South America Discovery from Hamburg Cruise - V502E

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port city of Zeebrugge is a harbour town at the western end of the Belgian coast and a subdivision of the city of Bruges - one of the best preserved cities in Europe - for which it is the modern port. The new port has reinvigorated the city as an art and tourist centre for northern Europe. Upon visiting Bruges you will immediately notice that this city has always carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past, but what makes Bruges so unique though is the way it deals with this past today. Read more about Zeebrugge, Belgium

Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain

Praia da Vitória (“Beach of Victory”) is a picturesque port in Portugal's Autonomous Region of the Azores. The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, 1500 km west of continental Lisbon. An administrative division on the island of Terceira, Praia da Vitória occupies the northern coast of the island and extends halfway into the interior, having at its frontiers Pico Alto and the shield volcano of Santa Bárbara (960m). Read more about Praia da Vitoria, Portugal

Port Canaveral is just north of Cocoa Beach and east of Merritt Island, and is one of the busiest cruise ports in Florida. It has warm, inviting beaches, rolling surf and year round sunshine. The city of Cape Canaveral is one of the friendliest communities in northern Brevard County. Read more about Port Canaveral, USA

Fort Lauderdale is a city on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. in the state of Florida. As well as being a major yachting centre, it has a large and intricate canal system that results in its also being known as the ‘Venice of America’. Read more about Fort Lauderdale, USA

The British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies SE of Florida. The capital, Cockburn (‘Co’burn’) Town, is located on the largest island in the Turks Islands archipelago, Grand Turk Island. It is known for tourism as well as being an offshore financial centre. Read more about Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. Read more about Bridgetown, Barbados

Fortaleza is a major fishing port and fast growing tourist destination in the NE of Brazil. The warm climate, warm ocean waters, and the 25 km of urban sandy beaches are its major attractions. The scenery is complemented by the jangadas, small rafts used by many of the fishermen, while the Beach of the Future is a popular location with many restaurants built in the local style using straw and called Barracas de Praia or beach huts. Read more about Fortaleza, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil's former capital and fifth largest city in the country, is situated on a high bluff that circles around the eastern side of the magnificent All Saints Bay. This intriguing city with a population of over two million has a strong African influence that derives from the slaves brought here to work in the sugar cane fields more than 400 years ago. Their rich cultural heritage is evident in their music, dance, cuisine and religion. Read more about Salvador, Brazil

Buzios in Brazil is situated 169 km NE of Rio de Janeiro, a small and sophisticated paradise that was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street. Today it is the haunt of the rich and famous of the world who flock to the city to enjoy the more than 20 stunning beaches in the vicinity. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach resort with a very active night life and fine restaurants. Read more about Buzios, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Montevideo is the largest city, capital, and chief port of Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate (Silver River), it is also home to almost half of the nation's population, and subsequently is a modern metropolis, though with a fascinating historical old town dating back to colonial times. Described as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life, it is the hub of commerce. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Puerto Madryn is a city in the province of Chubut, one of the most sheltered places on the Patagonian coast of Argentina. The town, founded in 1865 by 150 Welsh immigrants, has become an important tourist centre. This coastal city has warm summers and moderate winters all year round. Read more about Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, is located on the Beagle Channel, where soaring mountains, ice-blue glaciers, and an historic lighthouse create an ideal backdrop. The capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, it was first settled by British missionaries. During the first half of the 20th C the major building of the city was a prison, built by the Argentinian government for repeat offenders and serious criminals, as the subpolar oceanic climate made escape difficult. Read more about Ushuaia, Argentina

Cape Horn, the most southerly of the great capes is located on Isla Hornos in the Hermite Islands group at the southern end of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of South America. It marks the northern edge of the Drake Passage that separates South America and Antarctica. For many years it was a major milestone on the clipper route, by which sailing ships carried trade around the world. Read more about Cape Horn, Chile

Punta Arenas, overlooking the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia, Chile, bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before leaving, be sure to take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero where local vendors sell homemade crafts, the City Cemetery with its elaborate tombs, the Sara Braun Palace, and Braun Menendez Residence that presents great insight of the city's wealthy pioneer past. The city is also home to the former British Navy base and early Spanish colony of Puerto Hambre, and a popular ski centre that overlooks the Strait of Magellan. Read more about Punta Arenas, Chile

