Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) cruise ports

Tunis is the major North African gateway to the Roman and Punic ruins of Carthage. You will be awed by the city's ancient Roman baths, cisterns, and basilicas. Be sure to visit the theater and amphitheater as well. True adventurers will not want to miss a trip to Sidi Bou Said, a charming seaside village set high atop the cliffs.

See the signs of the lavish lifestyle and ornate architecture of the 19th century rubber barons that made their fortunes around Manaus, including the opera house, which was recently renovated. Manaus is the main port of the Amazonia.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quara Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

Seoul is mega-modern and appealingly ancient. Flattened in the Korean War, most of the city has been rebuilt since the 1950s. Peeking out from among the 12-lane freeways, overshadowed by high-rises, Seoul has a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens. It also has cheap accommodation, excellent public transport and cultural experiences aplenty, and that's why most visitors to South Korea never get past its city limits.

This large city is an excursion base from which to explore the wonders of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. Mount Sakurajima, an active volcano, can be reached by ferry. To the north, Kirishima-Yaku National Park is a scenic area of smoking volcanoes, craters, and lakes. South of the city, Ibusuki, the island's most popular seaside resort, welcomes kimono-clad bathers to its sandy beaches and warm, underwater springs.

Doha was a small fishing and pearling village until oil production in Qatar began in 1949. Since then it has become a modern city, with a deepwater port and an international airport. Fishing is still an important industry.

Set on a bay on the Inland Sea, Hiroshima was the infamous site of the first atomic bomb explosion of August, 1945. But perhaps the best reason to visit Hiroshima is the enchanting island of Miyajima with its famous Itsukushima Shinto shrine, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful sights. Its famous torii stands just offshore--a tall, vermilion-colored symbol of Japan that appears to float during high tide.

Mormugao is located in Marmagao in Goa state. Mormugao Harbour is one of the most striking natural ports on the west coast of India. Tourists are attracted by the liberal atmosphere, the colonial Portuguese feel, the splendid beaches, and the fabulous sunsets. The seafood of the area is also said to be excellent.