8 January

Australia: Portland (Victoria)

Portland is the oldest European settlement in Victoria, a picturesque harbour with a pleasant waterfront and well-preserved colonial buildings. During the 19th century it was an important whaling centre, and you can see species including southern right and blue whales out in the bay.

9 January

Australia: Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest island, situated to the south west of Adelaide. It’s a rural and underdeveloped place, with an abundance of wildlife and some spectacular scenery, such as the weird, weather-sculpted boulders of Flinders Chase National Park.

10 January

Australia: Adelaide

Residents of Adelaide still take pride in the fact that their city was freely settled rather than founded as a penal colony, and the city traditionally had a reputation as a stuffy and pious sort of place. Adelaide has moved on, however, and these days it’s a thriving cultural hub with a superb culinary scene.

11 January to 12 January - At sea

13 January

Australia: Albany

The historic port of Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia, and the town still has plenty of photogenically faded colonial architecture. Albany sits on Princess Royal Harbour, one of the world’s best natural deep water harbours, and the surrounding coastline is spectacular.

14 January to 15 January

Australia: Fremantle (Perth)

The capital of Western Australia, Perth sits in glorious isolation on the shores of the Indian Ocean, where the Swan River meets the sea. Laid back and relaxed, this must be one of the most easy-going capital cities in the world, with everything within easy reach.

16 January

Australia: Geraldton

The coastal town of Geraldton is the capital of Australia’s midwest, and offers ideal conditions for watersports including snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s also the gateway to the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, a beautiful chain of 122 islands and coral reefs bathed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

17 January - At sea

18 January

Australia: Exmouth

Situated at the tip of the North West Cape in Western Australia, the tourist town of Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef marine reserve. This is a spectacular place to snorkel, and the reef’s most famous visitors are the whale sharks that pass through here between April and July.

19 January - At sea

20 January

Australia: Broome

For travellers by ship, Broome is the gateway to the extraordinary Kimberley region, but that’s not all. It is also the pearling capital of Australia and boasts fantastic white sand beaches and memorable sunsets.

21 January - At sea

22 January

Indonesia: Rinca Island

Rinca is one of the largest islands in Komodo National Park, and it’s a great place to see the famous Komodo dragon in the wild, with fewer tourists than neighbouring Komodo Island. Other wildlife here includes wild pigs, buffalo and a variety of birds, and there are some excellent dive sites around Horseshoe Bay on the south coast.

23 January to 24 January

Indonesia: Bali

25 January

Indonesia: Waingapu (Sumba)

26 January

Indonesia: Kupang

The city of Kupang is the capital of East Nusa Tenggara province, and lies at the southwestern end of Timor island. It’s more of a transit hub than a tourist destination, although there are some interesting markets, and there are some nice beaches nearby - just watch out for the crocodiles!

27 January - At sea

28 January

Australia: Darwin

More of a large town than a city, Darwin is less about what’s contained within the city limits and more about the huge expanse of wild landscape that’s outside it. Closer to Jakarta than Sydney, the city really does feel remote in its tropical perch.

29 January to 30 January - At sea

31 January to 1 February

Australia: Cairns

Cairns is a buzzing tourist hub, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. A snorkelling trip out to the reef is the most obvious excursion to take here, but other options include riding the Skyrail cableway over the rainforest canopy or swimming in the croc-free saltwater lagoon.

2 February

Australia: Airlie Beach

The lively town of Airlie Beach is backpacker central, and serves as a transport hub for the many offshore attractions of the east coast. From here you can take a trip out to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, or visit the stunning tropical beaches of the nearby Whitsunday Islands.

3 February - At sea

4 February

Australia: Brisbane

Brisbane has plenty of shopping malls and, with great weather, a fantastic café culture. Amongst the steel and glass skyscrapers are some interesting historic buildings, and with plenty surrounding the city there’s enough on offer to make for an interesting short stay.

5 February - At sea

6 February

Australia: Sydney

One or our favourite cities in the world, we love pretty much everything about Sydney. Offering outdoor living at its best, the city is known for the excellent beaches but offers so much more, including a thriving and varied food scene inspired by Asian and European flavours.

7 February to 9 February - At sea

10 February

New Zealand: Wellington

New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital is arguably the country’s most likeable city. Hemmed in by forest-clad hills, Wellington is compact and easily walkable, with a lovely waterfront area where you’ll find the must-see Te Papa national museum. The city is also renowned for its strong winds, so make sure you hold on to your hat!

