World Cruises Cruise on Volendam from Sydney (Australia)

Sydney (Australia)

Sydney is known as the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia and one of the world´s most beautiful and liveable cities. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Recent immigration trends have led to the cities reputation as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Australia and the world. The city is also home to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet. The city is surrounded by nature and national parks, which extend through the suburbs and right to the shores of the harbour.

Sydney (Australia)

Sydney is known as the Harbour City. It is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia and one of the world´s most beautiful and liveable cities. Brimming with history, nature, culture, art, fashion, cuisine, design, it is set next to miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches. Recent immigration trends have led to the cities reputation as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Australia and the world. The city is also home to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet. The city is surrounded by nature and national parks, which extend through the suburbs and right to the shores of the harbour.

Townsville

Cairns (Australia)

Cairns is a very popular destination for the tourists due to it's tropical climate and to it's proximity to numerous attractions. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the attractions and is less thatn an hour by boat. The Daintree Natural Park and Cape Tribulation, 130 kms to the north of Cairns, are famous areas surrounded by rainforest.

Darwin (Australia)

Darwin is the most populated city in the northern territory of Australia. Over the time Darwin has grown from a pioneering enclave and small port into one of Australia´s most modern and multicultural cities. The proximity with Asia make the city an important gate from countries like Indonesia and East Timor. The city has many miles of amplitude, inmaculate beaches, including the Casuarina Beach, where you can find the markets of Mandil beach. Darwin has extense parks and gardens. Between them the Botanical gardens of George Brown Darwin. Also there are different types of fauna, like marine crocodiles.

Komodo Island (Indonesia)

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that compose the Republic of Indonesia. The island is particularly notable as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth and consequently named after the island. Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human population of over two thousand. The people of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed with Bugis from Sulawesi. The people are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu congregations. Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part of the Komodo National Park. In addition, the island is a popular destination for diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province.

Benoa (Bali, Indonesia)

The port of Benoa is located on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It provides easy access to nearby Kuta, the best known resort area of the island. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh, Denpasar, Ujung, Pesanggaran, Kedonganan and Tuban. Kuta is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars. Outside of Kuta visitors can visit nearby Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua and further out, the quaint town of Ubud. Things to See & Do Bali Bomb Memorial, Kuta Beach, Waterbom Park, Shopping at Kuta Square, Water sports.

Benoa (Bali, Indonesia)

The port of Benoa is located on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It provides easy access to nearby Kuta, the best known resort area of the island. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh, Denpasar, Ujung, Pesanggaran, Kedonganan and Tuban. Kuta is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars. Outside of Kuta visitors can visit nearby Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua and further out, the quaint town of Ubud. Things to See & Do Bali Bomb Memorial, Kuta Beach, Waterbom Park, Shopping at Kuta Square, Water sports.

Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world´s most prosperous countries and boasts the world´s busiest port. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover. Singapore prides itself on being a multi-racial country, and has a diverse culture despite its small size.

Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world´s most prosperous countries and boasts the world´s busiest port. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover. Singapore prides itself on being a multi-racial country, and has a diverse culture despite its small size.

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietman)

The city of Ho Chi Minh is the heart and soul of Vietnam. Like an industrial center, dynamic and fervent, it is the biggest metropolis, the economical capital and the cultural hub. The streets are great part of the urban life, they host a large amount of shops, road stalls and street merchants that expose their goods in the streets. between the most important monuments we can find Giac Lam Pagoda, the neoromanic cathedral of Notre Dame, the Reunification palace, the Cholon market and the old United States. the center of Saigon is a perfect place to go on sundays and the festive nights. The streets are full of young people, that cross the city on a bike or motorbike. The area of the municipal theatre is the point of reunion of the modern youngsters.

Nha Trang (Vietnam)

A visit to the capital of the province of Khanh Hoa, is literaly, a beach day. In fact, Nha Trang is called the coastal city of Vietnam. With it's vast white sands, the beaches in half moon shape and transparent waters, it is easy to understand why. But in this popular touristic destination you will find much more than beaches and surf. In the beach we can find a large amount of cafes and first category restaurants, that offer cold drinks and fresh sea food ant reasonable prices. Nha Trang is also know for it's night life. The bussy nights clubs and bars outstand for the entertainment and the dance they offer until late at night. If you like the warm days and the wven warmer nights, you cannot miss Nha Trang.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

One of the natural wonders of the world is Ha Long Bay and it's more than three thousand isles tha merge from the waters of the South Of China. Ha-Long, that in Vietnamese means dragon that descends to the sea, encloses it's own mistery. The people are very cheerful, bicycles that pass and disappear, bufalos walking on the streets, lot's of conical hats moving between the paddy fields, where the rice grows, sacred food for them. Vietnam is photogenic however you look at it. The typical conical hats worn ny the Vietnamese inhabitants have multiple functions: umbrellas, parasol, containers to take fruit of vegetables, taking water or even to bath babies in them.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meetsWest", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Hong Kong balances a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine. Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an "entertainment hub".Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meetsWest", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Hong Kong balances a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine. Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an "entertainment hub".Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Kaoshiung (Taiwan)

Keelung (Taiwan)

Located on the Northern point of Taiwan, Keelung is the gatway for visitors to the economic, political and cultural center of Taipei. Although a bustling modern metropolis, Taipei still treasures its rich history and tradition. The National Palace Museum holds one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts spanning Thousands of years. Other popular attractions for tourists include the Lungshan Temple, the Confucius Temple modeled after the original Confucius Temple in Qufu, China, the Pao An Temple and the Yang Ming Shan National Park/Yehliu/Hot Springs.

