Fly from UK to Singapore, overnight on flight

City-states are rare in the present day—and none are quite like Singapore. In the 20th century, the Southeast Asian nation hurtled itself into the modern world, and it continues to expand its state-of-the-art transportation system and build its edgy skyline. Yet Singapore's urban plan wisely maintained its intimate neighborhoods, many with streets lined with colorful shophouses (a type of building unique to parts of Asia, with businesses located on their ground floors and residences above). Add the city’s mix of ethnic groups—mainly Malays, Chinese and Indians—and you get a vibrant cultural scene that attracts a cosmopolitan, international community.Singapore's food scene—which is arguably the world's most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives.

Embark ship

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is home to 250,000 people and offers a vastly different experience from Manila’s often overwhelming big-city dynamism. For many travelers, it’s simply a gateway to the resorts of El Nido, also on Palawan Island. Those who spend some time here, however, will discover a city that combines a laid-back vibe with beautiful sandy beaches and a wealth of marine life. Nearby, there are also lush mountains, rain forests, waterfalls and dramatic limestone cliffs. Among the most popular sights are the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where visitors are welcome to celebrate Mass accompanied by choral singing; the Palawan Heritage Center, which displays local artworks and crafts; and the peaceful Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. The city's biggest draws, however, are a boat trip through the limestone caves of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the beaches and islands scattered around scenic Honda Bay—perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing and picnics. Speaking of food, a visit to the most famous restaurant in the city, Kalui, is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for seafood fans; adventurous foodies can order crocodile <i>sisig,</i> a traditional—and delicious—stir-fry dish.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

You will tender into a small town on a serene harbor surrounded by verdant hills. Colorful reefs and wildlife-filled jungles await on cruises to Bitung, North Sulawesi. Take your picture by Bitung’s landmarks: a mini-Eiffel Tower and the Cakalang Statue. Snorkelers and divers should explore the Lembeh Strait, an underwater wonderland teeming with sea creatures of all sizes and shapes, from miniature seahorses to massive barracudas. Nature lovers can also take guided wildlife treks through vast jungles. In Tangkoko National Reserve, swoon over the big-eyed cuteness of tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate; marvel at crested black macaques, and spot bright toucans in the tree canopies. If you want to experience local culture, Manado, the provincial capital, is about 40 minutes away from Bitung. Pop into oceanfront dining spots and trendy watering holes. Indonesian cuisine is a symphony of rice, fresh seafood, spicy curries, and sweet coconut desserts. View the Tunan Waterfall, a picturesque chute that flows into a natural canyon.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

An out-of-the-way gem, Jayapura offers picturesque white-sand beaches, roadside stands where you can dine on coconuts and fresh, grilled fish; and fascinating World War II history to explore.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

The East New Britain province of Papua New Guinea is lush and tropical. Mountain peaks and active volcanoes surround the town of Rabaul and Simpson Harbor. Built on an ancient volcanic crater, the harbor is one of the deepest in the region. For the same reason, some of most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the world can be found here. At Sub-Base, a shallow reef extends dramatically out from shore before dropping off into a crevasse rich with fish and other marine life.

Located in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands and home to the majority of their 12,000-strong indigenous population. The picturesque island is steeped in history and is famous to many as a site of U.S. occupation during World War II. In fact, various relics of the war, including the remains of an American plane, can still be seen on the island. But Kiriwina is home to far more than history. Here, you’ll find an idyllic traditional lifestyle, incredibly friendly locals and a fascinating social structure that’s based on matrilineal clans, with unique marriage and courtship rituals. Many aspects of life revolve around the cultivation and exchange of yams.There’s also mesmerizing scenery, from crystal-clear waters to jungle-covered cliffs. Hire a dugout canoe, hike to the burial caves, peruse exquisite carvings and explore the coral-filled offshore islands. Be sure to stop and watch a game of Trobriand cricket, an innovative spin on the game. Whatever you choose to do, it’s bound to be an eye-opening experience

Papua New Guinea is quickly becoming a favorite destination for cruise passengers, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Conflict Islands. Although the name might not sound inviting (don’t worry, they're named after a British naval ship, not a war), these 21 islands are like paradise on earth: Tropical islets encircle an enormous turquoise lagoon formed by the rim of a sunken volcano, with vibrant coral reefs and rainbow schools of fish below the water. Located about 160 kilometers (97 miles) east of Papua New Guinea in the Coral Sea, the island group is owned by Australian businessman and conservationist Ian Gowrie-Smith, who is dedicated to protecting the ecosystem of the islands (he has an eco-resort on one island; the rest are uninhabited).Just as Papua New Guinea is one of the wildest and most diverse places on the planet, the seas here offer some of the world’s most extensive biodiversity and coral reefs, making for unparalleled kayaking, diving and snorkeling. There are hundreds of coral species and thousands of species of fish and invertebrates such as the sea cucumber. If you ever get bored with watching manta rays float past, lie back on the white sand, look up at the palm trees blowing in warm trade winds or watch the sun set over the lagoon, and dream of owning your own chain of tropical islands.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm.Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region. PREVIOUSDays At Sea

