Ft. Lauderdale to Ft. Lauderdale

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

Tropical beaches with coral-rich waters, friendly locals and cheeky green monkeys characterise blissful Barbados.

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.

Founded in 1616 as one of the first settlements along Brazil's Amazon River, Belém, the capital of the Brazilian state of Pará, once prospered as one of South America's spotlight playgrounds for the rich and cultured. This urban oasis in the jungle experienced unprecedented growth and fortune during the rubber boom at the turn of the 19th century thanks to a Brazilian monopoly on latex. It was during this golden era that the City of Mango Trees constructed one of its most important landmarks, the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça da República—an architectural testament to the opulence of those days when the city was affectionately referred to as "the tropical Paris." By 1910, rubber had crashed, but Belém soldiered on as a thriving river port and tourism hub. Today, it's a thoroughly pleasant—albeit sweaty—gateway to the Amazon, made prettier by mango tree–shaded green spaces. The streets of the vibrant historical center are crowded with palatial 17th- and 18th-century buildings, many of which have been turned into seriously wonderful museums. Belém's biggest attraction, however, is the endlessly fascinating, action-packed Ver-o-Peso market, the largest open-air market in Latin America and the requisite first stop for any visitor. From here, Belém's culinary magic becomes apparent: The city's long list of excellent restaurants steeped in unique, jungle-fueled culinary traditions has made Belém one of the most exciting gastronomic destinations in Brazil. Bom proveito!

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

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”).

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Over 1,000 miles away from its nearest inhabited neighbour, remote Easter Island is a unique Chilean treasure in the South Pacific.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti with its vast mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and glittering coral reefs.

Bora Bora appears to be of another world, with pretty sand-edged motu (islets) and rainforest-covered ridges, while its fabulous coral reef is a joy to explore.

Unique in many ways, Tonga is the only country in the South Pacific that has never been colonized. The secret to this tiny kingdom's lasting autonomy lies with its monarchy - rich in culture and tradition; unafraid to modernize and move forward. You'll find Nuku'alofa on the isle of Tongatapu - the largest of the 171 island jewels in the Tongan crown. Hopefully the Tongan people, cheerful and welcoming, will treat you to a version of the lakalaka - their compelling art of storytelling manifested in a breathtaking dance.

Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand’s North Island is the country’s largest city, multicultural Auckland.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Islands beckons with its pristine beauty and rich history.

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of North Queensland, Townsville is a vibrant coastal city that effortlessly balances a relaxed tropical lifestyle with modern urban charm.

A friendly city loved by residents and popular with tourists. More than just a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers plenty to do.

Nestled on the northern coastline of Australia, Darwin stands as a vibrant gateway to the country's untamed wilderness and a testament to resilience.

One of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Komodo Island is famous for its bright blue waters, steep sloping hills, and the four thousand giant lizards who call the island home.

Beautiful Bali is everything you imagine it will be; humbling temples, tranquil lakes, traditional villages, idyllic sands and thriving paddy fields.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

The 3,000-mile Mekong River runs throughout Asia and affords an experience of the continent like no other.

White sand beaches, turquoise waters, beachfront cafés. Nha Trang's days as an underappreciated treasure are over. Still very much intact since the 7th century are the venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex. Sample shore excursions: Nha Trang City Tour; Nha Trang Countryside.

Take in Halong Bay’s splendid scenery as you wind your way through a dramatic archipelago of lake-filled, tropical forest-topped limestone karsts.

From the exceptional views across its famous harbour to the sizzling dishes in its glamorous restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love with Hong Kong.

Kaohsiung is a massive port city in southern Taiwan. It's home to many skyscrapers, such as the 248m-tall Tuntex Sky Tower, and is known for its diversity of parks. Its focal point is the Love River, with walking paths and cafes along its banks, and cruise boats navigating its waters. Shopping options range from high-end malls to the Liuhe and Ruifeng night

Keelung City’s sheltered harbor and its location on Taiwan’s north coast have meant that, over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. While there are plenty of good coffee shops, markets and museums in the compact downtown and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the Night Market, the city is today principally a gateway to Taipei for many travelers. Taiwan’s capital is just a half hour away by car or around 45 minutes by train. Long a small outpost of the Chinese empire, the city began to grow in the 19th century, when settlement from the mainland was encouraged. Then, from 1895 to 1945, the city (and all of Taiwan) was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of World War II, Taipei was handed over to the Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek. In the decades since, it has seen an explosion of growth, but traditional temples and world-class museums still sit amid the skyscrapers. The modern metropolis also has top restaurants, food markets and upscale shopping. The Taipei Metro makes it easy to explore the city, or you can take an excursion to the countryside: A national park and a protected forest make for excellent day trips from both Taipei and Keelung.

