Queen Victoria - January 4, 2025

Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

One of the largest and most modern ports in the world, Rotterdam is the major foreign-trade center of the Netherlands and its second largest city. Among the noteworthy buildings that survived the German air bombardment of 1940 were the stock exchange, the city hall, and the Van Beuningen Museum, with its collection of paintings by Dutch masters.

Located along the North Sea, Zeebrugge is located ten miles north of Brugge (Bruges) and serves as its port. The Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal connects the seaside resort with the cultural mecca that is its sister city. Visitors to Brugge will see stunning representations of gothic and roman architecture and collections of Dutch and Belgian art.

Southampton is the gateway to the immensely civilized city of London. There are museums to visit, pubs to try, and shops to browse, ranging from Harrods to open-air markets. There are more parks and green belts here than in any other city in the world. There are also caches of stately squares and noble monuments, holdovers from a time when the island ruled a significant portion of the globe.

You won't find many places where nature exists in harmony with technology, but it does in Cape Canaveral on Florida's Space Coast. Visit the world-famous Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or, on the same land, check out the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. You'll also find pristine beaches, fabulous fishing and great golfing all within driving distance of Florida's biggest attractions.

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any ocean, a culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows, golf and whimsical water taxis, fine cuisine and tasty jazz. And just like the horizon here, the list of attractions goes on and on.

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.

Located in the northeast region of Brazil, the coastal city of Fortaleza is a beach-goers dream! Fortaleza is famous for its golden beaches. When you're done with the surf, do some shopping at the local markets. Be sure to try the seafood, especially the lobster, a Fortaleza specialty.

The city of Salvador, which dates back four hundred years, is an unbelievable experience. Surf or swim in the crystal blue waters of Salvador's more than twenty beaches. Feel the rhythms the African-influenced music that springs up everywhere and then dance the night away at one of the city's clubs. Be sure to try some of the Moqueca, a local fish stew.

Buzios lives up to all the expectation of a great sun and sand getaway. More than twenty beaches and crystal clear water await you in this port, which has frequently been ranked one of the ten most beautiful cities in the world. Great food, an active nightlife with discos and nightclubs, in addition to numerous fine boutiques and restaurants, make Buzios a great destination.

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!

Called the "Wonderful City" by Brazilians, Rio features the best of all worlds. Great nightlife, beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines, friendly people, plenty of shopping, and many, many restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world make Rio a thrill for all five senses!