Destination Guides - Page 8

Amsterdam is a law unto itself, in some ways quite literally, and no other cruise destination is both traditional and liberal in such equal measure. Nowhere else in the world is gabled Dutch architecture illuminated with the scarlet glow of unadulterated vice in all of its forms. But this isn’t…

There are many reasons why Palma proves such a tempting proposition as the departure point for Mediterranean itineraries. The sun warms the sandstone of its historic old town almost year-round and the harbour is never empty of boats, both owned by fishermen and chartered by those seeking solace on the bluest…

It’s the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise itinerary and with good reason. Barcelona has it all. Architecture that wouldn’t look out of place in the storybooks, thanks to the whimsical ways of Antoni Gaudí, and a labyrinthine Gothic Quarter that was once frequented by more gaggles of geese than throngs…

If there’s one place to which we can’t wait to return, it’s Italy. We’re desperate for that first sip of inky espresso and those plates of gloopy pasta licked with rich ragu. We’ll open doors to Renaissance masterpieces and spend time in town squares even Hollywood couldn’t do justice. We’re…

Before the Panama Canal was completed in 1914 – an exercise which took 30 years – trade ships had little choice but to sail around Cape Horn on the southern tip of South America. While many cruise ships today offer amazing sailings around Cape Horn, the smaller trade ships of…

Welcome to Miami, bienvenidos a Miami! We can’t guarantee a Will Smith welcome to Miami but we can promise that the city is every bit as unforgettable as the song. Things to do in Miami DON’T MISS…  It is hard to get your head around just how much Miami manages…

New Orleans has a raucous reputation, but the effervescent and resilient city built above swampland on the banks of the Mississippi stacks up strong against any of the most historic cities in the States. Get your culture fix, then let the good times roll in the Big Easy, where the…

The Northern Lights are a truly magical sight, and they’re something each and every traveller should witness at some point in their lives, but with their elusive nature and unpredictable patterns, many shun the idea of going in search of this natural phenomenon in case they fail to catch a…

In terms of terrain, there is little to this petite principality nestled into the Côte d’Azur, but Monaco is the high-end haven that doesn’t do a thing by halves. The diamonds shine brighter, the stakes are higher and the yachts are bigger. Things are different here and that’s just the…

The French Riviera has endless swathes of stop-you-in-your-tracks scenery along its coast and you can see more of it in a day than you think. Nice is as nice as its name suggests but those who have seen its sights before will find some of the prettiest places in the…

Michael Wilson and his family traded their usual half-term in the sun for an eye-opening Mekong river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. Here’s why the APT luxury Mekong river cruise is one that will stay with him forever. It’s always a challenge to find a family cruise holiday on which we all agree…

The best way to start a holiday is relaxed and raring to go, and a cruise from Southampton presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy some much deserved R&R before you even set sail. Located in the heart of Southampton, but just outside the hustle and bustle, the recently refurbished Grand…