Transatlantic Cruise - from San Diego - 116880

San Diego, the second-largest city in California lies at the very South of the state and is heavily influenced by Spanish, Mexican and American culture. The climate, which is warm and sunny all year round, is what makes this trendy palm-lined beach so popular. To make the most of the weather, there is a total of 112 km of beaches in the area surrounding San Diego. Mission Bay has plenty of opportunities to do some fishing, sailing, go out on a motor boat, surf or swim. In addition, San Diego is framed by a beautiful landscape with mountains and large fruit and vegetable plantations. Sights include: the old town, San Diego zoo, the exclusive suburb of La Jolla, the Maritime Museum, Balboa Park, the Museum of Art and the Science Centre.

'Acapulco is a Mexican harbour town on the Pacific coast. The "Costa Miguel Aleman", the town's splendid boulevard is home to countless shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Local sights include the "Casa de la Cultura", the Historical Museum and the cliff-divers at the cliffs of "La Quebrada", who plunge into the ocean from a height of 40 metres. Acapulco is the only place in Mexico with a submerged statue of its patron saint, the Virgin of Guadaloupe, which can be viewed from one of the popular glass-bottomed boats. The glass-bottomed boats also provide a breathtaking view of the magical underwater world. Sun-worshippers will be spoilt for choice with the Playa Icacos, Playa Hornos, Playa Revolcadero, Playa Diamante and Barra Vieja beaches all providing the perfect spot to relax for a few hours.

The Pacifc port of Puerto Quetzal is around 2 hours south of the capital, Guatemala City, and is named after the Quetzal bird, the heraldic symbol of this Central American country. Puerto Quetzal is the starting point for trips inland on the trail of the Mayans and into the tropical rainforest.

Acajutla is South-West of El Salvador, a land of volcanic origin. The town is home to one of the most important sea-ports in the country. In the nearby surroundings you can find the Mayan ruins of "Tazumal" and the crater lake "Lago Coatepeque".

Puntarenas means 'sandy tip' and the town lies on a tongue of land that sticks out into the Gulf of Nicoya. For a long time it was the most important Pacific port in the country, and even today the harbour is lined with fishing boats, giving the town its incomparably maritime character. This beach resort, which is steeped in tradition, is the perfect place for a stroll along the southern beach promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, which is particularly busy at the weekends. In the evening you can watch the glowing red sun sink down into the Gulf von Nicoya while enjoying a cocktail at the popular beach.

In the middle of Central America lies the tropical region of the Panama Canal with its lush vegetation and rainforests. The Panama Canal is a technical masterpiece and one of the most important waterways in the world. It takes just a day to travel along the canal, but visitors are sure to remember the trip for many a long year.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredias, a Spaniard and companion of Columbus, as a naval port. The historic old town and the harbour are listed and have been a World Heritage Site since 1984. Due to the flourishing trade in gold from Peru, silver from Bolivia and emeralds from Muzo, the city developed quickly and magnificently. Today, mainly oil coffee and platinum are exported and the city has been able to make a name for itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities of South America. Sights include: the Gold Museum, the cathedral dating from the 16th/17th century and the San Felipe de Barajas fort with its amazing system of tunnels.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredias, a Spaniard and companion of Columbus, as a naval port. The historic old town and the harbour are listed and have been a World Heritage Site since 1984. Due to the flourishing trade in gold from Peru, silver from Bolivia and emeralds from Muzo, the city developed quickly and magnificently. Today, mainly oil coffee and platinum are exported and the city has been able to make a name for itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities of South America. Sights include: the Gold Museum, the cathedral dating from the 16th/17th century and the San Felipe de Barajas fort with its amazing system of tunnels.

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.

New York - the huge, vibrant city by the Hudson River and the unofficial capital of the world - is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in the USA. Around 12 million residents from all over the world call New York home. The city is divided into five districts, Manhattan being the heart of the city and the most famous district. Probably just about anyone coming to New York thinks first of Wall Street, Broadway, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and the many museums, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. All of this can be found in New York City, indeed in the "small" district of Manhattan. "The Big Apple", as the city is also known, is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, from rich to poor - the ultimate city of contrasts. The subject of many songs, and yet more literature, New York is in a constant state of flux. It is a centre for the economy, the arts and architecture that each of the 25 million visitors annually will experience differently, but which captures the imagination of every single one of them.

