Around the World in 80 Days

The Strait of Messina is steeped in legend and is famed for its rocks and whirlpools – many of which were personified as female monsters in Greek mythology. 

An extremely busy highway of seafaring traffic, this narrow waterway is seen as being key to the economic success of Messina. The currents, whirlpools, and winds of the strait, which still hamper navigation, gave rise in ancient times to many legends about its dangers to navigators.

The Canal crosses the Isthmus of Suez dividing the Mediterranean from the Red Sea, and is one of the world’s most impressive man made waterways, 101 miles in length. Opened in 1869 it remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

The Egyptian town of Safaga on the Red Sea offers crystal-clear waters and black-sand beaches that are popular with divers, windsurfers and sun worshippers. For a glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past, the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the historic Valley of the Kings, are in easy reach.

Safaga’s clear serene waters hypnotise with its multitude of tuna, sharks and manta rays often seen around the towering reefs of Abu Qifan. The sea here is very saline, rich in minerals and is said to have curative properties.

Safaga is the popular gateway for exploration of the Eastern Desert and the granite quarries of Mons Claudianus. The network of tombs at the captivating Valley of the Kings, and all the mystique of the Pharaohs, await on tours from this sultry port.

Once a cluster of seven islands covered with coconut palms, Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is a sprawling, vibrant city on India’s west coast. It is a busy, densely-populated city, home to India’s most prolific film industry, Bollywood, and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone.

Mumbai can prove to be a surprising introduction to India. On its harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch; through it is India’s centre for finance and fashion, and a fervent religious crossroads. As such the city’s furious energy – and often heavy air pollution – can make it a totally different experience for visitors.

But once in Mumbai’s heart, some of the most imposing colonial-era architecture on earth is on view, as are its secret bazaars, hidden temples, and India’s top restaurants and intense nightlife.

The cultural mix is extraordinary: religious sites like the Jain Temple and the closely guarded Parsi Towers of Silence all exist happily next to the Victoria Railway Terminus, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and the Ghandi Memorial Museum. The unique and popular bazaars offer souvenir trinkets, traditional shawls and shoes all ready to be bartered over.

Venturing beyond Mumbai, the elusive and lesser known Elephanta Caves are captivating. Set in attractive surroundings of lush green vegetation, vines and towering trees, Elephanta Island offers a stark contrast from the bustling inner city of Mumbai. The eerie Buddhist and Hindu caves, and their honeycomb of halls, shrines and pillars, are a must-see.

Mormugão is the main port of the tiny State of Goa, renowned for superb beaches and a colonial history that combines the best of Indian and Portuguese culture.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Goa showcases a mix of scenic beauty and architectural delights, from golden beaches and spice plantations to striking temples and bustling markets.

The Arch of the Viceroys was built in 1597 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, while the nearby Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome. Opposite the magnificent Se Cathedral at Old Goa – one of the largest churches in Asia, is the Basilica of Bom. Here the remains of Francis Xavier, a founder of the Jesuit order and patron saint of Goa, lie in a silver casket next to the altar.

Yoga is king in Goa, and the crop of spiritual activities available to visitors grows each year. T’ai chi sessions, Reiki healing courses, meditation, and most forms of spiritual exploration are all practised freely. The scents, spices and flavours of Goa’s cuisine is the area’s other main attraction, and the Indo-Portuguese influence will surprise and tantalise even seasoned travellers.

Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, serene Kochi on India’s south-western coast has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years.

Formerly the port of Cochin, Kochi grew to prominence as an outlet for the spice trade in the 14th century, and is most famous for the iconic-cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that billow out across its harbour. This ancient trading centre is a melting pot of cultures and religions, evident in the town’s buildings, which range from the oldest synagogue in the British Commonwealth to the austere Mattancherry Palace, built by the Dutch but influenced by the Portuguese.

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, this dynamic city-state is the perfect cocktail of culture, cruising, arts and architecture. This global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population is passionately working towards its dream of a ‘City in a Garden’.

Getting around Singapore is a fairly rapid affair, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems. Its colonial core centres on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings such as City Hall, and its multitude of Corinthian columns. The 19th century red-and-gold Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, allegedly houses one of Buddha's teeth.

The concrete that once dominated the city skyline is slowly being replaced by ‘green skyscrapers’, which look more like living ecosystems than office buildings. Visitors stepping out of the centre will find walking trails, treetop bridges, indigenous wildlife and the city's green jewel, the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A tantalizing selection of food sold from street markets is dotted around the city. Food is taken very seriously: from cheap street fare to Michelin-starred dining, Singaporean foodies will happily queue for it. Of course, for sheer elegance, nothing beats a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has always drawn visits from a variety of sea craft. Merchants of every race, colour and faith were quickly drawn to the island, and by 1911, Singapore’s population comprised of 48 races, speaking 54 languages. Malay is now the official language.  

