Maiden World Voyage 2025

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world's great museums. Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison.

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world's great museums. Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison.

Colorful Wilhelminastraat is lined with typical Aruban buildings of the Dutch Colonial style, and plenty of shops offering duty-free goods.

Everyone should sail through the Panama Canal at least once. It is a remarkable experience and a moving one when you know the mixture of tragedy and triumph, French farce and financial meltdown which went into its building. The French spent 20 fruitless years trying to build a canal - Suez-style - straight through the land. Then the Americans tried a lock-based canal and, between 1903 and 1914, completed the waterway that stands today. Look out for memorial plaques to the thousands who died in its creation, mainly of diseases rife in the forests and swamps through which the canal was forged. It is 50 miles long and, from the Caribbean side, your ship will be lifted 85ft by the Gatun Locks into Gatun Lake. She then negotiates the narrow Gaillard Cut to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks which lower her back down to the level of the Pacific, which you first see stretching out on the other side of the towering Bridge of the Americas.

On the Pacific Coast of one of the worlds newest and most exciting eco-tourism and cruise destinations - Guatemala, the Central American cruise port Quetzal leads you into a country boasting sublime scenic drama and a colourful history going way back to Mayan times.

While growing as a popular tourist destination, Cabo still retains an uncrowded feel with warm hospitality to match the sunshine. Nestled on the Southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, it is famous for its casual atmosphere, exciting nightlife and stunning beaches and scenery.

Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is one of the world's greatest travel experiences for it acts as gateway to a fascinating city set across dozens of hills overlooking the bay.The hippies are long gone but San Francisco's scenic beauty, laid-back ambience and more than 3,000 restaurants make it a joy to visit. The famous Fisherman's Wharf harbourfront restaurant and multi-coloured boats complex, where seals happily sunbathe on its wooden decking, faces out towards the former island prison of Alcatraz which is now a major tourist attraction just like the city's colourful Chinatown district and upmarket shopping centre in Union Square.And no visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip on the city's 130-year-old tram system carrying you up and down the improbably steep streets made famous by that stomach-churning Steve McQueen car chase in the movie Bullitt.From the city, you can also visit the pretty resorts of Sausalito and Monterey.

Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco is one of the world's greatest travel experiences for it acts as gateway to a fascinating city set across dozens of hills overlooking the bay.The hippies are long gone but San Francisco's scenic beauty, laid-back ambience and more than 3,000 restaurants make it a joy to visit. The famous Fisherman's Wharf harbourfront restaurant and multi-coloured boats complex, where seals happily sunbathe on its wooden decking, faces out towards the former island prison of Alcatraz which is now a major tourist attraction just like the city's colourful Chinatown district and upmarket shopping centre in Union Square.And no visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip on the city's 130-year-old tram system carrying you up and down the improbably steep streets made famous by that stomach-churning Steve McQueen car chase in the movie Bullitt.From the city, you can also visit the pretty resorts of Sausalito and Monterey.

Aloha Honolulu. Synonymous with lilting music and magnificent beaches, like world-famous Waikiki, it’s also awash with shops, restaurants, and a multitude of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. The wider island, Oahu, is a Pacific crossroads and a tapestry of cultural diversity, from Polynesian sensuality and Oriental mystique to American pragmatism.

Aloha Honolulu. Synonymous with lilting music and magnificent beaches, like world-famous Waikiki, it’s also awash with shops, restaurants, and a multitude of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. The wider island, Oahu, is a Pacific crossroads and a tapestry of cultural diversity, from Polynesian sensuality and Oriental mystique to American pragmatism.

There’s no experience quite like crossing the International Date Line on an ocean voyage. This imaginary line stretches around the world, and the date changes along the line. Crossing the International Date Line is a time-honoured travel milestone. Heading east across this imaginary line sets the clock back 24 hours, effectively gaining a day. Raise a glass to the event!

Apia is the capital of Samoa, located on the northern coast of Upolu Island. It is the nation's major port and only city. Discover the delights of this island, its lush interiors, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and friendly locals.

In nearly 250 years since Captain Cook named then the Friendly Islands, little has changed. It remains the last kingdom in the South Pacific, colourful coral gardens are still untouched and the pleasure of sipping cool coconut milk fresh from the shell is as strong as it ever was.

In a nation where stunning scenery is taken for granted, this water wonderland sparkles like a freshly polished jewel. Over 48 extinct volcanoes cloaked in wild mountainous scenery encircle the City of Sails. An undulating succession of bays and inlets stretch along its endless shores. Even the downtown area with its expansive, farm-like parks exudes a sense of spacious beauty.

