Rotterdam, with around 590,000 people, is the second largest city in the Netherlands. It also one of the three cultural centers in the country. The city is the known for its skyscraper skyline and its many museums, festivals and events.

Southampton is a historical port city located in Hampshire county, southern England. A popular city in its own right, with attractions including the Tudor House, the stunning gardens of Mottisfont Abbey, and more, most of its appeal is held in its status as your gateway to the metropolis of London. Most cruise lines visiting Southampton will start or end their cruise here, or will offer excursions to explore nearby London. There you can enjoy everything from history to culture, cuisine and everything in between. The Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and a whole lot more await.

Málaga, with approximately 569,000 inhabitants, is the sixth largest city in Spain. Due to the favorable climate of Malaga, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Iberian Peninsula. Several museums and buildings characterize the city. From the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress from the 11th There century to the Catedral de la Encanacíon to the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso, Málaga has much to discover and admire.

Petra, voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' is the great Ancient City located in the south of Jordan. It is one of the world's most famous and treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To get to it, your cruise will stop at Aqaba, Jordan's only sea port. Located in the Gulf of Akaba, Aqaba is also very popular with divers for its beautiful coral reefs. The town's relaxed atmosphere and comfortable climate make it perfect for the Jordanians to get away to.

The emirate of Dubai is home to around 1.8 million inhabitants. The majority of the population lives in the city. Dubai is known for its modern and futuristic projects. From skyscrapers on manmade islands, to amusement parks, there is hardly anything that does not exist in this city. Dubai offers endless beautiful beaches, excellent water sports, desert safaris and an almost immeasurable range of shopping facilities.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Nothing stands still here, the city is constantly evolving and growing, however, the past is also very well preserved. Abu Dhabi provides its guests with plentiful opportunities to learn the history of the UAE through museums, exhibitions, tours and food. The atmosphere is soaked with Emirati culture and traditions - the dhow harbour, the markets and the shisha cafes will engage you in the Gulf life.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting the island. The city used to be known as 'the garden city of the East' and though unlikely to reclaim this moniker, it is still a compelling place. The colonial architecture of the Fort, the lively markets of Pettah and growing number of stylish galleries and shops make Colombo an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan expedition. The ever-growing number of eateries serving anything from Sri Lankan to street food, is another reason travellers are starting to flood to the city.

Phuket is located in southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The country's largest island is well renowned for its marvelous white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, colorful fish and coral reefs, but Phuket is also full of vibrant nightlife and great tourist attractions. Visit Laem Phromthep at the island's southern tip to watch the stunning sunset, see the great work being done at Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, or laze around and do nothing but relax on the 8km long Hat Bang Thao beach.

The tropical island of Penang lies on the west coast of Malaysia. The capital, Georgetown is a registered UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. There are numerous temples, mosques and churches on the island. Of particular interest is the Ke Lok Si, the largest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Penang is known as a region of diversity and is often seen as a connection between Europe and Asia. Some argue that Penang offers the best food Malaysia has to offer and the island is fondly referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient'.

As a melting pot for the world's cultures and nationalities, Singapore's diversity stands out among its surrounding nations. Its cultural and religious diversity, along with the fact it has no less than four national languages (including English) give it a progressive feel. For those who appreciate architecture, the mix of colonial-era buildings and ultra modern skyscrapers and condos mean they will constantly be in awe of their surroundings. The impeccable standards of cleanliness present in the city are astonishing. Strict laws surrounding this issue mean the municipality is a joy to spend time in.

What you may not know about Hong Kong is that an astonishing 70% of it is made up of green areas and mountains, filled with historical and natural wonders. Yes, it is well-known for being a shopper's paradise, but it is also so much more. As one of the culinary capitals of the world, Hong Kong offers you the opportunity to try the best of cuisines of the Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanes or French variety, to name a few. Time your visit to coincide with a festival in the city, such as the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival or Arts Month for a truly memorable experience.

The Philippine capital city of Manila, showcases the multi-faceted which exists in Asia today. The city skyline is lined with towering skyscrapers while the outer parts of the city are more reflective of the traditional styles of buildings. Manila is home to one of the world's oldest Chinatowns. The Rizal Park which sprawls a large area and contains many monuments of significance such as the Rizal Monument. The impressive oceanarium at Manila 'Ocean Park' offers vistors the chance to witness the vast array of sea life which can be found in Manila's waters.

