Miami to Cape Town

The heart of modern cruising beats in Miami. So, what better place to begin or end your Southern Crossing! Consider spending an extra day at one of the area's famous beach hotels

Around 850 miles west of Portugal, the Azores are an archipelago of nine Portuguese-speaking islands scattered across the Atlantic waters, known for their dramatic and verdant landscapes. Portuguese navigators discovered the first of the Azores in 1432, although 2,000 Flemish settlers were among its early immigrants, and their influence can still be seen in the windmills that dot the landscape on some islands. Praia de Vitoria is located on Terceira, an island whose name means ‘third’ in reference to the order in which it was discovered.

The Azores rise from the Atlantic Ocean, 900 miles from the Portuguese coast. The largest city in the Azores, Ponta Delgada is on Sao Miguel and is named after the volcanic lands it sits proudly upon. This Atlantic stepping-stone also claims to produce the world’s finest pineapples. If that’s not an invitation to try one, we don’t know what is.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you'll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?

Portugal's capital spreads its ancient sites on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Atop the highest hill, St. George's Castle overlooks the city. Balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Sorrowful fados ring out from cafés in the Alto. Shoppers browse in the affluent Chiado district. A short drive away, deposed royalty once lived out their days in the opulent palaces of Estoril and Sintra.

Beloved for its beaches, Tenerife also offers a feast for the eyes. Either from the numerous galleries and museums or the incredibly panoramic cable car ascent of Mount Teide, there is so much to see. Tenerife is soothing on the ears, too. Listen for the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music, or perhaps catch a recital at the Auditorio, home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

St Vincent’s island capital is a throng of colonial stone arches, pure white beaches and lush tropical gardens, just a hop and a skip from the cruise terminal. Your guide to Kingstown. Explore the former British Garrison of Fort Charlotte, visit the village where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, or settle into a beach bar with a heady rum punch. In town, you’ll find quaint gift shops selling handmade trinkets and humble local eateries offering grilled fish with a signature Caribbean kick. Beyond Kingston, waterfalls, fruit plantations, and the beach of Mount Wynne are ready to show you another side of island life.

The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.

The “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the world – tucked into the arms of a broad bay, beneath Table Mountain – but it is also surrounded by wild beaches, rugged mountains and bucolic vineyards. On a fine day you can ride the cable car to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, with majestic Cape Town at your feet and the Cape of Good Hope in the distance. Less than an hour away, you can go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture and fine estate wines.