In a nation where stunning scenery is taken for granted, this water wonderland sparkles like a freshly polished jewel. Over 48 extinct volcanoes cloaked in wild mountainous scenery encircle the City of Sails. An undulating succession of bays and inlets stretch along its endless shores. Even the downtown area with its expansive, farm-like parks exudes a sense of spacious beauty.

Tauranga is the largest and most populated port in the Bay of Plenty region. This is an appropriate name due to the abundant beaches, rolling white waters, hot mineral springs and even kiwi orchards. From here visit the thermal wonders of Rotorua, where geysers spout, mud boils and steam escapes through cracks in the pavement. Maori people have used the healing hot springs since the 14th century.

North of Auckland along the narrow Northland peninsula lies the shady cathedral, created by some of the largest trees in the world: the giant kauri trees which can stand up to 170 feet tall and are over 1,200 years old. Here the captivating Bay of Islands shelters 150 islands, enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins, and even whales.

Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" that transported 760 British convicts. Gold and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development; today it is the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”.

Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" that transported 760 British convicts. Gold and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development; today it is the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”.

The Brisbane River meanders through the heart of the city. Elegant Georgian buildings of native sandstone stand next to sleek glass towers. Brisbane is also a superbly landscaped city with jacarandas, flame trees, and bougainvilleas thriving in its semi-tropical climate. Come face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats on tours from this laid-back city.

Australia cruises showcase rainforests in the north and stunning beaches and cosmopolitan cities in the south, which give way to a vast interior and huge ranches. New Zealand boasts towering mountains and verdant valleys, washed by tumbling waterfalls. Certain cruises extend out into the sparkling Pacific to reveal idyllic South Seas islands.

With such a wonderfully evocative name, it's little wonder to find a connection with Yorkshire; that capital of eccentric place names. Yorkeys Knob sits on a headland north of Cairns, in an area of stunning natural beauty, situated as it is on the glorious Half Moon Bay and within touching distance of the Great Barrier Reef.

On the remote northern shores of Australia's Top End', balmy Darwin has grown from frontier settlement into a multicultural modern city. Discover the region's dramatic history from Aboriginal heritage to World War II air raids and the devastating Cyclone Tracey in the museums and galleries.

The Philippines’ sprawling capital city is a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. There are some unmissable landmarks to visit throughout the city, as well as several churches, parks and museums. Exploring Intramuros, once the old walled Spanish settlement of Manila, will introduce a number of attractions. Market life in Manila is another great way to experience the day-to-day function of the city, with several public markets ready to be explored. The food in the Philippines is fresh, flavoursome and delicious and Manila’s street food markets are a great place to sample the local specialities. Try lumpia, a tasty snack somewhere between a spring roll and a burrito. It is filled with meat, vegetables and a sweet, tangy sauce.

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Go on a trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with the Star Ferry, giving you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak,

Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the five million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. It is known as one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world, making Hong King cruises a must see. Be energised just walking down its teeming streets where you can buy anything from a handmade suit, fancy jewellery and the latest duty-free electronic gizmos to Asian antiques. Go on a trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with the Star Ferry, giving you the experience of the world's busiest crossings. For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak,

Welcome to Vietnam's culinary centre where there is plenty on the menu. The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau. Still fondly known as Saigon, the city is a thrilling, chaotic whirl played out against a French colonial backdrop as the aroma of noodle stalls, the sight of orange-garbed monks and the incessant buzz of scooters create a vivid snapshot of daily life.

Singapore is a remarkable combination of rich heritage, vibrant cultures, mouthwatering food and exciting modern trends, making it a popular island city with many facets worth exploring! Iconic landmarks include the famous Merlion Statue, the Marina Bay Sands with its rooftop infinity pool and breathtaking views, Gardens by the Bay - a marvel of urban architecture and lush greenery, or soar above the city on the Singapore Flyer. Chinatown and Little India are another example of Singapore’s diversity, home to wonderful authentic eateries and some beautiful temples. A certain Britishness lingers too, so stop by Singapore Polo Club and Raffles Hotel for a tall glass of the pink stuff - a signature Singapore Sling. For the shopping enthusiasts, the buzzing malls offer both retail therapy and unforgettable adventures.