Darwin is located on Australia's Northern coast and is an ideal location for outdoor exploring. The Kakadu National Park is very close to the city and is known for it's natural beauty and extraordinary animals. In the city, the mix of cultures culminates in a large number of vibrant outdoor festivals and markets such as the Mindl Beach Market at Sunset, where you can enjoy many delicious local dishes and crafts. Innovative museums and galleries are the perfect way to discover the region's history and indigenous cultures.

Airlie Beach acts as the main hub for trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is known as a popular nightlife spot with a host of clubs and bars. Port of Airlie boasts a boating marina along with a range of accomodation offerings and trendy eateries, which guests to enjoy al fresco dining. Every Saturday there are a number of markets offering fresh produce as well as local crafts, providing a great opportunity to experience the culture like a true local. An excursion to the nearby Conway National Park is highly recommended.

Brisbane is the capital of the sunshine state, Queensland. Brisbane is surrounded by the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast. The perfect way to view this scenic city is from the Kangaroo Point cliffs, where you can expect a panoramic view of the skyline. Brisbane is also a gateway to many stunning locations like Moreton Island and Noosa. Brisbane is divided into a number of suburbs, each with it's own unique vibe. In this modern and vibrant city you are sure to find numerous ways to discover the city, from a stroll through the entertaining South Bank to a paddle down the Brisbane River, perfect for all visitors.

Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and is the largest city in Australia. The city is one of the most important tourism destinations in Australia, with iconic sights such as Sydney harbour and Opera House. Sydney is also home to the world-famous Bondi beach. Sydney also has an extensive arts and cultural scene with numerous galleries such as the Art Gallery of NSW offering impressive artistic displays. Sydney also has an extensive public transport system, ensuring that accessibilty will not be an issue for visitors to the city.

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia with over 4.4 million people calling it home. The city is an eclectic mix of stlye, dining and sport, making it an ideal place to visit and soak in the culture. The City Circle Tram loop will take you around the city to attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville sanctuary. Taking a stroll through Melbourne's cobbled laneways will lead you to an array of cafes, coffee shops and unique shopping boutiques, the perfect way to discover the laid-back city.

Adelaide lies on the coast of South Australia and is known the wines produced in the region. The city is full of reminders of its history, from the colonial architecture to the museums of the North Terrace. You are always close to nature in Adelaide, and you can choose to swim with dolphins in Glenelg, explore the picturesque villages in the Adelaide hills or even just relax in the spacious green parklands. With a wide-range of festivals such as Adelaide Fringe and an emerging arts scene; Adelaide is quickly earning a reputation for itself as an Australian cultural hotspot

Perth is the fourth most populous Australian city with a population of about 2.02 million people. The city is full of restaurants, cafes and offers a lively nightlife. The city is blessed with numerous sandy beaches, not far away is the Cottersloe beach, where you can not only swim, but also go snorkelling and diving. There is a distinctly laid-back vibe about the city, with the big-city attractions blending with informal surroundings. Perth Zoo, is just 5 minutes from the city centre and offers the opportunity to see Australian wildlife up-close at the Australian Walkabout exhibit.

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. With a population of around 170 000, the city is the largest on the island. It is also the economic center of the country. Port Louis feels like a mixture of different countries and continents - Africa, China, Europe, the Middle East and others. Its lively streets provide a good alternative to the other part of the island filled with peaceful resorts and private beaches. Be aware that once the commuters leave the city after dark, it dies out and practically nothing is open.

Walvis Bay, 'Whale Bay' in English, is a city and bay on the west coast of Namibia. The city is home to the main sea port in Namibia and is the third largest city in the country. 67,000 people live in Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast. In the city there is the Rhenish Mission Church, which is a National Monument in Namibia. Outside the city numerous tours and excursions are offered. Besides seals and dolphin tours, a trip to the southern lagoon is recommended. The 5,000-year-old lagoon is Namibia's oldest and largest.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the capitals of the Canary Islands. The many cafes and seating areas invite tourists to relax and enjoy observing the hustle and bustle of the city. The town's history goes back to the 15th Century. Today it is mainly a modern city, a magnet for both locals and tourists. Tenerife is also home to the third highest island volcano on Earth, Mount Teide.