11 February

New Zealand: Gisborne

Gisborne is the first city on earth to greet the sun each morning, and it’s also a popular destination for foodies and wine lovers, known as the unofficial ‘Chardonnay capital of New Zealand’. This is a great place to enjoy some beach time, learn about Maori culture or grab a surfboard and catch some waves.

12 February

New Zealand: Tauranga

Tauranga is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty, and is said to be one of the sunniest spots in the whole of New Zealand. There’s a real boom town feel here, with new restaurants, bars and hotels opening all the time, and neighbouring Mount Maunganui is a popular beach destination.

13 February to 14 February

New Zealand: Auckland

Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.

15 February

New Zealand: Bay of Islands

The beautiful Bay of Islands is scattered with some 150 undeveloped islands, an idyllic landscape of bright skies, secluded beaches and clear blue waters. The bay was also the site of the first permanent British settlement in New Zealand, and it was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs.

16 February to 17 February - At sea

18 February

Fiji: Suva

Suva is Fiji’s bustling capital, situated on the southeast coast of Viti Levu on a fine natural harbour. This is one of the more attractive port cities in the South Pacific, with a handsome core of colonial buildings that hark back to the days when Fiji was an outpost of the British Empire. The colourful wooden buildings of Cumming Street are particularly pretty.

19 February - At sea

20 February

Samoa: Apia

Apia is the capital of Samoa, situated on the north coast of the island of Upolu. Highlights include the colourful markets and Robert Louis Stevenson's former house, now a museum, though you may just want to use the city as a jumping off point for the beautiful beaches located further along the coast.

20 February

American Samoa: Pago Pago

The little fishing town of Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a rarely visited but utterly enchanting archipelago in the South Pacific. Pago Pago sits on a beautiful natural bay on the island of Tutuila, a lush and mountainous place where Polynesian traditions remain strong.

21 February to 22 February - At sea

23 February

French Polynesia: Raiatea

Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands, played a vital role in the development of Polynesian culture; it was from this island that settlers departed for Hawaii and New Zealand over a millennium ago. The island feels wilder than Tahiti, with steep, jungle-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and ancient Polynesian temples.

24 February

French Polynesia: Bora Bora

Bora Bora is the very definition of idyllic, a diminutive Polynesian island dominated by rainforest-clad volcanic peaks, overlooking an electric blue lagoon ringed by coral reefs. The beaches and over-water bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners, and the clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkelling.

25 February

French Polynesia: Mo'orea

Mo’orea is one of the real highlights of the South Pacific, a picture perfect landscape of jagged green mountains and dazzling cobalt bays. The warm waters of the lagoon are perfect for a host of watersports, while the lush island interior can be easily explored by scooter or bicycle.

25 February to 26 February

French Polynesia: Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, situated on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The port is not the most magical spot, so we advise venturing forth to luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, relax on the white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, and explore the rugged mountain peaks.

27 February

French Polynesia: Huahine

Huahine is perhaps the most beautiful of the Society Islands, and one of the least developed too. The laid back ambience means it’s impossible not to relax here, whether you’re on one of the gorgeous beaches or taking a stroll around the friendly village of Fare.

28 February

French Polynesia: Rangiroa

The Rangiroa atoll is one of the biggest in the world, a ring of over 400 motu (islets) surrounding a vast lagoon. This stunning area is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, and the waters are home to marine life including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

1 March

French Polynesia: Fakarava (Tuamotu Islands)

The Fakarava atoll surrounds a deep lagoon in the west of the Tuamotu island group, scarcely populated and home to a host of rare wildlife. The entire atoll has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the shallow coastal waters make for excellent snorkelling.

2 March to 3 March - At sea

4 March

Pitcairn Islands: Adamstown

The remote South Pacific island of Pitcairn was settled by a party of British sailors and Tahitians following the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty in 1789, and their descendants still live on the island. The tiny capital, Adamstown, has a population of around 50 people.

5 March to 6 March - At sea

7 March to 8 March

Chile: Easter Island

The enigmatic moai statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) remain one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries. Descendants of the Polynesian settlers who carved them still live here, though these days the island belongs to Chile, despite being separated from the mainland by over 2,000 miles of Pacific Ocean.

