Amazon & Polar Explorer

Miami, located on the Atlantic coast at the southern tip of Florida, where outdoor sports are open all seasons and dress is casual, is a melting pot of cultures. Miami and Miami Beach are in effect two distinctly different cities, as Miami Beach is almost exclusively tourist orientated, while Miami is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctly Latin American flavour. Don’t miss the South Beach section where fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and died that is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the world. Certainly the beaches have an international flair and attract tourists from around the world. Read more about Miami, USA

The island is shared in two parts as: the northern part Saint-Martin (a French overseas collectivity) and southern part Sint Maarten (of the Kingdom of the Netherlands): hence its name St-Martin / St Maarten. It lies in the NE Caribbean, located 300 km E of Puerto Rico. This tiny island is an extremely popular holiday and duty-free shopping destination famous for its variety of 37 palm-treed beaches that include salt-water ponds. For 13 weeks in late 2017 the island was off limits to cruise ships, until facilities were rebuilt following the island’s destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma. Read more about St Martin (Philipsburg), Guadeloupe

Castries is the capital of the volcanic island country of Saint Lucia, part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its popularity stems from the tropical weather (the dry season runs from December through May), scenery, and numerous beaches. Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, and while the official language is English, French-Creole is spoken by 95% of the population. North of downtown and across the harbour is Vigie Peninsula, host to the island's largest duty-free complex, where many tourists spend the entire day. Read more about Castries, Saint Lucia

Santarem in Brazil, some 800 km up the Amazon, is located on the southern bank of the clear emerald blue waters of the Tapajos River, a tributary of the Amazon. Not far from here these waters encounter the muddy waters of the magnificent Amazon River. A natural phenomenon, the two rivers flow side by side and are known as the ‘meeting of the waters’. The city has a bustling harbour full of riverboats and ancient dugout canoes. Read more about Santarem, Brazil

Paranaguá, with its excellent port facilities, is located in the state of Paraná in Brazil. It is the sea port for Curitiba, the capital of the state. The seafront with its colourful buildings is charming and romantic. Read more about Paranagua, Brazil

Manaus is a main port on the banks of the Negro River 1450 km inland in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, and is the main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin. It also attracts crowds of tourists who find a variety of land and boat trips into the jungle. Wildlife is plentiful, even within the city, and it is home to the Pied Tamarin, one of Brazil's most endangered primates. Tour boats take visitors to see the point where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the Solimoes River's brown waters and then flow next to each other without mixing for nine kilometres. Read more about Manaus, Brazil

Manaus is a main port on the banks of the Negro River 1450 km inland in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, and is the main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin. It also attracts crowds of tourists who find a variety of land and boat trips into the jungle. Wildlife is plentiful, even within the city, and it is home to the Pied Tamarin, one of Brazil's most endangered primates. Tour boats take visitors to see the point where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the Solimoes River's brown waters and then flow next to each other without mixing for nine kilometres. Read more about Manaus, Brazil

Recife is one of the largest and most important cities on the NE coast of Brazil. This lively capital, originally founded by the Dutch, is brimming with a vibrant culture. The many rivers, small islands and over fifty bridges found in the city centre gives it the title of ‘Brazilian Venice’. This is an interesting historical town, which includes the oldest synagogue in the Americas, and some fine beaches. Read more about Recife, Brazil

Maceio is the capital city of the northern Brazilian state of Alagoas. Its principal attraction would have to be its 20km of urban beaches, as well as the delightful sandy beaches to the north and south. Of particular interest are the northern beaches of Ponta Verde with the boardwalk lined with beach bars, and Pajucara Beach that hosts a nightly craft market. Just off the coast, rocky reefs form shallow natural pools known as ‘parrachos’ that provide fantastic opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. Read more about Maceio, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil's former capital and fifth largest city in the country, is situated on a high bluff that circles around the eastern side of the magnificent All Saints Bay. This intriguing city with a population of over two million has a strong African influence that derives from the slaves brought here to work in the sugar cane fields more than 400 years ago. Their rich cultural heritage is evident in their music, dance, cuisine and religion. This provides a contrast to the city's Portuguese colonial past dating to 1549 with the permanent occupation of Brazil by the Portuguese. Read more about Salvador, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. If possible, just before sunset, take the cable car (made famous in the James Bond film Moonraker) to its top and see Rio’s breathtaking landscape light up before you. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. If possible, just before sunset, take the cable car (made famous in the James Bond film Moonraker) to its top and see Rio’s breathtaking landscape light up before you. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Buzios in Brazil is situated 169 km NE of Rio de Janeiro, a small and sophisticated paradise that was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street. Today it is the haunt of the rich and famous of the world who flock to the city to enjoy the more than 20 stunning beaches in the vicinity. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach resort with a very active night life and fine restaurants. It also has good shopping and great ocean sports opportunities. Read more about Buzios, Brazil

Ilha Grande - aka Big Island - is located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis. The island is largely undeveloped and noted for its scenic beauty, which includes tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation and a rugged landscape. Ilha Grande is one of the most pristine remnants of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, one of the richest ecosystems in the world, and a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation. The entire island is a protected area, with most of its territory included in Ilha Grande State Park, and the rest subject to stringent development restrictions. Read more about Ilha Grande, Brazil

Paraty is a Brazilian coastal town that lies on the border between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states. First settled by the Portuguese in 1667 and then neglected for many years, this authentic colonial beach town is effectively an historical museum set in a tropical paradise surrounded by beaches and beautiful islands. Its old churches, and nearby forests, waterfalls, islands and emerald-green sea, attract lots of tourists interested in mixing cultural tourism in a natural setting. The town, having been neglected for many years, is home to many architecturally preserved colonial buildings with ornate details. Read more about Paraty, Brazil

The municipality of Santos, in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil, is the largest seaport in Latin America. It is a beehive of activity that offers an intense cultural experience. It is in fact a great city to explore, with its own idiosyncrasies, and the exquisite way of living of its inhabitants. Not to be overlooked are the world-class restaurants that offer a diverse regional and international cuisine to suit all tastes. Read more about Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil

The port of Itajai is the main port of the state of Santa Catarina, and the second port of Brazil. Itajai has many delightful beaches and the city also has ample rural areas and a beautiful natural landscape. It is also well known for its fishing, good quality of life, and the friendliness of the people. The many Portuguese, Italian, and German immigrants, due to mass immigration from Europe early in the 19th C, have provided the port with a rich heritage. Read more about Itajai, Brazil

Punta del Este, known as the St.Tropez of Uruguay, is an upscale vacation spot on the southern-most tip of the country, just an hour and a half by car from Montevideo. Today this area is known worldwide as a very scenic resort area with great shopping, a temperate climate, and kilometres of beautiful beaches. These include Mansa - or gentle beach - that faces the bay, and Playa Brava, a beach that faces the Atlantic and is home to the sculpted Dedos fingers - better known as ‘the Hand in the Sand’ - a well known city landmark. Punta del Este also offers superb food at luxury hotels and restaurants. Read more about Punta del Este, Uruguay

Montevideo is the largest city, capital, and chief port of Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate (Silver River), it is also home to almost half of the nation's population, and subsequently is a modern metropolis, though with a fascinating historical old town dating back to colonial times. Described as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life, it is the hub of commerce. The varied architecture reflects its history that ranges from colonial to Art Deco, all influenced by either Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French or British immigrants. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. The 20-lane main boulevard is the longest in the world, fashioned after the Champs-Élysées. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. The 20-lane main boulevard is the longest in the world, fashioned after the Champs-Élysées. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Montevideo is the largest city, capital, and chief port of Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate (Silver River), it is also home to almost half of the nation's population, and subsequently is a modern metropolis, though with a fascinating historical old town dating back to colonial times. Described as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life, it is the hub of commerce. The varied architecture reflects its history that ranges from colonial to Art Deco, all influenced by either Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French or British immigrants. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay

Punta del Este, known as the St.Tropez of Uruguay, is an upscale vacation spot on the southern-most tip of the country, just an hour and a half by car from Montevideo. Today this area is known worldwide as a very scenic resort area with great shopping, a temperate climate, and kilometres of beautiful beaches. These include Mansa - or gentle beach - that faces the bay, and Playa Brava, a beach that faces the Atlantic and is home to the sculpted Dedos fingers - better known as ‘the Hand in the Sand’ - a well known city landmark. Punta del Este also offers superb food at luxury hotels and restaurants. Read more about Punta del Este, Uruguay

Puerto Madryn is a city in the province of Chubut, one of the most sheltered places on the Patagonian coast of Argentina. The town, founded in 1865 by 150 Welsh immigrants, has become an important tourist centre. This coastal city has warm summers and moderate winters all year round. It is popular for its beaches, and sports ranging from bicycling and fishing to surfing. Read more about Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Port Stanley is the capital and only town in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). It is located on the isle of East Falkland, on a north-facing slope, south of Stanley Harbour, in one of the wettest parts of the islands. It is very easy to see most of the islands’ worthwhile sites on a short walking tour. The tourist station at the pier provides a town map of the Stanley Harbour Maritime History Trail. Read more about Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, is located on the Beagle Channel, where soaring mountains, ice-blue glaciers, and an historic lighthouse create an ideal backdrop. The capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, it was first settled by British missionaries. During the first half of the 20th C the major building of the city was a prison, built by the Argentinian government for repeat offenders and serious criminals, as the subpolar oceanic climate made escape difficult. Today the Old Prison is a National Historical Monument housing the Museo Maritimo, where visitors can explore the history of the Argentine Navy. Read more about Ushuaia, Argentina

Punta Arenas, overlooking the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia, Chile, bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before leaving, be sure to take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero where local vendors sell homemade crafts, the City Cemetery with its elaborate tombs, the Sara Braun Palace, and Braun Menendez Residence that presents great insight of the city's wealthy pioneer past. The city is also home to the former British Navy base and early Spanish colony of Puerto Hambre, and a popular ski centre that overlooks the Strait of Magellan. Read more about Punta Arenas, Chile

Laguna San Rafael, on the southern Pacific coast of Chile, is a small bay at the far south end of the Moraleda Channel. It is connected to the sea through the Témpano Channel. Its main attraction is the San Rafael Glacier, a wall of ancient ice over 40km long, coming down the 4,000m high Mount San Valentín, which is part of the Northern Patagonian Icefield. This is the most distant glacier from the Poles that gets to the sea. Read more about Laguna San Rafael, Chile

Chacabuco - aka Puerto Chacabuco - is a Chilean town located at the head of Aisén Fjord in Aisén commune. Ships anchor in the bay of Chacabuco and passengers are tendered to shore. This is a small isolated settlement with no clearly defined town centre, consisting of one main road, a fish processing facility, and a pier. It is the main port of the region and port of call for ships sailing to the Laguna San Rafael National Park. Read more about Chacabuco, Chile

Puerto Montt is a fast growing city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloe Island. At the southern end of the Pan American highway in Chile, Puerto Montt is not only the end of the road, but the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, and the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. Fertile agricultural fields and green forested hills also add to the enchantment of Southern Chile. It is an all-season destination. Read more about Puerto Montt, Chile

San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. It was seriously affected by earthquakes most recently in 1985 and 2010. Read more about San Antonio, Chile