Naha, the capital of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture and its biggest city, also serves as the region’s key political, economic and transportation hub. With a fascinating past as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a working port that dates back to the 15th century, this city of 300,000 residents manages to be both a compelling city and a laid-back one. Because it was largely destroyed during World War II, there aren’t many old buildings here; however, a few restored remains from the Ryukyu Kingdom era provide historic interest, including Shuri Castle, the royal residence, and its extraordinary gardens—both of which are included in a local group designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other legendary sites include the Royal Mausoleum (burial tombs set inside caves) and the Shurei Gate, so magnificent that its image appears on the 2,000-yen note. There are also a few contemporary hotspots, namely Kokusai Street, which offers almost two kilometers (1.25 miles) of shops, cafés and restaurants, and the nearby Makishi Public Market, which has dozens of food vendors hawking delicious treats. If you want to explore farther afield, Naha is the ideal jumping-off point for excursions to the rest of Okinawa.

The Island of Amami Oshima, Japan, is a lush getaway destination. Just south of Naze, kayak through one of Japan’s largest mangrove swamps. Enjoy shima-uta, a traditional Japanese musical form.

City of melancholy memories. Visit Glover House, where Puccini's Madame Butterfly reputedly awaited her errant Lt. Pinkerton; pay tribute to lives lost in WWII at Peace Memorial Park. Sample shore excursions: Nagasaki Half-day Tour; Sakai Bridge & 99 Islands;Arita, Birthplace of Ceramics.

A thriving harbor town for centuries, Shimizu is best known for its incredible scenic beauty. Take an excursion to Miho no Matsubara and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and expansive black sand beaches; stroll through the graceful gardens and unique art installations of Tokachi Millennium Forest; and visit Kongofukuji Temple, first built by Kobo-daishi in 822 and rebuilt from 1662.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

Explore Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan from the base of Hakodate or fall in love with the city itself.

Nestled amid the rugged wilderness of Alaska's Kodiak Island, Kodiak stands as a testament to the untamed beauty and resilience of the Last Frontier.

The ports of Alaska inspire visions of remote wilderness outposts, legendary gold-rush towns and Native Alaskan villages, all set amid lush forests and frigid, glacier-flanked waters. And while you’ll certainly find these things in and around Sitka, you’ll witness a unique slice of Alaskan history not found anywhere else. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America under the name New Archangel. Sailing into Sitka today, you’ll still see vestiges of Russia’s influence, including the unmistakable onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. Stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical Park to peruse its interesting collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia defeated the native Tlingit people. Sitka also boasts an abundance of epic natural scenery and wildlife. Take a walk up Castle Hill to enjoy an ideal vantage point across the water to the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe, and trips to the nearby Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center offer up-close encounters with some of Alaska’s most captivating creatures.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan emerges as a vibrant hub of culture, adventure and natural beauty.

Nestled between the rugged Cascade Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound, Seattle beckons with its dynamic blend of natural beauty, innovative spirit and vibrant culture.

Nestled along California's sun-kissed coastline, San Diego enchants visitors with its blend of laid-back beach vibes and vibrant urban culture.

Like the movie that was filmed here, Manzanillo scores a perfect "10" for the beauty of its beaches and the charm of its town. Farther afield: the Pyramids of La Campana, dating back to the first century, and the charming colonial towns of Colima and Comala, where tropical gardens and the sounds of mariachi bands make for a muy tranquilo afternoon. Sample shore excursions: Colima & Comala with Lunch; Manzanillo City & Shopping; Magic Pueblas; Deep-sea fishing; Resort Getaway.

The southernmost port on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Chiapas is named for the state in which it is located. It is relatively new, built in 1975, and is the primary hub from which the region’s agricultural goods, including coffee, are sent abroad. For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the town of Puerto Chiapas is a jumping-off point to explore surrounding areas, including Tapachula, the second-largest city in the state of Chiapas. In addition to visiting the coffee estates and banana and cacao plantations of the area, day trips include excursions to Maya sites such as Izapa. Although not as well known as some of the Maya sites of southern and eastern Mexico, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichén Itzá, Izapa is impressive nonetheless. In addition to its interesting location—it sits along a river and is aligned with a volcano (the sixth-tallest mountain in Mexico)—archaeologists have found numerous stelae and evidence that it was the largest Maya site in Chiapas. While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the cuisine of Chiapas, which is influenced heavily by the Maya. One typical dish is tasajo, a thinly sliced beef steak marinated in a sauce made with achiote (also known as annatto) and chili.

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.

On Colombia’s Caribbean-facing coast, Cartagena is a handsome and historic city, with distinctive Colonial architecture dating back to the sixteenth century.

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