9 March to 11 March - At sea

12 March

: Robinson Crusoe Island

13 March - At sea

14 March

Chile: Valparaíso

Characterful, colourful and a little chaotic, the port city of Valparaíso is scattered across 45 vertiginous hills. Thanks to this difficult topography the city streets are punctuated by steep staircases and funicular elevators, and energetic explorers will be rewarded with wonderful views of the pastel hued buildings that hug the slopes.

15 March - At sea

16 March

Chile: Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt is the capital of the Chilean Lake District, spread out around a wide bay against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. This wild region offers a host of outdoor activities, including mountain hikes, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, zip lining and cycling.

17 March

Chile: Castro (Chiloé Island)

Rugged and unspoilt Chiloé, situated at the southern end of Chile’s Lake District, is a unique and culturally distinct island that stands apart from the rest of the country. The main town, Castro, is notable for its colourful waterfront homes on stilts (known as palafitos), and is the gateway to the dense forests and rolling hills of the island interior.

18 March

Chile: Puerto Chacabuco

Puerto Chacabuco is situated close to the Aysén Fjord and serves as a gateway to the Laguna San Rafael National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Amongst the lush forests, waterfalls and lagoons you have the chance to spot wildlife including marine otters, giant condors and Chilean dolphins.

19 March

Chile: Laguna San Rafael

20 March to 21 March

Chile: Chilean Fjords

22 March

Chile: Punta Arenas

The weather-beaten city of Punta Arenas is a laid back and welcoming place, in spite of its inhospitable location on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Nearby attractions include penguin colonies and the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, while beyond the horizon lie the frozen wastes of Antarctica.

23 March to 24 March

Argentina: Ushuaia

Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, Ushuaia has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica.

25 March - At sea

26 March

Falkland Islands: Stanley

The rugged and windswept Falkland Islands make for a fascinating stop on the way to or from Antarctica. Over 80% of the population lives in the capital, Stanley, though humans are far outnumbered by other creatures, including penguins, sea lions and albatrosses.

27 March - At sea

28 March to 29 March

Argentina: Puerto Madryn

Founded by Welsh settlers in 1886, bustling Puerto Madryn owes its popularity as a tourist destination to the incredible wildlife of the Península Valdés. From June to December the bay is filled with migrating right whales, and at the beginning of the season the whales come so close to the shore that you can view them from the pier.

30 March - At sea

31 March

Uruguay: Punta del Este

The upmarket Uruguayan beach resort of Punta del Este is where the A-listers come to party, with a reputation as the Saint Tropez of South America. The town also has an arty side, typified by intriguing sculptures such as the giant concrete fingers emerging from the beach at Playa Brava.

1 April to 2 April

Argentina: Buenos Aires

The streets of Buenos Aires are redolent of a grand old European capital, lined with elegant architecture that wouldn’t look out of place in Madrid or Paris. There is also plenty of Latin passion on display: Argentina is the home of tango, that most electrifying of dances, and has played host to countless revolutions over the years.

3 April to 4 April

Uruguay: Montevideo

Located just across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Uruguay’s underrated capital is a cosmopolitan and eclectic mix of colourful colonial architecture and high rise modernity. The 14-mile waterfront promenade, La Rambla, is a popular and pleasant place to be on a summer’s evening.

5 April - At sea

6 April

Brazil: Balneário de Camboriú

7 April

Brazil: Ilhabela

Ilhabela, the aptly named ‘beautiful island’, is swathed in rainforest and fringed by golden beaches. The majority of the island is a protected state park, and walking trails lead you through dense foliage to magical waterfalls, with the chance to spot wildlife including toucans and capuchin monkeys.

8 April

Brazil: Paraty, Rio De Janeiro

9 April to 10 April

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

The carnival capital of the world, Rio de Janeiro needs little introduction. We can think of few cities in the world that are able to compete when it comes to location: hugging the beautiful sandy shore and surrounded by jungle-clad islands and mountains, including the iconic Corcovado, the setting for Brazil’s most vibrant city is simply breathtaking.

11 April

Brazil: Búzios

Once just a sleepy fishing village on a picturesque peninsula, Búzios was put firmly on the map by Brigitte Bardot, who holidayed here in the 1960s. These days it’s an upmarket beach destination, with a host of luxury hotels, sophisticated restaurants and chic boutiques.

