Transatlantic Cruise - from New York - 119002

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.

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.

Ponta Delgada is the port and the main city on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The city, which has a population of around 30,000 is colourful and lively. The relatively small town with the historic centre is known for its pretty parks and small streets and squares. A stroll along the long waterside promenade or around the yacht marina is particularly enjoyable. Sights include: the parish church, the market, the regional museum with an exhibition on local culture, city gates dating from the 18th century.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

'The island capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a lively, friendly city with picturesque streets, parks and squares as well as a world-renowned botanic garden. The centre of Santa Cruz is a mixture of old areas and modern architecture. The famous beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas are very close nearby the city. Monte de la Esperanza, which towers over the city is also worth a visit, since the view from the summit is truly breathtaking. 'Sights include: the Plaza de Espana with its war memorial, the Museums of Archaeology and Anthropology, Carta Palace, the baroque church of Iglesia de la Concepción, the Museum of painting and sculpture, Castillo de Paso Alto.

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote and has a population of around 40,000. As recently as two hundred years ago, there was only a small harbour here which belonged to the former capital, Teguise. Only during the last century did the town slowly begin to develop. Arrecife is made almost entirely of narrow, winding streets. Sights include: the "Castillo de San Gabriel" with an archaeological museum and the "Castillo de San José". The main business streets, "Calle Real" and "León y Castillo" are packed with shops and entertainment venues.

The Moroccan town of Agadir lies in a broad bay with a wide sandy beach against the backdrop of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, with the fertile Sous plain in the hinterland. Sights include: the bird park with exotic birds, the ruins of the Kasbah at 236m above sea level, the nature reserve "Souss-Massa", the outdoor museum "Medina Polizzi", the museums "Bert Flint" and "Municipal" and the Museum of Berber Art. Like every oriental city, Agadir is famous for its market "Souk El Had".

Casablanca is a modern city with a few old buildings and some elements of Moroccan culture. It was greatly influenced by French colonialism. The cityscape, consisting initially mainly of wide boulevards and French-inspired townhouses dating from the 30s and 40s, has been supplemented with new high-rise buildings and Neo-Oriental style architecture. Casablanca's attractions include the Hassan II Mosque , the arts and crafts market, "Youtiya" in the new Medina, and the Habbous district. The most important buildings in the Medina are the Jamaa el Kebir and Jamaa ech Chleuh mosques and the Sidi el Kairouani Koubba, the city's first saint.

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".

Portugal's unofficial capital, Porto, is the name-giver for the entire country. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is known primarily for its famous port wine. Those who enjoy the city atmosphere will love Porto, the second-largest city in the country. The harbour is where the renowned Portuguese fleet was built. Now, there are lots of cafés and bistros here. The houses in the city are packed close together on the steep slopes, often close behind and beside one another, forming really lovely terraces. Sights incude: Praça da Liberdade, Câmara Municipal and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.

La Coruña, the port and capital city of Galicia, is located on the Atlantic, in the most north-westerly part of the country. This was the backdrop for the battle carried by King Felipe the Eleventh against the English in 1588. The city has been shaped by the atmosphere and the smell of the Atlantic and is characterised by its glazed balconies and rain-washed stones. The harbour at La Coruña determines the locals' lives, and they are vivacious and very hospitable. Sights include: the fishing district "Pescaderia" with traditional bars and restaurants, the medieval old town with numerous churches and grand manors dating from the 18th century.

Gijón, with a population of 259,000 spans two expansive bays. Its sublime 4 km long beach "Playa de San Lorenzo" is one of the most beautiful on the north coast of Spain. Those who prefer small, secluded beaches can visit one of the many picturesque bays in the nearby area. The liveliest part of Gijón is the "Cimadevilla" quarter (Spanish meaning "Summit of the City"), the old town. With its winding streets, many bars, "Sidrerías", pubs and restaurants, it is a popular meeting place. The town's academic highpoint is the Technical University, established in 1955.

700-year-old "Villa de Bilbao" is a testament both to the past and the present. This city with a population of 300,000, has various quarters, such as the old town with the beautiful pedestrian area and the elegant Ensanche quarter. The excellent cuisine of the city, a huge range of shops and the traditional taverns, the "Txikiteos", are other attractions of the Basque capital.

'"The world capital of wine" - no one would dispute that Bordeaux is worthy of this title. In addition, this town on the Atlantic coast has a unique architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Bordeaux has ten municipal museums that store the town's cultural heritage, such as the "Musée d'Aquitaine" (French for "Museum of Regional History") and the "Musée des Beaux Arts", a portrait gallery. The most important sights in this city of culture include the "Palais de la Bourse", the old town gate "Porte Cailhau", the "Pont de Pierre" with its 17 arches, the Cathedrale St. André, the Church of St. Michel and the Girondist monument at the "Place des Quinconces", one of the largest town squares in Europe.

'"The world capital of wine" - no one would dispute that Bordeaux is worthy of this title. In addition, this town on the Atlantic coast has a unique architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Bordeaux has ten municipal museums that store the town's cultural heritage, such as the "Musée d'Aquitaine" (French for "Museum of Regional History") and the "Musée des Beaux Arts", a portrait gallery. The most important sights in this city of culture include the "Palais de la Bourse", the old town gate "Porte Cailhau", the "Pont de Pierre" with its 17 arches, the Cathedrale St. André, the Church of St. Michel and the Girondist monument at the "Place des Quinconces", one of the largest town squares in Europe.

La Rochelle lies on the Atlantic coast and has a fort dating from the Middle Ages. The harbour facilities were built in the 14th/15th century and defended from the two towers Tour St. Nicolas and Tour de Chaicircne. The chain between the towers prevented entry to the harbour at night, which even today accounts for much of the town's beauty. Sights include: the Porte de la Grosse-Horloge, the Tour de la Lanterne, the town hall, the St. Louis Cathedral, St. Sauveur church.

St. Helier is the capital and the largest town on the island of Jersey. Proud Elizabeth Castle is built on an island in the bay and can only be reached at low tide. Fort Regent is built on a rockface overlooking the town and has been converted into a recreation centre with sports and conference facilities, an aquarium, postal museum, fair, swimming pool and a series of sports halls. The Jersey Museum in Pier Street is also worth a visit. The best shopping district in the city is the area around King Street and Queen Street. Most luxury goods are less expensive here than on the UK mainland, but they are not duty free.

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.