The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

The largest of the Portuguese islands in the Madeiran archipelago, Madeira offers a wealth of sites of historical interest, marvellous fish cuisine and, of course, its own famous Madeira wine. Unusually, Madeira has no sandy beaches, but it does offer the visitors wonderful walks, not only through its towns, but through its mountains and hills.

Watching the Atlantic surf crash down on the rugged east coast of this richly diverse island and, for a moment, you may feel you could be on the Cornish coast but the moment you hear the waves of gospel singing emanating from a tiny local church you realise you could not be anywhere else but Barbados. While, over on the sheltered west coast, the glorious beaches are pure Caribbean. And there are more beaches and a lot more bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs creating a vibrant 24/7 lifestyle on the south coast, too. In the capital and cruise port, Bridgetown, there are intriguing signs of its British colonial past while, across the island, you are really spoilt for choice. You can enjoy every watersport under the sun; stunning nature walks and bike rides; or maybe a trip to the uniquely magnificent Harrisons Cave underground complex of caverns, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites.

The largest island in the Dutch Antilles, Curaçao is home to more than 50 nationalities. Willemstad is full of 17th, 18th and 19th century Dutch and Spanish Colonial architecture. The two sides of the city are divided by Santa Anna Bay, a narrow channel flanked by pastel-tinted, gabled houses and spanned by the spectacular swing-aside Queen Emma pontoon bridge. On one side you will find the 18th century Fort Amsterdam and Breederstraat, gateway to Willemstads main shopping and restaurant district where you can buy everything from Delft pottery to Italian silk ties, Japanese electrical goods, Indonesian batik clothing, locally-made black coral jewellery and, of course, the sapphire-blue liqueur to which Curaçao has given its name.

The Panama Canal is an artificial 82 km waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade

Manzanillo is a Pacific Ocean port city and resort in the Mexican state of Colima. It's the site of 2 bays, Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago. The latter is known for beaches such as Playa La Audiencia, with calm surf for water sports. The waters off the coast have numerous coral reefs, shipwrecks and other dive sites. With a high concentration of marlin, the area is also known for deep-sea sportfishing

Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is one of the world's greatest travel experiences for it acts as gateway to a fascinating city set across dozens ofhills overlooking the bay. The hippies are long gone but San Francisco's scenic beauty, laid-back ambience and more than 3,000 restaurants make it a joy to visit. The famous Fisherman's Wharf harbourfront restaurant and multi-coloured boats complex, where seals happily sunbathe on its wooden decking, faces out towards the former island prison of Alcatraz which is now a major tourist attraction just like the city's colourful Chinatown district and upmarket shopping centre in Union Square. And no visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip on the city's 130-year-old tram system carrying you up and down the improbably steep streets made famous by that stomach-churning Steve McQueen car chase in the movie Bullitt. From the city, you can also visit the pretty resorts of Sausalito and Monterey.

Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is one of the world's greatest travel experiences for it acts as gateway to a fascinating city set across dozens ofhills overlooking the bay. The hippies are long gone but San Francisco's scenic beauty, laid-back ambience and more than 3,000 restaurants make it a joy to visit. The famous Fisherman's Wharf harbourfront restaurant and multi-coloured boats complex, where seals happily sunbathe on its wooden decking, faces out towards the former island prison of Alcatraz which is now a major tourist attraction just like the city's colourful Chinatown district and upmarket shopping centre in Union Square. And no visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip on the city's 130-year-old tram system carrying you up and down the improbably steep streets made famous by that stomach-churning Steve McQueen car chase in the movie Bullitt. From the city, you can also visit the pretty resorts of Sausalito and Monterey.

Hilo is a town on Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, in the state of Hawaii. It’s known for Wailuku River State Park, featuring Waianuenue, or Rainbow Falls, with its colorful mist effects. The bubbling basalt-lava rock pools known as the Boiling Pots are nearby. To the south is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to rainforests and the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes

Hula dancing, surfing and magnificent sandy beaches all spring to mind when you hear the name ‘Hawaii'. Honolulu is Hawaii's capital, situated on the island of Oahu. Downtown you will discover the only royal palace on American soil. Spend a day lounging on Waikiki beach or relive a dramatic moment in history with a visit to Pearl Harbour and the Arizona Memorial.

