Dubai to Hong Kong

About Mumbai

Gateway to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, India’s cruise port Mumbai (formerly Bombay) offers so many memorable experiences it is hard to know where to begin.Perhaps a stroll along Marine Drive, the broad seafront promenade, which links the skyscrapers and bustle of Nariman Point with the serene greenery of Malabar Hill, is the best introduction to the sheer variety of this fascinating city.

Or climb to the top of Malabar Hill to visit the terraced Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, which overlook the Arabian Sea and the famous Towers of Silence. Then make your way to Crawford’s Market (now Jyotiba Phulle), which will take you back in time to Victorian days - the frieze above its entrance was designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father, and Rudyard’s childhood home lies right opposite.

Bargain hunters should not miss the famous Chor Bazaar and the antique shops of Motton Street at its heart, where you can pick up fabulous memorabilia – and do not be afraid to bargain.

About Cochin

The view of the harbour is immediately recognisable even if you have never cruised to this uniquely picturesque Indian port before. For the lines of fishing nets gracefully hanging down from bamboo frames along the waterfront have inspired artists and hotographers ever since this Chinese fishing style was imported into Indias Kerala region.

It is a magical welcome to a mystical place, especially its old town - Fort Kochi (Cochin). This not only has a 16th century Portuguese-built church but a 17th century synagogue for the small community that still remains from the Jewish settlers who arrived 2,000 years ago.

There is a bustling new town, Emakulam, too, but you probably still want to spend most of your time moving through the network of canals leading off the Vembavad Lake on which Cochin sits. On their banks and across their bridges, fishermen and their families live much as they have done for centuries.

About Singapore

Singapore’s glorious parks have earned it a reputation as the Garden City of the Far East but you will also be cruising into one of the world’s busiest ports.

Once ashore you can enjoy a stroll through the famous Tiger Balm Gardens with its statues of characters from Chinese legend peeping out from the trees. Ornithologists will love the Jurong Bird Park, with its elaborate aviaries, waterfalls and restaurants, while East Coast Park offers hiking and cycling tracks, a marine theme park and beach watersports.

This vibrant city is heaven for shoppers, too. Head for Orchard Road for bargains on international brands, or soak up some local atmosphere and sample foodie treats while you browse the craft and souvenir stalls of Chinatown, Little India and Mosque Street.

For fake designer bargains, haggle your way around Bugis Street market. But don’t forget to leave time for a Singapore Sling amid the colonial splendours of the famous Raffles Hotel.

About Vung Tau

In the 19th century, Vung Tau - a seaside town just 125 km from Saigon - was a holiday playground for Vietnam’s wealthy French rulers. They left a rich legacy for today’s visitors to enjoy in the form of grand hotels and exquisite Belle Epoque mansions like the White Mansion (Bach Dinh). This was built in 1898 and has been a summer home to Vietnamese Heads of State ever since.

Stroll along Vung Tau’s broad beach, flanked by two mountains and now lined with stylish hotels, and you will soon see the appeal of this lovely place, famed throughout the Far East for its exquisite pagodas.

The most famous of these is Niet Ban Tinh Xa, which lies on the side of Nui Nho mountain facing the ocean and is famed for its tranquil central garden, which is modelled on the garden in which Buddha entered Nirvana.

About Nha Trang

Set against a backdrop of lushly-forested mountains, with a beautiful waterfront and wide, golden beaches, the Vietnamese seaside resort of Nha Trang is now well on its way to becoming a sophisticated modern town.

You will still find plenty of old fashioned charm, though, in the colourful markets, lively restaurants and broad streets of its bustling downtown area, which lies close to the clear turquoise seas, uncrowded sands and excellent diving and snorkelling facilities of the main City Beach.

And when you tire of sunbathing, the region surrounding Nha Trang is rich in history; discover the fascinating story of the Chams, an ancient Hindu / Moslem ethnic minority who run their society along matriarchal lines, with property passing from mother to daughter.

One of their most important sacred sites – the Towers of Po Nagar, which date from the 7th century  – lie close to the city. Also worth seeing is the exquisite Long Son Pagoda.

About Hong Kong

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. This makes it one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world.

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.

Take the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and experience one of the worlds busiest crossings.

For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,300ft above the harbour. And for the ultimate taste sensation, head for Aberdeens floating restaurants featuring every kind of Asian cuisine.

About Hiroshima

Since the atomic blast on 6 August 1945, Hiroshima has undergone a remarkable rebirth. The Peace Memorial Park, located around the blast epicentre, has been built to commemorate the devastating explosion and to promote a peaceful world. The Atomic Bomb Dome, the citys last remaining bomb-damaged building, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Regarded as one of Japan’s top three scenic views, why not visit nearby Miyajima Island, famed for its Itsukushima Shrine and floating tori monument? Also enjoy a gentle stroll through Shukkeien, literally meaning ‘shrink scenery garden’, a lovely Japanese style garden originally constructed in the 17th century.

About Xingang

Beijing is a microcosm of modern China and all its contradictions. From the architecturally magnificent Forbidden City, the capital spreads outwards in concentric rings, the streets bustling with its vast populace. Huge avenues lined with towering skyscrapers and vaulting flyovers crisscross with old alleyways, temples and palaces.

With so much to offer, you can but dip your toes into the culture and sights; the elegant grounds of the Summer Palace, the stately buildings of Tiananmen Square. For a different experience forego the city for The Great Wall which snakes, magnificently, through the surrounding countryside, desert, hills and plains.

About Shanghai

Once known as the Paris of the East, Shanghai now calls itself the Pearl of the Orient. It is China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and no other city can better capture the urgency and excitement of Chinas economic reform.

A port city, lying at the mouth of Asias longest and most important river, the Yangtze, Shanghai’s spectacular architecture is catching the worlds attention. Charming old houses are making way for new museums, theatres and shiny new high-rises. But there is a comfortable blend of modern and traditional.

You can admire the exquisite Yu Garden with its Teahouse and Bridge of Nine Turnings or the Temple of the Jade Buddha. At the Shanghai Museum, you can peruse its works of art, which simultaneously draw you through the pages of Chinese history. But today in Shanghai, you can also enjoy the fast-paced lives of Chinas most glamorous, cosmopolitan and open people.

About Hong Kong

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. This makes it one of the most crowded and vibrant places in the world.

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.

Take the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and experience one of the worlds busiest crossings.

For one of the steepest journeys, try the tram which travels to the top of Victoria Peak, 1,300ft above the harbour. And for the ultimate taste sensation, head for Aberdeens floating restaurants featuring every kind of Asian cuisine.