Grand Voyage - Pole to Pole

Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Florida's Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale beckons with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture and world-class amenities.

In the oldest city in the New World get ready for history, hand-rolled puro cigars and island rum. Sample shore excursions: Santo Domingo Historical Walking Tour; The Tomb of Columbus & Three Eyes Lakes.

In the land of the great liberator, S mon Bol var, visit the plantation where he lived his final days; view a dazzling collection of Tayrona gold pieces; take in the rich aroma of fresh-brewed Colombian coffee. Sample shore excursion: Santa Marta City Tour & Folkloric Show.

Explore the lush rainforests, mangrove swamps, numerous volcanoes and crystalline waters of this Central American isthmus, then meet the laid-back 'Ticos' locals that call it home.

Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a gateway to exploring the many faces of this unique Central American country. The impressive engineering of the canal itself is a wonder to behold; a quick trip to the Miraflores Locks' visitor center with its panoramic observation decks offers the chance to watch behemoth barges thread their way through the legendary manmade waterway. Just minutes from the cruise port, the recently opened Biomuseo is a Frank Gehry–designed natural-history museum dedicated to Panama's ecological marvels. And Fuerte Amador sits within easy taxi distance of Panama City, the bustling, multicultural capital metropolis where visitors can wander a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in street cafés and peruse modern malls. For a rural escape, it only takes an hour or two by car to trade the city for the tropical rain forests of Soberanía National Park, where an aerial tram carries passengers through treetops, or to meet Emberá tribespeople in their traditional village along the Chagres River.

An important port city in the Province of Manabí, located in a dry forest area, with some of the most beautiful beaches in South America.

To the north is the "Lordiest City" of Trujillo, founded in 1535 and still rich in ornate colonial detail. At its edge, far older and long abandoned by the Chimu Indians, sits the eerie adobe metropolis of Chan Chan. Sample shore excursions: Trujillo and the Temples; Ch n Ch n Citadel/Dragon Huaca/Totora Caballitos.

The colourful capital of Peru, Lima has long been renowned for its rich history.

General San Martin was named for José de San Martín who, nearly 200 years ago, liberated Peru from Spanish rule. This thriving harbor is your gateway to the Nazca Lines geoglyphs, the ancient spires of Macchu Picchu, and the port of Pisco. Visit the Paracas National Reserve, a refuge for seals, penguins, flamingos and more. Sample shore excursions: Ballestas Island Wildlife Sanctuary Cruise; The Route of Pisco; Tambo Colorado & Paracas Museum.

Chile’s northernmost city, Arica, is characteristically arid for the region, which is home to the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. The climate and terrain may not seem hospitable for long-term living, but for a visitor just passing through, they’re critical: These were the conditions that created the attractions that bring travelers here. Those attractions include a fascinating archaeological museum that claims to have the world’s oldest mummies, and a village that dates to the pre-Hispanic era and retains some of its mystical allure. There’s also a cathedral featuring a door that came straight from Eiffel’s Parisian workshop (yes, that Eiffel) and a local wine called Pintatani made from grapes that grow in an unusually fertile part of Arica. Fresh seafood straight from the Pacific Coast is the highlight of most menus in Arica, and it plays a starring role in displays at the local markets as well, where picture taking and people-watching are two ideal ways to while away a morning or afternoon.

Unless you went to school in South America, it’s likely you never learned about a pivotal moment in the continent’s history. In the late 1800s, the War of the Pacific, fought between Bolivia and Peru on one side and Chile on the other, reshaped the three countries’ borders. Once Chile was victorious, in 1883, it took possession of the horseshoe-shaped bay along which stretches the long, narrow city of Antofagasta. And just like that, Bolivia lost its coast and became a landlocked country, while what would become Chile's second-largest city grew rich from mining in the Atacama Desert. As a gateway to the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta is again drawing visitors from the world over, though these days they aren't prospectors drawn by the desert’s mineral riches but adventure travelers looking to experience its natural beauty. Antofagasta’s allure tends toward simple pleasures like taking in the sunset over the Pacific Ocean or strolling the harbor to watch sea lions and pelicans. Just outside the city are two other attractions: La Chimba National Reserve, in the Chilean Coast Range, and the national monument La Portada, a stone archway perched in the sea below the cliffs that run along this part of Chile’s coast.

This large, modern port serves Chile’s capital, Santiago, a city with Spanish colonial charm and a vivacious spirit. Encircled by the Andes and the Coastal Range, Santiago is centered around the Plaza de Armas, with several of the city’s landmarks: the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral the Palacio de la Real Audencia from 1808, the City Hall and the National Museum of History. North of San Antonio lie the picturesque old port and university town of Valparaíso and the colorful seaside resort of Viña del Mar. In between the coast and the capital are valleys filled with some of Chile’s most famous wineries, all inviting you to come and taste.

