2013 PC Discovery - Europe & Exotics

Discovery europe & exotics

A tempting culinary selection europe & exotics — 2013/2014 cruises

A delightful array of shops onboard Voyage to many of Asia’s best attractions

please return magazine to stateroom at voyage end

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Table

of contents

Discovery 2013-2014 Cruises

40 38

26 18

14 16 18

Welcome Aboard

2222 34

Service Excellence

Nighttime Activities

Delicious Dilemma

When the sun goes down, the curtain rises on a constellation of thrilling nighttime enticements.

Freshly prepared cuisine Dining options to match your tastes and mood — that’s dining on board your Princess ship.

22

The Night Belongs to You

36

Casino

38

Shows & Entertainment

Do It All or Nothing At All

40

Princess Cruises Captain’s CircleSM

Daytime Activities

42

Future Cruise Sales

44

Ports of Call

You’ll discover an incredible variety of activities, enrichment programs and other entertaining options each day on board.

24

Lotus Spa ® & The Sanctuary

26

Boutiques Onboard

28

Princess Photography

part, including but not limited to transmission by any means, in any form — digital, electronic,

29

Enrichment Programs

from the publisher. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of

29

Fine Art Auctions

unsolicited manuscripts, photography, artwork, or other material. Electronic queries only will

30

Movies Under the Stars ®

in Discovery are not necessarily those of the cruise line. Princess Cruises is not responsible for

32

Youth & Teen Programs

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction, either in whole or in mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise — is forbidden without express, written permission

be acknowledged. E-mail to: editor@onboardmedia.com. Commentary and opinions expressed any claims or offers made in advertisements appearing in Discovery.

COVER PHOTO: Temple of Heaven, Beijing, courtesy of Frances Fleming

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TABLE

55

of contents

44 Discover Our

Ports of Call 46

Asia & Africa Australia & New Zealand Canada & New England Europe South America

4

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FENDI.COM PAT E N T E D M E C H A N I S M SERIES 10 5 0 0 REGISTERED F E N D I C R A Z Y C A R AT S

3 3 R O TAT I N G G E M S T O N E S A N D A D I A M O N D AT T W E LV E . T I M E T O C H A N G E

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Earn rewards and relax more with the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa card! ®

®

Enjoy great benefits like these: • Low Introductory APR on balance transfers and NO Annual Fee 1 • Earn up to 10,000 BONUS points with qualifying transactions2 • Earn DOUBLE points on all Princess purchases — onboard and ashore 3 • Princess Rewards includes cruise redemptions and discounts, airfare discounts, Lotus Spa treatments & other onboard amenities 4 ®

See your Princess Captain’s Circle Host or Future Cruise Consultant and apply today!

1. The Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card is issued by Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclaycard”). Offer subject to credit approval. Benefits will vary depending upon the card for which you are approved. Not everyone will qualify for the Princess Visa Signature Card and its benefits. If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit criteria previously established for this offer, or the income you report is insufficient based on your obligations, we may not be able to open an account for you or you may receive a Platinum card which has fewer benefits. Please review the materials provided with the Cardmember Agreement you will receive after account opening for more information about the benefits that will apply if you are not approved for the Visa Signature credit card. This offer is available to new cardmembers only. For information about rates, fees, other costs, and the reward program rules (including points accrual rate, bonus points awards, etc.) and benefits associated with the use of this credit card program please see the Terms and Conditions.

2. There is no annual fee. Introductory APR on balance transfers is applicable for the first 15 billing cycles after your new account is opened (the “Introductory Period”). For purchases, and for balance transfers after the Introductory Period, the variable APR is 13.99%, 16.99% or 20.99% depending upon our review of your application and your credit history at account opening. The variable APR for cash advances is 25.24%. Subject to applicable law, the APR’s on your account will be increased to a variable Penalty APR which is up to 30.24% if we do not receive timely payments, if you exceed your credit line or if we receive a payment that is not honored by your bank. The APRs on your account will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The minimum monthly finance charge will be $2.00. Balance Transfer Fee: 4% min. $10. Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%. The fee for the purchase of cash equivalent transactions (purchase of money orders, traveler’s checks, foreign currency, lottery tickets, gambling chips or wire transfer): 5% (min. $10). This information is accurate as of 02/01/2012 and is subject to change after this date. Contact 1-866-504-8224 for updated information and for more information about the terms of this offer.

3. Bonus Points: After using your Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Signature Card to make an initial Purchase or Balance Transfer, you will be eligible to receive a one-time bonus award of five thousand (5,000) Princess Points.

