Call it Earth’s largest island or smallest continent; what you can safely say is that Australia feels like a world of its own. The country’s immerse diversity—reflected in its landscapes, climates and endemic species—has long fascinated visitors. Add its cosmopolitan cities to the mix and it’s easy to see why this vast nation straddling the Indian and Pacific oceans is a must for any traveler’s bucket list. Cruise ships call at numerous Australian ports, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Darwin. And shore excursions or vacation packages will have you cuddling koalas, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and witnessing Aboriginal Dreamtime storytelling… to name just a few ways you’ll discover the Land Down Under.