Around the World with Japan & Hawaii

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal’s former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town – a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation!

An island that blends the exotic mood of the Caribbean with a hint of home (it was British for over 350 years). Here rum punch and calypso meet afternoon tea and cricket in perfect harmony, and Bridgetown’s Trafalgar Square is older than our own. With over 30 miles of beaches, 3, 000 hours of sunshine a year, welcoming ‘Bajan’ smiles, excellent shopping in the port and flying fish for lunch, Barbados is for many British visitors the quintessential Caribbean island!

Grenada is the ‘Spice Island’ of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace and vanilla plantations, dense with lush rainforests, and was the setting for the film Island in the Sun. St George’s must surely be the Caribbean’s prettiest capital, almost Mediterranean-looking with its picturesque buildings (some dating from the 18th century), steep cobbled streets and stepped alleys rising as if part of a terraced amphitheatre set amid the wooded hill slopes that surround the harbour. Lovely Grand Anse beach – within easy reach – is not to be missed.

An enthralling and staggeringly beautiful city, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s true gems bursting with Spanish heritage. Dominated by the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the captivating city of Cartagena is also home to the wonderful Santo Domingo Plaza, Palacio de la Inquisicion and its 16th century cathedral. Taking time out to relax at one of Cartagena’s many open-air cafés is a popular pastime; perfect for watching the parade of horse-drawn carriages, fashionable locals and romantic street life. From one of its many beaches, many take the opportunity to mingle with the sea life on a Cartegena snorkelling trip, passing San Jose and San Ferna en route.

At the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal on the Caribbean Sea, lies the country’s second city, Colón. Initially established as the terminus of the Panama Railroad, the town was originally called Aspinwall, after Railroad’s promoter, William Aspinwall. It was built to provide a fast overland route to California and the gold rush, but the local Hispanic population soon renamed it in honour of Christopher Columbus. Outside the city port are several reminders of Panama’s rich history, including the Canal’s impressive Gatún Locks and Gatún Dam. Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spanish to guard the strategically important Chagres River, is a well-preserved colonial military structure.The vast Colón Free Trade Zone offers tax-free shopping.

At the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal on the Caribbean Sea, lies the country’s second city, Colón. Initially established as the terminus of the Panama Railroad, the town was originally called Aspinwall, after Railroad’s promoter, William Aspinwall. It was built to provide a fast overland route to California and the gold rush, but the local Hispanic population soon renamed it in honour of Christopher Columbus. Outside the city port are several reminders of Panama’s rich history, including the Canal’s impressive Gatún Locks and Gatún Dam. Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spanish to guard the strategically important Chagres River, is a well-preserved colonial military structure.The vast Colón Free Trade Zone offers tax-free shopping.

How about a tour to the still-active Poas Volcano, with its one-and-a-half-kilometre-wide crater, or a trip on the Pacific Aerial Tram. Or enjoy this truly genuine Costa Rican it city.

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemalas largest Pacific Ocean port. It is important for both cargo traffic and as a stop-off point for cruise liners.

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.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance.

Nawiliwili Harbor is located about 1.5 miles southeast of the small city of Lihue, along Kauais southeast coast, and has been the main harbor on the island since 1930. However, the Nawiliwili Bay area has a long history of being an integral part of life on the island.

Tokyo is a vast and enticing city – the Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city itself but encompasses rugged mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. The city centre – with its huge skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights, is exciting and vibrant, while the temples and gardens dotted around the capital offer a taste of traditional Japan. Despite its size, much of the region is covered by forest, with an abundance of Japanese cypress. Considered to be one of the main economic capitals of the world, along with London and New York, Tokyo City has a reputation for being a jungle of concrete, wires and neon lights, but it includes an astonshing array of sights such as the temples of Asakusa and the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Spot the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building (in effect, Tokyos City Hall), the highest building in Tokyo. Its twin towers have viewing platforms that offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond.

Tokyo is a vast and enticing city – the Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city itself but encompasses rugged mountains to the west and subtropical islands to the south. The city centre – with its huge skyscrapers and dazzling neon lights, is exciting and vibrant, while the temples and gardens dotted around the capital offer a taste of traditional Japan. Despite its size, much of the region is covered by forest, with an abundance of Japanese cypress. Considered to be one of the main economic capitals of the world, along with London and New York, Tokyo City has a reputation for being a jungle of concrete, wires and neon lights, but it includes an astonshing array of sights such as the temples of Asakusa and the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Spot the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building (in effect, Tokyos City Hall), the highest building in Tokyo. Its twin towers have viewing platforms that offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond.