Amalia Glacier, situated in the central section of the Southern Patagonia Ice Fields, enters into Amalia Bay in southern Chile. It is the largest of several glaciers entering the fjord. This enormous glacier, one kilometre wide and forty metres high, sits towering above the sea and is continually calving. Read more about Amalia Glacier, Chile

Pio XI Glacier is located in Chile’s Bernardo O´Higgins National Park. The Seno Eyre Fjord in southern Chile is home to the Bruggen Glacier, also known as Pio XI Glacier, the largest western outflow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Now about 64 km in length, it is one of the longest glaciers in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. Read more about Pio XI Glacier, Chile

Puerto Montt is a fast growing city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloe Island. At the southern end of the Pan American highway in Chile, Puerto Montt is not only the end of the road, but the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, and the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. Fertile agricultural fields and green forested hills also add to the enchantment of Southern Chile. Read more about Puerto Montt, Chile

San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. Read more about San Antonio, Chile

Coquimbo is a port city and capital of the Elqui Province, located on the Pan-American Highway, in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. Tourism has recently started to develop, particularly as an access point for popular beach towns to the south, such as the fisherman’s cove of Guanaqueros, and Tongoy, with its famous 5km beach of white sand. Then there is La Serena, the capital of the region, with multiple attractions from architecture to beaches and shopping. Read more about Coquimbo, Chile

The seaside resort city of Arica in the north of Chile lies just 18 km south of the border with Peru. Known as the City of Eternal Spring - as it is sunny virtually every day of the year - it is located on the coast of the driest desert in the world. It has a great beach where visitors can enjoy the sun and take a swim. Read more about Arica, Chile

Lima, although a sprawling desert city, is the capital and largest city of Peru. The Historic centre of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. In particular, visit the Plaza Mayor with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Read more about Lima (Callao), Peru

Lima, although a sprawling desert city, is the capital and largest city of Peru. The Historic centre of Lima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. In particular, visit the Plaza Mayor with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Read more about Lima (Callao), Peru

Manta is a major commercial and holiday resort centre and the second major port of Ecuador. It is possibly best known for the Playa (beach) Murciélago area of the Malecón, where not only is the seafood excellent, but also on offer is great music, beach aerobics, parties, and general night life ambience. Gathering momentum among tourists is the fact that this is the home of seeds of particular palms that are almost indistinguishable from ivory after they have been dried. Read more about Manta, Ecuador

Named one of the seven modern wonders of the world by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Panama Canal is a 77 km ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1903 to 1914, nearly 850,000 vessels have passed through the canal. Interestingly, the 8-10 hour journey from the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east is one from SE to NW. Read more about Panama Canal, Panama

In the southern Caribbean, Oranjestad is the capital of the small island of Aruba, and an island territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is an attractive and historic harbour town just 27 km north of Venezuela. It can be divided into Upper and Lower Towns. Read more about Oranjestad, Aruba, Aruba

The port city of Nassau, which dominates the entire island of New Providence, is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and interestingly is home to over 70 percent of the country’s population. It is well known for being an historical stronghold of pirates with connections to the infamous Blackbeard. A visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides the details. Read more about Nassau, Bahamas

Fort Lauderdale is a city on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. in the state of Florida. As well as being a major yachting centre, it has a large and intricate canal system that results in its also being known as the ‘Venice of America’. Read more about Fort Lauderdale, USA

Freeport is a city and free trade zone on the island of Grand Bahama, located approximately 86 km east of Florida. The mild subtropical climate makes the island a natural greenhouse with more than 200 species of birds, and it is also home to 36 species and varieties of wild orchids. It offers a wide range of water sports that include swimming with dolphins, a wealth of cultural events, and extensive leisure facilities. Read more about Grand Bahamas Island (Freeport), Bahamas

Hamilton is the capital of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, as well as being its largest city and administrative centre. The port city was named after Henry Hamilton, whose ancestry can be traced all the way back to Mary Queen of Scots. Maybe this explains why the passionate loyalty to England is so very prevalent. Read more about Hamilton, Bermuda

The largest town in the Portuguese Azores Islands and capital of the island Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada is built on gently rising ground between green hills. With its many churches, its trim white houses and the lush gardens on its outskirts, it presents an attractive spectacle to visitors arriving by sea. The marina at Ponta Delgada also welcomes many yachts and private sailors from around the world. Read more about Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany