Southern Seas Saga

Los Angeles, also called LA, or the City of Angels, is situated in southern California, and as the home base of Hollywood is the Entertainment Capital of the world. There is so much to do in this famous city, such as visit LA's most popular beach Santa Monica that offers ocean activities, shopping, street performers and more, or simply investigate the fantastic shopping venues. Helicopter tours are now becoming extremely popular, as one gets to see beaches, movie star homes, the Hollywood sign, downtown, and all of the attractions through the eyes of an expert. Read more about Los Angeles, USA

The birthplace of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the Unites States, Honolulu is the cultural, industrial, commercial, and governmental centre of Hawaii, with Waikiki Beach the epicentre of the tourist industry. It is a thriving world-class city, with nearly one million people in its metropolitan area. Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, and as the city is packed with sights, activities, and tourist attractions, it is easy to understand why there is so much to do in this southernmost major U.S. Read more about Honolulu, USA

Nawiliwili is a large beach park and port on the SE of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. One of the wettest spots on Earth, with an annual average rainfall of over 11 meters, it is located on the east side of Mount Wai'ale'ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains resulting in canyons with many scenic waterfalls. Read more about Nawiliwili, USA

The Island of Maui, the Magic Isle of Hawaii, is surrounded by 48km of beautiful beaches that are known for quiet waters in the summer, and being a whitewater playground for the surfing elite in winter. An ideal way of seeing the island is to travel by car or bus and visit such places as Paia, a small town on the island with a collection of quaint shops, along with art galleries and great local food at casual restaurants. Here, natural wonders set your spirit free and the warm ‘aloha’ of Maui's people fills your heart with a sense of belonging. Read more about Maui, USA

Hilo is the largest settlement on The Big Island of Hawaii, the southernmost of the Hawaiian islands, in Polynesia. It overlooks Hilo Bay, at the base of active Mauna Loa (4169m) and dormant Mauna Kea (4207m) volcanoes. Hilo is an impressively beautiful town overlooking beaches, caves, rivers, and waterfalls within its limits. Read more about Hilo, USA

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The mysteries and romance associated with the words Bora Bora bring an almost mystical presence to the island; it is arguably the most famous island in the world. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Read more about Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The mysteries and romance associated with the words Bora Bora bring an almost mystical presence to the island; it is arguably the most famous island in the world. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Read more about Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Raiatea is a South Pacific island in the west of French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the French Polynesian Archipelago. The same coral reef encloses both Raiatea and the smaller island of Tahaa just 4 km south. Read more about Raiatea, French Polynesia

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, and is arguably the most picturesque island in all of French Polynesia. It actually consists of two islands, Huahine-Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (little) interconnected by a bridge. With steep mountains descending into protected bays of azure blue and emerald green colours, the island is also one of the more geographically diverse of the Society Group. Read more about Huahine, French Polynesia

Mo'orea is French Polynesia's second-most popular tourist attraction after Tahiti. Located a mere seven kilometres west of the island of Tahiti, Mo'orea is distinctive for its jagged peaks cloaked with lush greenery, its white and black sand beaches that are among the finest in the world.The island is encircled by a lagoon of translucent green, fringed by the deep blue of the ocean and light blue sky. Then there are the fascinating threads of waterfalls that tumble down fern-softened cliffs, all of which sets one in awe of the majesty of nature. Read more about Moorea, French Polynesia

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The mysteries and romance associated with the words Bora Bora bring an almost mystical presence to the island; it is arguably the most famous island in the world. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Read more about Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Apia (pop. 37,000), city and capital of Samoa, is located on the northern shore of Upolu Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Samoa (Western Samoa to 1997) consists of two main islands and four smaller islands. Read more about Apia, Samoa

Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji, perched on a hilly peninsula between Laucala Bay and Suva Harbour in the SE corner of the island of Viti Levu. It is a beautiful tropical city full of colour and diverse cultures. Although it is the only place in Fiji where you will see buildings taller than palm trees, local folk traditions such as fire walks, welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth, remain strong. Read more about Suva, Fiji

Lautoka is situated on the western side of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, and just 20 km north of Nadi. The Fiji archipelago lies just to the western side of the International Date Line. Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city. Read more about Lautoka, Fiji

Port Vila, also known as “Vila”, is the capital and the main hub of Vanuatu. Port Vila is located on the island of Efate. There are over 100 indigenous languages spoken in Vanuatu however Port Vila’s main language is Bislama. Read more about Port Vila, Vanuatu

Honiara, located on the northern coast of the island of Guadalcanal, is the capital of the Solomon Islands, which lie between Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Pijin is the principal language. The climate is tropical, and while the most pleasant time to visit is winter, July to September, the cooling sea breezes temper the humidity and heat along all coasts year-round. Read more about Honiara, Solomon Islands

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia

Cooktown, Australia's first European settlement, was charted and settled by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. It is a small frontier town located on the Endeavour River (named after Captain Cook's ship) in far north tropical Queensland. A century later thousands, including many Chinese, came to Cooktown, the port for the Palmer River gold rush, leaving a fascinating history that can be explored at the James Cook Historical Museum. Read more about Cooktown, Australia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island at the western-most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Bali is home to the most of Indonesia's Hindu minority, and also the largest tourist destination in the Archipelago. Read more about Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia

Lembar is a port in Tawun Harbour on the island of Lombok, located 100 km E of Bali in Indonesia. The island has been promoted as "an unspoiled Bali" for quite some time, with beautiful beaches and the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjan (3600m). In Lembar are idyllic conditions for snorkelling amongst pretty coral formations and many colourful fish, swimming, or just relaxing on the island's white sandy beach. Read more about Lembar, Indonesia

