Far Flung​​​​​​​ Cruises

Want to explore the South Pacific, Cape Town or Shanghai? An ocean or river cruise puts exotic locations within easy reach.

- Deborah Stone

If you’ve dreamed of seeing the cherry blossom or autumn colours of Japan, sailing under Sydney Harbour Bridge, climbing Angkor Wat or oating around Tahiti, it’s never been more attainable. In fact, according to gures from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nine per cent of British cruisers will be able to full those dreams.

“One of the growing trends in our industry is for guests to use cruising to explore parts of the world that are completely new to them, including the South Pacic, Southeast Asia and Australasia,” says Andy Harmer, SVP Membership and Director of CLIA UK & Ireland. “A cruise gives guests the chance to explore multiple ports on a stress-free and hassle-free holiday to some of the most exciting destinations in the world.”

Some countries can be complicated to travel to but on a cruise, not only are the arrangements made for you, but you always have a safe haven to return to every day. For example, with more places in China opening to international cruise lines you can now visit Shanghai, walk the Great Wall of China in Beijing or see its Forbidden City on an ocean cruise, rather than a land-based holiday – although there are also excellent Yangtze River cruise options for those who want to see much more.

“Viking has been operating cruises to China for many years,” says Neil Barclay, Head of Sales at Viking Cruises UK. “Wuhan and Chongqing continue to be our gateways to the Yangtze River, which gives guests a true glimpse into local life and culture.”