Singapore is a remarkable combination of rich heritage, vibrant cultures, mouthwatering food and exciting modern trends, making it a popular island city with many facets worth exploring! Iconic landmarks include the famous Merlion Statue, the Marina Bay Sands with its rooftop infinity pool and breathtaking views, Gardens by the Bay - a marvel of urban architecture and lush greenery, or soar above the city on the Singapore Flyer. Chinatown and Little India are another example of Singapore’s diversity, home to wonderful authentic eateries and some beautiful temples. A certain Britishness lingers too, so stop by Singapore Polo Club and Raffles Hotel for a tall glass of the pink stuff - a signature Singapore Sling. For the shopping enthusiasts, the buzzing malls offer both retail therapy and unforgettable adventures.

Port Kelang is the port for Malaysia’s modern and bustling Kuala Lumpur, a city fusing Malayan, Chinese and Indian cultures. Fans of retail therapy are in luck, the shopping is some of Asia's finest. Malaysia’s dynamic capital is a melting pot of skyscrapers, Islamic architecture and British Colonial buildings offering a futuristic cityscape with an enduring nod to yesteryear. Home to some of Asia’s most opulent shopping malls, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is dominated by the famous Petronas and Menara Kuala Lumpur Towers, while the hip Bukit Bintang district pulses with lively markets and street food vendors.

Penang is an alluring combination of golden beaches and cultural gems. Along the north coast, Penang's most famous beach is lined with luxury Asian hotels while Malay kampongs sprinkle across a countryside scented with cloves and nutmeg. Admire the giant reclining Buddha and the 1,000 gilded statues of Kek Lok Si Temple. See the elaborate clan house of the Chinese Khoo Kongsi.

The beating heart of Mauritius is Port Louis, its capital city. Combining a rich array of cultures, languages and influences, Port Louis is a truly fascinating place to sit and watch the world go by. Port Louis offers shopping bargains at the old-fashioned central market. Go bird watching at Casela Bird Park. Or set out on a catamaran to admire the sun-drenched beauty of the island, landing on dazzling white beaches and snorkeling amongst shoals brimming with kaleidoscopic fish.

Durban is an attractive city, whose long beach front and glass buildings look out onto the Indian Ocean. Inland, spectacular landscapes and Africa’s unique wildlife are waiting to captivate you. Durban resides on the edge of the KwaZulu-Natal province, and it could be the springboard for an adventure inland to experience the stunning scenery and rich local customs. One excursion could whisk you into the evocatively named Valley of a Thousand Hills, with its rippled ridges and green slopes in the heart of Zulu country. There you can pay a visit to a cultural village for traditional demonstrations of beadwork, spear making, drumming and dancing. Durban can be thought of as South Africa’s Riviera, basking as it does in a pleasant subtropical climate. Its enticing beachfront, known as the ‘Golden Mile,’ actually offers over three and a half miles of sandy shore where surfers and swimmers flock to waters warmed by the Mozambique Current.

Not only is Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is also surrounded by magnificent beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day savour an awe inspiring cable car ride up Table Mountain. Perhaps make the poignant tour of Robben Island or take a cultural trip to Stellenbosch and its surrounding wine lands.

Not only is Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is also surrounded by magnificent beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day savour an awe inspiring cable car ride up Table Mountain. Perhaps make the poignant tour of Robben Island or take a cultural trip to Stellenbosch and its surrounding wine lands.

The 'Diamond of Africa' is a country of stark beauty and contrasting landscapes. It is home to the world’s oldest desert, the world’s highest sand dunes, and a diversity of people that have created an intriguing blend of cultures and traditions. Found between the sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, the large natural lagoon of Walvis Bays is home to prolific birdlife.

One of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan African cities, the Senegalese capital bears many visual reminders of its past as a French colonial outpost. Despite the Parisian-style boulevards and buildings, however, there is a distinctly African feel to the city. The common language is French, although many citizens may also speak as many as five or six ethnic languages, since the whole coast of West Africa has been steeped in a heritage of mutual trade for centuries. Among the many sights and sounds greeting visitors, none is more evocative and sobering than a visit to Goree Island and its House of Slaves. This fortress, just offshore of the city waterfront, displays many reminders of the brutal trade in human beings, including an unimposing doorway, set just above the waterline in the seaside wall, identified simply as the “Door of No Return.”

Beloved for its beaches, Tenerife also offers a feast for the eyes - in its numerous art galleries and museums or an incredibly panoramic cable car ascent of Mount Teide. Your ears will appreciate the sounds of the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music. Perhaps even catch a recital at the striking wave-shaped Auditorio, home to the acclaimed Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

The UK's premier passenger ship port, located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, Southampton is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town. Further afield you’ll find The New Forest National Park, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Isle of Wight, while the city’s thriving craft beer and culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice.