Sailings
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Date Date Location Location Arrival Arrival Departure Departure
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Sun, Jan 03, 2027 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US (BOARDING TIME TO BE ASSIGNED) -- 7:00 pmMon, Jan 04, 2027 AT SEA -- --Tue, Jan 05, 2027 GEORGETOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Jan 06, 2027 AT SEA -- --Thu, Jan 07, 2027 ENTER PANAMA CANAL CRISTOBAL (CRUISING ONLY TRANSIT TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE) 5:00 am 5:00 amThu, Jan 07, 2027 CRUISING PANAMA CANAL (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Thu, Jan 07, 2027 EXIT PANAMA CANAL BALBOA (CRUISING ONLY TRANSIT TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE) 7:00 pm 7:00 pmThu, Jan 07, 2027 FUERTE AMADOR, PANAMA (OVERNIGHT TIMES SUBJECT TO CANAL TRANSIT) 8:00 pm --Fri, Jan 08, 2027 FUERTE AMADOR, PANAMA (TIMES SUBJECT TO CANAL TRANSIT) -- 5:00 pmSat, Jan 09, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sun, Jan 10, 2027 MANTA, ECUADOR 5:00 am 8:00 pmMon, Jan 11, 2027 AT SEA -- --Tue, Jan 12, 2027 SALAVERRY (TRUJILLO), PERU 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Jan 13, 2027 CALLAO (LIMA), PERU (OVERNIGHT) 10:00 am --Thu, Jan 14, 2027 CALLAO (LIMA), PERU -- 6:00 pmFri, Jan 15, 2027 GENERAL SAN MARTIN (PISCO), PERU 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Jan 16, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sun, Jan 17, 2027 AT SEA -- --Mon, Jan 18, 2027 COQUIMBO (LA SERENA), CHILE (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Jan 19, 2027 SAN ANTONIO (SANTIAGO), CHILE (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 6:00 pmWed, Jan 20, 2027 AT SEA -- --Thu, Jan 21, 2027 ISLA ROBINSON CRUSOE, CHILE (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, Jan 22, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sat, Jan 23, 2027 PUERTO MONTT, CHILE (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Jan 24, 2027 PUERTO CHACABUCO, CHILE (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 11:00 am 8:00 pmMon, Jan 25, 2027 CRUISING CHILEAN FJORDS (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Tue, Jan 26, 2027 PIO XI GLACIER (BRUGGEN GLACIER), C (CRUISING ONLY) 8:00 am 10:00 amTue, Jan 26, 2027 SCENIC CRUISING SARMIENTO CHANNEL (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Wed, Jan 27, 2027 STRAIT OF MAGELLAN (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Thu, Jan 28, 2027 PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 7:00 am 8:00 pmThu, Jan 28, 2027 COCKBURN CHANNEL (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Thu, Jan 28, 2027 BEAGLE CHANNEL (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Fri, Jan 29, 2027 SCENIC CRUISING GLACIER ALLEY (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Fri, Jan 29, 2027 SCENIC CRUISING CAPE HORN (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Sat, Jan 30, 2027 USHUAIA, ARGENTINA 6:00 am 6:00 pmSun, Jan 31, 2027 AT SEA -- --Mon, Feb 01, 2027 ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE (ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE) 8:00 am 6:00 pmTue, Feb 02, 2027 ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE (ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE) 8:00 am 6:00 pmWed, Feb 03, 2027 ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE (ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE) 8:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Feb 04, 2027 ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE (ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE) 8:00 am 6:00 pmFri, Feb 05, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sat, Feb 06, 2027 STANLEY/FALKLAND IS/ISLAS MALVINAS (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED TIMES SUBJECT TO WEATHER COND) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Feb 07, 2027 AT SEA -- --Mon, Feb 08, 2027 PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Feb 09, 2027 AT SEA -- --Wed, Feb 10, 2027 PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 10:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Feb 11, 2027 MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY (OVERNIGHT TIME SUBJECT TO TRANSIT WINDOW) 8:00 am --Fri, Feb 12, 2027 MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY (TIME SUBJECT TO TRANSIT WINDOW) -- 6:00 pmSat, Feb 13, 2027 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (OVERNIGHT TIME SUBJECT TO TRANSIT WINDOW) 8:00 am --Sun, Feb 14, 2027 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (OVERNIGHT) -- --Mon, Feb 15, 2027 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (TIME SUBJECT TO TRANSIT WINDOW) -- 3:00 pmTue, Feb 16, 2027 AT SEA -- --Wed, Feb 17, 2027 AT SEA -- --Thu, Feb 18, 2027 SANTOS (SAO PAULO), BRAZIL (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 8:00 pmFri, Feb 19, 2027 ABRAAO, ILHA GRANDE, BRAZIL (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Feb 20, 2027 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (OVERNIGHT VISA REQ FOR SOME) 6:00 am --Sun, Feb 21, 2027 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (VISA REQ FOR SOME) -- 5:00 pmMon, Feb 22, 2027 AT SEA -- --Tue, Feb 23, 2027 AT SEA -- --Wed, Feb 24, 2027 SALVADOR DA BAHIA, BRAZIL (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 11:00 pmThu, Feb 25, 2027 AT SEA -- --Fri, Feb 26, 2027 RECIFE, BRAZIL (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 11:00 pmSat, Feb 27, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sun, Feb 28, 2027 FORTALEZA, BRAZIL (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 7:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Mar 01, 2027 AT SEA -- --Tue, Mar 02, 2027 AT SEA -- --Wed, Mar 03, 2027 ICOARACI (BELEM), BRAZIL (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Mar 04, 2027 CROSSING THE EQUATOR (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Fri, Mar 05, 2027 DEVILS ISLAND, FRENCH GUIANA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VACCINATION REQUIRED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Mar 06, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sun, Mar 07, 2027 AT SEA -- --Mon, Mar 08, 2027 BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS 8:00 am 6:00 pmTue, Mar 09, 2027 CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA 7:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Mar 10, 2027 BASSETERRE, ST KITTS AND NEVIS (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Mar 11, 2027 SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 8:00 am 6:00 pmFri, Mar 12, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sat, Mar 13, 2027 AT SEA -- --Sun, Mar 14, 2027 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US 7:00 am --
Port
Arrival Port
Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her decor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy cooking shows and hands-on workshops with America's Test Kitchen. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of our fine dining venues.
Crow's Nest
Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.
Explorer's Lounge
The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.
Mix
Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. Explore Mix for Champagne, Martinis, and Spirits and Ales.
Ocean Bar
Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.
BBC Earth In Concert
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.
Casino Action
Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.
World Stage
Showcasing music, song, dance, comedy and more, the World Stage presents a myriad of performances and presentations to entertain and inform throughout your voyage.
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.
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.
Onboard Shopping
Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Sophia Fiori.
Movies On Board
Screening nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships) are recent-release films and perennially popular classics. You can also watch movies any time in your stateroom or suite. And aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, watch your favorite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
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.
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.
Casino
Your Holland America Line ship's Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction - and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.
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.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
Pinnacle Grill
Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day’s adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America’s Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared—from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world.
*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.
Canaletto
In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!
Dive-in
Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.
Explorations Cafe
At Explorations Café, presented by The New York Times, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. In-Room Dining is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council, an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
Pinnacle Grill
Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day's adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America's Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared-from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State's Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. *Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids' menu.
Canaletto
In Italy, there's nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisu, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Buon appetito! Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!
Dive-In
Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan's Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.
Explorations Cafe
At Explorations Cafe, presented by The New York Times, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entree any time. In-Room Dining is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.
- Entered Service: 2004
- Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
- Passengers capacity: 1,432
- Gross Tonnage: 61,396 grt.
- Length: 781 feet
- Beam: 105.8 feet
- Maximum speed: 24 knots
Please note: Stateroom images and features are samples only. Actual furniture, fixtures, colors, configurations and window/porthole views may vary.
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.
Survey the neatly shuttered shops for bargains, or the twisted rock formations known as "Hell." But there's nothing hellish about the white-sand heaven of Seven Mile Beach. Sample the rum distilled here and be sure to visit the world's only sea turtle farm.
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.
...The port of Manta is the busiest fishing port on earth.The Museo del Banco Central is a fantastic museum ...Manta's beaches are spacious as well as beautiful, and are home to a wide array of wildlife.There are a few truly great restaurants in Manta, and the nightlife is fantastic.
This is the port for Trujillo, the "Lordly City," whose elegant mansions and churches reflect the aristocracy of the Spanish colonial era. Here you may opt for a thrilling excursion to Chan-Chan, an immense and magnificent enclave that since A.D. 1300 has been the center of the sophisticated Chim culture.
Callao is your port of entry to the glittering, elegant city of Lima, the darling of Peru. Founded by Pizarro and the Conquistadors, the capital city today offers priceless collections ranging from the Museum of Gold to the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology. Pizarro's remains can be found in the Cathedral, built in 1746. From Lima, you can also take a tour to Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost city of the Incas high in the Andes, or to Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire.
Evocative of Switzerland, Chile's lake district is noted for its pristine, almost Alpine scenery and bracing climate. Visit Lake Llanquihue (pronounced "Yankee-way"), and explore the rugged coastline leading to Ensenada. Marvel at a Fuji-like volcano, Mount Osorno, which rises to a height of 8,500 feet. View the rushing falls and turbulent rapids of Petrohue and cruise the blue-green waters of placid Lake Todos Los Santos. Taste Chilean country specialties and enjoy folklore entertainment at a rustic hosteria.
Located within the Straits of Magellan, Punta Arenas is proud of being a frontier whaling town. Conveying the flavor of a Northern European seaport, mansions show that some early settlers made fortunes here. Tour the scenic landscapes of Patagonia, with its myriad of wildlife and breathtaking views. Or fly in a chartered airplane over the White Continent of Antarctica.
The world's southernmost city, Ushuaia overlooks Beagle Channel, named after the ship that took Charles Darwin to the bottom of the world. Founded just over one hundred years ago, this rustic town is situated amidst incredible snowcapped mountains, dramatic waterfalls, massive glaciers, and a forest known for its red foliage. Tierra del Fuego, the "Land of Fire," twelve miles to the west of Ushuaia, is known for its glacial landscape and its national park, which is a bird-watcher's paradise.
Nestled in a protected bay on the Gulf Nuevo, this unique hamlet was founded by adventurous Welsh colonists in 1865 and has maintained Welsh as its official language. Visit the Valdez Peninsula, the only known continental breeding place for elephant seals. Also watch for sea lions, whales and exotic birds.
This charming capital city, with its broad boulevards and beautiful parks, will entice you to explore the coastline. The best wineries are just some minutes far away from the Port. Typical dish is called "Chivito", don't miss that! Also empanadas, dulce de leche and mate.
Latin America's most sophisticated city, dubbed the "Paris of South America," invites you to stroll along broad, tree-lined boulevards to the picturesque Plaza San Martin. Tour the dazzling Teatro Colon, one of the world's greatest opera houses, and the tomb of Evita Peron. Perhaps you would enjoy a dinner ashore, followed by a performance of the Tango or an optional excursion into the pampas to visit an estancia (ranch) with traditional gaucho hospitality.
Santos is the port for Sao Paulo, the largest city in South America and the economic heart and soul of Brazil. Originally built as a Jesuit mission in the 1500's, the city's towering skyscrapers and a bustling population of 11 million now lend it the air of a subtropical New York.
Undoubtedly the highlight of everyone's South American experience, glittering Rio is a city that enchants mind, body and soul. Radiant beaches, like Ipanema and Copacabana, stretch like bejeweled arcs around the city's perimeter. The monumental 120-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer towers over Rio atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the mountains, beaches and skyline. Visit world-renowned nightclubs where samba bands and disco dancers jump all night long.
Salvador is a dynamic collage of diverse religious and cultural groups, colorful open-air markets, tropical flowers, majestic colonial buildings, golden-sand beaches and the bubbling sensuality of the Bahian people. Visit the Sao Francisco Chapel, whose interior is paved with gold. Sample Salvador's Afro-Brazilian cuisine, including such mouth-watering specialties as "ensopada" (seafood poached in fresh coconut milk) and "vatapa" (spicy fresh shrimp).
Known as the "Venice of Brazil," lovely Recife is built on islands and connected by bridges. The tropical city is graced with churches from its Portuguese colonial past, with their frescoes and bright tiles. Browse the teeming market, spend the day at popular Boa Viagem Beach, or visit the beautiful suburb of Olinda, a perfectly intact 16th century town.
This 16th-century Portuguese town offers the most exquisite handmade lace and embroidery in all Brazil. In addition to its wonderful handicrafts, Fortaleza offers some of the loveliest golden beaches on Brazil's northeast coast. Take a drive along the coast to Brabco, where the sand dunes are beautified by watefalls. Dotting the coastline, you'll see many "jangadas," rustic fishing craft that are the unofficial symbol of the state.
Gateway to the mysterious world of the Amazon, the 371-year-old city of Our Lady of Bethlehem (now shortened to Belem) bears all the gifts of the jungle. Vendors in dug-out canoes bring tropical fish, fruit, Amazonian handicrafts and religious artifacts to Ver-O-Peso, Brazil's largest outdoor market. See the 18th century Baroque Merces Church, one of Belem's many beautiful churches.
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.
The Bajan British accent is very distinctive, reflecting both the Scepter'd Isle and the lovely one they live on. Barbados still has lovely parish churches, great manor houses and a proper Trafalgar Square along with white-sugar beaches and waving fields of cane.
Just recently, St. Lucia, and Castries in particular, has become one of the most popular regions for tourists. The accommodations and facilities are top of the line, and the restaurants and activities fabulous. The majority of travelers reside between Castries, which is the capital of St. Lucia, and the northern end of the island. The entire north side of the island is comprised of white-sand beaches to dazzle even the most seasoned and experienced traveler.
This fertile isle is a land of rain forests, tropical flowers, and abundant sugar cane. After a stroll around the charming colonial streets and shops of the capital, Basseterre, tour the island or visit Brimstone Hill Fort, an impressive construction that is one of the wonders of the Caribbean world.
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.