Top 10 Ports: 2024 Around the World Cruise & Grand Voyages

Which destinations of the world are you dreaming of exploring next? On our sweeping 2024 Around the World voyage and four early-release Grand Voyages, you can embrace the opportunity to experience intriguing and sought-after destinations that are a travel connoisseur’s dream. Whether you're drawn to Southeast Asia, Japan, India, New Zealand or the South Pacific, you can experience the best of these corners of the world and beyond on our global journeys. Read on for a look at the top 10 ports featured on our 2024 Around the World Cruise and specially curated set of Grand Voyages.

1. Auckland, New Zealand
   The Maori name for Auckland roughly translates to “city of many lovers” – named for the myriad cultures that have loved this place. Sailing past picturesque islands as the city skyline comes into focus, you also will become one of its many lovers. Partake in urban adventures at museums and cultural sites in New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city, or experience spectacular landscapes from luminescent caves to working sheep farms to rugged beaches that host raucous gannet colonies. Wherever you find yourself, when it’s time to eat, the region’s rich farmlands provide the freshest of ingredients and award-winning wines.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise & Ultimate Exotic Traveler



2. Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
   Breathtaking Bali is an interesting mix of modern and traditional. Once a remote destination that could be reached only with a fair amount of effort, the island has become a haven for serenity seekers from around the world. Part of its draw is spiritual – there are gorgeous Hindu temples throughout the island, and the town of Ubud in particular has become a center for yoga practitioners. But there’s also quite a party scene in Kuta, and the surfing is top-notch. For a special treat, hire a guide and visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site that demonstrates how harmoniously man and nature can interact.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Grand Pacific Expedition & Ultimate Exotic Traveler
3. Dubai, UAE
   As Dubai has carved its place in the vast desert as a glittering tribute to all that money can buy, you may find it hard to believe that the city’s skyline had only a few modest high-rises as recently as the 1990s. After learning about the monumental journey from fishing village to international symbol of opulence at the Dubai Museum, discover for yourself what all the fuss is about in this city of superlatives. Ride the world’s longest elevator to the top of the world’s tallest building, shop in the world’s largest mall, ski the world’s first indoor black-diamond run or lounge on a white sand beach on the world’s largest artificial island.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise & Odyssey of Discoveries



4. Goa (Mormugao), India
   The fascinating region of Goa invites you to explore at length, and you’ll find most attractions inland at Old Goa or north of the port in Panjim. Many intriguing sights are related to Goa’s history as a colony of Portugal, as that status lasted from 1510 until 1961. You’ll notice the Portuguese influence in the food, music, laid-back attitude and ornate architecture – particularly in the churches, several of which make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Goa is also known for its fabulous beaches, and there are dozens up and down the coast. Don’t be surprised if you end up sharing the sand with some cows – they’re free to roam as they please.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Odyssey of Discoveries & Epic Eastern Explorer
5. Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam
   Exploring the streets and neighborhoods of Hanoi, you’ll find the city’s tumultuous past and enduring spirit everywhere. Standing in front of the French Colonial architecture of the opera house and St. Joseph’s Cathedral inspired by Notre Dame, you will feel like you are in Paris instead of Southeast Asia. Then Vietnam’s culture unfolds in the 11th-century architecture of the Imperial Citadel and Temple of Literature and in Ba Ding Square, where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence in 1945. Equally unforgettable is the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, a magnificent UNESCO-listed landscape dotted with hundreds of limestone islands.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Grand Pacific Expedition, Odyssey of Discoveries & Epic Eastern Explorer



6. Hong Kong, China
   Only in Hong Kong can you wander through a magical flower tunnel hidden in a housing complex, ride the world’s longest escalator, stand at the base of the world’s tallest seated bronze Buddha and visit a model of Noah’s Ark. In fact, you’ll find yourself uttering “only in Hong Kong” a lot, whether scaling an impossibly steep hillside on a funicular tramway to Victoria Peak, dining on dim sum at one of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants or perusing goldfish at the Tung Choi Street Goldfish Market. Start the day by getting fitted for a tailored cashmere suit and end it by shopping for luxury brand knockoffs at the Ladies’ Market.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Grand Pacific Expedition, Odyssey of Discoveries & Epic Eastern Explorer
7. Kyoto (Kobe), Japan
   Packed with 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Japan’s delightful imperial capital of Kyoto is less than 50 miles from the port of Kobe, which is also close to other wonderful sights. The more ancient imperial capital of Nara has its own share of UNESCO sites nearby, while the gilded tigers adorning Osaka Castle can be found even closer to the port. Kobe itself also has plenty to offer, from parks and museums to chic restaurants serving the city’s succulent namesake beef. Whether you enjoy a traditional tea ceremony performed by geishas in Kyoto or go for a hike on Mount Rokko outside Kobe, you’ll experience some of Japan’s greatest icons.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Grand Pacific Expedition, Odyssey of Discoveries & Epic Eastern Explorer



8. Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
   Wild horses, centuries-old banyan trees, ceremonial sacrifice sites and a remote location far from the rest of French Polynesia – all of these combine to add an air of mystery to Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands. This is the place where Herman Melville abandoned his job on a whaling ship in 1842 to live for a month with a local tribe in the Taipivai Valley, later inspiring his debut novel, Typee. Explore the incredible scenery of Melville’s former stomping grounds, and experience fascinating tribal traditions such as the artistic and intricate patterning that is commonly expressed through carving, tattooing and fabric painting.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise & Ultimate Exotic Traveler
9. Suva, Fiji
   The first humans to reach Fiji are believed to have arrived over 3,000 years ago, and one quick look around will tell you why they stayed. Fiji is almost synonymous with paradise. You will find nearly half of Fiji’s population in Suva, making it the archipelago’s most cosmopolitan city, so you will also find museums, historic sites, shopping and restaurants. From Suva you can head in any direction to behold the splendid beauty for which these islands are known. Sparkling waters teem with coral and vibrant tropical fish, while verdant forests brim with coconut palms, pine trees, mangroves and the fragrant Tahitian gardenia.
   Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise & Ultimate Exotic Traveler



10. Yangon, Myanmar
    Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and yet retains an old-school feel that is rare for a city of millions. You’ll find more quaint colonial buildings than slick skyscrapers, and its most famous structure – the heavenly Shwedagon Pagoda – is about 2,600 years old. Beyond that golden icon, the gilded Sule and Botataung pagodas are also worth visiting. To get an authentic feel for the entire city, the Yangon Circular Railway makes a three-hour loop around town and gives you the chance to rub elbows – literally – with the locals. When you need to refuel, try a bowl of mohinga, a delicious fish soup with rice noodles.
    Featured on the 2024 Around the World Cruise, Odyssey of Discoveries, Epic Eastern Explorer & Ultimate Exotic Traveler

Where will your travel adventures take you in 2024? It’s time to start dreaming and planning.