Chairman's Voyage: America's 250th
Anniversary Cruise

New York, New York

The problem with visiting New York City is knowing where to begin but even if you don't immediately rush off to view the world-famous sights and landmarks of this most dynamic of cities just being there is enough: the wonder of New York is in the energy and the diversity that emanates from its densely packed multi-cultural population. The city vibrates with colliding cultures and languages; here high-life and low-life rub shoulders and whoever you are and whatever your taste there will be something to amuse and stimulate you 24-hours a day.Whether lolling on a bench in leafy Central Park watching the world go by from a French bistro in Soho or gazing up at 'Lady Liberty' from the deck of the Staten Island Ferry most visitors will feel they've done it all before simply because New York is so familiar to anyone who has ever seen a movie or watched television. There is something special however in actually seeing the familiar landmarks and experiencing the pulse of the 'city that never sleeps'.New York City is made up of five boroughs: Staten Island The Bronx Brooklyn Queens and Manhattan but many visitors never leave Manhattan. There is a lot packed into this tiny area: the 24-hour pasta restaurants of Little Italy and the bustling sidewalks of Chinatown the jazz clubs of Greenwich Village and the theatres of Broadway; and of course the iconic sights of the Statue of Liberty the Empire State Building and Times Square.New York has been described as the best three-day city in the world and that's about right. After a frenzy of museums galleries bars and clubs many visitors are ready for a break. Fortunately there's a lot of choice in excursions from the National Parks of upstate New York to the beaches of Long Island or simply the leafy oasis of Central Park. Whatever you're after New York is ready and waiting to bewitch bother and bewilder.

Wilmington, Delaware

Delaware Canal

Baltimore, Maryland

As Maryland's biggest city and one of the USA's
busiest ports, Baltimore's position at the end of the Patapsco
River that feeds into Chesapeake Bay gives the city easy access to
the Atlantic Ocean and it became an important port and shipbuilding
centre.

It was home to a large number of US Navy vessels
as well as the famously swift Baltimore clipper ships that
destroyed or captured many of the British merchant ships during the
war of 1812. Unlike Washington, D.C., Baltimore survived the
vengeful attack by Britain, and with the triumphant flying of the
American flag over Fort McHenry the country's national anthem was
born.

Since its important role in the Revolution,
Baltimore has experienced a turbulent history. Its fortunes have
seesawed from post-Revolution prosperity to a city crippled by the
violence of divided loyalties during the Civil War; from a
railroad-rich 19th century to the devastation caused by the fire of
1904.

Nicknamed 'Charm City' for its fusion of
small-town hospitality and city finesse, Baltimore combines an
interesting mix of neighbourhoods, a diverse range of attractions,
and delicious seafood specialities of the Inner Harbor that
includes the abundant Maryland steamed blue crabs.

The distinct neighbourhoods are an attractive
feature of Baltimore, among them the historic maritime district of
Fells Point, the broad avenues of wealthy Mount Vernon, the village
ambiance of Little Italy, and the Bohemian area of SoWeBo, or
Southwest Baltimore.

Fells Point is the most popular district for
entertainment, with a large selection of restaurants, cafes, bars,
and nightclubs. The Power Plant Live! area near the Inner Harbor
has several restaurants, bars, and clubs. Other neighbourhoods in
Baltimore with good nightlife include Canton Square, Mount Vernon,
Hampden, Federal Hill, and the Station North Arts and Entertainment
District.

The waterfront and Inner Harbor are the hearts of
this vibrant and growing city, making it a major tourist
destination. It features the National Aquarium, the Maryland
Science Center, the Port Discovery Children's Museum, and the World
Trade Center with its 27-storey high Top of the World Observation
Level.

Offerings cover everything from art to archaeology
to black history. The water taxi service, besides providing an
efficient means of harbour transport, is an excellent way to
experience the waterfront and affords fantastic views of the city's
skylines.

Yorktown, Virginia

Wilmington, Delaware

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the loveliest cities in the country,
despite having weathered great fires, earthquakes, epidemics, civil
war, and a devastating hurricane. It is consistently classed among
the most elegant and picturesque cities nationwide.

The port of Charleston is the oldest city in the state, sat on
the peninsula separated by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. A large
downtown district boasts hundreds of preserved and restored
buildings built over brick and cobblestone streets, housing
old-fashioned inns, antique shops, and pubs.

Narrow houses festooned with wrought-iron balconies and wooden
shutters line the streets, and ornate gates enclose pretty gardens
and shaded porches. Many of its double-storey houses are
authentically furnished museums that once belonged to wealthy
colonial merchants, while many are still the beautiful private
homes of wealthy residents.

The city started as an important seaport serving the rice and
cotton plantations throughout the region. It was a major
slave-trading centre with about a third of America's slaves being
bought and sold at the riverfront market.

Populated by ancestors of West African slaves, the Gullah
culture of the islands has a tangible presence. This is especially
evident at the Old City Market that vibrates with the humming of
traditional spirituals, local vendors, iron makers, basket ladies,
and distinctive Gullah dialects.

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Key West, Florida

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy some sunny weather, Key West is the perfect place for you. This small island off the coast of Florida is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. There’s plenty to do in Key West, from exploring the historic district to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. You can also just relax on the beach and enjoy the incredible sunsets. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Key West.

Nassau

Known for its warm breezes, sunny skies, and white beaches,
Nassau's turbulent past is quite different from the serenity its
imagery brings to mind. The capital of the Bahamas and the largest
city, part of Nassau's allure comes from its notorious inhabitants
of old. Once a lair and refuge for pirates, Nassau was home to
famous plunderers such as Blackbeard. However, by 1720 most of the
pirates were ultimately killed or driven out by the British. In the
following years, Nassau would burn to the ground three times at the
hands of the Spanish.

Today, the island's close proximity to the US gives Nassau a
distinctly American flavour. This bustling hub of a city is a
delightful and colourful blend of old world and colonial
architecture juxtaposed with a busy, modern port.

Nassau draws attracts visitors with its beautifully preserved
Victorian buildings, 18th-century fortresses, and the Queen's
Staircase, the 66 steps of which lead to the most breathtaking view
over the whole of Nassau.

Plant enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which
has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures.
Enthusiastic shoppers, on the other hand, would be well advised to
look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street.

Alternatively, visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon
watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds.
After dark, Nassau comes alive with a rowdy bar and club scene, and
the scent of fresh seafood permeates the air in the Fish Fry
district.

This stunning city can also add at least four famous supporting
roles in the movies to its resume, as the setting in three James
Bond pictures, as well as the Beatles film 'Help!'. With the bright
lights of casinos, upmarket resort hotels, and cruise liners,
Nassau is overflowing with variety, colour and entertainment. A
favourite holiday destination for active adventurers and beach bums
alike, Nassau has something to offer everyone.