Discovering the Worlds Idyllic Islands & Iconic

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

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.

Since their discovery in the early 15th century, the Portuguese Azores have played an important part in oceanic navigation. They were a logistical point for the discovery of new worlds; a port of call for ships engaged in trade between Europe, America and India; and a place to lay anchor for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas back to the old world.

Whatever rugged Antigua may lack in tropical scenery the island more than makes up for with what are some of the best watersports conditions found anywhere in the Caribbean, and 365 beaches (‘one for each day of the year’ say the Antiguans) from which to enjoy them! For many, too, the great bay of stunning English Harbour and historic Nelson’s Dockyard (Britain’s West Indies naval base now restored to its 18th century prime) will prove a magnet. It is thought that the Arawaks first inhabited Antigua about 2,000 years ago; around 1200 AD, they were evicted by the Caribs. It was not until 1493 that Columbus first sighted Antigua, and named it after a church in Seville, Spain. The British colonised the island in 1632, and in 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington arrived to establish the first sugar plantation. By the end of that century, the plantation economy had developed, slaves were imported and the central part of the island was stripped of its forests and replanted with sugar cane. In the early 1800s, the sugar market began to falter. With the abolition of slavery in 1834, the plantations collapsed and were consolidated under the control of a handful of landowners. Antigua finally achieved full independence in 1981.

Adjust to the easygoing pace of St Kitts’ dignified little capital, then check out its imposing cathedral before lingering over the purchase of attractive batiks. Ascending past the lush sugar-cane fields to take in the sweeping views from the 17th century Brimstone Hill Fortress – the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies’ whose ramparts recall Anglo-French battles fought here long ago.

Step ashore here in the friendly little capital of this former island of the Dutch West Indies and you’ll be struck by its intriguing mood of Holland in the Caribbean! Aruba has its own ‘patois’ of Papiemento (blending Dutch with Spanish, Portuguese and African origins), the largely flat landscape is edged by the stunning white-sand beach of the -Turquoise Coast -, and seas yielding superb diving.

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.

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering, stretching 48 miles across the continental divide, from Panama City on the Pacific side to Colón on the Atlantic side. The canal transit takes approximately 8 hours which will give you time to relax on deck and witness the amazing mix of manmade construction and beautiful unspoilt scenery. Referred to by many as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, your ship will pass through three locks, being lifted and lowered in excess of 170 feet in the process. Between these locks is a 21-mile transit through Gatun Lake, which was once the largest artificial lake in the world, and is still surrounded by untouched, dense rainforest which plays host to a vast array of Central American animal and plant species. The lake forms a major part of the Panama Canal transit across the Isthmus of Panama.

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.

Embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the beautiful Banderas Bay on the other, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera’s leading resort cities.

White stucco houses are capped with red-tile roofs and surrounded by bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets. Native women who beat their laundry along riverbanks as busy fishing boats return to port illustrate a lifestyle that has been maintained for decades.

Nearby, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, smart boutiques and lively nightclubs bear testament to the changes wrought on this quiet seaside city since the 1960s. Life here has never been quite the same since the filming of the movie “Night of the Iguana” and the worldwide publicity accorded the romance of its stars, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Puerto Vallarta brims with life. Shop for leather goods, shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca. Explore cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways filled with the scents and bustling energy
of Mexico.

Embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the beautiful Banderas Bay on the other, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera’s leading resort cities.

White stucco houses are capped with red-tile roofs and surrounded by bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets. Native women who beat their laundry along riverbanks as busy fishing boats return to port illustrate a lifestyle that has been maintained for decades.

Nearby, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, smart boutiques and lively nightclubs bear testament to the changes wrought on this quiet seaside city since the 1960s. Life here has never been quite the same since the filming of the movie “Night of the Iguana” and the worldwide publicity accorded the romance of its stars, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Puerto Vallarta brims with life. Shop for leather goods, shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca. Explore cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways filled with the scents and bustling energy
of Mexico.

The Island offers an astonishing range of terrain, ranging from windswept cliffs to lush river valleys and deep bays. The local archaeological sites are some of the most impressive in French Polynesia and art and culture very much alive. There are some beautiful handcrafts available of carved hardwood, sandalwood and bone.

Part of a National Wildlife Reserve, with especially rare flora and fauna, it has a dream-like mood that will bring out Robinson Crusoe yearnings in most visitors! Fakarava’s immense lagoon offers superb snorkelling and diving as well as a chance to visit a black pearl farm.

