Incredible cruise destinations that inspired literary masterpieces

Japanese jaunt

Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden

Japan might have beautifully sleek bullet trains, but getting around can still be confusing – simply because there’s so much to see. Princess Cruises’ Japan Explorer effortlessly whisks you from one jaw-droppingly spectacular beauty to another, whether it’s Kagoshima, a coastal city dominated by an active stratovolcano, or Tokyo, with its Bladerunner-esque beauty. But Kyoto, the backdrop for Memoirs of a Geisha, will be the highlight for many, although passengers will need to do some prioritising – there are over 2,000 temples and shrines to check out. I suggest starting with Kinkaku-ji (otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion) and the cathedral-like Higashi Honganji.

Princess Cruises’ nine-day Japan Explorer departs Tokyo on August 14, 2021. From £1,399pp excluding flights (0344 338 8663; princess.com).

Spirit of the Mississippi

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

In this ‘Great American Novel’, Huckleberry Finn escapes from his father’s cabin and sails down the Mississippi in an abandoned canoe. A more comfortable way to explore the Big Muddy is on one of the American Queen Steamboat Company’s cruises. Opt for the Spirit of the Mississippi and you’ll sail from Memphis to St Louis via Kentucky and Cape Girardeau. One of the most popular stop-offs is the Kentucky town of Paducah, America’s quilting capital. Excursions include a tour of the city’s Hotel Metropolitan, which was built in 1909 and became a favourite hangout of musicians such as Billie Holiday and Tina Turner.

The American Queen Steamboat Company’s nine-day Spirit of the Mississippi departs Memphis on October 3, 2021. From £1,573pp excluding flights (00 1 833 598 0119; americanqueensteamboatcompany.com).