Sailings
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Date Date Location Location Arrival Arrival Departure Departure
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Mon, Jan 04, 2021 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Us Check In Starts At 0100p -- 5:00 pmTue, Jan 05, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Jan 06, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Jan 07, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Jan 08, 2021 Scarborough, Trinidad And Tobago 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Jan 09, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Jan 10, 2021 Devils Island, French Guiana Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Jan 11, 2021 Crossing The Amazon River Bar, Braz Cruising Only -- --Mon, Jan 11, 2021 Cruising The Amazon River Cruising Only -- --Tue, Jan 12, 2021 Macapa, Brazil Service Call 6:00 am 10:00 amTue, Jan 12, 2021 Crossing The Equator Cruising Only -- --Tue, Jan 12, 2021 Cruising The Amazon River Cruising Only -- --Wed, Jan 13, 2021 Alter Do Chao, Brazil Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 11:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Jan 14, 2021 Boca Da Valeria, Brazil Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 7:00 am 2:00 pmFri, Jan 15, 2021 Manaus, Brazil Time Subject To Daylight Hours 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Jan 16, 2021 Parintins, Brazil Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 10:00 am 6:00 pmSun, Jan 17, 2021 Santarem, Brazil 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Jan 18, 2021 Crossing The Equator Cruising Only -- --Mon, Jan 18, 2021 Cruising The Amazon River Cruising Only -- --Mon, Jan 18, 2021 Crossing The Amazon River Bar, Braz Cruising Only -- --Tue, Jan 19, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Jan 20, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Jan 21, 2021 Saint Georges, Grenada 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, Jan 22, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Jan 23, 2021 Oranjestad, Aruba 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Jan 24, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Jan 25, 2021 Enter Panama Canal Cristobal Cruising Only Transit Times Are Approximate 5:00 am 5:00 amMon, Jan 25, 2021 Cruising Panama Canal Cruising Only -- --Mon, Jan 25, 2021 Exit Panama Canal Balboa Cruising Only Transit Times Are Approximate 7:00 pm 7:00 pmTue, Jan 26, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Jan 27, 2021 Quepos, Costa Rica Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 8:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Jan 28, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Jan 29, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Jan 30, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Jan 31, 2021 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Feb 01, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Feb 02, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Feb 03, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Feb 04, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Feb 05, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Feb 06, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Feb 07, 2021 Hilo, Hawaii, Us 7:00 am 10:30 pmMon, Feb 08, 2021 Lahaina, Hawaii, Us Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 8:00 am 8:00 pmTue, Feb 09, 2021 Honolulu, Hawaii, Us 7:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Feb 10, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Feb 11, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Feb 12, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Feb 13, 2021 Cross International Dateline Cruising Only -- --Sun, Feb 14, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Feb 15, 2021 Majuro, Marshall Islands 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Feb 16, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Feb 17, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Feb 18, 2021 Chuuk, Micronesia 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, Feb 19, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Feb 20, 2021 Guam (us Territory), Guam 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Feb 21, 2021 Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Feb 22, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Feb 23, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Feb 24, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Feb 25, 2021 Ishigaki Island, Japan Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, Feb 26, 2021 Naha, Japan 8:00 am 11:00 pmSat, Feb 27, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Feb 28, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Mar 01, 2021 Tokyo, Japan Overnight 8:00 am --Tue, Mar 02, 2021 Tokyo, Japan -- 6:00 pmWed, Mar 03, 2021 Shimizu, Japan 7:00 am 2:00 pmThu, Mar 04, 2021 Kobe, Japan Overnight 8:00 am --Fri, Mar 05, 2021 Kobe, Japan -- 5:00 pmSat, Mar 06, 2021 Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait Cruising Only -- --Sun, Mar 07, 2021 Fukuoka (hakata), Japan 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Mar 08, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Mar 09, 2021 Dalian, China Visa Required 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Mar 10, 2021 Xingang (beijing), China Overnight Time Subject To Transit Windowvisa Required 8:00 am --Thu, Mar 11, 2021 Xingang (beijing), China Time Subject To Transit Windowvisa Required -- 6:00 pmFri, Mar 12, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Mar 13, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Mar 14, 2021 Shanghai, China Overnight Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Required 8:00 am --Mon, Mar 15, 2021 Shanghai, China Times Subject To Tidal Cond Visa Required -- 6:00 pmTue, Mar 16, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Mar 17, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Mar 18, 2021 Hong Kong, China Overnight 8:00 am --Fri, Mar 19, 2021 Hong Kong, China -- 3:30 pmSat, Mar 20, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Mar 21, 2021 Da Nang (hue), Vietnam Visa Required 8:00 am 11:00 pmMon, Mar 22, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Mar 23, 2021 Phu My, Vietnam Visa Required 6:00 am 6:00 pmWed, Mar 24, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Mar 25, 2021 Singapore Overnight 8:00 am --Fri, Mar 26, 2021 Singapore -- 5:00 pmSat, Mar 27, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, Mar 28, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Mar 29, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Mar 30, 2021 Colombo, Sri Lanka Visa Required 8:00 am 11:00 pmWed, Mar 31, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Apr 01, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Apr 02, 2021 Mumbai (bombay), India Overnight Visa Required 6:00 am --Sat, Apr 03, 2021 Mumbai (bombay), India Visa Required -- 5:00 pmSun, Apr 04, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Apr 05, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Apr 06, 2021 Fujairah, United Arab Emirates Visa Req For Some 8:00 am 6:00 pmWed, Apr 07, 2021 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Visa Req For Some 7:00 am 11:00 pmThu, Apr 08, 2021 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Visa Req For Some 8:00 am 11:00 pmFri, Apr 09, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Apr 10, 2021 Muscat, Oman 8:00 am 6:00 pmSun, Apr 11, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, Apr 12, 2021 Salalah, Oman 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Apr 13, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, Apr 14, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, Apr 15, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Apr 16, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Apr 17, 2021 Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan Overnight Visa Required 7:00 am --Sun, Apr 18, 2021 Aqaba (for Petra), Jordan Visa Required -- 11:00 pmMon, Apr 19, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, Apr 20, 2021 Enter Suez Canal At Suez Cruising Only Transit Times Are Approximate 6:00 am 6:00 amTue, Apr 20, 2021 Transit The Suez Canal Cruising Only -- --Tue, Apr 20, 2021 Exit Suez Canal At Port Said Cruising Only Transit Times Are Approximate 6:00 pm 6:00 pmWed, Apr 21, 2021 Ashdod (jerusalem), Israel 8:00 am 11:00 pmThu, Apr 22, 2021 Haifa (tel Aviv), Israel 8:00 am 10:30 pmFri, Apr 23, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, Apr 24, 2021 Kusadasi (ephesus), Turkey 8:00 am 6:00 pmSun, Apr 25, 2021 Cruising The Dardanelles Cruising Only -- --Sun, Apr 25, 2021 Istanbul, Turkey Overnight 4:00 pm --Mon, Apr 26, 2021 Istanbul, Turkey -- 4:00 pmTue, Apr 27, 2021 Mykonos, Greece Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited 11:00 am 11:00 pmWed, Apr 28, 2021 Piraeus (athens), Greece 7:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Apr 29, 2021 At Sea -- --Fri, Apr 30, 2021 Naples (pompeii/amalfi), Italy 8:00 am 7:00 pmSat, May 01, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, May 02, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, May 03, 2021 Malaga, Spain 7:00 am 5:00 pmTue, May 04, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, May 05, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, May 06, 2021 Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores, 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, May 07, 2021 At Sea -- --Sat, May 08, 2021 At Sea -- --Sun, May 09, 2021 At Sea -- --Mon, May 10, 2021 At Sea -- --Tue, May 11, 2021 At Sea -- --Wed, May 12, 2021 At Sea -- --Thu, May 13, 2021 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Us 7:00 am --
Port
Arrival Port
Welcome to Holland America Line, recognized for nearly 150 years as a leader in premium cruising. Today, our fleet of 14 ships visit more than 470 ports of call in 98 countries connecting with all seven continents. Holland America Line guests are endlessly curious, looking to go beyond typical tourist experiences.
They''re not looking for things like waterslides, go-karts, roller coasters or climbing walls when they cruise. They are explorers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind experiences curated by the experts who manage our exclusive Explorations CentralTM destination immersion programming, with local cultural insights, insider travel tips, and unique shore excursions for an authentic experience in each destination. They are foodies who want unrivaled experiences in food, wine and spirits, and enjoy the award-winning dining influenced by our Culinary Council of seven world-renowned celebrity chefs.