Tahiti is also the largest of the islands of French Polynesia. A mixture soaring peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, picturesque coastal areas, flowing rivers and fertile farmland. Experience the incredible warm welcome from you Polynesian hosts.

The small South Pacific island of Bora Bora to the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a special kind of paradise. This popular resort destination is surrounded by sand-fringed motu (islets) and a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef. With incredible sandy beaches that stretch on forever, grand palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and turquoise waters filled with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish, many visitors find it hard to describe the magic that emanates from this island. A haven for scuba divers, one of Bora Bora’s more unusual sites are the ‘bungalows’ perched over the water on stilts. Since water is a way of life here, popular lagoon excursions include snorkelling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing. At the island’s centre the extinct volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu tower over the whole island, the latter rising to a height of 727m.

Glittering high-rise developments and a delightful pier-side area brimming with tempting shops and restaurants. Virtually ringed by the sea, this ‘City of Sails’ claims more boats per head of population than any other city in the world! Founded in 1840 by British settlers on a Maori site, today’s Auckland is a cosmopolitan affair with a large Polynesian population.

Tauranga – the largest city in the Bay of Plenty – was once home to three Maori tribes and visual evidence of early settlement can be seen dotted around the hills surrounding the harbour.[ReadmoreMob] Today it is a vibrant and attractive modern city, with many scenic walking routes, a pretty waterfront and plenty of cafes, shops and pubs to discover and enjoy.

Captain Cook – the first European to arrive here – named this area picturesque part of the world the “Bay of Plenty” and was followed by many 19th century missionaries. In Tauranga, the Elms Mission House dates from this period and is furnished in the same way as when it was home to the Reverend Alfred Brown and his family. His four-poster bed and his desk, complete with quill pen, are on show, along with household equipment, including a hand plough.

Mount Maunganui, overlooking the town and harbour, offers spectacular views for those energetic enough to hike to the top, while at the base of the hill, the Mount Hot Pools are the only hot sea-water pools in the country – they are filled with naturally heated salt water.

A first glimpse of its two great icons – the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House – will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

A first glimpse of its two great icons – the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House – will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

A first glimpse of its two great icons – the famous Harbour Bridge and soaring Opera House – will prove a special memory (the harbour ferry offers the best views!). Stroll through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens or slip away to legendary Bondi or one of countless other nearby Pacific beaches.

The Brisbane River cuts a winding course through the capital, and is lined by a series of walks, reserves and barbecue and picnic spots. Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, has a warm climate, with the average temperature ranging from 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter to 30 degrees (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer months.

Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, and renowned for its sultry climate and laid back ambience. The city used to be popular with visitors who came in search of gold, but now they visit to discover something even more precious: the Great Barrier Reef. The unmissable coral reef is easily accessible via boat trips from the city. The focal point of Cairns itself is the 2km-long Esplanade, with its cafés, bars, piazzas, fine historic buildings and swimming lagoon. The Tanks Art Centre and nearby Flecker Botanical Gardens are worth uncovering, while the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park recounts stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait people through music and dance. Cairns is also home to the beautiful Wet Tropics Rainforest. The best way to see this natural wonder is to take the Kuranda Scenic Railway north from the city, passing over bridges and through tunnels carved from the cliff-face and to the village of Kuranda. From there, the 7.5km Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers a ride above the rainforest canopy in glass-sided gondolas.

The Indonesian island of Komodo, is a combination of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannah and forests, and is the rugged habitat of the 3m-long Komodo dragon monitor lizard. Komodo National Park covers this entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons. The surrounding seas have extensive coral reefs, mangrove swamps and sea-grass beds, and are occupied by a variety of sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and whales. The park was established to protect the unique Komodo Dragon and the local ecosystem. Visits to the island are strictly controlled and only a limited number of organised tours can gain access.

With its beautiful rice fields watered by shallow rivers and forests with many kinds of flora and fauna, Bali is one of Earth’s most idyllic places. The friendly locals create a warm, inviting atmosphere, encouraging you to explore the many attractions that the island has to offer including incredible temples, rugged coasts and sandy beaches.