Originally developed as the Castle Town of the Owari during the Edo Period, Nagoya played a major role in Japanese governance under the rule of great leaders such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu – three legendary samurai – and the emperor Meiji, until World War II bombing raids destroyed much of the city in 1945. Since rebuilt, Nagoya today is once again one of Japan’s most important cities and its third largest. An industrial and manufacturing powerhouse, it is home to global companies such as Toyota and NGK, and boasts wide, urban streets overlooked by towering office blocks and skyscrapers, such as the impressive Twin Towers of Nagoya Station – the largest railway station, by building area, on earth. There are cosmopolitan aspects to Nagoya; you’ll find fantastic shops, malls and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine; interesting museums, including the Toyota Automobile Museum and futuristic City Science Museum; and beautiful parks and green spaces too. Amongst the modern marvels, it is still possible to enjoy a taste of the city’s historical importance and samurai heritage though. Don’t miss the stunning Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine – one of Japan’s three most important Shinto shrines – and Osu Kannon Temple.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It’s surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It’s surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

The name Okinama means “rope in the open sea” which is an apt name for the string of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan. Naha is located on the coast with the East China Sea at the southern part of Okinawa Island. Its single beach is popular with visitors and includes scuba diving and kiteboarding. Its main street (“International Avenue”) boasts a 1.6km stretch of stores, restaurants and bars. The shuri castle has been rebuilt and restored and is now one of the main historic sights in the area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace was used during WorldWar II as a major command post for the Imperial Japanese military. The Makishi Market is known as the “kitchen of Okinawa” and consists of more than 400 shops on a single floor, selling traditional foods, dried sea snake, and vegetables not available on the mainland.

A bustling city renowned for its incredible skyline filled with skyscrapers, who at night attempt to out do each other with their incredible light shows. Offering unrivalled shopping you can take a tram ride to Victoria Peak for a magnificent perspective over this “Fragrant Harbour”.

When Sir Stamford Raffles claimed Singapore for the British East India Company in 1819, it was nothing but a swampy, thickly jungled island populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies. Stragetically placed as the tip of the Malay peninsula, there had long been visits from a variety of sea craft, including Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships – Raffles’ arrival merely formalised Singapore’s status as a port of international renown. Merchants of every race, colour and creed were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore had a population of 250,000 people, comprising 48 races, speaking 54 languages!

When Sir Stamford Raffles claimed Singapore for the British East India Company in 1819, it was nothing but a swampy, thickly jungled island populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies. Stragetically placed as the tip of the Malay peninsula, there had long been visits from a variety of sea craft, including Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships – Raffles’ arrival merely formalised Singapore’s status as a port of international renown. Merchants of every race, colour and creed were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore had a population of 250,000 people, comprising 48 races, speaking 54 languages!

Thailand is known as the ‘land of smiles’, whose gentle people are the friendliest you could ever meet. So be assured of a warm welcome in Phuket. This increasingly popular retreat, still mercifully unspoilt, boasts a stunningly colourful landscape of lush tropical plantations, dramatic mountain rainforest and endless white beaches.

Port Louis, capital of Mauritius capital and its busiest city, delivers a huge slice of everyday Mauritian life. Sat in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the port is known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th century Champ de Mars horse-racing track.

To see a colourful snapshot of this paradise, a visit to the lively Central Market, which contrasts with the sparkling new Caudan Waterfront and shopping precinct, is recommended for local produce and handicrafts.

The Blue Penny Museum offers a taste of the island’s colonial and maritime history and culture. Port Louis’ famous Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, with its giant Victoria Water Lilies, demands discovery, as does the nearby 3,000-acre Domaine des Pailles Nature Park.Show less
Tea is a big deal in Mauritius, with 58 varieties produced on the island. Many take the opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ factories and view the picturesque colonial houses en route. Alternatively, many simply choose to relax beside a fabulous Indian Ocean Beach.

Port Louis, capital of Mauritius capital and its busiest city, delivers a huge slice of everyday Mauritian life. Sat in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the port is known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th century Champ de Mars horse-racing track.

