Your half world adventure begins in Southampton, where you embark Arcadia and settle into your home for the weeks ahead. As the ship slips away from the English coast, there’s a real sense of anticipation for the warmer waters to come.

Madeira greets you with flower-filled gardens, terraced hillsides and the cobbled lanes of Funchal, its elegant capital. Head up to Monte for sweeping views, or simply sample a glass of the island’s famous fortified wine.

After a stretch of open ocean, the Caribbean arrives in style. Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed historic centre blends colonial architecture with characterful rum shops, while the island’s west-coast beaches invite you to wade into calm, turquoise water.

Curaçao marries Dutch heritage with Caribbean spirit, its coastline ringed by secluded coves and warmed by sunshine. Beyond the capital, Willemstad, you’ll find cactus-studded countryside, grand former plantation houses and some of the region’s clearest waters for diving and snorkelling.

Prepare for one of the great days of the voyage as Arcadia makes her way through the Panama Canal. Find a spot on deck to watch the locks fill and lift the ship, with dense tropical jungle crowding the banks on either side.

Mexico’s Pacific coast brings a change of rhythm in Manzanillo, a laid-back port known for its golden beaches and deep-sea fishing. Enjoy fresh seafood by the shore, then stroll the seafront malecón with its striking sailfish sculpture.

With an overnight in port, there’s time to really get to know San Francisco. Ride a cable car over the city’s steep hills, gaze out at the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, then discover the bars and restaurants of the Embarcadero after dark.

A second day in the city lets you venture further afield. Lose yourself in the gardens and museums of Golden Gate Park, or head north to stand beneath the towering redwoods of Muir Woods before returning to Arcadia.

Lush and rain-washed, Hilo sits on the Big Island’s wilder eastern side. Rainbow Falls tumbles into a fern-fringed pool just outside town, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lies within reach for a closer look at the island’s fiery heart.

Honolulu pairs big-city energy with classic island charm. Spend the day on Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head rising behind you, or head to Pearl Harbor to pay your respects at one of the Pacific’s most moving historic sites.

Samoa moves at its own gentle pace, and Apia makes a charming introduction. Visit Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home at Villa Vailima, or perhaps swim in the cool, spring-fed waters of Piula Cave Pool beside the sea.

Fiji’s capital is a lively, multicultural port where Fijian, Indian and European influences meet. Browse the bustling municipal market, discover Pacific history at the Fiji Museum in Thurston Gardens, and expect a warm ‘bula’ greeting wherever you go.

Set around a sparkling harbour, Port Vila is the easy-going capital of Vanuatu. Snorkel among vibrant coral gardens, swim in the crystal-clear pools of the Mele Cascades, then unwind on a white-sand beach before sailing on.

Disembark in Sydney for a two-night hotel stay. Wander the historic laneways of The Rocks, or perhaps simply settle in at Circular Quay and toast your arrival in Australia.

Make the most of a full day in Sydney. Head out to Bondi’s legendary surf beach, explore the Royal Botanic Garden at your own pace, or enjoy a harbourside lunch as the ferries come and go.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.