Singapore Fort Lauderdale

Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. Its history is one of riches and romance, spice trading and piracy, colonialism and growth. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”

Bustling Port Kelang is the principal port of entry for Malaysia. The country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a surprisingly modern city of domes, minarets and spacious, tree-lined avenues. Her symbols of faith are visible at the Jamek Mosque, the city’s birthplace.

Located on the ancient spice routes, Penang is a compelling blend of Old World Asia, Sumatra, India and influences of its various European settlers over the centuries. It has been a historical link between Europe and the Middle East, and its modern identity remains a kaleidoscope of cultures. Lively markets offer adventures for the palate, its emerging art scene adds intrigue to urban jungle, and Penang Bridge and Penang Hill afford sweeping vistas.

Residents call Phuket “The Pearl of the South,” and one visit to this green, sun-soaked island in the Andaman Sea will show you why. The coast is a succession of magnificent beaches, the forested interior boasts virgin rain forests and numerous cacao, pineapple, and rubber plantations. The culture is a distinctive blend of Portuguese, Chinese and indigenous Chao Naam: a proud, seafaring people.

The Andaman Islands float like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal, with their lushly forested interiors wrapped in ribbons of golden beach. Port Blair on South Andaman Island is the archipelago’s capital, and home to the Anthropological Museum, showcasing the history of the island’s people, and the Cellular Jail, a colonial prison turned national memorial. Nearby attractions include Mount Harriet National Park, a bird watcher’s paradise, and Havelock Island, with its iconic Elephant Beach.

Hambantota is perhaps best known for its striking salt flats that run along the coast. Well-preserved colonial buildings and religious temples and shrines are all around, plus nearby Kataragama, a major pilgrimage site sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. It is also a gateway to Yala National Park, home to crocodiles, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, peacocks and more.

Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

Spread over a series of islands interlaced by the Arabian Sea on India’s tropical Malabar Coast, Kochi (long known as Cochin) was once an important center on the ancient spice routes. Today, this uniquely cosmopolitan city reflects cultural and architectural influences of its past – Arabic, Dutch, Portuguese and British – and serves as a gateway to Kerala, home to the mountainous slopes of the Western Ghats, a region legendary for its teas, coffees, spices and wildlife.

Goa has the ability to revitalize the soul, whether one craves the energy of nightlife and zest for revelry, or the rejuvenating power of meditative yoga on an endless beach. It’s all here, from the dynamic bazaars buzzing with color and spices to the curious blend of Portuguese and Indian traditions and architecture – all celebrated with zeal and joy in Goa.

Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Khasab, a city within the Sultanate of Oman, is increasingly popular tourist with tourists. Dhow cruises showcase the inspiring scenery, calm waters are ideal for diving, and dolphins are often spotted frolicking in the sea. Stunning landscapes, high mountain peaks, a picturesque coastal route and stretches of unspoiled beaches highlight the region, while manmade wonders include an old fort that dominates the harbor which, recently restored, contains examples of traditional Omani watercraft.

Abu Dhabi is a bustling city with extraordinary sky scrapers, wide, tree-lined boulevards, and some of the most elite cultural destinations. This city is considered the wealthiest city in the world, but still retains a humble charm with its central souk and artisan hub for traditional crafts.

Home to the world’s biggest shopping mall, tallest skyscraper, and dozens of ultra-glamourous luxury hotels, Dubai is truly a modern wonder. After exploring the new sites of the city, find yourself amongst traditional winding souks and local charm.

Home to the world’s biggest shopping mall, tallest skyscraper, and dozens of ultra-glamourous luxury hotels, Dubai is truly a modern wonder. After exploring the new sites of the city, find yourself amongst traditional winding souks and local charm.

Situated on a striking cove on the Gulf of Oman, ringed by striking volcanic mountains and guarded by two ancient Portuguese forts, diminutive Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Its architecture is a picturesque blend of Arab, Indian, African and European styles. Look for the sultan’s palace at the water’s edge, or visit the important national museum.

Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman’s coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quarà Mountains, and the desolate “Empty Quarter” of central Saudi Arabia.

As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a dynamic and cosmopolitan commercial hub. It is also an artistic one, with public art on display in its roundabouts. In fact, the collection, which includes works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, makes the city the largest open-air art gallery in the world. For shopaholics, Jeddah is a paradise, with Tahlia Street boasting an array of upscale department stores and boutiques carrying names such as Prada and Gucci. And for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty, there are lovely beaches and a picturesque corniche, where locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing and drinking in the views.

As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is a dynamic and cosmopolitan commercial hub. It is also an artistic one, with public art on display in its roundabouts. In fact, the collection, which includes works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, makes the city the largest open-air art gallery in the world. For shopaholics, Jeddah is a paradise, with Tahlia Street boasting an array of upscale department stores and boutiques carrying names such as Prada and Gucci. And for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty, there are lovely beaches and a picturesque corniche, where locals and visitors alike can be found relaxing and drinking in the views.

Situated at the top of its namesake gulf, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-colored desert to the north. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. Beyond the modernity of Aqaba itself, the UNESCO treasure of Petra – an ancient rock-carved Nabataean city once lost to the Western world – and the wonders of the Wadi Rum await discovery.

