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.

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

New Zealand’s biggest city and major cruise port, Auckland, sits between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, which is how it came to host the America’s Cup twice – in 1999 and 2002 – attracting investment to transform the harbour side into a superb meeting and eating place which all Auckland cruise visitors can now appreciate. The Viaduct Harbour area now boasts outdoor restaurants ideally placed to view the hundreds of yachts attracted to this icon of sailing success. This ‘City of Sails’ is also home to New Zealand’s impressive National Maritime Museum which charts the nation’s seafaring history. Harbour ferries offer a great way of viewing the city, either by crossing the bay to old-established Devonport or under the harbour bridge to the suburb of Birkenhead. Otherwise cruises to Auckland take in all the sights from the revolving restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere at 328 metres. On Auckland cruises, shore excursions can take you to the remarkable geysers and mud pools of Rotorua.

Tauranga is a Maori name, translated as resting place for canoes. Situated on a narrow peninsula and surrounded by water, it lies within the Bay of Plenty, an area with beautiful natural harbours and endless beaches.

Bars and restaurants are dotted along The Strand, an area ideal for strolling around. At Rotorua listen to the pulsating rhythms of a traditional Maori Haka and see the seething, bubbling cauldron of geysers and mud pits.

Striking architecture, both old and new, distinguishes New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, which sits on the shores of a beautiful harbour surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of wooded hills. While here, visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum. Take a tour of the Parliament buildings. Admire old St Paul’s Cathedral with its gothic style church. Take a cable car ride to Kelburn for sweeping views of the city and enjoy a stroll back down through the Botanical Gardens. For those of you who are feeling energetic, stretch your legs with a climb to the top of Mount Victoria, for a 360-degree panorama of Wellington.

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.

Airlie Beach is a coastal locality in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Airlie Beach had a population of 1,208 people.

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.

The inside of a large caldera is an unusual place to house a town, but this is exactly where you will find Rabaul. The natural curve has created a sheltered harbour, mostly filled by Blanche Bay, and the region is rich and fertile, suggesting the reasons for settlement here.

Busan, a large port city in South Korea, is known for its beaches, mountains and temples. Busy Haeundae Beach features the Sea Life Aquarium, plus a Folk Square with traditional games such as tug-of-war, while Gwangalli Beach has many bars and views of modern Diamond Bridge. Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist shrine founded in 678 A.D., is at the base of Geumjeong Mountain, which has hiking trails.

The atmosphere of Nagasaki is richly cosmopolitan and the beautiful seaside scenery quite enchanting. Standing over the Nakashima River is Japans first Chinese-style stone bridge, the Spectacle Bridge, which reflects as ovals on the surface of the water. It is said that bridges here were only built on roads that led to temples, ornate structures that still adorn many of the streets.

Kagoshima, a seaside city on Japan’s Kyushu Island, is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. It’s best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. At its base, the Nagisa Lava Trail winds through lava fields filled with boulders. Once set on an isolated island, the volcano became connected to the Osumi Peninsula after an eruption in 1914.

Facing Tokyo Bay, Yokohama has one of the finest harbours in the world. Only a little over 100 years ago, Yokohama was an insignificant village of one hundred farming-fishing families. Since then it has survived several calamities to become a prosperous city of over three million people and Japan’s major commercial gateway to the world. It’s also the gateway to Japan’s frenetic, futuristic and fast capital – Tokyo.

Facing Tokyo Bay, Yokohama has one of the finest harbours in the world. Only a little over 100 years ago, Yokohama was an insignificant village of one hundred farming-fishing families. Since then it has survived several calamities to become a prosperous city of over three million people and Japan’s major commercial gateway to the world. It’s also the gateway to Japan’s frenetic, futuristic and fast capital – Tokyo.

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.

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.

Set against a backdrop of lushly-forested mountains, with a beautiful waterfront and wide, golden beaches, the Vietnamese seaside resort of Nha Trang is now well on its way to becoming a sophisticated modern town. You will still find plenty of old fashioned charm, though, in the colourful markets, lively restaurants and broad streets of its bustling downtown area, which lies close to the clear turquoise seas, uncrowded sands and excellent diving and snorkelling facilities of the main City Beach.

Laem Chabang is a port city in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes tambon Bang Lamung of Bang Lamung District, the tambons Bueng, Surasak, Thung Sukhla, and parts of Nong Kham of Si Racha District. As of 2006 it had a population of 61,801.

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!

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!

Port Klang is a town and the main gateway by sea into Malaysia. Known during colonial times as Port Swettenham but renamed Port Klang in July 1972, it is the largest port in the country. It is located about 6 kilometres southwest of the town of Klang, and 38 kilometres southwest of Kuala Lumpur.

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.

If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees, then the Maldives will not disappoint. White beaches and turquoise lagoons create an idyllic setting. Mále is small and quaint and has a sleepy charm all of its own. Surrounded by dense tropical forests, towering granite peaks, enchanting villages and magnificent beaches, a day of relaxation awaits you.

Strict government controls here have ensured that this idyllic island has retained its charm.

No building can rise higher than the indigenous palm trees and the number of visitors is restricted to maintain the atmosphere of unspoiled paradise.

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

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 the heart of the port’s main shopping area. Look out for bargain electrical goods and cut-price CDs, Tenerife’s speciality. Prefer museums and galleries? Try the Museo de Bellas Artes, which contains works by Bruegel, or discover the island’s history, topography, flora and fauna at the Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre.

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.