Caribbean Cruise - from Miami - 120913

Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities. Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.

'"Costa Maya" is the newest port on the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán. It is a city rich in cultural and natural resources, where you can experience the legacy of Mayan history, nature and beautiful landscapes first hand. A large number of luxurious shops close to the harbour offer duty-free shopping. There is also a lido with its own waterfall, a spectacular pool and a fantastic bar. Other must-sees include the archaeological areas of Dzibanché and Kohunlich, the Bacalar lagoon and the Caribbean beaches that stretch for miles.

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.

The largest of Mexico's islands lies 57 km from Cancun and 20 km from the coast of Mexico. The island has developed into a popular holiday destination thanks to its idyllic beaches, the wide range of water sports on offer and the Mayan ruins. The ferry docks at "San Miguel de Cozumel", where visitors can visit the "Museo de la Isla de Cozumel" with artefacts detailing the natural history of the island. In the North of the island there are several ruins of the ancient Mayan culture. Cozumel was once a place of pilgrimage for the Mayans who wished to pay tribute to the goddess of the moon, Ixchel. The famous lagoon "Chankanaab" can be reached via the main road to the North. The lagoon has more than 50 species of tropical fish, shells and corals and is seen as a kind of natural aquarium.

Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities. Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is on the island of New Providence and together with the holiday resorts of Cable Beach and Paradise Islands is an internationally renowned tourist centre. The pink parliament buildings are typical of Nassau and combined with the pastel-coloured houses give the city its colonial charm. Busy Bay Street holds a plethora of luxurious goods for those looking to do some shopping, while traditional goods can be found at Straw Market.

San Juan, the capital of the Greater Antilles island of Puerto Rico, is known as the 'oldest American city'. It was from here that the expeditions set out to explore the New World. The historic old town with the university, the fort 'La Fortaleza', the gothic cathedral and the historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era are all well worth a visit. Since 1983, San Juan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'New' San Juan boasts luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and exclusive discos, while nature lovers can explore the nearby rainforest with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.

Tortola, the "pigeon island", is the largest and most densely populated of the British Virgin Islands. At 543 m, Mount Sage is the highest point on the island and offers the best view of the coral reefs and many bays. Large areas of the forest are nature reserves. Not far from Road Town, the capital of the island, are the remains of the British fort, Fort George, which dates from the 18th century, and Harrigan's Hill still has the remnants of Fort Charlotte. Fort Recovery is assumed to have been established by the first Dutch settlers. The ruins of "The Dungeon", which can be seen by Pockwood Pond are also well worth a visit. Even today, you can see pictures scratched into the walls of the vaults.

Basseterre is a port on the Antilles Island of Saint Kitts and is the capital of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The city has a population of 12,600, who live mainly from the textiles industry. The deep-water harbour was only recently completed. The city's architecture is greatly influenced by the British and French colonial periods, particularly around "Independence Square". The most important sights include "The Circus", "Independence Square" and St. George's Church. The crafts and trade house is also interesting. You should definitely take the time to explore the Brimstone Hill fort and the "Black Rock", which are not far from the capital. The Caribelle batik factory is also worth a look. The Great Ape Research Centre, the "Frigate-Bay-Development", the South-East peninsula and the Mount-Liamuiga crater are other interesting places for excursions.

Gustavia is the capital of St. Barth's, one of the Lesser Antilles Islands. The island belonged to Sweden for a spell during the 18th century and the town is named after the king at that time, Gustav III. Gustavia is characterised by its low stone and wooden houses. The many exclusive boutiques and tax-free luxury shops are the perfect place for a spot of shopping. In the evening, people congregate in the many restaurants and bars of the bustling town centre. Sights include: "Wall House", the historical museum of Saint Barth and the old bell tower. From Fort Gustave you can enjoy a fantastic view of the whole island.

Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the American Virgin Islands on Saint Thomas. It has a reputation as being a bustling city with numerous duty-free shops. Fort Christian, one of the oldest buildings on the island, the Frederic Lutheran Church, Government House, Blackbeard's Castle and Market Square are all well worth seeing. In the past, this was where the slave auctions were held; today, fruit and vegetables are sold here.

Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in the Dominican Republic, founded in 1496 by Columbus' brother, Bartolomeo. In the 19th century the city experienced an economic boom on account of the harbour. The old town centre, featuring mainly wooden houses built in that Victorian gingerbread-house style, is well worth a visit. In the small streets around the Parque Central with a nostalgic glorieta pavillion there are lots of little shops, restaurants and cafés. The sights include San Felipe fort, built in the 16th century as protection against the many pirate attacks. Just next to it is the harbour, where stranded ships are a reminder of the hurricanes that have ravaged the coast.

Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities. Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.