Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Port Canaveral - 121376

Port Canaveral in Florida is the port at famous Cape Canaveral, founded in 1949 as a missile-firing installation and today the launch site for satellites and spaceships. Cape Canaveral is the site of the NASA Kennedy Space Centre, the Hall of Fame of the US astronauts, the Air Force Space Museum with more than 700 rockets, the historic launch complex 39 and the US Space Camp in Florida. All of the Apollos and Space Shuttles launched from here. Port Canaveral has developed from a small oil and shrimp harbour into one of the largest cruise ports in the world with more than 3 million passengers a year. The pier, which is 300 m long and stretches out into the open sea with many restaurants, bars and shops, is also worth a visit.

Aruba is one of the ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. Aruba is the smallest and most westerly of the three. Located 30 km before the coast of Venezuela, it is 30 km long and at no point wider than 9 km. While raw limestone cliffs shape the Northern coast, inland the landscape is flat and, as a result of the warm, dry climate, is bursting with a rich flora and fauna. In the South and West of Aruba you will find magical Caribbean beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, the most famous of which is "Palm Beach". The pretty island capital of Oranjestad, built in the Dutch colonial style, has the Wilhelmina Park for those who just want to relax, and the colourful market where you can take a stroll.

Curacao is the longest of the ABC islands. The buildings on the island reflect both the Dutch and the Caribbean influence. The capital of the island, which is home to people from over 50 countries, is Willemstad.

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 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.

Antigua and Barbuda are part of the "Windward Islands" in the North East of the Caribbean. With a total area of 280 km², the majority of the population of 65,000 live on Antigua. This island's coast is shaped by countless bays and natural harbours with a large number of white sandy beaches. Inland, the countryside is flat and fertile and the north and north-east are made of rock formations that look like coral. The hills in the south -west of the island, in contast, are volcanic. In addition to the natural attractions of the island, the capital of the country, St. John's, has several sights worth seeing: the cathedral, taller than any other building in the city, the National Museum, the market and the Heritage and Redcliffe Quay shopping centres.

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.

St. Thomas is one of the Virgin Islands and is one of the largest and busiest tourist centres in the Caribbean. The American Island used to belong to Denmark and was bought by the USA in 1917. The main attraction is its beautiful beaches; but the island also has many multifaceted attractions and a vibrant nightlife, particularly in the capital, Charlotte Amalie, characterised by the Danish-style colonial houses. In the hilly North-West of the island is the Mountain Top, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the 19 other nearby Virgin Islands. A trip on the Atlantis Submarine is also an unforgettable experience. Sights include: the Historical Museum at Fort Christian, the Coral World Observatory, Frederick Lutheran Church, the government building on Government Hill, the Venus pillars on Magnolia Hill and the synagogue at Crystal Glade.

With a population of 270,000, Norfolk is the largest city in the state of Virginia. It is also the largest US Navy base in the world. The prominent position of the marines in the city is documented in the Naval Museum. The Chrysler Museum is also worth a visit, as it has an excellent collection of European and American paintings and sculptures. Directly before the city lies Virginia Beach, a popular destination for holidaymakers with its beaches and range of water sports facilities. Hampton is situated on a tongue of land opposite Norfolk. It was founded in 1610, making it the oldest permanent settlement of English origin in the USA. Visitors will also enjoy the highly interesting Virginia Air and Space Centre.