Seattle to Miami

Seattle, Washington, United States

Seattle is a scenic seaport city in western Washington, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. A city of wonderful contrasts, this city is a high-tech hub set amidst stunning landscapes of snow-capped volcanoes, forested islands, and serene beaches! The headquarters for big companies like Microsoft and Amazon can be found in the city’s metropolitan area. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Seattle became a major Pacific port of entry, and today it is the region's commercial and transportation hub and the centre of manufacturing, trade and finance. One of its most iconic sights is the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Immerse yourself in the city;s quirky art scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and why not drop by the Original Starbucks Coffee shop in Pike Place Market for your caffeine fix before you go?

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), United States

Overlooking the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Alaska and is often the first port of call on most northbound itineraries. This city has no road system and is only accessible by air or sea, so you can enjoy remote tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. It is famed for its idyllic scenery, salmon cuisine, lush island setting and colourful totem poles. The city remains as an ancestral home to the indigenous Tlingit people, carvers of the world’s largest totem pole collection, which you can catch sight of throughout the area. Complete your trip by sampling the native trophy salmon, freshly caught from Ketchikan’s lake-filled backyard – Tongass National Forest.

Juneau, Alaska, United States

Only accessible by ship or by plane, Alaska’s capital city Juneau gracefully blends frontier ruggedness with cosmopolitan flair. It is the only state capital in the world without road access, so you can enjoy its remote tranquillity and well-preserved beauty. Bounded by steep mountains and waters, the city’s geographic isolation and compact size make it much more akin to an island community, such as Sitka, than to other Alaskan urban centres, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. This picturesque city is an excellent gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, an immense river of ice measuring 1.5 miles in width and over 6 miles in length. Peaks of ice called nunataks push through the ice – the highest peak of Juneau’s Icefield is known as Devil’s Paw, straddling the Alaska-Canada border and standing at a height of 8,584 feet.

Sitka, Alaska, United States

It's hard not to like Sitka, with its eclectic blend of Alaska Native, Russian, and American history and its dramatic and beautiful open-ocean setting. This is one of the best Inside Passage towns to explore on foot, with St. Michael's Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Castle Hill, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Alaska Raptor Center topping the must-see list.Sitka was home to the Kiksádi clan of the Tlingit people for centuries prior to the 18th-century arrival of the Russians under the direction of territorial governor Alexander Baranof, who believed the region was ideal for the fur trade. The governor also coveted the Sitka site for its beauty, mild climate, and economic potential; in the island's massive timber forests he saw raw materials for shipbuilding. Its location offered trading routes as far west as Asia and as far south as California and Hawaii. In 1799 Baranof built St. Michael Archangel—a wooden fort and trading post 6 miles north of the present town.Strong disagreements arose shortly after the settlement. The Tlingits attacked the settlers and burned their buildings in 1802. Baranof, however, was away in Kodiak at the time. He returned in 1804 with a formidable force—including shipboard cannons—and attacked the Tlingits at their fort near Indian River, site of the present-day 105-acre Sitka National Historical Park, forcing many of them north to Chichagof Island.By 1821 the Tlingits had reached an accord with the Russians, who were happy to benefit from the tribe's hunting skills. Under Baranof and succeeding managers, the Russian-American Company and the town prospered, becoming known as the Paris of the Pacific. The community built a major shipbuilding and repair facility, sawmills, and forges, and even initiated an ice industry, shipping blocks of ice from nearby Swan Lake to the booming San Francisco market. The settlement that was the site of the 1802 conflict is now called Old Sitka. It is a state park and listed as a National Historic Landmark.The town declined after its 1867 transfer from Russia to the United States, but it became prosperous again during World War II, when it served as a base for the U.S. effort to drive the Japanese from the Aleutian Islands. Today its most important industries are fishing, government, and tourism.