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise Timor Sea, the Northern Territory’s capital is closer in both distance and temperament to Southeast Asia than it is to most of Australia’s major cities. The lifestyle here is tropical, which means a relaxed atmosphere, balmy weather, fabulous fusion food and vibrant outdoor markets.This cosmopolitan city has fewer than 140,000 residents, but they include some 50 nationalities. After heavy bombing in World War II and a disastrous cyclone in 1974, Darwin has been largely rebuilt, and it's modern and well planned. In the downtown area you'll find everything from great shopping to a crocodile park. You can trace the region's dramatic history at innovative museums and gallery-hop to see indigenous art. After your sightseeing stroll, have a late lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants. The food options range from authentic Malaysian dishes like <i>laksa</i>, a spicy noodle soup, to a plethora of fresh seafood—mud crab, barramundi and more.You may find it hard to leave this laid-back lifestyle, but there's much more to see close by. Darwin is the gateway to two famous national parks, Kakadu and Litchfield, as well as the spectacular Aboriginal-owned Tiwi Islands. Make sure you take the time to 'go bush,' as they say in Australia—that is, get out of town and relax. There's no better place to do it than this glorious part of the country.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Known as the “City of Peace,” Dili is the capital of East Timor, nestled between the sea and surrounding hills. Walk the bustling waterfront, hike the unspoiled jungle, snorkel among coral reefs.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Indonesia is easily one of the most exotic destinations on Earth. But coming into port in Komodo—located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago—feels like arriving on an entirely different planet. The major draw here is, of course, Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve since 1992. The region is home to roughly 5,700 Komodo dragons, which are, in fact, lizards—and the largest lizards in the world at that, growing to lengths of three meters (almost 10 feet).The dragons are best seen during tours that head to the islands of Komodo and Rinca, which along with the island of Padar make up the park. In addition to marveling at the feeding habits of the dragons (they can often be seen preying on Komodo's native Timor deer and water buffalo), visitors are impressed by the diversity of Komodo's landscapes. On the one hand, there are pristine white-sand beaches and even pink-hued ones, lapped by clear blue water. Offshore coral reefs are home to over 1,000 species of tropical fish as well as whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and sea turtles. But there are also rugged and sheer cliffs here and hot and dry regions with savanna-like grasses. Prepare to feast your eyes on one of the world's truly special untamed places.

Indonesia is made up of more than 13,000 islands, but even with all that competition, Bali manages to stand out. Beautiful temples and shrines of all sizes are spread across the island, tucked down narrow alleyways, hidden within the jungle or serenely presiding over scenic locations, like the dramatic Pura Tanah Lot atop a rock formation just off Bali’s western coast.Bali is well known for its arts—traditional music and dance, painting, wood and stone carvings, silver jewelry and ikat and batik textiles. The island’s artistic center is the village of Ubud, and its art markets and boutiques carry beautiful Balinese pieces to take home.When it comes to dining, whether you’re craving a burrito or satay, you can find a restaurant that serves it. Don’t leave the island, however, without sampling Balinese cuisine. Local cooking, which reflects Chinese and Indian influences, uses blends of aromatic spices to season grilled meats (though not beef—Bali is an island of Hindu culture in mostly Muslim Indonesia), fresh seafood, rice and vegetables with delicious results.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Located in the north sector of the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta, Tanjung Priok is considered Indonesia's most technologically advanced seaport—and it's also the country's busiest. Escape the industrial feel of the port as soon as you can, and brace yourself to dive into Indonesia's capital city. Jakarta positively buzzes—with people, cars, <i>motos</i> and the sheer kinetic energy of a megalopolis home to nearly 10 million people. Once you get past the pollution and dripping humidity, there's much to see. It's best to break the city down into bits for any chance at digesting it. Jakarta's old town—the former Batavia, now called Kota Tua—is a heritage area with decaying but beautiful colonial buildings and atmospheric restaurants. Visit Sunda Kelapa Harbor to watch fishermen hauling in their fresh catches and admire the pretty, high-prowed Bugis boats docked there, called <i>phinisis</i>. Or join hordes of Indonesians as they make the pilgrimage to their independence monument, Monas. As with any enormous city, just strolling around offers a feast for the senses (do come on an empty stomach as you'll definitely want to dig into all of Jakarta's street food options from across the archipelago, too).

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Disembark ship and transfer to airport for overnight flight to UK