WORLD VOYAGES & EXOTIC DISCOVERIES 2013 PORTS OF CALL
KOSAMUI, THAILAND Queen Mary 2
Beach lovers, look no further! Thailand’s third largest island draws understandable acclaim with its flawless sands and shallow iridescent waters. It’s no great surprise that Ko Samui has garnered the odd resort or two, yet a thriving rustic coconut farming industry pays testament to a lingering sense of untouched paradise.
KUALA LUMPUR (FROM PORT KELANG), MALAYSIA Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria
Welcome to KL, a bubbling melting pot of cultures. Wonder at the soaring Petronas Towers then wander Central Market’s jumble of batik painters, shadow puppeteers and glass blowers. Nearby, the Batu Caves frame their inner secrets with jagged limestone: deft wall paintings, wonderful statues and gleaming Hindu shrines among them.
LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA Queen Mary 2
This cluster of 99 islands boasts palm-fringed beaches that are at the envy of all Malaysia beside an abundance of other natural wonders shrouded in folklore. Among these are the Telaga Tujuh, or the Seven Wells, a series of shallow lagoons threaded together by waterfalls where fairies reputedly bathe amidst the verdant lime trees.
LISBON, PORTUGAL Queen Victoria
Choose from two dazzling ascents in or around this delightful capital. Make the vertical climb in the clunking, early 1900s Elevador de Santa Justa for a sweeping city perspective. Or venture up to the UNESCO town of Sintra, to appreciate grand houses, wooded slopes, twin-spired palace, horse and carriage rides, fabulous views and crystal clear air.
LUXOR (FROM SAFAGA), EGYPT Queen Mary 2
Uncover the many riches of ancient Egypt from here on the Red Sea. Follow the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to the Temple of Karnak, marvel at elaborate wall paintings in the Valley of the Kings and behold the magnificent temples lining the Nile at Abu Simbel, with giant pharaohs carved into the rose-coloured stone.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES Queen Victoria
Large, loud, chaotic and colourful, the cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines sprawls along the east coast of Luzon island. At the heart of the city is Intramuros, a medieval Spanish fortress packed with historic buildings. Explore the 143-acre Rizal Park, see the colonial-style Malacañang Palace (home of the President) or visit the Ayala Museum, which chronicles the rich tapestry of Philippine history.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Queen Mary 2
Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market crams all manner of mouthwatering stalls into an incredible 17 hectares, just as it has for 120 years. Tempting goodies on display range from fresh fish to exotic fruits, from succulent meats to colourful sweets. Just don’t be put off by the quirky fact that the site once housed the city’s first burial ground!
MUMBAI, INDIA Queen Victoria
From Victorian Gothic buildings to ultra-modern skyscrapers and from street hawkers to Bollywood glitterati, lively Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is a true feast for the senses. See the iconic Gateway to India or the glorious Victoria Terminus, more akin to a palace than a train station. Visit Mani Bhavan, former home of Mahatma Gandhi, or the National Gallery of Modern Art.
MUSCAT, OMAN Queen Victoria
In this low-rise gem, wedged between Arabian Gulf and scenic mountains, your first impression will be of the trio of forts dominating its entrance. Once ashore witness lavish palaces, Zawawi Mosque, its pink marble crowned by a gilded dome, and Muttrah Souq, a jumble of crafts and clothing perfumed with spices and frankincense.
NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND Queen Elizabeth,
Discover New Zealand’s ‘Art Deco’ city, destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the style of the time. Overlooking Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, Napier is where you can photograph the famous Pania of the Reef statue, see the huge gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers or visit one of the many local vineyards.
NEW YORK Queen ElizabethO
, Queen Victoria
Admire all the glitz, glamour and bright lights of the Big Apple, or just come for the stores. There’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison. If you’ve not quite sated your appetite, there’s still time to delve into those trendy shops of SoHo.
NHA TRANG, VIETNAM Queen Victoria
Simply bask on pristine beaches to the sounds of whispering of palms or wander from temple to serene local temple. Then again, you may hop across to nearby Monkey Island. You can walk freely through the forested interior, where literally hundreds of the inquisitive creatures play, chatter and hunt out berries in the treetops.
PAGOPAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA Queen Elizabeth
Attend an authentic Samoan-style family gathering. After winding your way through the tropical South Seas scenery, adjourn to the local beach to greet your hosts. You may get to see islanders scaling coconut palms and an umu cooking demonstration using hot river rocks. Then the main highlight: tasting these local delicacies.
PAPEETE, TAHITI Queen Elizabeth
Dotted with coconut plantations, thatched houses and ancient stone monoliths, this exotic South Seas paradise is the place to visit the Gaugin Museum, stroll through bamboo groves to the Three Waterfalls at Faarumai or watch the bizarre spectacle as the blowhole of Arahoho sends seawater shooting skyward.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 196
Zawawi Mosque, Muscat, Oman
Faarumai Waterfall, Tahiti The most famous ocean liners in the w orld
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