12 April - At sea

13 April

Brazil: Salvador

Colourful Salvador is Brazil’s third biggest city and a vibrant centre for Afro-Brazilian culture, with frequent festivals that fill the streets with music and dancing. The historic core of the old city is the biggest tourist magnet, where elegant, brightly hued colonial buildings line the cobbled streets.

14 April

Brazil: Maceio

15 April

Brazil: Recife

Recife is a big and bustling metropolis on Brazil’s north east coast, with a historic core that has been mostly swallowed up by the urban sprawl. The nearby town of Olinda is a more appealing place to spend your day ashore, with an arty vibe and some lovely colonial architecture.

16 April to 19 April - At sea

20 April

Brazil: Santarém

Santarém is situated at the ‘Wedding of the Waters’, where the Amazon and Tapajós rivers meet. A former rubber boom town, the city is now a focus for the controversial soybean industry. Activities on offer nearby include canoeing, wildlife walks and day trips to the laid back town of Alter do Chão.

21 April

Brazil: Boca da Valéria

The tiny village of Boca da Valéria, with its picturesque little church and wooden stilt houses, is home to a remote indigenous community, at the point where the Valéria and Amazon rivers meet. The villagers are used to welcoming cruise ship visitors, but stepping ashore here is still a memorable experience.

22 April to 23 April

Brazil: Manaus

Manaus is a remarkable place, a sweltering, steamy city in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest. Situated near the confluence of the Rio Negro and Amazon rivers, surrounded by thick jungle, the city is a major port in spite of its location some 1,000 miles from the sea.

24 April

Brazil: Parintins

The little island town of Parintins is famous for its annual Boi Bumbá festival, the biggest folk celebration in Brazil after Rio Carnival. Cruise ship visitors are usually met by Bumbá dancers at the port, and it’s a great place to get a feel for everyday life in the Amazon region.

25 April

Brazil: Alter do Chão

The laid back riverside village of Alter do Chão is sometimes known as the ‘Caribbean of the Amazon’ thanks to its white sand beaches, clear waters and chilled out vibe. Beyond the beach the main activities are exploring the surrounding rainforest and shopping for local handicrafts.

26 April to 27 April - At sea

28 April

French Guiana: Îles du Salut

The Îles du Salut, a trio of islands more popularly known as Devil’s Island, were the site of a French penal colony which gained notoriety thanks to the harsh treatment of inmates. As well as the overgrown ruins of the prison, which closed in 1953, the islands are today also home to a surprisingly rich variety of wildlife.

29 April - At sea

30 April

Barbados: Bridgetown

There’s more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison’s Cave.

1 May

Dominica: Roseau

The island of Dominica stands out from the rest of the Caribbean, a rugged natural paradise that remains blissfully free of mass market tourism. The capital, Roseau, is pleasant enough, but the island interior offers so much more, including thick jungle, bubbling hot springs, cascading waterfalls and abundant birdlife.

2 May

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Basseterre (Saint Kitts)

Laid back and low key, Saint Kitts is an island typified by rolling green hills, characterful beach bars and the lingering remnants of the sugar cane trade that once dominated here. Attractions include the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill fortress, the 18-mile Scenic Railway and the faded Georgian elegance of the capital, Basseterre.

3 May

Puerto Rico: San Juan

Founded by the Spanish in 1521, Puerto Rico’s capital is the second oldest European settlement in the Americas. Modern San Juan is a bustling city, home to over a third of the island’s population, but the cobbled streets of the Old Town remain the biggest tourist draw.

4 May

Dominican Republic: Samaná

The Samaná Peninsula provides a different perspective on the Dominican Republic to the overdeveloped east coast, offering both unspoilt natural beauty and glimpses of everyday life. Between January and March the bay is a popular location for spotting humpback whales, while the town of Las Terrenas is known for its sophisticated nightlife.

5 May

Turks and Caicos Islands: Grand Turk

Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos, a collection of sleepy and spectacularly beautiful coral islands to the east of the Bahamas. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters are the main attraction, and the extensive barrier reef makes this a popular destination for divers in the know.

6 May - At sea

7 May

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale

These days Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated place awash with upmarket hotels and excellent restaurants. The glorious weather and swathes of golden beach are still a huge draw, but there are also plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science.