18 December

Fiji: Yasawa Islands

The sparsely populated Yasawa Islands are famous for their stunning beaches and hilly volcanic terrain. You can indulge in all the usual activities such as sunbathing and snorkelling, along with a visit to the unique Sawa-i-lau caves, accessible by swimming through an underwater tunnel.

19 December - At sea

20 December

Netherlands: Vlissingen

21 December

Vanuatu: Champagne Beach

Champagne Beach is a stunning stretch of perfect white sand on the east coast of Espiritu Santo, the largest of Vanuatu’s islands. The beach is named after a bizarre natural phenomenon, in which gas escaping from volcanic rocks on the sea floor causes the water to bubble and fizz at low tide.

22 December to 23 December - At sea

24 December

Solomon Islands: Honiara

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and the nation’s only real port, situated on the largely unspoilt island of Guadalcanal. Reminders of the famous Second World War battle that took place here can be seen all over the island, as well as under the water at the fantastic dive sites off the north coast.

25 December - At sea

26 December

Papua New Guinea: Alotau

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay province, on the remote eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Milne Bay was the scene of heavy fighting during the Second World War, and today you can dive amongst the wreckage left behind. Alotau also serves as a base for visiting the nearby islands, including the fascinating Trobriand archipelago.

27 December

Papua New Guinea: Conflict Islands

28 December to 1 January - At sea

2 January

Timor-Leste: Dili

Dili is the capital of Timor-Leste (East Timor), one of the world’s youngest nations. The city’s old quarter includes a number of impressive buildings from the Portuguese colonial era, while the Resistance Museum documents the country’s 25-year struggle to win independence from Indonesia.

3 January - At sea

4 January

Indonesia: Loh Liang (Komodo Island)

Komodo Island is situated within an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to the famous Komodo dragon. The stunning beaches are tinged with pink thanks to the high concentration of red coral just offshore, and the waters draw intrepid divers from all over the world.

5 January to 6 January

Indonesia: Benoa (Bali)

The beaches, spectacular volcanic scenery and lush green rice terraces lend Bali a natural beauty that seems to dovetail perfectly with the island’s distinct Hindu culture, which adorns the landscape with stunning temples.

7 January to 9 January - At sea

10 January

Arriving in Singapore

Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.