Naha (Japan)

Naha is the largest city in Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. The approximately 100 km long island of Okinawa is part of a group of islands that separates the East China Sea from the Pacific. Naha's climate is subtropical and monsoonal. The city's landmark is the red Suri Castle with the royal garden Shikinaen with the typical ponds, stone bridges and wooden palaces. Naha is also a lively city with a vibrant shopping street, parks and a lively nightlife. A visit to the Naminouegu Shrine and the Fukushūen Garden is particularly recommended.

Amami Oshima Naze (Japan)

Amami Oshima is one of the Satsunan Islands, and is the largest island within the Amami archipelago between Kyushu and Okinawa. Much of the island is within the borders of the Amami Gunto Quasi-National Park. Amami Oshima is the seventh largest island in the Japanese archipelago after the four main islands, Okinawa Island and Sado Island It is located approximately 210 mi south of the southern tip of Kyushu and 130 mi north of Okinawa. The island is of volcanic origin and the coast of the island is surrounded by a coral reef. It is surrounded by the East China Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east. The climate of Amami Oshima is classified as has a humid subtropical climate Köppen climate classification with very warm summers and mild winters. The rainy season lasts from May through September.

Nagasaki (Japan)

Nagasaki is a nice location in Japan, found in a valley of high hills. The opposite of other locations in Japan, in the ancient times Nagasaki was a comercial port for portuguese and dutch, and whose passage in the heritage of the city still remain. Some places you can visit in Nagasaki: Glover Garden, Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki Peace Park, Sofuku-ji temple, Lantern Festival (from mid January to mid February)

Nagasaki (Japan)

Nagasaki is a nice location in Japan, found in a valley of high hills. The opposite of other locations in Japan, in the ancient times Nagasaki was a comercial port for portuguese and dutch, and whose passage in the heritage of the city still remain. Some places you can visit in Nagasaki: Glover Garden, Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki Peace Park, Sofuku-ji temple, Lantern Festival (from mid January to mid February)

Shimizu (Japón)

Tokyo

Yokohama is located only half an hour away from Tokyo, and effectively forms a part of the giant conurbation. Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan and dates back to the Opening of Japan in 1859. Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis that brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.

Tokyo

Yokohama is located only half an hour away from Tokyo, and effectively forms a part of the giant conurbation. Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan and dates back to the Opening of Japan in 1859. Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis that brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.

Hakodate (Japón)

Kodiak, Alaska

Kodiak is one of 7 communities and the main city on Kodiak Island, Alaska, , . Twenty thousand years ago most of the 5,000 square mile Kodiak Archipelago was covered by glaciers that scored and carved the landscape. Jagged peaks, fjord-like bays, and wide U-shaped valleys were left by the glacial retreat. Nature’s handiwork created a place of spectacular scenic beauty and a wilderness ideally suited for abundant land and marine life. Step away from civilization and rediscover nature in its purest, unruined form. While the Kodiak brown bear is the island’s most famous resident, there are a multitude of creatures to spot on Kodiak Island. The playful red fox is plentiful throughout the archipelago as are Sitka black-tailed deer. If you study the mountainside carefully, you might see a majestic white mountain goat. Whale watching is equal to anywhere in the world. Downtown Kodiak is a wonderful place to explore the island’s rich cultural history, several museums offer you a glimpse into Kodiak’s past. A unique lifestyle in an island Paradise.

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is thought to be the most beautiful of southeast Alaska cities. Nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, it is flanked on the east by majestic snow-capped mountains, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Their most valuable natural resource is, without a doubt, the people of Sitka, who share a pride in their home and a love of life in all its small-town splendor. The natural splendor of Sitka along with its diverse history and cultural heritage make Sitka a wonderful place to visit and explore. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water´s edge, Sitka is considered Alaska´s most beautiful seaside town.  Sitka has the distinctive character of a place that has been settled for thousands of years.  These ancient lands, home to the Tlingit Indians, celebrated their life and culture long before Russians or Americans walked on the rocky shores and today Tlingit living culture is deeply rooted in this small seaside city.

Ketchican (Alaska)

Ketchikan is a scenic town of approximately 14,000 people. Ketchikan´s economy is based upon tourism and fishing, and the city is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World". A stay in Ketchikan itself can be rewarding, however, as the city is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, an area so beautiful, it is known as "The Yosemite of the North." With steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows left by volcanic activity, Misty Fjords offers gorgeous views of natural formations, all reflected in the calm waters of Pacific inlets. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, located near the cruise ship berth 2, publishes a comprehensive area guide that provides maps, contact information for tour operators and local attractions, sample itineraries and community information. Explore the surrounding area: set on the hillsides above the waterfront on a heavily forested, mostly wilderness island, the town of Ketchikan is worth visiting on its own merits.

