Hong Kong to Southampton

Contradiction is part of Hong Kong’s attraction. While the city buzzes with modern commerce, soaring skyscrapers and sophistication, it remains a place of ancient beliefs and intriguing local customs.
Your guide to Hong Kong.

Few cities balance old and new like Hong Kong. A city as fiercely modern as it is traditional, life here pulses with vigour and vitality while still honouring ancient customs and beliefs. Market traders hawk steaming dumplings on neon-lit streets. Sacred temples stand in the shadow of skyscrapers and luxury boutiques populate glossy shopping centres. Contradiction is all part of Hong Kong’s appeal, the city’s dynamic personality a complementary blend of Chinese and British influences. Heralded as one of the world’s foremost culinary, cultural and commercial capitals, a port call here provides myriad ways to satisfy your stomach, your senses and your suitcase.

Divided between tradition and modernity, the megalopolis of Bangkok seduces precisely by its double identity. On the western bank of the Chao Phraya, the district of Thonburi, crossed by a maze of khlong (canals), seems timeless with its floating markets and its houses on stilts. On the eastern shore, where the tourist sites are concentrated (along the river), and the buildings of the business center, life never seems to stop, just like the noise! So find serenity in the 400 or so temples that Bangkok conceals or in its museums, which contain the wonders of Siamese art. TO HAVE Bangkok’s royal district It is in a bend of the Chao Phraya river that Rama I decided in 1782 to establish his capital, the royal district, leaving the site of Thonburi chosen by his predecessor. There he built the splendid Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, both resplendent with color and beauty, which he protected with a long enclosure. Ratanakosin, or royal district, also shelters a museum of Coins and Decorations exhibiting beautiful royal adornments.

Divided between tradition and modernity, the megalopolis of Bangkok seduces precisely by its double identity. On the western bank of the Chao Phraya, the district of Thonburi, crossed by a maze of khlong (canals), seems timeless with its floating markets and its houses on stilts. On the eastern shore, where the tourist sites are concentrated (along the river), and the buildings of the business center, life never seems to stop, just like the noise! So find serenity in the 400 or so temples that Bangkok conceals or in its museums, which contain the wonders of Siamese art. TO HAVE Bangkok’s royal district It is in a bend of the Chao Phraya river that Rama I decided in 1782 to establish his capital, the royal district, leaving the site of Thonburi chosen by his predecessor. There he built the splendid Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, both resplendent with color and beauty, which he protected with a long enclosure. Ratanakosin, or royal district, also shelters a museum of Coins and Decorations exhibiting beautiful royal adornments.

The Thai island of Ko Samui enchants with its palm-fringed beaches and dazzling salt-white sand. Ko Samui is also famous for its Big Buddha Temple, featuring a 12-metre statue of Buddhism’s founding father.

Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the world’s largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.

Modern Singapore is a fascinating mélange of cultures. Browse the shop-houses of Little India, perfumed with fragrant spices and flowers. Have tea in Chinatown where medicine shops and calligraphers line the narrow streets. Meander through the world’s largest collection of orchids in the Botanic Garden, and walk through Raffles Landing, the old colonial district with its restored British-style buildings.

Penang is an alluring mixture of golden beaches and cultural gems. Along Malaysia’s north coast, Penang’s most famous beach is lined with luxury Asian hotels. The capital George Town is a UNESCO Site.
Your guide to Penang.

Caressing Malaysia’s northwest coast, Penang is a vibrant blend of cultures, religions and architecture, unfurling in an explosion of colours, sounds and scents. Split across mainland Malaysia and Penang island, its colonial capital George Town is a contradictory blend of historic buildings and glossy skyscrapers that’s earned UNESCO world heritage status. Fringed by dense jungle and opal sea, Penang’s sand beaches are things of beauty while its flavoursome street food is among the finest in Asia. Hit the mural trail to discover the city’s 50+ outdoor artworks, walk the Clan Jetty and tantalise your taste buds with a heady array of fusion flavours.

You’ll find beauty, beaches and la bonne vie in this former French Colony. It’s encircled with picturesque villages, volcanic peaks, aquamarine lagoons and a spectacular coral reef. The capital of Port Louis offers shopping bargains at the old-fashioned central market. Take a Land Rover to see deer, monkeys and rare birds at the 3,000 acre Domaine Les Pailles. Go bird watching at Casela Bird Park. Or set out on a catamaran to admire the sun-drenched beauty of the island, landing on dazzling white beaches and snorkelling amongst shoals brimming with kaleidoscopic fish.

East of Madagascar, the warmly inviting Réunion offers a little taste of French culture on a tropical island full of cultural Creole buildings and an expansive range of superb geographical diversity.
From beaches to lush forests, Réunion’s rugged roads and plains lead to any number of inspiring scenes. Seek out the ‘Piton de la Fournaise’ or ‘Peak of the Furnace,’ to witness an active volcano.

The summer resort of Transvaalers is your gateway to some of South Africa’s greatest attractions. Discover the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Kingdom of the Zulu. Or set out along The Garden Route, a region of high mountains, lush forests, sun drenched beaches and quaint little towns, an explorer’s dream and undoubtedly one of South Africa’s premier sights.

As you sail to Port Elizabeth, or ‘The Bay’, you begin to sense the energy and prosperity of this thriving city. It is one of the largest, sunniest and wonderfully vibrant cities in all South Africa.
The city stretches for 10 miles along Algoa Bay and is one of the major seaports in the country. Travelling to South Africa by ship it is quite likely you will cruise to Port Elizabeth to dock. As you sail into the port area there are magnificent views of a small group of islands, home to many rare seabird populations, dotted in the waters.

As you sail to Port Elizabeth, or ‘The Bay’, you begin to sense the energy and prosperity of this thriving city. It is one of the largest, sunniest and wonderfully vibrant cities in all South Africa.
The city stretches for 10 miles along Algoa Bay and is one of the major seaports in the country. Travelling to South Africa by ship it is quite likely you will cruise to Port Elizabeth to dock. As you sail into the port area there are magnificent views of a small group of islands, home to many rare seabird populations, dotted in the waters.

The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.

The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.

St Vincent’s island capital is a throng of colonial stone arches, pure white beaches and lush tropical gardens, just a hop and a skip from the cruise terminal.
Your guide to Kingstown.

Explore the former British Garrison of Fort Charlotte, visit the village where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, or settle into a beach bar with a heady rum punch. In town, you’ll find quaint gift shops selling handmade trinkets and humble local eateries offering grilled fish with a signature Caribbean kick. Beyond Kingston, waterfalls, fruit plantations, and the beach of Mount Wynne are ready to show you another side of island life.

The Canary Islands have some of the most striking and diverse scenery of any islands on earth: dry volcanic deserts, a snowcapped mountain, lush fields with banana and pineapple plantations, plus spectacular beaches! Only 70 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries were a way station for Spanish galleons and Las Palmas was the provisioning stop for Columbus on all four of his voyages. See the palace where he stayed and wander through a fascinating collection of 15th-century marine memorabilia.

Lush botanical gardens and superbly landscaped terraces adorn the hills above the capital. Settle down in a local café and soak up the scenery with a perfectly chilled glass of fortified wine – an island speciality.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?