Auckland To Southampton

Auckland, New Zealand

Dubbed the ‘City of Sails,’ Auckland is known for its impressive Viaduct Harbour, which is best viewed from the 328-metre-tall Sky Tower! The city is complete with beautiful beaches, winding hiking trails, notable landmarks, and quirky neighbourhoods.Swot up on history and culture in Auckland City Museum or Auckland War Memorial Museum or soak up some sunshine in the rugged beaches of Western Auckland – there’s plenty of things to do in New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city!a

Tauranga, New Zealand

The population centre of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. Along with its neighbour, Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns! Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn't grind to a halt in the off-season, because it has one of the busiest ports in the country, and the excellent waves at the neighbouring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga's harbour bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk. The Hobbiton Movie Set is located in Matamata, which is less than an hour from the port of Tauranga, so don’t miss out on taking a guided tour of this enchanting village as seen on the big screen!

Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand's capital is, arguably, the country's most cosmopolitan metropolis. Its world-class Te Papa Tongarewa-Museum of New Zealand is a don't-miss attraction, and the burgeoning film industry led, of course, by the Lord of the Rings extravaganzas has injected new life into the local arts scene. Attractive and compact enough to be explored easily on foot, Wellington is a booming destination. Modern high-rise buildings gaze over Port Nicholson, surely one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. Take in the  panoramic views of the capital city as you take a scenic hillside journey to the Kelburn Lookout on board the legendary red cable car!

Sydney, Australia

Filled with beaches, buildings and barbecues, Sydney is a city not to be missed — Australia’s oldest city and one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe. This sprawling city is known for its magnificent harbourfront opera house and harbour bridge. Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about everything you could wish for — from famous beaches and wineries, to remarkable landmarks and world-class shopping. Sydney Harbour is the city’s crown jewel and Australia’s busiest waterway, welcoming thousands of recreational, passenger and working ships each year. Cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge will take your breath away, as you pass the iconic Sydney Opera House and soak in the unforgettable sights and scenic sunsets!

Sydney, Australia

Filled with beaches, buildings and barbecues, Sydney is a city not to be missed — Australia’s oldest city and one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe. This sprawling city is known for its magnificent harbourfront opera house and harbour bridge. Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about everything you could wish for — from famous beaches and wineries, to remarkable landmarks and world-class shopping. Sydney Harbour is the city’s crown jewel and Australia’s busiest waterway, welcoming thousands of recreational, passenger and working ships each year. Cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge will take your breath away, as you pass the iconic Sydney Opera House and soak in the unforgettable sights and scenic sunsets!

Whitsunday Islands (Airlie Beach), Australia

Airlie Beach is one of the most picturesque hubs to Australia’s Whitsundays region, home to the Bredl’s Wild Farm where you can cuddle a koala or the Whitehaven Beach where you can enjoy ocean rafting or simply relax and unwind. Like Cairns and Port Douglas, it also offers an incredible ticket to enjoying the Great Barrier Reef in its full glory, except this resort town is relatively smaller and oozes a more laid-back vibe compared to the big-city atmosphere of Cairns. Whilst Port Douglas is a premier base for snorkelling and diving, Airlie Beach is the best bet for surfing, thanks to its calm waters and protected areas.

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia

Cairns makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks. It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off-limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class!

Rabaul, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea

Busan, South Korea

White-sand city beaches and hot-spring resorts may not be everyone's first image of South Korea, but these are what Koreans flock to Busan for all year. There are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, retail therapy, and even a touch of glamour every October with the Busan International Film Festival. Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Haeundae Beach is one of the popular ones – an urban beach set against the backdrop of skyscrapers. Snap a photo with Busan Tower, visit the Haedong Yonggung Temple overlooking the ocean and explore the kaleidoscopically colourful rows of brightly painted houses in Gamcheon Cultural Village featured in many Korean dramas and films! 

Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki, located in Kyushu island, is famous for its exotic, international atmosphere, whose origins can be traced in the history of this port city. It has developed into one of the most important port cities in Japan. The city was the second city after Hiroshima to be devastated by the world’s first nuclear attack towards the end of World War II. Swot up on the city’s history as you explore Nagasaki Peace Park and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. For those seeking a unique experience, the forgotten Hashima Island serves as an eerie sightseeing spot off the shores of mainland Nagasaki, where you’ll find old industrial sites, ruins of the worker’s quarters, and the “stairway to hell”.

Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture and Kyushu’s southernmost major city, best known for the spectacular Sakurajima active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. Sakurajima is one of the most renowned active volcanoes in the world, looming in Kagoshima’s skyline. Senganen Garden is also a symbol of Kagoshima’s picture-perfect scenery. This Japanese garden was constructed by a feudal lord, Mitsuhisa Shimazu, as a guest house of the Kagoshima castle which attracts many visitors for its breathtaking views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. Learn about the city’s local culture and history in the Reimeikan Museum, and don’t miss out on sampling the city’s local tipple, Sho-chu, which is made from sweet potatoes.

Tokyo, Japan

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Nicknamed “The Big Mikan” after New York, Tokyo is bursting with life and colours – with a plethora of things to do and sights to see! Scramble the World’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, marvel at the sky-high Tokyo Tower and take a tour of the capital’s oldest Buddhist temple Senso-ji. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Tokyo, Japan

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Nicknamed “The Big Mikan” after New York, Tokyo is bursting with life and colours – with a plethora of things to do and sights to see! Scramble the World’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, marvel at the sky-high Tokyo Tower and take a tour of the capital’s oldest Buddhist temple Senso-ji. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Once-sleepy harbour town that has blossomed into a busy international trade hub, Hong Kong is an island with so much to offer! The island’s glowing skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks much of its buzz and glamour. Whilst it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of modern-day Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditional but no less high-energy. Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha – is Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmark and the world’s largest Buddha statue. Dubbed affectionately as ‘the happiest place on Earth,’ Disneyland is a place where magic happens, complete with kid-friendly attractions, thrilling adult rides, and spectacular fireworks! Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is a major tourist hub packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Once-sleepy harbour town that has blossomed into a busy international trade hub, Hong Kong is an island with so much to offer! The island’s glowing skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks much of its buzz and glamour. Whilst it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of modern-day Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditional but no less high-energy. Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha – is Hong Kong’s most recognisable landmark and the world’s largest Buddha statue. Dubbed affectionately as ‘the happiest place on Earth,’ Disneyland is a place where magic happens, complete with kid-friendly attractions, thrilling adult rides, and spectacular fireworks! Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is a major tourist hub packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water.

Manila, Philippines

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang, the jewel of Vietnam's beach resort scene, is a much-loved port destination in South East Asia. With its energetic urban centre and pristine white-sand beaches caressed by the shimmering turquoise waters of the bay, Nha Trang is a postcard-perfect paradise! Besides basking on the beach, Nha Trang also offers diving and island-hopping opportunities, with around 25 dive sites and 19 islands off the coast. Mud bathing is an experience not to be missed as Nha Trang uses mineral-rich clay with therapeutic properties. Culture enthusiasts can visit the Long Sơn Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with an enormous, white-washed Buddha statue and a bell tower. Tourists can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the lush mountains to the offshore islands!

Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Laem Chaebang, the gateway to the charming capital of Bangkok – known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for the many canals that form a web through its streets. From glittering temples that showcase architectural splendour to bright skyscrapers oozing high-end glamour, it’s easy to understand why Bangkok is a world-class city that lures many tourists around the world! Also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, the capital city thrills with energy. Set in the heart of Bangkok, The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that once was the official residence to the Kings of Siam – the former name of Thailand. Lumpini Park is pitched as an inner-city haven and the “Central Park of Bangkok.” It’s the largest and most popular park in Bangkok, spanning 58 hectares of artificial lake, well-manicured lawns, wooded areas and walking paths – perfect for taking a refreshing nature break from the historical temples and high-rises! 

Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Laem Chaebang, the gateway to the charming capital of Bangkok – known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for the many canals that form a web through its streets. From glittering temples that showcase architectural splendour to bright skyscrapers oozing high-end glamour, it’s easy to understand why Bangkok is a world-class city that lures many tourists around the world! Also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East, the capital city thrills with energy. Set in the heart of Bangkok, The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that once was the official residence to the Kings of Siam – the former name of Thailand. Lumpini Park is pitched as an inner-city haven and the “Central Park of Bangkok.” It’s the largest and most popular park in Bangkok, spanning 58 hectares of artificial lake, well-manicured lawns, wooded areas and walking paths – perfect for taking a refreshing nature break from the historical temples and high-rises! 