Victoria, Canada

Victoria is the seaside capital of British Columbia – brimming with English gardens, castles, and double-decker buses! This coastal charmer is complete with fragrant greenery, waterfront paths, engaging museums and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. The capital oozes a friendly, small-town atmosphere and tranquil ambience, far from the hustle and bustle. The Inner Harbour, Victoria's social and cultural centre, buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales in the summer. The scenic waterfront is lined with Victorian heritage buildings, including the staggering Fairmont Empress Hotel, perfect for having a traditional afternoon tea!

Seattle, Washington, United States

Seattle is a scenic seaport city in western Washington, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. A city of wonderful contrasts, this city is a high-tech hub set amidst stunning landscapes of snow-capped volcanoes, forested islands, and serene beaches! The headquarters for big companies like Microsoft and Amazon can be found in the city’s metropolitan area. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Seattle became a major Pacific port of entry, and today it is the region's commercial and transportation hub and the centre of manufacturing, trade and finance. One of its most iconic sights is the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Immerse yourself in the city;s quirky art scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and why not drop by the Original Starbucks Coffee shop in Pike Place Market for your caffeine fix before you go?

San Francisco, United States

With its myriad hills and spectacular bay, San Francisco beguiles with natural beauty, vibrant neighbourhoods and contagious energy. From the hipster Mission District to the sassy Castro, from bustling Union Square to enduring Chinatown, this dynamic town thrives on variety.  It is well-known for its striking Golden Gate Bridge, antique cable cars and stunning Victorian-style houses. While here, hop on an iconic cable car, explore the infamous Alcatraz Island and enjoy fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, while watching sea lions bask in the sun at Pier 39! The city makes it wonderfully easy to tap into the good life, between San Francisco's hot arts scene, tempting boutiques, parks perfect for jogging or biking, and all those stellar locavore restaurants and cocktail bars, it's the ultimate destination for relaxed self-indulgence.

Los Angeles, California, United States

Los Angeles is the place to visit for anyone interested in film and television and hoping to get a glimpse at some famous actors and artists. Set in Southern California, it is famous for its Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disneyland Park, as well as the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills and its upscale fashion street Rodeo Drive! Stroll down the Walk and enjoy the glamorous atmosphere and famous surroundings, or take a break on the Santa Monica pier and watch the sunset on the sea! The city is dubbed the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ and the ‘City of Angels.’

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It is complete with golden beaches, adrenaline-pumping water activities, restaurants and bars and lively nightlife. Where adventure meets nature, this city offers a mix of impressive desert landscapes and sun-drenched shores. The main beach is Playa El Médano, packed with outdoor restaurants and bars. Cabo is also the gateway to the El Arco (The Arch), nicknamed the ‘Land’s End’ – a natural archway in the sea cliffs where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. The Land’s End promontory is the site of Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), a small spit of secluded sands affectionately named after the romantic meeting of the two bodies of water, where it can be found. 

Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica

Nestled on the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica, Puntarenas is a port town whose name translates to “sandy point.” It makes an idyllic setting to spot native wildlife, including scarlet macaw and capuchin monkeys. Rich in volcanic terrain and rainforest valleys, it’s also home to hundreds of exotic bird species and rare orchids swathing the mountains. Besides its vast terrains and thriving flora and fauna, the quaint town boasts Spanish colonial architecture that’s sure to delight history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Step inside the Historical Maritime Museum of Puntarenas, showcasing pre-Columbian artefacts, natural resources, and other collections dating to the era of when the first settlers and indigenous populations lived.

Cartagena, Colombia

Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is one of the most colourful and romantic cities in the world. Its magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored Old Town (the Ciudad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighbourhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic centre is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, grey-sand beach. For a day of buzz and life, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Santo Domingo, where local artists showcase their talents!

Curaçao, Curaçao

Culture seekers will find their ideal escape in Curaçao, part of the windswept ABC Islands – where you can embrace Dutch heritage, under the Caribbean sun, as you explore the island’s pastel, colonial architecture and delightful museums. Enjoy the sunny weather even during the rainy season, with steady wind conditions ensuring great kitesurfing and windsurfing experiences! One of the island’s highlights is the Queen Emma Bridge, also called the “Swinging Old Lady,” which is an astounding floating bridge that occasionally swings open to let ships pass through and leave the bay – a spectacle that you can’t miss!

