P&O Aurora World Cruise 98nts

Aurora's 2012 World Circumnavigation first heads westward for the verdant island of Madeira, and then on to the sun-baked Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Curacao. She'll then transit the spectacular Panama Canal, passing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean for a call at Acapulco, Mexico's most glamorous playground. Hilly, spectacular San Francisco is next, and you get two full days ashore to explore its famous Fisherman's Wharf and magnificent Bay.

Hawaii's warm waters provide a perfect winter nursery for humpback whales. Gliding serenely along they make a sight as enthralling as the soaring volcanoes, dazzling waterfalls and sugar white beaches ashore. There will be many more unspoilt beaches to enjoy as Aurora makes her way through the paradise islands of the South Pacific, calling at Upolu and Tutuila in Western Samoa, and Denarau on Fiji en route to New Zealand.