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is a city-state steeped with sharp and constant contrasts – packed with ancient shrines and temples in the shadows of skyscrapers, as well as luxury condominiums set against the backdrop of tropical rainforests. This Southeast Asian gem is home to some of the world’s most innovative green spaces, hippest bars and coolest museums! Striking a pose with the iconic Merlion statue is one of the quintessential experiences in Singapore, as well as soaking up the modern city skyline from Singapore Flyer or the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park. Off the shore of the mainland are Sentosa and over 60 smaller islands, most uninhabited, that serve as bases for oil refining or as playgrounds and beach escapes from the city, with attractions like the Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium.

Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia

Port Klang is the gateway to Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia's vibrant and cosmopolitan capital, known for its skyline and rich cultural tapestry. Kuala Lumpur intrigues visitors with its diversity and multicultural character. The capital boasts a modern skyline dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers and is dotted with British colonial-era landmarks, such as the historic Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the 19th-century Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The city's old quarter features stretches of shop houses that hint at its colonial past, while state-of-the-art buildings – including the iconic Petronas Towers – give a glimpse of its modern financial ambitions. Colloquially coined the KLCC Twin Towers, Petronas Towers rises at 451-metre height in the capital’s city centre and prides itself on being the world’s tallest twin towers. Malaysia’s capital city is filled with culturally colourful quarters dedicated to Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's capital and largest city, Colombo offers fine restaurants, a buzzing nightlife scene, delightful museums, parks, and beautiful Buddhist temples that are all worth visiting. This live port city is steeped with history, reflected in its unique architecture, combining colonial-period buildings and state-of-the-art high-rise. The beach resort of Mt. Lavinia is only a short taxi ride from the downtown area, boasting a golden beach and spectacular sunset views. As an exciting blur of colours and cultures, Colombo presents a neatly packaged microcosm of this island nation.

Male, Maldives

There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas, but only few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. The compact country’s 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles – that means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach! Malé is the capital and cruise port of the Maldives, brimming with beautiful landscapes and culture.Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach. Besides curling your toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldives' enviable world-class dive spots.

Durban, South Africa

Perched on the other side of South Africa is Durban, a charming coastal city that hosted the 2010 World Cup overlooking the stunning Valley of a Thousand Hills and the Drakensberg mountain range. It’s known for the  Moses Mabhida Stadium, an impressive engineering feat that depicts South Africa’s architectural grandeur. The city has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure waters, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa

Port Elizabeth, loved for its breath-taking Blue-Flag beaches, is an idyllic location along the Algoa Bay, making way for plenty of pristine beaches, perfect for swimming and surfing! Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park. This sprawling game reserve prides itself on being the world’s only park to provide a habitat to Africa’s Big Five, lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard. While on a game drive adventure, spot herds of elephants grazing on the lush vegetation or parading peacefully. Rare sightings of sea creatures, such as whales and great white sharks are likewise possible in the nearby Algoa Bay. Further, bird watching and hiking are also some of the quintessential experiences here. The best part? A wide selection of safari lodges are present for every discerning traveller!

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town rests in the shadow of Table Mountain, caught between the Table Bay and the Cape Flats. Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is known for its incredible cultures, magnificent wildlife and award-winning food and wine. Looming over the city’s horizon is Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain blanketed by a “tablecloth of clouds”  and cuts the city in half, with the Table Bay on one side and the Cape Flats on the other side. A sheltered beach comprising inlets between ancient granite boulders to which it got its name, Boulders Beach is a famous beach in Cape Town, known for the thriving colonies of African penguins you’ll occasionally meet around the area.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town rests in the shadow of Table Mountain, caught between the Table Bay and the Cape Flats. Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is known for its incredible cultures, magnificent wildlife and award-winning food and wine. Looming over the city’s horizon is Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain blanketed by a “tablecloth of clouds”  and cuts the city in half, with the Table Bay on one side and the Cape Flats on the other side. A sheltered beach comprising inlets between ancient granite boulders to which it got its name, Boulders Beach is a famous beach in Cape Town, known for the thriving colonies of African penguins you’ll occasionally meet around the area.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms. History buffs and culture vultures can roam around the old town, where you’ll find the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception, the 18th-century Pa lacio de Carta that fuses Baroque and neoclassical style, and the Tenerife Arts Space, showcasing photography and artwork.

Southampton, England