Nha Trang also has a reputation for outstanding scuba diving with its white sandy beaches, hot springs, a vast array of species of fish and a colourful coral reef.

Culture lovers should be sure to visit the Po Nagar Tower, a well preserved Cham temple tower dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country. Also of note is the Yersin Museum, a museum dedicated to French bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin.

Nha Trang is also home to the renowned Studio & Art Gallery, Long Thanh, a professional Vietnamese black and white photographer who maintains the use of films and developing photographs by hand.

At first sight, Hong Kong is a hectic mix of bright lights, towering skyscrapers and crowded streets. This bustling city is renowned for its incredible skyline where, at night, the skyscrapers attempt to out-do each other with their incredible light shows.

However, upon closer inspection, Hong Kong offers so much more as a cruise holiday destination, with a plethora of shopping malls, restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and incredible traditional architecture to admire. Perhaps take a tram ride to Victoria Peak for a magnificent perspective over this “Fragrant Harbour”.

Offering unrivalled shopping amongst a plethora of malls and streets lined with delicious street food and restaurants alike, the city has so much to offer and can show you a traditional and architectural side to its many personalities, the most popular being the beautifully detailed Tian Tin Buddha and Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Situated on the northern tip of Kyushu Island, Hakata has been a big part of Japanese commerce for centuries, as it is ideally located for connections to the Asian mainland, powerhouse countries such as China and beyond. While still serving as an an important port and commerical hub in its own right today, Hakata is now - and has been since the 19th century - formally merged with, and serves as the gateway to, the nearby Samurai city of Fukuoka. 

With its ancient temples and shines, impressive, state-of-the-art entertainment complexes and shopping malls, Fukuoka is worth a day of exploration to enjoy the mix of modern and more traditional Japanese sights and experiences it offers. You could really delve into the history of the Samurai at the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, which features beautiful parklands and gardens; visit Japan's first Zen temple, the Shokufuji; and explore Ohori Park, with its fragrant flora and Gokoku Shrine. Visit at the right time of the year and you'll find the gardens and parks resplendant with quintessentially Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom - an unforgettable sight. 

For a glimpse of Fukuoka at its most modern, be sure to wander Seaside Momochi along Hakata Bay; its an energetic district where locals come to relax at the beach, dine at the fantastic restaurants and indulge in some retail therapy, overlooked by the eye-catching architecture of soaring towers and blocks. Oh, and don't forget to sample the local flavours too - Fukuoka is famed for its authentic ramen noodles, and in particular Hakata tonkotsu ramen, a pork bone broth loved for its distinctive taste and aroma.

Virtually flattened during World War II, Osaka has rebuilt itself with modernistic buildings such as the Umeda Sky Building and Imperial Hotel, but has ensured traditional Japanese buildings, such as the Shitennoji Temple, hold a place in the city.

A visit to Osaka, on tour from Kobe, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Osaka Castle. Originally built in 1583 the castle has suffered several destructions throughout its history. The current Osaka Castle was built in 1931 and was restored in 1997 the Japanese Government.

Osaka comes alive at night and is lit by thousands of Neon lights. Known as ‘the kitchen of Japan’, there are hundreds of restaurants located around the city that offer traditional Japanese cuisine. Osaka also offers a superb shopping district. Huge departmental stores, shopping malls and vast underground shopping maze are sure to enthral you.

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.  

While Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city, boasting a population that has grown into the several millions and bustling districts overlooked by towering skyscrapers, offices and apartment blocks, the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture – and its friendly citizens – welcomes you to explore with open arms and breezy, laid-back attitude.

Across the city awaits a mix of diverse attractions, sights and highlights, some old and some new, some a representation of Asia at its most modern and some a glimpse of Japanese tradition and heritage. You can compare and contrast the architectural wonders of Minato Mirai – the new city centre – and the temples, shrines and tranquil lakes of landscape gardens such as Sankeien; and even absorb all the excitement, culture, sights and scents of Japan’s largest Chinatown district.

Be sure to sample the delicious culinary delights on offer too; tasty ramen noodles are a big part of the staple diet here, and are even celebrated at museums dedicated to them.

The International Date Line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and distinguishes the change of one calendar day to the next, passing through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly following the 180° line of longitude, and is exactly halfway round the planet from Greenwich, London.