Originally named Juan Fernández Island, it was here that the sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned in 1704 and lived in solitude for over four years inspiring Daniel Defoe to write the classic novel, Robinson Crusoe. To reflect the literary lore associated with the island, the Chilean government named the location Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. Today the island is a World Biosphere Reserve and home to the Magellanic Penguin and Juan Fernández Firecrown, an endangered red hummingbird.

Gateway to the scenic Lake District, a series of fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests, icy lakes, Bavarian hamlets and luminous snowcapped volcanoes. Sample shore excursions: Alerce Mountain Lodge & Lake of Reflections; Petrohué Rapids & Frutillar.

Here in the heart of the Chilean archipelago, discover stunning scenery: dense rain forests, bright-blue lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks. Sample shore excursions: Sights of Patagonia; Lake Elizalde Adventure.

If Punta Arenas exudes an "edge of the world" air, it's not without reason. This windblown city near Chile's southernmost tip sits on the Strait of Magellan, which itself is positioned squarely between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The city has played—and continues to play—an important role in geographic, political and economic affairs in South America's so-called Southern Cone, which is formed by Chile and neighboring Argentina. Too many travelers rush through Punta Arenas, treating it as a pit stop on their way to the stunningly beautiful landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and other attractions in Patagonia, but there's plenty in this city and its environs to experience, too. From penguin spotting on Isla Magdalena and kayaking the Strait of Magellan to visiting area farms and then indulging in surf-and-turf specialties (here meaning fresh seafood and asado, or Chilean barbecue) at local restaurants, Punta Arenas is worth a stopover all its own.

Nestled at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia stands as the gateway to the wild and untamed landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

Perched on the windswept shores of the Falkland Islands, Stanley beckons with its remote charm and rugged beauty.

Nestled along the windswept shores of Argentina's Patagonia region, Puerto Madryn beckons travellers with its rugged coastal beauty and abundant wildlife.

Founded as a Spanish citadel in the eighteenth century, Montevideo has grown into a bold, intellectual and cosmopolitan city.

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, dances to the rhythm of tango and pulses with cultural energy.

Known as the St. Tropez of Uruguay for its miles of beautiful, pristine beaches, sports activities, shopping, and temperate climate, Punta del Este offers something for everyone. Choose a gentle bayside beach or dramatic Atlantic beach with perfect surfing waves; explore the colonial and modern architecture of downtown and shop for local treasures; and visit Casa del Pueblo – a modern art museum that was once the home of celebrated Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro.

Hot all year round and with a tropical rainforest extending down to the sea, it’s easy to understand why Rio de Janeiro is known as “Cidade Maravihosa” (“The Marvellous City”).

Nestled along the scenic coastline of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, Búzios emerges as a captivating seaside retreat, renowned for its stunning beaches, charming cobblestone streets and vibrant cultural scene.

Portugal's former New World colonial capital is storybook Brazil—a city both cinematic and gritty, its colorful cobblestoned streets lined with astonishing gilded churches and photogenic architecture dancing to its own Afro-Brazilian drum. It is a microcosm of Brazil: a kaleidoscopic mélange of African roots and culture, European tradition and indigenous pedigree, with a vivacious soul that bewitches visitors right away. Under Portuguese royal orders to establish a capital in Brazil, Tomé de Souza landed in Salvador in 1549 with 400 soldiers and 400 settlers in tow. By the late 1500s, the city was the most important in the Portuguese empire after Lisbon. Its complicated history continues to shape the city today, and nowhere is it more palpable than the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Pelourinho, the old town. Here endures a sensory kaleidoscope: colorful colonial buildings and jaw-dropping churches, a percussion-heavy local soundtrack of unique musical styles such as afoxê and samba reggae, capoeira circles that seem to break out spontaneously in the open-air plazas, and the scent of acarajé (bean and shrimp fritters) filling the air. It all merges—sights, sounds, smells and the ever-present sensation of heat—in Salvador's bewitching personality.

Maceió is the capital city of the state of Alagoas, on the east coast of Brazil. Its historic center is home to pastel-colored colonial houses, a 19th-century cathedral and the Théo Brandão Museum of Anthropology and Folklore, located in a renovated seafront mansion.

With Recife's receding tide comes a most unusual bathing beach, dotted with a myriad of inviting pools and a surreal seascape of reef rocks. Hence the name Recife, which means reef. Discover nearby Olinda, a colonial gem beautifully preserved in pastel shades of stucco

Nestled along the golden shores of northeastern Brazil, Fortaleza emerges as a vibrant coastal metropolis, blending rich history with modern allure.

Welcome to the Amazon, the epitome of untamed wilderness and biodiversity.

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Amazon River, Boca Da Valéria emerges as a charming river village, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the heart of the rainforest.

Welcome to the Amazon, the epitome of untamed wilderness and biodiversity.

Welcome to the Amazon, the epitome of untamed wilderness and biodiversity.