Step straight into a film set for 'South Pacific' when you arrive in the Samoan capital, Apia - it's a magical first impression. On the main Samoan island of Upolu, there's an intriguing mix of historic churches and monuments, bustling flea and fish markets and laid-back residential districts that have a welcoming, traditional village feel to them. Around the island are some of the South Pacifics best (black sand) beaches. And to prove this really is a 'Treasure Island', visit Vallima just outside Apia, where Robert Louis Stevenson settled and spent the last five years of his life. There is an excellent museum nearby, dedicated to this splendid storyteller.

Suva is the capital of Fiji and is a beautiful harbour city. Its tall modern buildings are beautifully balanced by rich traditional colonial architecture. Major landmarks include the Thurston Gardens, next to Government House, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji and the museum, recognised as one of the best of its type in the South Pacific. Not to be missed are the municipal markets near the waterfront, which come to life on a Saturday morning

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with rock pools in a rainforest.

Sydney always lives up to great expectations. When you are on one of our Sydney cruises, the first glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House will stay in your memory forever. One of the world's great cities and harbours, Sydney always lives up to great expectations. When you are on one of our Sydney cruises, the first glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House will stay in your memory forever. Even before the 2000 Olympics, cruises to Sydney had much to offer - hosting the games just made the city even better with improved facilities and extra dining and entertainment venues all round. From the waterside restaurants fringing the historic Rocks district, the Sydney cruise tour takes you around Sydney Cove past the Circular Quay ferry terminal to that remarkable Opera House and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sydney always lives up to great expectations. When you are on one of our Sydney cruises, the first glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House will stay in your memory forever. One of the world's great cities and harbours, Sydney always lives up to great expectations. When you are on one of our Sydney cruises, the first glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House will stay in your memory forever. Even before the 2000 Olympics, cruises to Sydney had much to offer - hosting the games just made the city even better with improved facilities and extra dining and entertainment venues all round. From the waterside restaurants fringing the historic Rocks district, the Sydney cruise tour takes you around Sydney Cove past the Circular Quay ferry terminal to that remarkable Opera House and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Classic Australian pastimes such as surfing and swimming from sensational beaches - that is what you will find on the coastline surrounding Queensland's capital and cruise port Brisbane. Cruises here bring to your holiday a balance of both nature and elegant grounds. To the south are the high-rise hotels which make up the exciting Surfers' Paradise and Gold Coast resorts, while to the north there is the beautiful and more sedate Sunshine Coast. Cultural attractions in downtown Brisbane are located in and around the South Bank Parklands by the Brisbane River - site of the 1988 World Expo. In close proximity you will discover the Queensland Museum and the State Art Gallery, which features many Aboriginal works. Shore excursions from our cruises to Brisbane also include the Butterfly House and Maritime Museum. The best shopping can be found at the Myer Centre complex on the city's central commercial artery, Queen Street. While enjoying your Brisbane cruise walk south to admire the fine a…

Framed by rainforest mountain ranges and the Coral Sea, Cairns lies in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. A modern, sophisticated city, its focal point is the Cairns Esplanade which combines landscaped gardens, restaurants and a natural harbour. A great base for exploring this region's reef, the rainforest and outback, there's plenty to see further afield too. Take a skyrail cable car or the scenic railway train through rainforest. Or head off in search of a glimpse of this region's native wildlife including crocodiles, koalas, parrots and finches.

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province, in the south-east of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the northern shore of Milne Bay. The town is located within Alotau Urban LLG. Alotau is also the annual forum for Australian and Papua New Guinean ministers.

Rich in heritage and culture, Manila combines natural beauty and history to great effect. Colonial ruins will satisfy the historians amongst you. Visit the ruins of Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine Museum and San Augustin Church. Alternatively, Rizal Park, one of South East Asia's largest, showcases different styles of gardens and an Orchidarium. Or why not head to Taal Volcano, the smallest known active volcano in the world? A day in Manila holds many possibilities.

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Also part of our cruises to Hong Kong is a journey between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with Star Ferry, which gives you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,300ft above the harbour. And for the ultimate taste sensation on your Hong Kong cruise, head for Aberdeens floating restaurants featuring every kind of Asian cuisine.

