Hawaii, Japan & the Wonders of Asia

Visiting Lisbon in January allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During January, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

The quintessentially Caribbean island of Barbados is renowned for its crystal-clear seas, home to some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs, teeming with diverse fish species. The UNESCO-listed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison reflect the island’s past, while the capital features an abundance of colonial architecture, including Victorian, Georgian and Jacobean styles, adapted to the Caribbean climate with spacious verandas and gable roofs. In the heart of the city, a mix of shops, markets and cafés sits alongside a busy harbour and waterfront, while beyond Bridgetown, soft sandy beaches and gently swaying palms offer an easy-going atmosphere and time to relax by the sea.

Located on the south-west side of Grenada, St. George’s is a picturesque city, with red-tiled homes dotted amongst the volcanic hillside of an old crater. The city is steeped in British and French history, and the buildings here reflect the colonial architecture of this time. Close by is Grand Etang National Park, surrounded by rainforest and a large lake, teeming with indigenous flora, fauna, exotic birds and lizard species.

Cartagena de Indias is a gem on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, known for its history, charm and energy. Its UNESCO-listed walled city is beautifully preserved, where cobbled streets lead to brightly coloured colonial buildings, lively plazas and centuries-old churches. The impressive San Felipe de Barajas fort stands as a testament to Spanish military engineering, while narrow streets are lined with merchant houses and balconies adorned with bright flowers. Colombian emeralds are also closely associated with the region, prized for their exceptional colour and clarity. Set along the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has a relaxed coastal atmosphere, with picturesque sea views.

The Caribbean province of Colón lies at the Atlantic end of the fascinating Panama Canal, and is rich in history and outstanding natural beauty, from the UNESCO-listed Fort San Lorenzo to Portobelo National Park. The Panama Canal Visitor Centre offers unrivalled views of the impressive manmade locks – inspired by Roosevelt in 1898 to allow shorter passage for naval ships. A real feat of engineering, it is now considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

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 and offers amazing views of both manmade construction and 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.

The port town of Puntarenas, located on Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, is the Central Pacific's largest city, and is your gateway to unique rainforest habitats. Once the country’s principle hub for coffee exports, the city is now best known for fantastic flora and fauna, sublime beaches, and as a base for an eco-adventure. An important seaport for hundreds of years, Puntarenas’ local fishing fleet still lands a wonderful variety of fresh sea food every day, often selling it directly from the wharf. You will be able to wander along Paseo de los Turistas, a tree-lined boulevard packed with popular cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, and admire the many beautiful old buildings, including a charming Portuguese church.

Tucked along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Huatulco is a hidden gem with nine beautiful bays waiting to be explored. Having taken an ecological direction of development, Huatulco has areas of forest protected by it's national park of lush groves, set against a backdrop of the green Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains. The heart of Huatulco is La Crucecita, a charming town that still holds onto its authentic Mexican roots. Stroll through the town square, lined with cosy restaurants and boutiques, before taking the chance to explore Huatulco National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you can kayak through crystal-clear waters, go bird-watching, hike through tropical jungle and dry forest or even explore on horseback.

Hawaii’s islands stretch across the Pacific in a beautiful chain, each one formed over time as the Pacific tectonic plate slowly slid over a hot plume of magma that pierced the Earth’s crust. This unique process gave birth to the islands, and you can really see the geology at work as you step ashore in Hilo, capital of Big Island. It’s the perfect spot to begin exploring some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking landscapes, particularly Volcanoes National Park with its steaming sulphur banks, the eerie sight of a lava lake still hardening and lush rainforests that seem to grow right up to the volcanic edges. Hilo itself is a charming town with waterfalls, shops, and an easygoing atmosphere, which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the Big Island.

Kailua‑Kona sits on the sun‑drenched west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, where volcanic landscapes meet the clear waters of the Pacific. This relaxed seaside town is rich in Hawaiian history and easy to explore at a gentle pace. Home to notable sites such as Hulihe‘e Palace and the island’s oldest church, much of Kailua‑Kona centres around the waterfront. Ali‘i Drive runs through the heart of the town, lined with small shops, farmers’ markets, cafés and open‑air restaurants overlooking the sea. Beyond the town, dramatic lava fields and the coffee‑growing slopes of Kailua‑Kona reveal the island’s powerful natural character. Whether enjoying a cup of its world‑famous coffee, watching waves crash over black lava rocks or spotting manta rays offshore, Kailua‑Kona offers a warm welcome and a sense of island life.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu and is famous for Waikiki Beach, with its calm waters and the incredible Mount Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) as its backdrop. While the beach is certainly a major attraction, Oahu’s most significant historical point is Pearl Harbor, when, on December 7, 1941, a surprise attack by Japan led the USA into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a powerful tribute, with oil still rising from the sunken ship, honouring the lives lost, and is a must-visit. Beyond its history, Honolulu blends modern city life with natural beauty, which you will be able to experience when you step ashore.

