Western Caribbean Cruise - from Santo Domingo - 131572

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has a carefully restored old town that retains the charm of the colonial buildings. With its many squares, churches and remnants from the colonial era, visitors should definitely take a full tour of the city. This was where the first university, the first cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Santa María) and the first hospital in the region were built. Parque Colon with the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and the lighthouse with Columbus' grave, as well as the Palacio de Borgella are all in the old town. Other attractions here include the Basilica Menor de La Virgen de la Anunciacion, the oldest church in the New World and various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the 'Museo del Hombre Dominicano' and the National Theatre.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has a carefully restored old town that retains the charm of the colonial buildings. With its many squares, churches and remnants from the colonial era, visitors should definitely take a full tour of the city. This was where the first university, the first cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor de Santa María) and the first hospital in the region were built. Parque Colon with the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and the lighthouse with Columbus' grave, as well as the Palacio de Borgella are all in the old town. Other attractions here include the Basilica Menor de La Virgen de la Anunciacion, the oldest church in the New World and various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the 'Museo del Hombre Dominicano' and the National Theatre.

Ocho Rios is one of the most important holiday cities and the most important cruise harbour in Jamaica. Every year, around 300 cruise ships dock here with almost 450,000 passengers. A broad range of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and a seemingly unending range of watersports and excursions mean all your recreational needs will be covered. Along the Main Street there are various shopping centres selling tax-free branded goods.

Montego Bay is a harbour town at the North-West coast of Jamaica. Founded in 1492, today it is considered to be one of the most modern towns in the Caribbean. From Gloucester Street and Kent Avenue you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caribbean and the coral reef. There are three large beaches, Doctor’s Cave Beach, McCatty and a cave. Not far from the coast is "Rose Hall", the manor house built in 1760 on the grounds of a sugar-cane plantation. Sights include: "Downtown" in the South, the multifaceted hotel area on the island.

The central American republic in the South-East of the Yucatan peninsula with its changeable, humid tropical climate is the second-smallest state on the American continent. Until well into the ninth century, the country was inhabited by the Maya, and even today, the indigenous peoples account for 11% of the total population. The majority of the population lives from agriculture; the main export is sugar. Over the past few years, tourismus has gained in importance due to the many water sports facilities and the Mayan ruins. The former British colony gained complete independence in 1981.

Roatan is the largest island North of Honduras and is part of the Bahia archipelago. For many years it went unnoticed before being rediscovered; it is now considered to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. The coral reef is the second-largest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef. It is easy for snorkellers and divers to reach stunningly beautiful coral gardens in the brightest colours, sponges, coral caves and wrecks shrouded in legend. Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches are perfect for splashing about and just relaxing. The largest towns on Roatan are the capital Coxen Hole and the port, French Harbor. Oak Ridge is home to the diving hotel Reef House and the diving station of the same name. The town is split in two by a waterway and the houses are built on stilts.

Like the neighbouring islands of Providencia und Santa Catalina, San Andrés is around 700 km from the Columbian mainland. It is the largest in a chain of atolls and was once rumoured to be the hideawayof the famous buccaneer Henry Morgan. Many Columbians come to the islands on holiday or for shopping, since it has sold duty free goods since 1953. In addition to the duty-free tourism, however, the island is also renowned for its friendly atmosphere, its safety and the countless opportunities for divers to discover new worlds along the reefs of the Caribbean. Sights include: the natural phenomenon of Hoyo Soplador (a sea water geyser), La Loma Hill, the site of the first church on the island, Morgan's Cave, and the natural swimming pool 'La Priscinita'.

Puerto Limon is the port and capital of the province of Limon at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and the most important Atlantic port for the export of bananas and coffee. The busy town centre is dominated by a multicultural atmosphere. The main attractions include Vargas Park, where there are lots of Banyan trees in which you can sometimes see up to thirteen sloths snoozing!

Colón is the capital of Colón province and the second-largest city in Panama. As a free-trade area, Colón is an important economic site. The cathedral and the statue-lined promenade, known as "Paseo Centenario", are well worth seeing.