So, for guests sailing West on their World Cruise, it will result in a 'Lost Day', due to location of this imaginary line, and so it follows that for guests sailing East, it results in a day gained.

For those whose thoughts of Hawaii invoke dreams of paradise beaches and laidback life, Honolulu – with it’s skyscrapers, office blocks and commercial districts – may come as a bit of a surprise. The state’s cosmopolitan capital, Honolulu is at the very heart of Hawaii’s industry and commerce, and in some ways is typical of many U.S cities.

That is not to say that visitors should be disappointed by Honolulu though, far from it. This is Hawaii after all, and so this bustling city is of course situated amongst some of the most spectacular scenery you could ever wish to discover. Where the Pacific Ocean laps the shore, mile-upon-mile of warm, inviting sands – encompassing the world-famous Waikiki Beach – provide an escape from the hustle and bustle, while views of surrounding volcanic peaks such as Diamond Head and lush forested landscapes entice you into exploring magical Oahu Island further.

Within the city itself, there are plenty of authentically Hawaiian experiences to be had; you can wander through the fascinating Chinatown, following in the footsteps of 19^th century whalers and immigrant traders, take in landmarks such as Aloha Tower and impressive Victorian-era buildings, and meet the locals at the world’s largest open-air shopping centre. You’ll find museums and galleries aplenty too, while the iconic Pearl Harbour Memorial is also within reach.

Quintessentially Hawaiian, gorgeous Lahaina blends a mix of history, beauty and modern-day delights, creating a wonderfully charming, and rewarding, destination for any visitor to breathtaking Maui Island. Situated on Maui’s picturesque west coast, the town was once Hawaii’s capital and an important part of the whaling boom in the 1800s. Now, while the days of whale trading are long gone, Lahaina remains a symbol of the past and features on the U.S Register of Historic Places.

With every turn, especially within ‘Old Lahina’, you really get a feel for the history here, as around 55 acres of the town are designated historic districts. It’s all easily explored on foot, with highlights aplenty to discover; take a stroll along lively Front Streets, one of America’s ‘Top Ten Greatest Streets’, and see sights such as the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Hale Paahao (Lahaina Prison), the Pioneer Inn on the historic trail.

Aside from its attractions from centuries past, Lahaina also offers a taste of authentic island culture and beauty – as you might expect from somewhere found in one of the world’s most spectacular archipelagos. You can immerse yourself in Maui’s way of life, tasting locally grown and sourced produce at Lahaina’ fine restaurants; catch performance of traditional dance and music at a seaside luau; head out for a volcanic hiking adventure; or simply indulge in pure relaxation at the dream-like beaches.  

Situated on the island’s northeastern shore, Hilo is the gateway to some of the most spectacular, dramatic and untouched scenery found anywhere on Hawaii. Visiting this vibrant town puts you within easy reach of the volcanic wonders of the Kohala Coast, blessed with an array of astonishing natural landmarks that astound you at every turn, from cascading waterfalls and towering peaks, to fertile rainforests and blooming, fragrant gardens.

There’s rich history to this particular part of Hawaii too; Hilo itself was once a busy farming and fishing hub, and museums such as the Lyman Museum tell fascinating tales of the town’s past. Speaking of museums, a must-visit attraction is the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which offers an emotive insight into the the terrifying tsunamis that nearly swallowed Hilo many years ago. Meanwhile, you can enjoy an authentic taste of local culture at the East Hawaii Cultural Centre, and amongst the hustle and bustle of the Farmer’s Market. To sample local food and drink, be sure to stop by the many bars and restaurants.

The hilly streets of San Francisco in northern California, is the iconic image of this city sat on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the eponymous Pacific Ocean Bay. Known for its year-round fog, legendary Golden Gate Bridge, trolley cars and colourful Victorian houses, San Fran is a city of free thinkers and crafty inventors.

Almost perpetually in the clouds over 43 hills, San Francisco’s cable cars provide easy access to the fantastic panoramas from Russian and Nob Hills. Equally exhilarating are Telegraph Hill's garden-lined stairway walks and blustery walks around Land's End. The gardens, trails, museums and festivals of Golden Gate Park are also worth uncovering.

The city’s most distinctive skyscraper is Transamerica Pyramid, while its most notorious former prison, Alcatraz Island, sits menacingly in the bay. Other central attractions include Dolores Park, the tropical heat inside the California Academy of Sciences' Rainforest Dome, plus the scenic Pier 39.

Food in the Bay Area is a serious, lavish – and often pricy – affair. With the most restaurants and farmers markets per capita in North America, supplied by pioneering local organic farms, San Francisco sets the standard for foodies. Add to that Napa Valley Wine Country and local distillers providing the finest tipples around, digesting all that this uniquely crazy city has to offer, makes for a truly remarkable experience.

