Nautica - October 28, 2024

Montreal, the heart of French Canada, is a city full of wonders. The downtown is a mixture of modern towers and Victorian architecture. Visit any of the area's countless museums. Shop on St. Catherine Street and Sherbrooke Street West. The Old Port and Old Montreal are located between the river and city center, and boast an array of museums, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes.

Quebec City is the capital of Canada's province of the same name. Most of the city's residents speak French and are Roman Catholic. Important cultural institutions in the city include Laval University, the concert hall, and the Grand Theatre. Winter sports are popular, especially ice hockey and skiing. Popular events include the 3-week-long Winter Carnival and the Provincial Exhibition.

Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalk cafes, and museums in a park-like waterfront setting. Discover historic dockside vessels at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Stroll lazily through one of the finest Victorian city gardens in North America. Experience the charm of Peggy's Cove, as ships from every corner of the globe sail by in the background.

The rising sun lights the top of Cadillac Mountain before any other spot in the United States, and on island-dotted Penobscot Bay, Bar Harbor welcomes you. Tall ships unfurl their sails while seals and porpoises play in the wide blue bay. Admire the rugged coastline preserved in Acadia National Park. Then watch as a traditional lobster bake is prepared, and enjoy a cup of wild Maine blueberries.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of one of America's most historic cities, home to such patriots as Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and Drew Bledsoe. Discover a living museum where almost four centuries of American history can be traced. When it comes to variety, see why Boston is called the Hub. Nightclubs and theaters, the North End and Chinatown, Fenway Park and Boston Common can all be found here.

The question is never What will I do in New York? but rather, What won't I do in New York? With over 18,000 restaurants, 150 world-class museums, and more than 10,000 shops filled with brand names and bargains from around the world, New York City has something for everyone. And that's not including the shows, landmarks and history that make New York one of the finest cities in the world.

Perhaps no other city in America has enjoyed as much celebrity as Charleston, South Carolina. Named after King Charles of England, Charleston was not only the "Holy City," but also a city steeped in history and romance. Charleston's energy and vitality is virtually palpable, and the arts, food, culture, gentility and variety of Charleston are unsurpassed on the East coast.

Explore all that Miami has to offer, from the magnificent Port of Miami, to the world famous Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, historic Coconut Grove, and trendy South Beach. Other attractions include the Miami Seaquarium , Miami MetroZoo, and sports teams the Dolphins, Heat and Marlins. No wonder so many celebrities, such as Gloria Estefan, Madonna and Ricky Martin, call Miami home.

Originally established as a British settlement in the 17th century, Antigua certified its independence in 1981. Today, it is a vastly popular oasis, famed for its spectacular climate and 366 pristine beaches. St. John's is a splendid jewel on this tropical crown, boasting lush greenery and limitless recreation options. Take a hiking safari and be dazzled by the sights of the island at 1200 feet.

St. Lucia is one of the most scenic volcanic islands in the Caribbean. By helicopter, fly over beautiful Castries Harbor and Les Pitons, St. Lucia's dramatic twin volcanic peaks.

This picturesque city, wrapped around the perimeter of the island's finest natural harbour, is perhaps the most appealing capital city in the entire Caribbean. Founded in the early 18th century by the French, St. George's still possesses something of the character of a French town, particularly in the red tile roofs and pastel colors of its traditional architecture.

Santarem, located near the convergence of the Tapajos and Amazon Rivers, serves as the supply center for the miners and prospectors in the region and serves a major port of call for river steamers.

A small Amazon village in the middle of the Amazon. Get a taste of the Amazonian lifestyle up close while bartering for local handcrafts at the port.

See the signs of the lavish lifestyle and ornate architecture of the 19th century rubber barons that made their fortunes around Manaus, including the opera house, which was recently renovated. Manaus is the main port of the Amazonia.

At the center of millions of miles of rain forest, Parintins is a quiet island where you'll learn about the life of the indigenous people of Brazil. Parintins was the focus of the Conference on the 500 Years of the Indigenous Peoples, on the 500th anniversary of the first meeting of Brazil's indigenous world with European civilization. Also the site of the famous Boi Bumba Festival every summer.

The resort village of Alter do Chao boasts beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Relax on the shores of the Tapajos River and Lago Verde (Green Lake). Be sure to plan a visit to the superb Center for the Preservation of Indigenous Art as well. Find out why Alter do Chao is a vacation spot of choice for many Brazilians.

Bridgetown is the southernmost port on the island of Barbados and its capital. The beaches are plentiful, as is the seafood. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean or try your hand at a local cricket match.

Tiny and charming, Roseau offers visitors an intimate look at the nation of Dominica. Stroll past the houses on Castle Street, marked by quaint tin roofs and gingerbread fretwork. Tour the Dominican Museum and the plentiful shops in Post Office Square. Pose for scenic nautical photos in front of the Bay Front Sea Wall. Enjoy the chattering antics of native parrots at the local bird sanctuary.

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial outpost featuring shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies, as well as beautiful beaches.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

Join Norwegian Cruiselines on the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. Four square miles of white beaches and coconut palm trees. Great Stirrup Cay features great swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a barbecue Bahamas-style or do some shopping at the straw market to make your island experience complete.

Explore all that Miami has to offer, from the magnificent Port of Miami, to the world famous Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, historic Coconut Grove, and trendy South Beach. Other attractions include the Miami Seaquarium , Miami MetroZoo, and sports teams the Dolphins, Heat and Marlins. No wonder so many celebrities, such as Gloria Estefan, Madonna and Ricky Martin, call Miami home.