Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Baltimore - 121374

With approximately 800,000 inhabitants, Baltimore is the largest town in the state of Maryland and one of the most important seaports in the United States. It is also an important industrial and trading centre whose economy is based largely on research and development (in particular pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and medical services). You can also find the house and grave of the writer Edgar Allan Poe in Baltimore. As regards the parts most often frequented by tourists, the port's image has changed considerably over the last few years. Many areas have been renovated and new buildings have been constructed, giving Baltimore a very positive appearance. The Inner Harbor, located on an extension of 320 kilometre long Chesapeake Bay, has become a centre for tourism. The Fregatte Constellation, the U.S. Navy's first ever ship, dating back to 1797 and the oldest boat at sea in the world, is anchored at pier 1 of the Inner Harbor. Of the many museums, the "Baltimore Museum of Art" (with a large number of post-impressionist works), Walters Art Gallery and the City Life Museum, a housing block with buildings representing the city as it was in the 19th century, are particularly worth seeing. Mount Vernon Place has houses and squares from the 19th century, as well as many cultural institutes. This is also where the Washington Monument stands, from where you can enjoy an excellent panorama view of Baltimore and the surrounding area. In the Summer, the Fort McHenry National Monument is the venue for special military parades and ceremonies. The Water Taxis, which connect all of the sights in the harbour area by boat are another of Baltimore's unique features.

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.

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 Caribbean island of Barbados lies between the Atlantic to the East and the Caribbean to the West. The island was given its name by Portuguese sailors, who named it "Los Barbados", "the bearded ones" due to the many fig trees on the island with their aerial roots. The 431 km² large coral island is home to a population of 260,000. Sights include: two botanic gardens, limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites and the North and East coast of the island with its breathtaking cliffs, picturesque coves and beaches that stretch for miles and miles.

Castries is the capital city and port of the Antilles island of St. Lucia. With a population of around 65,000 it is the island's largest city and lies between the Caribbean Ocean and the green hilly hinterland. It is the starting point for trips on the island of St. Lucia. There are almost no historical sights left in Castries, since the many wooden houses have burned down over the course of the last few decades. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at Columbus Square and the Government House are well worth seeing. The best time to take a stroll around the town is on Saturday mornings, when the market stalls are set up at the deep-sea port of The Carenage. Duty free shopping is available at the Point Seraphine shopping centre. To the North-East of Castries lies the Vigie Peninsula, where tourists can enjoy the modern holiday village at the beach.

With approximately 800,000 inhabitants, Baltimore is the largest town in the state of Maryland and one of the most important seaports in the United States. It is also an important industrial and trading centre whose economy is based largely on research and development (in particular pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and medical services). You can also find the house and grave of the writer Edgar Allan Poe in Baltimore. As regards the parts most often frequented by tourists, the port's image has changed considerably over the last few years. Many areas have been renovated and new buildings have been constructed, giving Baltimore a very positive appearance. The Inner Harbor, located on an extension of 320 kilometre long Chesapeake Bay, has become a centre for tourism. The Fregatte Constellation, the U.S. Navy's first ever ship, dating back to 1797 and the oldest boat at sea in the world, is anchored at pier 1 of the Inner Harbor. Of the many museums, the "Baltimore Museum of Art" (with a large number of post-impressionist works), Walters Art Gallery and the City Life Museum, a housing block with buildings representing the city as it was in the 19th century, are particularly worth seeing. Mount Vernon Place has houses and squares from the 19th century, as well as many cultural institutes. This is also where the Washington Monument stands, from where you can enjoy an excellent panorama view of Baltimore and the surrounding area. In the Summer, the Fort McHenry National Monument is the venue for special military parades and ceremonies. The Water Taxis, which connect all of the sights in the harbour area by boat are another of Baltimore's unique features.