The Californian city of San Diego on the Pacific coast is renowned for its idyllic climate and 70 miles of pristine beaches. Self-proclaimed as ‘America’s Finest City’, San Diego’s confidence, sunny countenance and laid-back personality seems to filter down to its inhabitants.

This quintessential California beach town offers a swathe of attractions. The huge Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. Other popular highlights include SeaWorld San Diego, a Safari Park, and LEGOLAND, while the city’s deep harbour is home to a naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.

San Diego’s lively downtown is a heavily gentrified area with a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The nearby Mediterranean-like La Jolla is a smart seaside area known for its rugged coastline, hiking trails and sandstone canyons – plus the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sat atop sea cliffs. Alternatively, head out to East County for gentle foothills, mile high mountains and historic mining towns.

Mexico's Pacific coast town of Acapulco is a pulsating city that lies like a star-studded jewel on a sweeping bay backed by the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains. 

Once the playground of stars such as Judy Garland, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, Acapulco has lost none of its vivacity: it's still alive 24-hours a day. Known as the Riviera of Mexico, tourists are attracted by Acapulco’s climate, Mediterranean-style, excellent beaches and deep-sea fishing.

Originally, a port from which Spanish colonial fleets plied their trade between Mexico and Asia, the city still offers plenty of charm, with romantic cliff-side restaurants, classic golf courses and the world-class University Botanical Gardens. The old town’s shady zócalo (Main Square), plus the well-preserved, star-shaped San Diego Fort – home to the fascinating Acapulco Historical Museum, are worth a visit.

The Pacific port and tiny town of Puerto Caldera is well-situated for many of Costa Rica's top attractions and most popular cities, including San Jose, Jaco and Puntarenas. This tropical city is located off of the Gulf of Nicoya and its unspoilt, natural beauty is a true spectacle.

The vast rainforest around Puerto Caldera spreads from the coastline up into breath-taking mountain ranges where rivers, waterfalls, parks and wildlife preserves are all waiting to be discovered.

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.

Located in Northern Colombia, by the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, Santa Marta is home to Spanish Colonial buildings and modern, luxury beach front apartments – showing a great contrast between the past and future.

Take the opportunity to visit the white-washed cathedral, claimed to be the Colombia’s oldest church. This fantastic building, which reflects a number of architectural styles, was the burial site of Simón Bolívar until 1942, and holds the ashes of the town’s founder Rodrigo de Bastidas.

Long sandy beaches, the array of architectural highlights and equal amounts of sun and rum make Santa Marta a great place to explore or relax. For a little bit of adventure, head towards the tropical Tayrona Park where you can watch fascinating wildlife including iguanas, red woodpeckers, monkeys and even jaguars in their true natural habitat. 

Tortola Island is a famous pirate haunt of old, and Road Town is typically old-world Caribbean and still retains a surreal charm. Capital of the British Virgin Islands, this picturesque town sat between rolling hills and white sandy bays, has a history to match its beguiling beauty.

Situated on the horseshoe-shaped Road Harbour, Road Town is home to the Sunday Morning Well, the site where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1834. Among the old buildings of Main Street – some still complete with their original red tin roofs, shops stacked with local produce and an abundance of restaurants can be found. The oldest building on the street, HM Prison, was built in 1774.

Away from the town along the waterfront, the town’s craftsmen and women sell their own textiles, paintings, rugs and ornaments. The legendary Pussers Bar is the perfect place to try some authentic Caribbean rum, while nearby Cane Garden Bay offers an expanse of gorgeous, sugar-white sands.

Exploring further will reveal the popular JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens – home to various exotic plant species, and the 'baths' – an unmissable natural rock formation accessible via a short boat trip.​

With some of the oldest colonial buildings in the Caribbean, the elegant St. Kitts & Nevis capital of Basseterre is a beautiful town bursting with history. 

Established by the French in the 17th century, and claimed by the British following the Napoleonic War, much of Basseterre’s original Georgian architecture still stands and begs to be explored. The domed Old Treasury Building on the waterfront – now the National Museum – is worth a visit, as is the Victorian Berkeley Memorial Clock, a four-face, cast-iron tower that sits on the Circus, an original 19th century traffic roundabout. St George’s, an Anglican church originally built by the French, has been destroyed by fire several times, and was rebuilt to its present form in 1869.

Away from the town, visitors can take a tour to Brimstone Hill Fortress to admire magnificent views across the island, travel on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway – said to be one of the most attractive train journeys in the world.

Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.

A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.

The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.

The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.