Hot Destinations

Everywhere’s special but sometimes places become more special than ever, whether because they’re suddenly hip or because of an anniversary or other event. Nick Dalton suggests some of the coolest cruises to aim for in 2020…

- Nick Dalton

AFRICA

After the success of the Royal Visit, there’s a lot of attention on Africa; the continent gets more popular by the year with everything from bustling mainland spots to idyllic islands to far-flung safaris. The 20-day Exotic Expedition: Seychelles, Madagascar & South Africa trip is a dream, travelling from Dubai to Cape Town. There are several days in Arabia, which includes visits to Abu Dhabi and Oman, before heading south across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles for a near two-day stop. Even more exotic names follow (Madagascar, Mauritius and Réunion) for a magnificent mix of beaches and jungle. Then it’s South Africa… wild Richard’s Bay, Port Elizabeth (with a chance to see big game at the Kragga Kamma Game Park) and Mossel Bay. Norwegian Spirit, for 2,000 passengers, is stylish and relaxed. Departs 2 March 2020, costs from £3,847pp (0333 2412319; ncl.com).

JAPAN

We’ve gone wild for Japan thanks to all those TV panoramas during the Rugby World Cup and this is only set to increase in the run-up to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo (24 July to 9 August 2020). Soak up the ambience with the 11-night Circle Japan cruise from Princess Cruises. The round-trip from Tokyo departs on 4 August at the height of the games and does indeed circle the country’s main Honshu island, calling at lesser-known places such as Kochi, Tokushima (where Mount Bizan gives views over land and sea) and the city of Aomori, all a wealth of castles, temples and gardens alongside sleek modern buildings. The cruise passes through the dramatic Kanmon Straits and also darts over to South Korea and its resort city Busan.