One of the largest holiday resorts on Rhode Island is Newport, which is considered to be the sailing capital of the East Coast. Newport is a very pretty and historic American town. Designed in the early colonial era (founded in 1639), the narrow streets and colonial houses bear witness to its rich architectural history. There are still lots of beautiful wooden houses dating from the 17th and 18th century. The town is also famous for its excellent beaches, yacht regattas, music and art festivals. Tourists can visit many of the impressive manor houses, some of which were based on European castles (e.g. those once owned by Vanderbilt and Astor).

Boston, capital of Massachusetts and the gateway to New England, is laden with history but at the same time vibrant and bursting with energy. Indeed, Boston - with a population of just over half a million - is one of the most interesting cities in America in terms of both history and culture - as well as one of the most beautiful. Unlike most major cities, it still has countless historical buildings and areas, and is among the architectural must-sees of America. Historic buildings, picturesque cobbled streets and relaxing parks meet with modern high-rise buildings, giving a surprisingly harmonious overall effect. A section of the Berlin Wall can be viewed at the harbour, from where you can also set off on a whale-watching trip.

Halifax is not only the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia but also has one of the largest ports in the world. The city not far from Montreal is known for its many galleries and museums; it also hosts a great many cultural and musical events. Behind the harbour lies the picturesque coastal landscape. There are several historic buildings that house small shops, restaurants and the Museum of Natural History, which has an exhibition about the Titanic. Other sights include: "Citadel Hill", the parliament, "Spring Garden Road Region", the public gardens and Point Pleasant Park.

With a population of around 140,000 St. John's is the largest city in Newfoundland and also the oldest city in North America. Since large areas of the craggy island are uninhabitable, the majority of the population lives in the city and in small coastal suburbs. Colorful wooden houses and rustic pubs, particularly in legendary George Street, are St. John's trademark. In the middle of the city is Signal Hill, where the first wireless message from Europe was received in 1901. In the spring visitors are highly likely to be able to see massive icebergs drifting past; in the summer, whales frolic in the bay. It was not far from here that the Titanic sank. Sights include: Newfoundland Museum, the Colonial Building, Arts and Culture Centre, Signal Hill National Historic Site.

Cobh is one of the islands in the harbour of Cork. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it represents an important part of Irish history. It was from there that two and a half million of the six million Irish emigrants who were forced away during the potato famine of 1848 to 1850 left from. Only a few returned. But Cobh was also the port for the rich - this was the Titanic's last port of call before she set off across the Atlantic to her fate. Following a visit by the Queen in 1849, Cobh was re-named "Queenstown" but got its old name back in 1921. Sights include St. Coleman's cathedral, Queenstown/Cobh Museum, the Wildlife Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Golf Club.

Cobh is one of the islands in the harbour of Cork. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it represents an important part of Irish history. It was from there that two and a half million of the six million Irish emigrants who were forced away during the potato famine of 1848 to 1850 left from. Only a few returned. But Cobh was also the port for the rich - this was the Titanic's last port of call before she set off across the Atlantic to her fate. Following a visit by the Queen in 1849, Cobh was re-named "Queenstown" but got its old name back in 1921. Sights include St. Coleman's cathedral, Queenstown/Cobh Museum, the Wildlife Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Golf Club.

Plymouth, one of the largest sea ports in Great Britain, is of special historical importance: it was here that the Spanish Armada was defeated and England began its rise to become a world power. Great names of English seafaring history are associated with Plymouth, including Sir Fracis Drake and the Mayflower. The picturesque harbour of Plymouth is not the only attraction in this town. 'The Hoe', a park with many monuments, provides an excellent view. At the southern tip of Hoe, the Plymouth Dome provides information about the town's past and present in the form of a multimedia presentation. The climb to Smeaton lighthouse is worth it for the wonderful view of the surrounding area. The Royal Citadel today houses the aquarium of the Marine Biology Association and it is well worth taking a walk from here to the old town of Plymouth. Sights include: artificial snow ski-centre; Tamar Valley Railway Line; Mount Edgcumbe Country Park; Dartington crystal glass factor; the historic part of the town with The Barbican with 16th century style Elizsabethan house and the City Museum.

The port of "Le Havre de Grace" was founded in 1517 by François I on the right bank of the Seine estuary. The seafront, the beach and the harbour basin reach right into the heart of the town. The town's image is shaped by the Seine estuary and the port. Le Havre is not only an important trading port, but also has a yacht marina and a beach. The alabaster coast with its tall chalk cliffs stretches north from Le Havre to the Somme estuary. Always connected with the sea, today Le Havre is the fifth-largest European port. Sights include: the port, the town hall, Villa Maritime, the swimming dock, St. Josef's Church, the garden at St. Roch, Malraux museum, and Notre Dame cathedral.