Celukan Bawang, with its large wharf, is the main cargo port of northern Bali, trading in timber and cement from Kalimantan (Borneo) and Java. Bugis schooners, the magnificent sailing vessels that take their name from the seafaring people of Sulawesi, anchor here. What you see here is not the westernised tourist potpourri of Kuta Beach. Read more about Celukan Bawang, Indonesia

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the capital of East Java. It is located on the NE coast of Java, sheltered by the island of Madura in the Java Sea. This is “the city of heroes”, whereby during a battle between Indonesian nationalists and British/Dutch forces in 1945 Indonesia galvanised its claims to independence. Read more about Surabaya, Indonesia

Semarang, on the N coast of Java, is the capital of the Province of Central Java and one of the largest cities in Indonesia. Northern Semarang has a lot of old Dutch colonial buildings, especially in the area called The Old City. Here is found the fascinating Dutch fortress that is pentagonal in shape, and nearby the Lawang Sewu building, once a company head office for the Dutch East Indies, with an old locomotive, to name but a few of about 50 old buildings that recall the history of colonialism. Read more about Semarang, Indonesia

Jakarta, located on the NW coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is the eleventh largest city in the world with more than 23 million people, and like most of the big cities in the developing countries, it does suffer from urbanisation problems. However many of the locals speak some English and are always friendly and willing to assist visitors if they ask for help. Read more about Jakarta, Indonesia

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as it is known - is situated midway along the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and as the nation's capital city it is the focal point of the new Malaysia. The city truly brings together Malaysia's past and present and its varied cultures. Visitors can appreciate the evocative British buildings as well as the unbounded spirit of progress that symbolises Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the future. Read more about Port Klang, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, the largest of 99 islands collectively known by the same name, is situated off the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Since being made a duty-free port in 1987, shopping here is cheaper than anywhere else in Malaysia. Yes, this delightful island's economy is primarily based on tourism. Read more about Langkawi, Malaysia

Phuket is the main town in the SE of an island of the same name, in the south of Thailand. This destination provides perfect silky-soft beaches, together with superb hospitality. With spectacular scenery and warm blue waters, it is not surprising that it is Asia's most popular beach destination. Read more about Phuket, Thailand

Penang Island is located on the NW coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca, while Penang State includes a narrow hinterland that is separated from the island by a channel. All tourists should visit the World Heritage Listed site of George Town. Take a trishaw ride or a guided walking tour to explore the nooks and crannies of George Town which, with its unique architectural and cultural townscape, and where every clanhouse and building represents a page of its colourful history, is definitely a ‘must-see’. Read more about Penang, Malaysia

Malacca City (Melaka) is located on the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula about 147 km S of inland Kuala Lumpur, and 200 km NW of Singapore. In earlier times Malacca was the greatest port in the region, as evidenced by its architecture that has been influenced by Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Thai traders. Even today it lies on the Maritime Silk Road between China and Pakistan. Read more about Malacca, Malaysia

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "Lion City," is a vibrant, multiethnic city-state in Southeast Asia. Well-known for its spotless public transport system, profusion of open space, and ability to seamlessly blend a rich cultural history with contemporary comforts. Despite its tiny size, Singapore has enough attractions to suit the interests of all kinds of travellers. Read more about Singapore, Singapore

Ko Samui is an island off the E coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, about 35 km NE of Surat Thani town on the mainland peninsula. It lies in the Gulf of Thailand, and is Thailand's second largest island, though only 15 km across. The central part of the island is an uninhabitable mountainous jungle. Read more about Ko Samui, Thailand

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Bangkok, the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand, is about a two-hour trip from Laem Chabang Port. The city is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is a place where the past, present, and future live harmoniously together, as reflected by the luxury hotels and gleaming skyscrapers that grace the skyline alongside dazzling, historical temples. Read more about Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand

Sihanoukville (aka Kampong Som) is a port city in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, 185 km SW of the capital Phnom Penh. Historically, it was the site of the last official battle of the U.S. Army in the war, and two shipwrecks 40 m down, off one of its islands, are of interest to divers. Read more about Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the largest city of Vietnam in SE Asia, is situated on the banks of the Saigon River which flows into the Mekong delta, in the south of the country. Phu My, 70km to the SE, is one of the many ports used by tourist ships bringing visitors to this rapidly developing and dynamic city with more than 6 million citizens. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is a combination of American and Chinese influences. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Hue is the former Imperial capital of Vietnam and is intimately connected to the imperial Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from 1804 to 1945. The Perfume River is the main landmark and distinctly divides the city in two, with the old city on the north side and the newer city, including most hotels and restaurants, on the south side. Much of the riverside has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with most unusual sculptures. Read more about Hue, Viet Nam

Hong Gai – aka Halong, Hanoi – is a port city located about 160 km NE of Hanoi in Vietnam. The city lies mainly on Bai Tu Long Bay, a part of the beautiful Halong Bay. This huge bay is famous for its wonderful landscape of over 200 cliff islands covered with beautiful tropical vegetation and surrounded by the mysterious, beautiful, quiet waters of the bay. Read more about Hong Gai, Viet Nam

Hong Gai – aka Halong, Hanoi – is a port city located about 160 km NE of Hanoi in Vietnam. The city lies mainly on Bai Tu Long Bay, a part of the beautiful Halong Bay. This huge bay is famous for its wonderful landscape of over 200 cliff islands covered with beautiful tropical vegetation and surrounded by the mysterious, beautiful, quiet waters of the bay. Read more about Hong Gai, Viet Nam

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong