Norwegian Dawn - January 22, 2026

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

The Maldives are the vision of a castaway paradise with a garland of 2,000 coral atolls crowned with coco palms floating in the Indian Ocean. Their houses are built from blocks cut from the surrounding coral. Taste the golden coconut candy that is their passion, snorkel in the clear waters, see an astounding variety of fish, or soar by helicopter to a nearby isle.

The Maldives are the vision of a castaway paradise with a garland of 2,000 coral atolls crowned with coco palms floating in the Indian Ocean. Their houses are built from blocks cut from the surrounding coral. Taste the golden coconut candy that is their passion, snorkel in the clear waters, see an astounding variety of fish, or soar by helicopter to a nearby isle.

An aura of charm and tranquility surrounds La Digue. This island is accessible by boat and helicopter; about two and a half hours from Mahe and thirty minutes from Praslin. For years the way of life on La Digue has remained uncharged, transport is mainly by ox-cart or bicycle. On La Digue, time seems to stand still.

The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.

Nosy Be, the largest island off Madagascar is known as "the perfumed isle" for its profusion of ylang-ylang, patchouli, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and saffron. It is also a holiday resort with a colonial French atmosphere. Here you will have the chance of visiting Nosy Komba, set aside to protect the small, endearing primates known as lemurs, which are indigenous here.

Mauritius, an island of volcanic rock, is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Found on the west coast of the island, Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. Visit the many forests or head to the mountain for a breathtaking view of the sea. Or head into town for some shopping.

Mauritius, an island of volcanic rock, is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Found on the west coast of the island, Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. Visit the many forests or head to the mountain for a breathtaking view of the sea. Or head into town for some shopping.