Nawiliwili is a charming port town on the island of Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Isle, and is your gateway to experiencing the lush beauty of Kauai. The town itself has a laid-back vibe, with a picturesque harbour area surrounded by mountains and beaches. On arrival in Nawiliwili, you will be able to discover the island’s outdoor adventures, from nearby hikes to enjoying kayaking along the Wailua River, or choose to meander through the town, taking the chance to sample fresh seafood and local Hawaiian cuisine, or explore boutique shops selling locally made crafts and goods, perfect for picking up souvenirs. 

Running from the North Pole to the South Pole, the International Date Line distinguishes the change of one calendar day to the next. Established in the 1880’s, it passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, following the 180° line of longitude, and is exactly halfway round the planet from Greenwich, London. This is based on a system of universal timekeeping to account for the movement of Earth around the sun, so that when travelling west, a day is ‘lost’, and when travelling east, a day is ‘gained’.

Tokyo is a vast and endlessly fascinating city, offering a mix of ultra-modern innovation and deep-rooted tradition. Officially known as the Tokyo Metropolis, it extends far beyond its famous bustling city centre, with rugged mountain ranges in the west and sun-drenched subtropical islands in the south. You will be able to experience a city of extensive contrasts as you explore the historic Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, before heading to the futuristic Shibuya and Shinjuku districts, which showcase Tokyo’s high-energy urban life, with cutting-edge technology and some of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Close by is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, whose twin towers offer observation decks with panoramic vistas stretching across the city, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji in the distance.

As you step ashore in Shimizu, you will immediately notice the remarkable snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, which stands watch over the city. Whilst famous for views of this spectacular mountain, it's also a perfect blend of further scenic beauty and local culture. Shimizu plays a significant role in Japan’s seafood industry, so you will have the opportunity to discover one of the freshest seafood markets in the region as you stroll through the city, famous for its sushi and sashimi straight from the ocean. Meanwhile, you may wish to venture further afield to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine on Mount Kunozan, one of the most important shrines dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, second only to the one at Nikko, where Ieyasu is buried.

Situated at the head of Ise Bay, central Honshu, Nagoya played a major role in Japanese governance under the decree of three conquerors in Japanese history - Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu. As you step ashore, you will have the opportunity to discover more about their legacy of centuries long periods of peace and stability, where Japan evolved from a feudal landscape into a modern nation. The origins of all of the traditional Japanese arts of today can be traced back to the time of these three great samurai leaders, and traces of their heritage can be felt throughout the city. You can explore Nagoya Castle, originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and standing as a symbol of the city's historical importance; or sample Miso and Matcha dishes, with the latter said to be an undiscovered treasure of this region. 

Osaka is situated at the mouth of the Yodo River, in the Kansai region of Japan, and is one of the country’s most dynamic cities. Known for its lively energy, friendly locals and neon-lit streets, Osaka is often considered Japan’s street food capital, so when you step ashore, be sure to sample takoyaki, crispy, gooey octopus-filled balls, or okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake loaded with cabbage, meat and a drizzle of rich sauce. Beyond food, Osaka is also home to famous landmarks like Osaka Castle, which played a pivotal role in Japan’s unification, and the futuristic Umeda Sky Building, offering breathtaking city views. Neighbouring Kyoto is the birthplace of many of Japan’s historical traditions and is recognised as the centre of ancient Japanese culture, many of which are still practised today, such as silk weaving, embroidery and performing arts.

Sitting on the edge of the South China Sea, Hong Kong is a city that never fails to impress, particularly when it comes to its skyline. With over 500 buildings standing taller than 150 metres, it’s an incredible mix of modern architecture and dense urban living, and because land is so limited, the city has had to build upwards, creating one of the most iconic skylines in the world. As you explore, you will discover that its culture is a unique blend of East and West where ancient temples and street markets sit right next to sleek high-rises and luxury shopping malls. Beyond the urban jungle, Hong Kong’s subtropical climate makes it a haven for wildlife, where its lush green mountains and country parks are home to hundreds of bird species, freshwater fish and 245 species of butterflies.

Located south of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s largest and most energetic city, Hiep Phuoc is a riverside port set along the banks of the famous Saigon River. From here, guests travel inland to experience a fascinating blend of history, culture and modern Vietnamese life. Ho Chi Minh City is known for its wide boulevards, French‑influenced architecture and bustling street scenes that sit alongside poignant historic landmarks reflecting the country’s recent past. Colourful markets, peaceful temples and tree‑lined squares provide moments of calm amid the city’s lively atmosphere. Beyond the city, waterways, villages and rice paddies offer a gentler perspective of southern Vietnam. Arriving into Hiep Phuoc provides a rewarding introduction to a destination rich in character, contrast and warm hospitality.