Although situated just 21 miles off the east coast of bustling Bali, Lombok has managed to remain relatively untouched by those who flock to Indonesia’s myriad of mesmerising islands, despite being just as beguiling and beautiful as its better-known neighbours. This only adds to Lombok’s appeal though; the island offers those who are lucky enough to visit a sense of uncovering somewhere ‘undiscovered’, hidden away from the world, and rewards those who take time to explore with unspoilt beaches and spectacular volcanic landscapes. On the west coast, Lembar provides a wonderful first glimpse of Lombok’s outstanding natural beauty; this quiet town is surrounded by a gorgeous panorama of verdant valleys and inviting azure inlets that tempt those who arrive via the island’s main port to explore further. From Lembar many of Lombok’s main attractions are within reach. An exploration of the west coast for example can include time at Senggigi, with it’s glorious beaches; a stop at Mataram, the island’s capital, to marvel at impressive temples and flora-rich gardens; or even a visit to Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest volcano and a haven for wildlife such as birds and monkeys.

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!

Port Klang is the main gateway to Malaysia. While principally a hopping-off point for Kuala Lumpur, the country’s largest seaport does have a fine reputation for excellent seafood.

The skyline of the nearby capital, Kuala Lumpur, is dotted with minarets and Mogul-style domes but dominated by the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers: a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs and connected by a dizzying public skybridge and observation deck. The city also features British colonial-era landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

This incredibly diverse city is awash with multicultural character; its colourful streets, shaded by the leafy canopies of banyan trees, are lined with the most delicious food stalls selling local specialities like dim sum and wonton noodles.

On a different level, glitzy air-conditioned malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Mid Valley Megamall offer designer fashion and bargains, while Bangsar and Publika are the places to go for goods from offbeat independent designers.

A walk down these streets as they transform from soaring skyscrapers to busy coffee shops and then to lush green parkland with blossoms and ponds, is a truly unforgettable experience.

Penang Island, off Malaysia’s west coast, is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia and one of the country’s major resorts. While the beaches are the island’s main attraction for holidaymakers, the real jewel in this Malaysian crown is its capital, Georgetown. Situated on the northeast coast, this city has lots of Chinese flavour and abounds in ‘old world’ charm. Georgetown is relatively compact and easy to wander round. At the centre of the city is Fort Cornwallis, constructed by the British in the 18th century. Within the walls of the fort is a remarkable cannon called Seri Rambai. It is famed for its procreative powers, and childless women place flowers in the barrel of ‘the big one’ and offer special prayers.

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.

Although it has been a popular destination for in-the-know divers and hikers for decades, remote Weh Island – also known locally as Pulau Weh – has managed to stay off Indonesia’s well-trodden beaten track. The island, much of which is part of a National Wildlife Protection Area, is beautifully unspoilt and boasts gorgeous beaches, dense jungle interiors and coral reefs that beg for exploration.

Weh’s scuba diving and snorkelling spots are among the very best in Southeast Asia. The island’s underwater canyons and rugged rocks are sanctuary’s for a diverse array of marine flora and fauna, such as lionfish and clown fish, thorny seahorse, hawksbill turtle, Kuhl’s stingray and whale sharks to name just a few. Wonderful wildlife awaits discovery within the depths of the island’s lush volcanic landscapes too, including wild monkeys, lizards, boar and colourful butterflies.

Malé is the green and pleasant capital of the Maldives. Part of the stunning Malé Coral Atoll chain, situated some 400 miles south-west of Sri Lanka, the city offers the best chance to see the ‘real’ Maldivian way of life. This island nation in the Indian Ocean is, at times, little more than an uninhabited sandbar peeping above the waterline, while a handful have been developed to offer an experience of pure escapism in a world of powdery white sand and underwater treasures. Malé is a bustling, commercial centre known for its mosques and colourful buildings. The Islamic Centre features a mosque, a library and a distinctive gold dome. This quirky capital has alcohol-free bars and restaurants bunched up against shops and, near the harbour, lively markets offering a delicious variety of fresh fruit and the local catch-of-the-day.

Better known as the perfume city of Arabia, is the capital of Oman’s southern Dhofar region. It is an area rich in antiquities and offers magnificent mountain scenery, captivating beaches and an awe-inspiring desert. Visits can be made to the tomb of the phophet Job located at Mount Eiteen. Traditional markets are bound to draw you, and offer the best varieties of frankincense and perfumes indigenously produced by the local Omani people.

On Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Safaga allows you to witness the awesome legacy of the pharaohs at Luxor and the inimitable Valley of the Kings on the banks of the Nile. Safaga is also renowned for its wide azure bay, long sandy beaches and pretty islands.

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads – a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.

Dominated by ‘the Rock’, a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs’ Gebel el Tarik or Tarik’s Rock is today simply ‘Gib’. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar – from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer – with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes!

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.