Once-in-a-lifetime trips to exotic destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Are you ready to help your clients realise their dreams?

1 Magical Japan

The lowdown: Cruise guests on Azamara Journey can dine like royalty on incredible seafood, visit feudal Samurai towns and learn about bonsai and the etiquette of sushi amidst breathtaking scenery.

Best for: Been-there-done-that cruisers looking for something new.

Sell it: In a country where English is rarely spoken and signs are generally in Japanese, a cruise is an ideal way for clients to have a familiar home base; cruises also off er good value in this country, which is said to be one of the most expensive in the world. One to follow: Facebook @TokyoGov

Book it: Azamara Club Cruises: azamaraclubcruises.com

2 Cool Cuba

The lowdown: Since travel restrictions were eased in 2015, interest in the Caribbean’s largest island has skyrocketed. Trips off er the chance to follow in the footsteps of American writer Ernest Hemingway, meet local artists, dine with Cuban families and more.

Best for: Travellers who want to spice up their days and venture off the beaten track in Cuba while enjoying their creature comforts.

Sell it: Cuba’s road network is messy but a cruise ship can travel everywhere with ease.

One to follow: Twitter @cubatravelnet

Book it: Tauck: tauck.com

3 Out of Africa

The lowdown: A new and exciting combo land-and-cruise voyage on the luxurious African Dream, spotting elephants and other exotic wildlife along Africa’s Chobe and Zambezi rivers, with trips to visit iconic sights, including Victoria Falls.

Best for: Wildlife lovers and armchair adventurers.

Sell it: Ideal for clients who are looking for increasingly exotic and new cruise vacations.

One to follow: Instagram @HipAfrica

Book it: CroisiEurope: croisieuroperivercruises.com

4 Rugged Alaska

The lowdown: Cruising the rugged Alaska coastline, which has been dubbed America’s last frontier, spotting glaciers and marine wildlife is a bucket list must for all the family.

Best for: Alaska family cruises are ideal for families who want to bond on a trip of a lifetime.

Sell it: Getting close to spectacular wildlife while the kids stay entertained with family-focused dining and entertainment.

One to follow: Twitter @DisneyCruise

Book it: Disney Cruise Line: disneycruise.com

5 Go Greek

The lowdown: Land of legend where the gods once roamed, Greece’s sparkling seascapes, pristine beaches, whitewashed villages and archaeological sites give the country wide appeal.

Best for: Beach bums, history buffs and food lovers.

Sell it: The laid-back lifestyle, a string of stunning islands and plenty of attractions ensure the popularity of this destination.

One to follow: Greece Travel: greecetravel.com

Book it: Star Clippers: starclippers.co.uk

6 Mythical Galapagos

The lowdown: On this remote and enchanting destination scattered with volcanic islands, it’s possible to swim with seals, walk with giant tortoises and get close to wildlife. Best for: Nature lovers who want to walk in the footsteps of naturalist Charles Darwin.

Sell it: A cruise to these remote islands, which are a treasure trove of ecological specimens, is a truly unique experience.

One to follow: Nature Galapagos: naturegalapagos.com/blog

Book it: Silversea: silversea.com

7 Mysterious Myanmar

The lowdown: Off the radar for foreign travellers for decades, a cruise along the Irrawaddy river to visit former Burma includes visits to little-known temples, bustling bazaars and villages.

Best for: Adventurous travellers who want to venture off the beaten track.

Sell it: For pictures that no-one else will have on their Instagram feed.

One to follow: Tourism Myanmar: Twitter @MyanmarTM

Book it: Pandaw: pandaw.com

8 The Panama Canal

The lowdown: Recently rated one of The Seven Cruise Wonders of the World, the Panama Canal links the Caribbean to the Pacific, with everything from rainforests to Old World cities to visit en route.

Best for: Thrill-seekers who love history and iconic engineering.

Sell it: A unique chance to travel this historical man-made waterway.

One to follow: Instagram: @canaldepanama

Book it: Princess Cruises: princess.com

9 Amazon River

The lowdown: A cruise through the Amazon wilderness from the point where it originates in Peru, spotting monkeys, parrots, pink dolphins and more on the world’s largest river.

Best for: Explorers who want to venture deep into the jungle while enjoying the comfort of their air-conditioned suite.

Sell it: This is the the world’s biggest rainforest, home to around 30 per cent of the world’s species; nature lovers will be in heaven.

One to follow: Facebook: @Amazon Workshops

Book it: Avalon Waterways: avalonwaterways.com

10 Cruise the World

The lowdown: The ultimate bucket list cruise, travelling from Los Angeles to London, via the South Pacific and Java, in 120 thrill-packed days. Best for: Adventurers with the time and budget for a true trip of a lifetime.

Sell it: It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit five continents, 27 countries and 55 ports. “On one single voyage you will accomplish more travel milestones than most people achieve in a lifetime,” says Viking’s website.

One to follow: http://blog.jonfleming.co.uk/2015/12/countdown-to-world-cruise-2016.html

Book it: Viking Cruises: vikingcruises.com