposure to natural sunlight and readjust your schedule (for meals, sleep and so on) as soon as possible.

The Northern Australia Expedition Cruise tour group is limited to the maximum of 16 women + the Tour Director. The minimum group size is 11 women + the Tour Director. In addition to the Tour Director, the tour guests will be assisted by the Silversea staff (almost 1 :1 ratio of staff to cruise passengers) and expedition guides.

No special vaccinations are required to enter Australia. Australians have the world's highest rate of skin cancer because of the country's intense sunlight. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher). Wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers the back of your neck, ears, and face and a long-sleeved shirt. Don't even think about traveling without sunglasses, or you'll spend your entire vacation squinting against Australia's "diamond light."  Snake and spider bites may not be as common as some stories suggest, but it pays to be wary. Also, be aware of the marine life, including jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles. ​​​​​​​Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels, otherwise, they might not make it through airport security. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a cruise ship pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name. 

Australia's tap water is pollution-free and safe to drink, and bottled water is readily available, as well.

There are western style "public conveniences" strategically located in all cities and many towns. You'll also find well signposted public toilets on the street in most towns and cities. They can also be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Please keep in mind that some public toilets may require payment, so you should always have some coins in the local currency with you to pay for them.

Australia is generally a very safe destination. Still, exercise the same care that you would in any major city and follow the same precautions against petty theft and potential identity theft as they would at home or in any other country. The downtown areas of Australia's major cities are now well covered by closed-circuit cameras, which are monitored by police. This has significantly helped to reduce crime. It is still advisable to exercise caution, especially on the weekends, when social drinking sometimes gets out of hand.

Australia is generally a safe place for women travelers, although the usual sensible precautions apply. Australian men are generally respectful towards women, and sexual harassment is rare, though some macho Aussie males still slip, particularly when they've been drinking. Always take care in social environments, and if you are a single female traveling alone, don't drink too much, or you'll be easy prey. Some pubs in Sydney and other big cities post warnings about drugged or 'spiked' drinks: probably not cause for paranoia, but play it safe if someone offers you a drink in a bar.

To be able to fully enjoy the journey and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to frequently walk on uneven and rocky surfaces, uphill and downhill. You should be able to get in and out of zodiac boats, including wet landings. Overall, this journey is not strenuous, although it is filled with a multitude of diverse outdoor activities, some possibly in rainy and windy weather.

Relatively cool weather arrives in May, and until July, nights are crisp with temperatures ranging from 62.6 - 73.4°F. It is also the perfect time to explore the more remote areas of the region that can be off-limits during the wet season.

All guests onboard Silversea Cloud will be granted free, unlimited standard Wi-Fi for 1 device at the time. Standard Wi-Fi is provided at regular satellite speed, ideal for emailing, web surfing, chat or similar, but not suitable for video, audio calls, or streaming. Premium WI-FI access is available at an additional charge and is suitable for all kinds of applications, including video and audio call and streaming. Telecommunications via satellite is a significantly different experience compared to high-speed connections on shore. The signal travels in a similar manner to radio waves but at much greater distances. That is why onboard Internet access is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed at all times. Satellite communications are also affected by weather and the ship’s location. On board, guests may make and receive phone calls, text messages and other select data services on their own cell phone. Guests will be billed by their home cell phone provider and calls or messages will appear as roaming charges on their bill. Before leaving home, you should contact your provider to confirm that a roaming agreement with Silversea has been established. Silver Cloud is also equipped with a phone system that allows guests to make direct-dial calls from their suite whilst at sea. Calls will be billed to the guest’s onboard account.

Both 110-volt (U.S. current) and 220- volt (European current) outlets are provided in all suites, accommodating small appliances without the use of adapters or electric converters. A hair dryer is provided in each suite.

Australia’s official language is English. However, being a multicultural nation with a significant migrant population, the country also enjoys a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.

In Australia, bank notes come in denominations of A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50, and A$100. The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or a "cashpoint." Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Australian ATMs use a four-digit code, so check with your bank and make sure you change yours before you leave. Always carry a little cash, because many merchants will not take cards for purchases under A$15.

While onboard the Silversea Cloud, cash, credit cards and travelers checks can be used. Upon embarkation, you will be asked to register your credit card number and expiration date, which must be valid through the final day of the voyage. All charges for services provided and products purchased onboard must be settled in cash (U.S. dollars), by travellers cheques in U.S. dollars, or the registered credit card before final disembarkation from the ship. A 2% transaction fee will be charged for all cash advances. Foreign transaction fees are possible Authorization holds may be made on credit card purchases.

All gratuities are included in the cost of the Silversea Northern Australia Expedition cruise. When dining on your own off of the ship, it is usual to tip around 10% or round up to the nearest A$10 for a restaurant meal. At the conclusion of the tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity. We recommend $15 per person per day if you feel that her services enhanced your experience of visiting Australia.

While onboard, the Silversea Cloud Boutique is located on Deck 5, and it offers a selection of designer fashions, perfumes and Silversea logo items. Toiletries and convenience items are also available for purchase. The boutique is closed whilst in port and on occasion due to local government regulations. The uniquely Australian gifts and souvenirs evoke the ancient mystery of Aboriginal culture with an Aboriginal artwork or artefact, such as the famous dot paintings. The popular souvenirs include jewellery made from opals, Australian pearls, the rare pink diamonds found only in Kimberley. Australia's fashion designers take pride in their outback inspired clothing, and you may like to bring home a pair of soft sheepskin boots or UGG boots. Other items that we've enjoyed are Australian wines, Bondi Wash cosmetics, TimTam chocolate biscuits, and tea from T2.

Aboriginal Art | Australian Wildlife
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