On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

With its wide stretch of beach and modern hotels located on the shores of the Mediterranean, Alexandria seems more like an ancient Egyptian city. Once the intellectual and cultural center of Greco-Roman civilization, it is the country’s main port and was named after Alexander the Great. This bustling port serves as the gateway to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.

Renowned for its Venetian Harbor – to where all the town’s criss-crossing lanes do lead – Chania boasts the legacies of both Turkish and Venetian rule. The maze of narrow alleyways opens onto squares edged by quaint Byzantine and neo-classical buildings. Current-day Chania is home to the Municipal Agora, a marketplace built in 1913 on the site of the old southern Venetian walls.

While the Katakolon’s main street is just a five-minute walk from the pier, you will probably want to venture farther out to see the ancient site of Olympia, the storied place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC. A look at the impressive monuments, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the famous stadium, along with a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum, offers a fascinating introduction to the Games and ancient mythology. Back in town, stroll the oceanfront walkway, relax over ouzo in an open-air café, or engage in a friendly round of haggling for jewelry and handcrafts, a modern-day sporting event that enjoys widespread popularity.

Winding alleys, gracious piazzas and glorious architecture represent a timeline of several millennia. Founded in 734 BC by the Greeks, the city was a major influencer in the spread of Judaism and Christianity and brims with world-class examples of Greek, Roman and Baroque architecture awash with Italian character. The entire city of Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island nation of Malta is a treasure trove of cultures. Valletta, its fortified main city, rises dramatically from the water. This “City of Knights,” a monument to the past, was founded in 1566 by the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Sights not to be missed include the Magisterial Palace and St. John’s Cathedral, which is lavishly decorated with the coats of arms and banners of the crusading knights. Beyond Valletta, the countryside, although austere and rocky, has a special charm. Malta provides an enduring fascination for all visitors.

The island nation of Malta is a treasure trove of cultures. Valletta, its fortified main city, rises dramatically from the water. This “City of Knights,” a monument to the past, was founded in 1566 by the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Sights not to be missed include the Magisterial Palace and St. John’s Cathedral, which is lavishly decorated with the coats of arms and banners of the crusading knights. Beyond Valletta, the countryside, although austere and rocky, has a special charm. Malta provides an enduring fascination for all visitors.

Bathed in the warm waters of the southern Mediterranean, Tunis is a blend of Maghreb flair and French style. Visit the magnificent Az-Zaytunah mosque, the most sacred religious site in the country. Take a dip in the hot baths, built by the Romans. Or experience the sights and sounds of one of the exotic souks (bazaars).

Trapani is a city in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline. At the western tip, offering views as far as the Aegadian Islands, is the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower. It houses the Museo di Preistoria e del Mare, with archeological artifacts. North of the harbor, the Chiesa del Purgatorio church holds wooden sculptures that are paraded around the city during Easter’s Processione dei Misteri.

This largest of the Aeolian Islands off the northern coast of Sicily is a charming blend of serene island life and vast Italian history. Wander Corso Vittorio Emanuele in the city center and sample the local capers and Malvasia wine, then explore centuries past at the archaeological museum and citadel. The Marina Corta is a picturesque spot for strolls, with a quaint harbor, lively piazzas and sun-drenched avenues.

As your ship approaches the Sorrento Peninsula, delight in craggy cliffs draped with flowing pink blossoms.Renowned for its serene way of life, this romantic port exudes a special magic. Its dramatic bluffs and surrounding flowered hills bid travelers welcome to a town overflowing with charm and character. It is easy to relax in this languid southern Italian atmosphere.The sensational Amalfi Coast and the haunting ruins at Pompeii are among the region’s highlights.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, eclectic architecture, world-class tapas and Tempranillo are all reasons to fall in love with the city of Gaudí. Indeed, the treasures here are many and diverse, captivating travelers and experts alike. In fact, nine important sites in the city, seven designed by the famed architect himself, have earned the acclaim of UNESCO.

Drenched in year-round sunshine, this beach-loving town boasts one of Spain’s best, San Juan Beach. Sprinkled throughout its Old Town are colorful houses, winding alleyways and a beautiful Renaissance church, while a trek up Mount Benacantil leads to the medieval ruins Castle of Santa Bárabara affording spectacular views of the Mediterranean and surrounding landscape. Closer to shore, the Explanada de Espana is perfect for a stroll overlooking the sea.

Motril is a town and municipality on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Granada, Spain. It is the second largest town in the province, with a population of 60,368 as of 2016. The town is located near the Guadalfeo River and 69 km from Granada.

Characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green landscapes and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas, this archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic was founded as The Azores in 1427 by Portuguese explorers

Horta is a municipality and city in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores encompassing the island of Faial.

HMD Bermuda was the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic between American independence and the Cold War. The Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda had occupied a useful position astride the homeward leg taken by many European vessels from the New World since before its settlement by England in 1609.

HMD Bermuda was the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic between American independence and the Cold War. The Imperial fortress colony of Bermuda had occupied a useful position astride the homeward leg taken by many European vessels from the New World since before its settlement by England in 1609.

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.