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.

Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot islets.

A stretch of coastline quite unlike any other in the South China Sea. Passing coastal sand dunes, beautiful green hills and paddy fields, you sail to the historic Vietnamese cities of Hue and Da Nang. Your guide to Hue and Da Nang. A port call to Chan May offers the chance to experience white sand beaches, historic tombs and one of Vietnam’s most famous waterways: the Perfume River. Whether you choose to travel to Hue or Da Nang you’ll be met with a wealth of sights to see, not to mention scenes of indescribable beauty. Both cities are the gateways to some of Vietnam’s most illustrious treasures; from the Ancient Emperor tombs outside of Hue to the spectacular cave labyrinth of Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Prepare to find your senses piqued, your soul nourished and your heart captivated by otherworldly sights and spellbinding scenery.

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 Deco…

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 Deco…

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.

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.

As you sail into St Vincent, a miniature island packed with culture and celebration is revealed. St Vincent is the Cultural Capital of Cape Verde and has been home for many famous musicians and poets. Mindelo is the bustling capital city, while the wider island is blessed with quiet beaches and laid-back bars. The celebratory atmosphere rises as the week passes and reaches crescendo at the weekend.

See where Columbus provisioned his ships before heading across the Atlantic to discover the New World.

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 ?