MS Columbus - Miami / Bridgetown

MS Columbus Miami to Bridgetown - courtesy of Hapag Lloyd CruisesA 14 day /13 night cruise itinerary

Highlihts

• Get ready for pure holiday feeling: calypso sounds, sunshine and a swim in the turquoise sea are waiting for you on the Bahamas
• Fascinating Maya sites invite you to explore • Enjoy contemplative hours and have a look at the colourful under water world of the Islas de Bahia
• The UNESCO world heritage site of Tikal will be your wonderful host on Christmas Eve
• A waterfall in the jungle is searching for the sea and you find your favourite part of the beach: tropical fun in Jamaica
• Be active surrounded by magnificent nature: snorkelling and hiking in Aruba • A happy new year on the secluded beaches of Curaçao
• A good new year’s resolution for 2008: to enjoy life, for example on a catamaran trip near Grenada. A 14 day /13 night cruise itinerary

Daily Itinerary

  • Thurs., 12/20 Individual arrival in Miami/Florida - Embarkation onto the COLUMBUS, departure 6:00 pm
  • Fri., 12/21 Nassau/Bahamas, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
    In the middle of this fantastic island world of the Bahamas, a Calypso band gets you in the Caribbean mood: have fun on your catamaran trip* including swimming. Or gain an overview of the island* today, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world.
  • Sat., 12/22 Relax at sea
  • Sun., 12/23 Playa del Carmen/Mexico, in the roads from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
    Leaving the Mexican Caribbean coast, you will travel into the fascinating culture of the Maya. Your destination is Chichen Itza*, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico. You will be astounded by the temple El Castillo and the Maya’s skills in astronomy as demonstrated even today by the observatory and the 365 steps of the Kukulcan Pyramid. Or combine culture with fun on the beach and relaxation on the tour Tulum and the lagoon of Xel-Ha*. Begin by viewing the only Maya site located right on the ocean, then go walking, bathing and snorkelling in the national park Xel-Ha.
    Cozumel/Mexico, from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
    Re-embarkation from the excursions to Chichen Itza and to Tulum and the lagoon of Xel-Ha.
    As an alternative, you can explore Mexico’s largest island on your own; its shape often leads to comparison with a gemstone. Enjoy a walk along one of the long sandy beaches, or go snorkelling to the “Palancar Reef”, which is part of the world’s second-largest coral reef and will thrill you with magnificent views of coral gardens and tropical fish.
  • Mon., 12/24 Roatán/Islas de la Bahia/Honduras, in the roads from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
    Beautiful beaches against a tropical backdrop - that promises an afternoon of the finest Caribbean relaxation. How about a look at the colourful underwater world - the Islas de la Bahia are considered an insider’s tip among divers.
  • Tue., 12/25 Santo Tomas de Castilla/Guatemala, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
    From the harbour to the highlands: the ruins of Tikal* are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are hidden away in the rainforest. Experience what is presumably the largest ceremonial centre of the Maya, which recalls the gods of this ancient high culture with its temples, pyramids and palaces. Or enjoy the calm of the “Rio Dulce” and its untouched vegetation during a boat trip*. We will then take you to the famous Maya stelae in Quirigua. You will view interesting remains of the Mayan empire at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Wed., 12/26 Puerto Cortes/Honduras, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
    Off to the ruins of Copan*, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most significant ceremonial centre of the May from the 4th to 9th centuries. Even today still impressive and mysterious: the Hieroglyphic Staircase. Fort Omoa and bathing* are an enticing alternative. The colonial fortress in the small coastal town offers a beautiful view of the surroundings before you head off for snorkelling, bathing and dreaming on the beach.
  • Thurs., 12/27 Relax at sea

    • MS Europa itinerary map courtesy of Hapag Lloyd </p> <p>Cruises

  • Fri., 12/28 Ocho Rios/Jamaica, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm
    The river softly meanders through unspoilt nature, strange sounds flatter through the quiet air and you can enjoy a wonderful time during the Martha Brae raft trip*. The Dunn´s River Falls* are finding their way to the beach through tropical countryside. The natural cascades of the waterfalls make for an offer idyllic bathing experience, which even James Bond was unable to resist.
  • Sat., 12/29 Relax at sea
  • Sun., 12/30 Oranjestad/Aruba, from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight
    The warm airstream softly blows on your skin as you relax and enjoy yourself on the Dutch Antilles: Sailing and snorkelling* in the colourful underwater world of Malmok Reef. If you would rather take a walk through Arikok National Park*, you will encounter many cactuses and divi divi trees on your way. Marvel at the many different plants and animals in this habitat.
  • Mon., 12/31 Willemstad/Curaçao, arrival 8:00 am, until Tue., 01/01, departure 6:00 am
    An old ship wreck will appear before your snorkelling mask in the shallow water. It may have belonged to the Dutch who turned Willemstad into a charming “Amsterdam of the Caribbean”. In any case, it is part of a magical last day of the year which you will spend canoeing and snorkelling*. Remote beaches and old manor houses surrounded by tropical vegetation: The island trip* gives you all you need to say bye-bye to the year 2007 with a smile. When you open the fizz at midnight, you will remember the good times you had in Curaçao - and think of the happy new year that is in store for you.
  • Wed., 01/02 St. George’s/Grenada, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
    Spices are the gold of Grenada - they even grow here by the side of the road. But these are not the only treasures. Charming crater lakes, waterfalls that invite you to take a refreshing bath: gather impression of the spice island of Grenada*. As you go on the Rhum Runner catamaran trip* you can go swimming and relax under the Caribbean sun one more time and enjoy the steel band sounds.
  • Thurs., 01/03 Bridgetown/Barbados, arrival 7:00 am
    Individual departure

Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, North America, South America, Venezuela, United States, Honduras, Barbados, Deluxe Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, MS Columbus, World Cruises


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.