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Also part of our cruises to Hong Kong is a journey between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with Star Ferry, which gives you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,300ft above the harbour. And for the ultimate taste sensation on your Hong Kong cruise, head for Aberdeens floating restaurants featuring every kind of Asian cuisine.

The ‘Lion City', Singapore, offers visitors a colourful colonial history, beautiful gardens, and a dazzling array of shops and markets. You'll find evidence of the city's oriental origins in Chinatown, home to a number of splendidly restored ancient temples and in the crowded streets, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of everyday life. On Orchard Road you'll find shops brimming with desirables, perfect for picking up the odd souvenir or two!

Kuala Lumpur combines cutting edge architecture with the charm of another era. Home to a efficient monorail system and the Petronas Towers, the world's tallest buildings at the time of their construction, this appears a very modern capital. But there is also another side. Colonial mansions, Moorish architecture and mosques present a more established image of the city. Take a trip to the top of Kuala Lumpur Tower for fantastic views. Explore the manicured spaces of Lake Gardens and take in Chinatown's street vendors, bright lights and fragrant cuisine.

Known as ‘the Pearl of the Orient', Penang presents an intriguing blend of beaches, mysterious temples and exotic cuisines. And the capital of Georgetown reflects this multiplicity with ease. You can find a church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple and a Muslim mosque all within five minutes of each other! Hawkers sell all types of foods round the clock. And festivals abound throughout the year. A colourful city by anyone's standards!

For international shopping and restaurants, head for the Fort District in the north of the city and then catch some local colour in the Pettah Bazaar District. This is a warren of streets rich in mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples and lined with shops selling everything from exquisitely worked gold jewellery (on Sea Street) to herbs for Ayurvedic treatments and bargain-priced CDs and cassettes (Malwatte Avenue). To the south of the city, you can enjoy lush scenery and watch a cricket match at the lovely seafront park of Galle Face Green, then enjoy a stylish afternoon tea at the historic Galle Face Hotel - after admiring the exquisite hand carved doors at its entrance.

Located in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar is the island of Reunion - a haven of French culture and home to a wildly mountainous countryside. Discovered by the Portuguese, today the population is an interesting mix of ethnic and religious variety – from the French to the Africans, Malays and Indians.

The big subtropical city of Durban awaits your discovery today. Home to a string of long sandy beaches it also offers an impressive city hall, which includes an art gallery exhibiting a collection of contemporary South African works and a natural science museum. Visiting the Indian area, you'll see the Juma Mosque and South Africa's oldest and biggest temple the Alayam Hinu. Hungry? Stroll down Marine Parade and you'll find a number of restaurants situated along the beachfront.

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it's also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood's Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it's also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood's Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game

Lying at the foot of its most famous landmark, Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt South Africa's most beautiful city. Walk to the top, or if you're feeling less energetic take a ride in the vertiginous cable car. The views from the top are phenomenal, and well worth waiting for! Other must-see sights include, the Castle of Good Hope, the District Six Museum and the Houses of Parliament, and the unimpeachable Mount Nelson Hotel.

Lying at the foot of its most famous landmark, Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt South Africa's most beautiful city. Walk to the top, or if you're feeling less energetic take a ride in the vertiginous cable car. The views from the top are phenomenal, and well worth waiting for! Other must-see sights include, the Castle of Good Hope, the District Six Museum and the Houses of Parliament, and the unimpeachable Mount Nelson Hotel.

Walvis Bay is your gateway to little-known Namibia. This immaculate former German enclave boasts natural oddities aplenty, including musical rocks and the world's oldest plants. See it all on a jeep safari and round the day off with local champagne and oysters on a dolphin and seal cruise to Bird Island. Here the sun colours the massive and ever-shifting dunes into deep shades of purple and red. For a wonderful view of the town, head for Pelican Point.

Looking for a holiday that combines culture and exploration with comfort and relaxation? Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand. Visiting the largest of the Canary Islands, our Tenerife cruises bring you close to one of the world's most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape' of Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife's cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums. With our cruises to Tenerife the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a caf-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at th…

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.