They''re music lovers who appreciate the best in live music - exclusively on board at Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King''s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room, Postmodern Jukebox, and more.* And, they want to pursue these passions on perfectly sized, refreshingly uncrowded ships that combine classic design with contemporary elegance - all with service that attends to every detail, every day. Come, savor the journey.
*Venues vary by ship.The third Holland America Line vessel to bear the name Amsterdam, this elegant, mid-sized ship features a three-story atrium graced by a stunning astrolabe. While on board, enjoy America's Test Kitchen cooking shows and hands-on workshops. Thrill to our exclusive BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Work out at our Fitness Center. And savor our delectable array of specialty restaurants.
On Holland America Line cruises, your every wish is our pleasure to fulfill
Always at the heart of the Holland America cruise experience is our warm and award-winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. We sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the intuitive, gracious service that has long defined classic cruising. Our extensive onboard services, from special dining requests to full service laundry and dry cleaning services, are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Our specially trained crew takes pride in anticipating and fulfilling your every wish. From our waiters and bartenders to our chefs and wine experts, our spa technicians and fitness instructors to our officers and housekeeping staff, everyone is dedicated to providing you with the gracious and personalized service that will make your cruise vacation memorable. On board the ships of Holland America Line you'll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh and appealing - in an ambiance that is timeless and refined.
Each New Day, a Wealth of Cruise Activity and Indulgences
Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many - or as few - as you please. It's an opportunity to try something new that surprises you, every day. Dabble, discover, daydream - do everything, or do nothing at all.
Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Center, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or listen to music and check your email in the Explorations Cafe, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.
In every cruise port, make your cruise vacation even more memorable with our extensive Shore Excursions program of activities. See, explore, discover: arts and cultural activities, athletic expeditions, city tours, shopping and more on our cruises.
World Stage
With its two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen surrounding you in high-definition, World Stage on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam is a dazzling theater where innovation meets entertainment. Showcasing music, song, dance and more, the World Stage presents myriad performances and presentations to entertain and inform throughout your voyage.
The Mainstage
Showcasing comedy, song, dance and more, the Mainstage presents myriad performances and presentations to entertain and inform throughout your voyage, including Holland America Line exclusives such as the BBC Earth Experiences live show Planet Earth II in Concert.
Centare
Centare is back with electrifying performances featuring iconic pop songs and amazing harmonies.
Microsoft Studio
Learn how technology can make your voyage more meaningful and memorable with our complimentary small-group courses at the new Microsoft Studio. Designed for all abilities using the latest Surface Laptop 2 devices, our Microsoft-trained hosts will show you everything from creating photo albums and movies to using 3D effects and staying safe online. Drop in during scheduled times for courses or join our Creative Studio Time every day to work on your projects.
O, The Oprah Magazine
Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine have partnered on an exciting initiative that will unite the soul-stirring power of travel with O's deep commitment to wellness, connection and personal growth through a series of cruises and activities that will bring the magazine to life for all on board.
How better to enhance your onboard experience than to provide incomparable cuisine in a variety of wonderful ways. Bountiful buffets and dress-up dinners, hors d'oeuvres on your verandah or a picnic on the beach are just a few of the dining options awaiting you aboard Holland America's Amsterdam vacation.
Pinnacle GrillGuests who dine at the intimate, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill enjoy a dining experience themed to reflect the Pacific Northwest. Candlelight and fine decor create a romantic ambiance that sets the stage for fresh Northwest dishes and select wines.
Wine Tasting RoomWhether you're learning to navigate your way through a wine list or enhancing your already vast knowledge of vintages and labels, visit the Wine Tasting Room for a fun, informative session with the ship's expert sommelier.
La Fontaine Dining RoomElegance redefined under a flower-bedecked stained-glass ceiling -- the La Fontaine Dining Room offers award-winning dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aromatic soups, seasonal fish and succulent meats, crisp salads and divine desserts grace a fresh, imaginative menu.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.
Club HAL
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Club HAL is offered on board all ships except for ms Maasdam.
Onboard Shopping
Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Mirabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Sophia Fiori.
Fitness
Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.
BBC Earth Experiences
We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.
Explorations Central
Explorations Central (EXC), Holland America Line's exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful.
- Entered Service: 1993
- Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
- Passengers capacity: 1,380
- Gross Tonnage: 62,735 grt.
- Length: 780 feet
- Beam: 105.8 feet
- Maximum Speed: 22.5 knots
Sports Deck
From one end of this great earth to the other, you''ll travel via the luxury of a cruise ship. Be pampered on board as your home-at-sea makes its way through international waters to far away places.
Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.
The most notorious of the three Salvation Islands, Devil's Island functioned for generations as a French penal colony. Once known as the "Dry Guillotine" because so many prisoners died there, the island today seems haunted by the spirits of former prisoners. Henri Charriere, better known as "Papillon," claimed to be the only prisoner ever to escape the Island.
Turning out of the muddy Amazon, you will cruise into the blue Rio Tapajos, to anchor off the village of Alter do Chao. Here you can tour the Center for Preservation of Indigenous Arts, with displays on the lifestyles of local tribes. Or cross to a white sand beach for a refreshing swim in the clear river waters.
A cultural outpost in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Manaus was famous for the extravagant lifestyle and architecture of the 19th century rubber barons who made their fortunes here. The renovated opera house stands as an opulent testament to their vast wealth.
Called the "Spice Island" for its abundance of cinnamon and nutmeg, still sold at the waterfront market, Grenada is spicy in many other ways. St. George's has historic buildings in brick and mellow stone, and one of the loveliest harbors in the Caribbean. The coastline is full of secluded coves, while the mountainous interior is rich in rainforests and frothy rivers.
The tiny island of Aruba is the smallest of the ABC Islands, which include Barbados and Curacao. Aruba lies about 15 miles north of Venezuela and has limited vegetation. The landscape consists of cacti and the curiously wind-bent divi divi trees. You may also be interested in climbing atop some of the huge boulders and exploring some of its caves. Of course, the main attractions to this island are its magnificent beaches against the turquoise waters full of spectacular marine life, which lure scores of sunbathers, snorkelers, and divers each year to the island.
Though small, Aruba has room for some luxury as well. If you travel along Palm Beach, you will find the several miles of this white sand lined with a string of hotels with glitzy casinos, restaurants and exotic boutiques. The crystal-clear waters of this beach are ideal for swimming and all kinds of watersports. However, if you prefer to stay dry, you are more than welcome to enjoy Aruba''s exotic underwater world from the glass bottom boats or on a submarine excursion.
Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.
Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.
Located on the eastern seashore of the big island of Hawaii, Hilo is an old sugar town and the second-best (after Honolulu) seaport in the islands. Also known as the flower capital of the state, Hilo boasts flower farms and Queen Liliuokalani Park, an authentic Japanese garden. You may wish to visit the black sand beaches of the Puna District. Or Kilauea, the world's largest volcano; its crater is the legendary home of Pele, goddess of fire, who keeps watch over her domain of Volcanoes National Park.
Historic Lahaina was once a rough-and-tumble whaling town in days gone by. Today visitors come to watch, not hunt, the humpbacks in Lanai Channel. Ascend through waving sugar cane fields to the summit of Haleakala for sweeping views over its vast dormant crater and of this beautiful island. Or, ride a tram through the Tropical Plantation on its slopes.
Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor - these names evoke feeling of magic, mystery, drama and history, and they are all located in Honolulu. The capital of Hawaii, this city not only offers some of the best beaches along side big-city skyscrapers, there are also parks, fabulous shopping, the only royal palace in America, the Arizona Memorial in the harbor at Pearl City, the Polynesian Cultural Center and more.
Once you arrive on Guam you will see that the island is a harmonious place, full of great sights and wonderful eateries.The Guam Museum is a wonderful place to learn all about the Chamorro people who occupied Guam over 1500 years ago.
Huge department stores brim with shoppers, neon flashes from dusk to dawn, and the entire world pays heed to the slightest fluctuation on the Nikkei Index. From the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine to the fabled Ginza district, 20th-century Tokyo is an intriguing composite of East and West. Yuppies sporting Walkmen bow formally in greeting. Women in kimonos and Dior suits stroll side-by-side. Geishas play samisens while disc jockeys play the Top Forty. Japanese houses of wood and paper stand in the shadow of towering steel and mortar. Not far away, one of the world's most impressive sights soars 12,388 feet to its snow-clad peak: Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan.
Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. It contains a remarkable cultural mix of Swiss chalets, Moslem mosques and Russian Orthodox churches tucked between traditional Japanese buildings. A cable car ascends to the summit of Mount Rokko, a national park.