To see a colourful snapshot of this paradise, a visit to the lively Central Market, which contrasts with the sparkling new Caudan Waterfront and shopping precinct, is recommended for local produce and handicrafts.

The Blue Penny Museum offers a taste of the island’s colonial and maritime history and culture. Port Louis’ famous Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, with its giant Victoria Water Lilies, demands discovery, as does the nearby 3,000-acre Domaine des Pailles Nature Park.Show less
Tea is a big deal in Mauritius, with 58 varieties produced on the island. Many take the opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ factories and view the picturesque colonial houses en route. Alternatively, many simply choose to relax beside a fabulous Indian Ocean Beach.

Steeped in history and known for its incredible weather, Port Elizabeth provides the complete South African experience. On the fringes of Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, the area is renowned for its diverse marine life, sublime beaches and top water sports.

Founded in 1820, much of the city’s history is evident today in the architecture of Fort Frederick and the Campanile Bell Tower – both part of the Donkin Heritage Trail that allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the original 1820 Settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement.

From its darker past, Port Elizabeth is now the place to meet people and easily lives up to its nickname, the ‘friendly city’. Most things in the centre are on tap: bars, music, art and photographic spaces – all part of constant clash of cultures. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum at the entrance to St George’s Park has a small gallery of paintings and sculpture by contemporary South African artists, and is a real treat to view.

Nearby, the Addo Elephant Park offers the chance to encounter the rare Addo Elephant, among a variety of other game, while a safari experience at the Kariega Game Reserve takes visitors in search of the ‘Big Five’. The 54 hectare Settler’s Park in the city centre is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting the most beautiful flora and fauna.

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car.

Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park.

Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

Cape Town brings together cultures, cuisines, and magnificent views: a stunning city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. A city that is defined by the flat-topped mountain it sits beneath, Cape Town is known for its lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and harbour, serene vineyards and impressive landscapes. This picturesque ‘city bowl’ on the shores of Table Bay, is best seen from the top of Table Mountain – accessible via cable car.

Cape Town is a rich melting pot of people, and a proudly multicultural centre. Given it was World Design Capital in 2014, creative art and design is unsurprisingly never too far way. Exploring the city is a pleasure, and the attractions include the historic Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Green Point Park.

Away from the urban centre, winelands such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a distraction of a different kind, Show lesswhile at Cape Point National Park boasts breathtaking coastlines and whale watching opportunities. Visitors can also learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspirational life and legacy at Robben Island, or perhaps spend a memorable evening watching the sunset at Signal Hill.

The beautiful isolation of Jamestown, the capital of St. Helena, lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, It is the final resting place of Napoleon, who was exiled there, and his gravesite in a colourful, flower-laden glade can still be visited.

Still a British Overseas Territory, the town’s main attractions include the Museum of Saint Helena, which showcases St. Helenian stamps, island communications, religious icons and geological specimens; The Cenotaph; and the view from Jacob’s Ladder – its 699 steps rise from the capital to Half Tree Hollow above.

Jamestown’s temperature is consistently warm and pleasant throughout the year, moderated by its proximity to the ocean. This historic village boasts the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Show lessHemisphere – the 18th century St. James’ – plus numerous handsome Georgian manses that line a very British Main Street.

Loacted in Cape Verde, the volcanic archipelago of ten islands and five islets is a hidden gem. This destination was a Portuguese territory until independence in 1975, and is as unique and unspoilt as its remote location, 400 miles off the west coast of Senegal, would suggest.

The thriving capital of Gran Canaria, third largest island of the Canaries, Las Palmas is within easy reach of the famous Playa del Ingles beach and the magnificent palm-fringed and Sahara-like dunes of Maspalomas. In quieter corners of the island attractive old towns like Teror and Arucas (the latter the island’s ‘banana capital’) invite exploration, while inland Gran Canaria’s fretted volcanic landscapes of gorges, craters and mountains rising to 6,500ft offer memorable sightseeing.

At the north western tip of Spain, La Coruna is Galicia’s largest city – from where in 1588 the Spanish Armada sailed to its fate. It’s the port of call for nearby Santiago de Compostela, in whose ornate 11th century cathedral rests the body of St James. With Jerusalem and Rome, it remains one of Christendom’s most holy places – to which in the middle ages up to two million pilgrims came each year.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.