Seattle (USA)

Seattle is a major coastal seaport city and the seat of King County, in the U.S. state of Washington. A major gateway for trade with Asia, Seattle is the 8th largest port in the United States and 9th largest in North America in terms of container handling. Seattle has a noteworthy musical history. From 1918 to 1951, there were nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street from the current Chinatown/International District to the Central District. The jazz scene developed the early careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson and others. Seattle is also the birthplace of rock legend Jimi Hendrix and the rock music style. Places to visit: the Henry Art Gallery , the first public art museum in Washington. The Seattle Art Museum , the Frye Art Museum is a free museum on First Hill. Regional history collections are at the Loghouse Museum in Alki, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Museum of History and Industry and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Industry collections are at the Center for Wooden Boats and the adjacent Northwest Seaport, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum, and the Museum of Flight. Regional ethnic collections include the Nordic Heritage Museum, the Wing Luke Asian Museum and the Northwest African American Museum. Seattle has artist-run galleries, including 10-year veteran Soil Art Gallery,and the newer Crawl Space Gallery.Other significant events include numerous art and entretainment, music, religious and ethnic festivals. Since the middle 1990s, Seattle has experienced significant growth in the cruise industry, especially as a departure point for Alaska cruises.

San Diego (California)

San Diego is a large coastal city in California. Located on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, it is home to 1.3 million citizens and is the second-largest city in the state. San Diego is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. It is also known for its ideal climate, impressive beaches, and several tourist attractions which include the SeaWorld theme park and the San Diego Zoo. The city sits just north of the Mexican border, across from Tijuana. Though a large city, San Diego has a slower paced atmosphere and when visiting, some may find it provides a soothing break from hustle and bustle.

Manzanillo, Mexico

Manzanillo is a city, seat of Manzanillo municipality, in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port that is responsible for handling cargo for the Mexico City area. Manzanillo has become one of the country's most important tourist resorts, and its excellent hotels and restaurants continue to meet the demands of both national and international tourism.The city is well known internationally for deep-sea fishing and the green flash phenomenon during sunsets, as well as the warm waters of the ocean. The city is a destination resort and has many hotels and self-contained resorts. Manzanillo is a popular cruise ship port of call. Many tourists go from their cruise ships on city tours. Excellent swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving is found in Santiago Bay, a reefs plentiful with fish are scattered throughout the bay.Manzanillo is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Manzanillo consists of two bays with crescent-shaped beaches, each about 4 miles in length. Bahía de Manzanillo is closer to downtown and is the older tourist section. Nowadays, its peaceful bays and sophisticated tourist and port infrastructure have made it one of the main tourist resorts and trading centers in the west of Mexico.

Puerto Chiapas

Acajutla (El Salvador)

Acajutla is a seaport and municipality in Sonsonate Department, El Salvador. The town is located at the Pacific Coast of Central America and is El Salvador's principal seaport from which a large portion of the nation's exports of coffee, sugar, and balsam are shipped. The official language is Spanish. Events They celebrate their traditional parties between the last days of May and June 2 as the main day. One of the most important celebration is made between March and April when they celebrate the passion of Christ. In that day, people clean the roads and create decoratives images in the sand they bring from the beach, and at noon they begin the simulation of the passion from San Francisco de Asis church near Barrio La playa ending in the same location the next day in the early hours of the day. On October 24 they make celebrations of the fishermen, in honor of San Rafael Arcangel, a day that is not highly concurred by citizens that take a little trip by fishing boat.

Fort Amador (Panama)

The primary touristic point of Fort Amador, is due to the privileged location in the entrance of the Canal through the Pacific Coast, where you can enjoy of the spectacular view of the capital.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Fort Amador (Panama)

The primary touristic point of Fort Amador, is due to the privileged location in the entrance of the Canal through the Pacific Coast, where you can enjoy of the spectacular view of the capital.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)

Cartagena or cartagena de Indias is a city surrounded by the Caribbean sea. The port has one of the strongest forts in South America. An area system divides the city in three neighbourhoods: San Pedro with the Cathedral and many andalusian style palaces, San Diego where the merchants and the petite-bourgeoisie lived and Gethsemani, the most popular neighborhood. Cartagena offers the tourists ancient forts, palaces and churches. It is a walled town filled with exquisite Spanish 16th and 17th century architecture. You can visit beaches, excellent restaurants, practise snorkeling and scuba diving in the reefs, or enjoy the day doing great shopping.

Fort Lauderdale (Florida)

Fort Lauderdale is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, and located between the cities of Miami and Palm Beach. The city is a popular tourist destination, sometimes known as the Venice of Americabecause of its expansive and intricate canal system. It is a very popular destination. Seventh largest city in the state of Florida, has an attractive climate for tourism and business, a condition that is leading to become a hub for international business