Dalian sits at the tip of the Liaodong peninsula... because it sits right on the sea, the city is free from the heavy pollution facing other Chinese cities... In the summer, Dalian transforms into a resort town, with Chinese families from the inland making the trek out to the beaches on the outskirts of the city. The twenty mile stretch of beach here is among the finest in all of China. Dalian is also home to an annual International Fashion Festival, along with a Spring Festival to ring in the Chinese New Year.
From opium wars to junks and barges, images of Shanghai flood the senses. The real Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers and art deco buildings, honking traffic and shopping crowds. But once you enter China's largest city, you'll find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, the Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.
Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan hub of the Far East. This former British colony reverted to Chinese control in 1997, yet the culture-rich atmosphere remains. See the Wong Tai Sin Temple, tour local markets and the floating village of Aberdeen. Take the Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for one of the world''s most exciting views, or cross the harbor aboard one of the famous Star Ferries. After shopping and exploring, enjoy high tea at the favored retreat of many world travelers-the Peninsula Hotel.
Today this lovely town on the South China Sea reflects the peaceful era of pre-war Indochina. And up the coast, the grand Thien Mu Pagoda and stately Tu Duc Tomb welcome you to Hue, Vietnam's ancient royal capital, on the banks of the Perfume River.
One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.
Few cities evoke such a wealth of sensations as Bombay. Entering the city under the Gateway of India, which commemorates the visit of King George and Queen Mary in 1911, the sounds and aromas are exotic and the level of activity from the bazaars to the street vendors is non-stop. Remnants of British rule along oceanfront Marine Drive stand alongside the thought-provoking former home of Mahatma Gandhi, and the cave temple at Elephanta with its second-century Hindu gods. Bombay also serves as the gateway for land tours to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, and Delhi, the historical center of India.
Because it's unique location offers free access to the major shipping routes of the world, making it the pick of ports for entrepreneurs around the world, Fujairah is known as the jewel of the Middle East. Its government's liberalized procedures and firm infrastructure provides excellent support for entrepreneurs to build, grow and diversify. The land of Fujairah is endowed with remarkable beauty. The beaches are sun-kissed, the mountain ranges are majestic, and the convivial weather conditions present Fujairah as an exotic land, ripe for discovery by tourists and businesspersons alike.
Despite the primeval desert that surrounds it, spirited Dubai has spent its oil income on modern architecture based on soaring Islamic spires. Explore the souk bazaars for gold and silks, Persian and Afghani rugs and more. And be sure to visit the Juneira Mosque.
Before the 1960s, Abu Dhabi was only a bleak fishing and pearling village. Now everything is modern, sleek and shiny and makes up 85% of the total area of the UAE. It has become the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It is a big city for doing business and considered safe and secure for foreigners as long as you avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. It has been accused of being a soulless place, but to be honest it does have its attractions. Some key attractions are the Al-Hosn Palace used by the Cultural Foundation, the beautiful Capital Garden of the Corniche, and the Women's Craft Centre where you will be able to shop for some very detailed souvenirs.
The town has changed in recent times, but a glimpse of Muscat's past shows in the old houses lining the Mutrah corniche above the harbor, and in the traditional market souks. See the Sultan's Palace, the National Museum and perhaps indulge in Amonage or Ubar perfumes produced here-the world's most expensive.
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-Quar... Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.
Perched on sand dunes, Ashdod is a gateway to the Holy Land. From here, you can journey to Jerusalem and Bethlehem and walk the Via Dolorosa and see the stations of the cross. Among the many other sites of interest are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and, in Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity.
A lovely seaport in its own right, Haifa is a departure point for Tel Aviv and Holy Land sightseeing. Jerusalem beckons with the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall. Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the crusader city of Acre are also within reach.
This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.
Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.
The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.
Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.
One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The Plaza de Merced, cathedrals, and museums of Malaga make it a remarkable site for studying the history and culture of Spain.The coastline that borders the city is magnificent, and it creates a wonderful backdrop to the ancient land.
A hidden treasure, the remote Azores islands lie 900 miles west of Portugal and 2,110 miles east of New York. Ponta Delgada's stunning Portuguese architecture and luxuriant, flower-filled parks make walking through this city a joy. Venture out of the city and prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever witnessed. Dramatic rocky cliffs descend to pristine bays, where you may find a virtually deserted stretch of gorgeous beach. Extinct craters are filled with turquoise waters, and surrounded by gardens of hydrangeas and greenery that thrive in the rich volcanic soil.