Aruba, Aruba

Aruba is the smallest of the ABC islands, boasting gorgeous beaches, colourful architecture and dramatic rock formations. Nicknamed ‘One Happy Island,’ you’ll find ultimate happiness on this heavenly island! This tropical paradise in the Caribbean is where you can experience year-round sunshine and extraordinary animal encounters. Spot a flamboyance of pink flamingos prancing around the shoreline of Flamingo Beach – one of the best wildlife encounters you’ll have on the island. Aruba’s crowning glory is definitely its long stretch of golden sands bathed in warm sunshine. Some of the most sought-after beaches in the island are Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, where most of the action in the island happens.

Miami, Florida, United States

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots, where endless sunshine, sparkling waterways, lush parks and stunning beaches await. Nestled along the south-eastern tip of Florida, Miami holds the prestigious title of the "Cruise Capital of the World," serving as the embarkation point for countless voyages across the Caribbean and beyond! It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless Cuban restaurants and cafes. Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine sands, exploring eclectic neighbourhoods, or savouring culinary delights, Miami is a multicultural city that promises an unforgettable experience.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean island’s capital San Juan is clearly influenced by Puerto Rico’s rich melting pot of cultures; European, African and Taino. This city offers an energetic array of festivals, gracious colonial architecture, quaint cobbled streets and food that will tantalise the taste buds. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. In the old capital, history buffs can visit the San Juan National Historic Site Castillo, home to the Castillo San Cristóbal and El Morro — which are age-old sister fortifications that used to protect the walled city from land and sea attacks. The cobblestone streets are lined with brightly-coloured houses and shaded plazas, alongside hip cocktail bars and Caribbean fusion restaurants. San Juan captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle, as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda

With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. The Caribbean island is known for the iconic 365 beaches, all with unspoiled white sand and surrounded by azure waters — one for each day all-year round! Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St. John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port, you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.

Castries, Saint Lucia

The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of Saint Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – Saint Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of the Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rise above the island and are ubiquitous even from miles away. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the Saint Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets. Drop by Castries Market, the island’s largest local food and flea market right across the harbour, selling a variety of items from handcrafts to homegrown produce and local delicacies!

Bridgetown, Barbados

At just 21-miles long and 14-miles wide, Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean and is brimming with things to do. Steeped in history and complete with the architecture to match, get ready to uncover its wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance! Enjoy surfing, snorkelling and turtle-spotting in azure waters and you must explore subterranean Harrison’s cave. In the capital, Bridgetown — the surroundings are unmistakably Caribbean but the ambience is decidedly British. Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Tortola is the largest of this roughly 40-island chain, home to several stunning beaches including Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler’s Cove. The bustling capital of the British Virgin Islands looks out over Road Harbour. It takes only an hour or so to stroll down Main Street and along the waterfront, checking out the traditional West Indian buildings painted in pastel colours and with corrugated-tin roofs, bright shutters, and delicate fretwork trim. Sage National Park is a sprawling protected park, where you’ll find the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands, which it was named after. The Painkiller is the local specialty drink of the British Virgin Islands. Sample this popular rum-based cocktail at Pusser’s Road Town Pub in Tortola — a historic pub with a Victorian-themed interior.

Miami, Florida, United States

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots, where endless sunshine, sparkling waterways, lush parks and stunning beaches await. Nestled along the south-eastern tip of Florida, Miami holds the prestigious title of the "Cruise Capital of the World," serving as the embarkation point for countless voyages across the Caribbean and beyond! It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless Cuban restaurants and cafes. Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine sands, exploring eclectic neighbourhoods, or savouring culinary delights, Miami is a multicultural city that promises an unforgettable experience.