Stunning panorama of Hong Kong's skyline of skyscrapers and mountains

Port in focus: Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a unique meeting place for East and West, blending Chinese heritage, British colonial influences, high-tech modernity and Cantonese gusto. ‘Fragrant Harbour’ - the Chinese translation of Hong Kong - couldn’t be more appropriate for cruise passengers getting their first glimpse of such a frenetic, romantic, almost absurdly beautiful port. Indeed, life centres...

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Lush rainforest canopy stretching out over Malaysia
Trading ships from as far back as the 12th century have plied Oriental waters, but today, floating pleasure palaces are appearing with increasing regularity on the eastern horizon. Revelling in their cultural diversity, Far East nations share a history of commerce due to their geographical proximity. Herein lies the magic for latter-day visitors - for...

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A lush mountain rising up out of the bright blue sea in St Lucia
Lush, bountiful St Lucia is famous for natural attractions that have made it one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. From the soaring twin Pitons in the volcanic south to the sweeping sandy arc of St Lucia’s main Reduit Beach in the north, its tropical mix of lush rainforest, sparkling waterfalls and secluded...

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The balcony of an Owner's Suite on-board Azamara Journey
Azamara Journey is the sea-going equivalent of a boutique hotel: a manageable size, carrying just 686 passengers with cool, stylish décor and fabulous food. This is without a doubt a luxury cruise, sitting just below the Silverseas and Seabourns of the world and including pretty well everything, from alcoholic drinks to bottled water, a stocked...

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Along the Côte d’Azur in the summer months, ‘Riviera Society’ steps from yacht to villa, while bohemians blend with billionaires and rock stars mingle with royals. However, there are some sequestered villages that are far removed from the paparazzi, and they are all the more enchanting for it. Dating back to 1295, the village of…

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The Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship sailing through the sea around Miami

In the past few years cruise ship design has veered away from being a triumph of style over substance. Architects have had it with overzealous décor and overly self-conscious interiors, reflecting passengers’ desire for something more approachable though no less stylish. No ship has encapsulated this new ethos better than Celebrity Eclipse since her launch…

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The Celebrity Millennium cruise ship sailing past the Hubbard Glacier in Alaska

Founded in 1989, Celebrity Cruises has a long-held and well-earned reputation for punching above its weight when it comes to sassy ship design. The company was created by the Greek family-owned Chandris Line, who had operated cargo and passenger ships since 1915. In a visionary move, they wanted to establish a high-quality, premium cruise product…

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