Nestled along the banks of the majestic Tapajós River in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest, Alter do Chão emerges as a hidden gem, boasting pristine white-sand beaches and lush tropical landscapes.

Devil's Island, part of a three-island chain called Îles du Salut, in French Guiana, was home to one of the most infamous—and impregnable—prisons of the 19th and 20th centuries. Opened in 1852, it received worldwide renown in the mid-1890s when French military captain Alfred Dreyfus was sentenced to life imprisonment after being wrongly convicted of selling military secrets to Germany. Although Dreyfus's sentence was commuted after five years, more than 80,000 political prisoners and hardened criminals endured years of mistreatment and abuse among disease-ridden conditions. Few were able to escape, though Henri Charrière, author of the book Papillon, allegedly succeeded by filling sacks with coconuts in order to float to the mainland. The prison was officially closed in 1953. In 1965, the French government transferred responsibility of the island to the Guiana Space Centre, and in recent years, tourism facilities have been added. Devil's Island and its two smaller neighboring islands receive more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Nearly 400 miles off the coast of Africa, lies a handful of islands known as Cape Verde. The islands of Cape Verde range from steep and rocky, to flat and sandy. Enjoy harbor-side bars and shops of Mindelo. Although traces of the Portuguese culture are woven throughout, Mindelo's unique atmosphere is all its own

The Gambia is defined by a river, the one that gives the nation its name. The long, narrow country stretches from the Atlantic into Africa for some 475 kilometers (295 miles), and consists of the Gambia River and its banks—spanning only 48 kilometers (30 miles) at its widest point. This smallest country on the African mainland is also home to the continent’s smallest capital, Banjul, with fewer than 35,000 residents. Sitting on an island where the river enters the ocean, Banjul is decidedly laid-back, without the bustling city center—or traffic jams—of Africa’s larger metropolises.The Gambia also has the distinction of having enjoyed a relatively stable government since independence. That, combined with a warm tropical climate and miles of beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coastline, has attracted a thriving expat community. For most visitors to Banjul, the nearby beaches and quiet pace of life here are its main draws. Among the popular sights are The Gambia National Museum, which recounts the history of the country as well as daily life for the nation’s residents, and the Abuko Nature Reserve, the country's first national park, which provides an excellent introduction to Africa’s flora and fauna.

Alluring and frenetic, Senegal’s capital, Dakar, was long a tiny settlement on the southern part of the Cape Verde peninsula. It now encompasses former colonial towns (it was once a French commune) and a handful of other villages. The hub is the Place de l’Indépendance, a buzzing square lined with both concrete-block and colonial buildings and from which streets with restaurants, shops and theaters radiate. Roads are often congested with buses, taxis and horse-drawn carriages, and the Medina quarter, home to the Grand Mosque and markets, is an explosion of color and commotion. The food scene has a lot of flavor, too, with influences from Senegal’s many ethnic groups, European past, and a large Lebanese expat community. Alongside trendy restaurants, you’ll find beachside night markets and traditional spots serving thieboudienne (seasoned fish served with rice and vegetables). Music makes up much of the pulse of Dakar—you'll hear the drumbeats of the local mbalax music emanating from the city's dance clubs—but there are more serene parts of Dakar, too. The streets of Île de Gorée, once a depot for the slave trade, can be hauntingly quiet, and an hour away, the pink-tinted Lake Retba offers a respite from Dakar’s never-ending sights and sounds.

Lanzarote is an island destination that promises to leave you awed by the majesty of nature, thanks to its volcanic geology.

On the western shore of Morocco, 2km south of the ill-fated city of Casbah you’ll find sun-drenched Agadir. Along the coast, this popular seaside resort flaunts a golden bay and palm-shaded promenade, while its urban heart hums to the beat of busy marketplaces. Outside the city, flamingoes flock to the Massa lagoon and climbing goats perch upon sought-after Argan trees.

The sprawling, Moroccan city of Casablanca, sits on the north-west coast of Africa.

Nestled at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar stands as a captivating British Overseas Territory, where history, culture and nature collide in a unique blend.

Nestled at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar stands as a captivating British Overseas Territory, where history, culture and nature collide in a unique blend.

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.

Seville, the vibrant heart of Andalusia in southern Spain, beckons with its rich tapestry of history, culture and passion.

Lisbon, Portugal's radiant capital, enchants with its timeless allure and vibrant spirit.

Nestled along the ruggedly picturesque Portuguese coastline, Leixões is a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

Brest, nestled in Brittany's rugged western coast, is a city shaped by its maritime soul.

Cherbourg, perched on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France, is a city with a storied maritime heritage.

Nestled on the North Sea coast, Zeebrugge is a dynamic port town that serves as Brussels' maritime gateway.

IJmuiden, a dynamic port town in the Netherlands, stands as the maritime gateway to Amsterdam, located at the mouth of the North Sea Canal.