Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Buenos Aires - 120623

Buenos Aires is the capital of the Republic of Argentina and was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza. The Latin American city, also known as the "Queen of La Plata" has a very European feel, both in terms of architecture and local customs, spiced with a dash of Latin American warmth and informality. A megalopolis with eleven million inhabitants (making it one of the largest cities in the world) Buenos Aires has always had great allure. Incomers see it as the gateway to the New World, the city of tango, football, a vibrant cultural life and elegance in South America.

The metropolis of Rio de Janeiro lies nestled in beautiful countryside with a view of islands and paradise beaches. The city's landmarks are Copacabana beach and the Sugar Loaf Mountain, which gives the city its unmistakable silhouette. Opposite, on Corcovado hill, stands the world-famous statue of Christ. Historic churches and monuments compete with modern architecture; typical traditional street markets stand directly beside ultra-modern shopping centres. A trip in a cable car to the peak of the Sugar Loaf, which is over 700 m high, promises a truly breathtaking view of the city. Sights include: Metropolitana Cathedral, the municipal theatre, the city palace Paco Imperial, the National Historical Museum, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ.

Maceió is in the North-East of Brazil and is the capital of the state of Alagoas. The city is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Brazil. The harbour has optimal infrastructure for tourists with a large number of hotels and local attractions and the hospitality of the locals only increases this city's popularity.

This Caribbean island lies South of St. Vincent and North of Trinidad and Tobago. Cloves, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon are all produced on Grenada, which explains its nick-name "spice island". The 94,000 inhabitants of the island are surrounded by tropical rainforests, gorges and dormant volcanoes. The capital of Grenada is St. George's and is just 5 km from the island's long, white beach, "Grand Anse". But the real attraction on Grenada is the island itself. It is the perfect place for walks and treks through the tropical countryside. The turquoise water of the Caribbean is also perfect for sailing trips and diving excursions.

The overseas French province of Martinique is a volcanic island and the most northerly of the Caribbean Windward Islands. The island is very rocky and has wonderful black, white or mixed sandy beaches bordered by planatations of sugar-cane, palm trees, bananas and pineapples. Sights include: the charming villages, the volcanic mountain, the tropical rainforest and the Atlantic coastline.

The little island of Sint Maarten is split in two. The quiet North belongs to France and the lively South to the Netherlands. The capital of the Dutch part is Philipsburg, where the cruise ship port is situated. Many casinos, shops, discos and restaurants mean a varied evening's entertainment is guaranteed. It is quieter and closer to nature inland, where ramblers will enjoy the walk to Paradise Peak.

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.