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!

The independent British Commonwealth nation of Barbados is a haven of relaxation. In addition to pristine powdery sand and gorgeous turquoise bays, Barbados has a UNESCO-listed World Heritage capital, a stunning interior dotted with botanical gardens, 70 miles of wild, east coast surf and a spectacular nightlife. Inhabited by proud, welcoming locals, Barbados truly is a paradise island. Its bustling capital, Bridgetown, has a fine natural harbour, and colonial buildings and busy markets that provide a glimpse into the laidback lives of the Barbadians. The Caribbean island has an endearing blend of British and West Indian cultures, and its balmy, tropical climate makes it a favourite with travellers drawn to its relaxed sophistication. A cruise to Barbados opens up a world of delicate natural coral reefs and warm, inviting seas. Other extraordinary finds around the island include breath-taking cave formations and 17th century plantation houses. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

Located right on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) is the country‘s economic centre. With a population of over 5 million and spread across a vast area, this vibrant city still retains some interesting examples of French colonial architecture. Colourful markets selling everything from chillies to French baguettes and, of course, an endless stream of bicycles, tricycles and motorbikes, all add to the charm of this cosmopolitan city.

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!