24-Day Atlantic Crossing: Halifax To South America Cruise

Day 1 - Halifax

Arrive: Sun 24 September 2028 / Depart: Sun 24 September 2028 at 17:00

With its exceptionally delightful harbor side setting, early Europeans were first attracted to Halifax in 1749 with the establishment here of a military outpost by Colonel Cornwallis. The ports natural advantages of a well-protected harbor and close proximity to major fishing grounds resulted in its growth into a major military base and sea port. The peninsula has had several major immigrations during its history; English, French, German, Irish and Scottish have come in substantial numbers at various times. Travelers familiar with the South Pacific will find it interesting to know that Captain James Cook, whose explorations defined most of the Pacific Basin for Europeans, also spent four years in Halifax charting Nova Scotia and the waters of the St. Lawrence. A college town, Halifax has an exhilarating and youthful air about it, as evidenced by many bicyclists and skateboarders. The heart of Halifax offers wonderful restaurants and shopping, galleries, museums, and sites of historic interest including the Naval Dockyard, which dates from 1757, and St. Paul's Church. Heading out of town, the wonders of nature are to be found in the form of the sea, with the smell of salty air, cool ocean breezes, and the powerful force of waves crashing against the rugged shoreline.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Hamilton, USA

Arrive: Wed 27 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 27 September 2028 at 17:00

Of the 300 coral atolls which comprise the British crown colony of Bermuda, only 20 are inhabited. Extremely treacherous coral reefs surround the area, as indicated by the 300 shipwrecks lying offshore. Self-governed in internal affairs since 1968, Bermuda remains under the protective umbrella of Great Britain for defense and external affairs. Hamilton, in particular, is decidedly British in atmosphere and tradition. Dazzling beaches, beds of Bermuda lilies, almost luminescent bougainvillea vines and clusters of oleander provide a most inviting backdrop for the island's luxury hotels, elegant boutiques and fine restaurants. Daytime activities abound, while exciting entertainment beckons you ashore in the evening. Welcome to Bermuda.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - San Juan

Arrive: Sat 30 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 30 September 2028 at 17:00

Puerto Rico has been voluntarily associated with the United States since it was ceded by Spain in 1898. In 1952, this island country became a self-governing commonwealth territory of the United States. The capital, San Juan, is a teeming city of over 1.5 million. Remnants of colonial architecture stand side by side with the most modern high rises in this city of contrasts. The 7-square-block area, which contains the historic zone of Old San Juan, was once completely encircled by city walls and is still guarded by the impressive forts of El Morro and San Cristobal, which loom over the harbor as reminders of the centuries of Spanish rule. El Yunque rainforest, on the northeastern side of the island, is just one of many distinctive geographical features found here. Mountain lakes, waterfalls, teak forests, and three magnificent phosphorescent bays offer the visitor a variety of diversions.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrive: Mon 02 October 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 02 October 2028 at 23:00

Although no written record of the island's discovery by Europeans exists, it was in 1499 that Alonso de Ojeda landed in Aruba and claimed the island for Spain. Over the years, possession changed from the Spanish to the Dutch to the British and back to the Dutch, with independence promised by 1996. Aruba is one of only a few Caribbean islands where the indigenous Indian population was not decimated by invading Europeans. The native Aruban today is a mixture of Arawak Indian, and Spanish and Dutch colonizers. The official language is Dutch, with both English and Spanish widely spoken. The local population's everyday tongue is Papiamento, a mixture of all of the above plus a few words left over from the days of the Arawak. The countryside is dotted with cottages surrounded by cactus fences and bright splashes of bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus. During our call, enjoy a stroll through the capital, Oranjestad. Colorful Wilhelminastraat is lined with typical Aruban buildings of the Dutch Colonial style, and plenty of shops offering duty-free goods.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Panama Canal Cruising

Day 12 - Panama City

Arrive: Thu 05 October 2028 at 21:00

Formerly a fortified armory, this newly developed port is the portal to colonial Panama City and an in-depth look at Miraflores Locks. Also from here, you can visit an Embera Indian village.

Day 13 - Panama City

Depart: Fri 06 October 2028 at 16:00

Formerly a fortified armory, this newly developed port is the portal to colonial Panama City and an in-depth look at Miraflores Locks. Also from here, you can visit an Embera Indian village.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Guayaquil

Arrive: Mon 09 October 2028 at 05:00 / Depart: Mon 09 October 2028 at 18:00

Perched on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is the country's principal seaport and economic center. Cargo ships, ferry boats and dugout canoes compete for space on the busy waterfront where sailing ships once departed for Europe with stores of gold and silver.

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Callao, Peru

Arrive: Thu 12 October 2028 at 05:00

A 45-minute drive from the port city of Callao brings you to exciting Lima, the City of Kings. From its founding in 1535 until today, it remains one of the most important cities in all South America. The handsome old buildings from the earliest colonial days surrounding the Plaza de Armas contrast with the soaring modern towers rising in the newer sections of the city.

Day 20 - Callao, Peru

Depart: Fri 13 October 2028 at 21:00

A 45-minute drive from the port city of Callao brings you to exciting Lima, the City of Kings. From its founding in 1535 until today, it remains one of the most important cities in all South America. The handsome old buildings from the earliest colonial days surrounding the Plaza de Armas contrast with the soaring modern towers rising in the newer sections of the city.

Day 21 - Pisco, Peru

Arrive: Sat 14 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 October 2028 at 19:00

Pisco dates from 1640, and its Plaza de Armas is a Spanish colonial treasure. Another treasure is the Ballestas Islands, an offshore cluster of rocky outcroppings teeming with seabirds, penguins, sea lions, dolphins and other wildlife. Many visitors take the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the huge, mysterious Nazca Lines pictographs etched into the nearby desert surface 2,000 years ago. And still more belly up to a bar to sample a Pisco Sour cocktail made with the Pisco brandy distilled from locally grown grapes.

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - Valparaiso

Arrive: Wed 18 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 18 October 2028

Picturesque Valparaiso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish. The city is an historic port and university town, famous for its labyrinth hills, which are covered in quaint, colorful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by the city's unique system of funicular railways. Through the efforts of the Chilean government emphasizing the city's culture, heritage preservation, and economic development via tourism, Valparaiso was bestowed designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.