Bonus Points will be posted at the close of your first billing statement after an initial qualifying purchase or Balance Transfer is made. The Balance Transfer is subject to the Balance Transfer Fee set forth in the Terms and Conditions. Balance Transfer Checks and Convenience Checks do not earn bonus points. Bonus points will be awarded at the close of the billing statement in which you make your first purchase or balance transfer and will be then be credited to your Princess Rewards Visa Account. Balance Transfer Checks do not qualify for bonus points. Balance Transfer Bonus Points: Earn one point per $1 in balances that post to your new account in the first 30 days after your account is opened, up to a maximum of 5,000 points. If you make a balance transfer you will be charged interest on purchases if you do not pay off your entire balance, which includes any transferred balance, by the payment due date each month. There is a fee for Balance Transfers. See the Terms and Conditions for complete details about this offer.

4. Princess Rewards Visa cardmembers will earn two (2) points for every one dollar ($1) of net purchases of Princess purchases with the credit card account, and (1) point for every one dollar ($1) of net purchases made everywhere else the account is used. Restrictions apply.

The Princess Rewards Program offers cardmembers the opportunity to earn rewards towards discounted and reduced cruise redemptions. Taxes and fees may apply. Cardmembers will be responsible for all charges incurred in connection with their cruise (including travel to port of departure). Additional charges may include but are not limited to gratuities, onboard purchases, and other charges. Cruise redemptions start at 150,000 points. Other cruise related redemption options are available such as onboard spa experience and merchandise offers. Please visit the Captain’s Circle Host, Future Cruise Consultant or Visa Consultant for a copy of the terms and conditions of this offer and visit princessvisa.com to review full program terms and conditions.

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1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 600, Miami Beach, Fl 33139 Tel: (305) 673-0400, Fax: (305) 674-9396 www.onboardmedia.com Sarah Beth Reno Robin Rosenbaum-Andras Noelle Sipos Carrie Julier Norma Vila

Kate McClare MaryAnna Estomba Haley Struthers Maria Blanco

President Senior Vice President Vice President, Operations Vice President, Cruise Revenue & Sales Vice President, Finance Editorial & Design Executive Editor Managing Editor Media Coordinator Editorial Intern

Virginia C. Valls Dayana Ramirez George Sariego Elizabeth Carlisle Beth Wood Raquel Figueroa

Melissa Rodriguez James Perdomo Gail Abrams Violeta Manco-Rojas

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Contributing Writers: Lana Bortolot, Ginger Dingus, Michelle Da Silva Richmond, Jim Thompson

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Port Shopping Operations Rachel Castro Director Marina Castillo Assistant Manager Rina Alvarado Coordinator, Operations — Nadine Winter Manager, Customer Relations Arelys Zaldivar Assistant Manager, Customer Relations

©2013 onboard media. no claim to original works of princess cruises or advertisers. ships of bermudan and british registry all rights reserved. the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. printed in the united states of america. all articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of onboard media, inc. or princess cruises, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. onboard media, inc. and princess cruises specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk. we and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

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MISSION TO THE EDGE OF SPACE Felix Baumgartner, holder of three new records after his freefall jump from the stratosphere during the Red Bull Stratos Mission

EL PRIMERO STRATOS The ďŹ rst watch to break the sound barrier in a near space environment www.zenith-watches.com/felixbaumgartner

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Adventure awaits Ancient cultures come alive in buildings and monuments that tell the story of civilization. Lively streets, cafés and marketplaces call out with unforgettable pleasures and one-of-akind treasures. The world is a vast and varied place, and we’re proud to act as your guide with this issue of Discovery.

Read on for helpful listings and other information on the many shipboard amenities you’ll be experiencing during your cruise, from delicious dining to exclusive shopping.

We offer a wealth of helpful and intriguing information on Princess destinations, from the great cities of Europe to exotic ports of call in Asia, Australia and other far-flung locales.

Here you will gain fascinating insights into local culture and traditions.

You’ve begun a journey that we know you’ll never forget. Bon voyage!

Dimitrios/shutterstock.com

The staff of Discovery

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Signature Collection 41D-CMOP-OGM

Our customers share their experiences of better sleep, more relaxation and overall improved well being.

Share your experience at philipstein.com

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Primavera Collection www.robertocoin.com

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Finally, you’re here.

Now is the time to relax and let us take care of everything else. Get out

on deck and experience the fresh sea air, explore your ship and all its amenities, or grab a bite to eat.

Every aspect of this vacation was designed for you to relax, refresh and rejuvenate.

On the following pages, you can learn a bit more about what you can expect in the coming days in this book of discovery. We call it that for a reason — not only because of the wonderful ports you’ll be visiting, but also because of all the distinct pleasures you will find, one by one, on your Princess ® ship. What will be your favorite venue, activity, restaurant? Only the moments ahead will tell…

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Welcome

aboard

Let your

journey begin

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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At your

service Princess Cruises — The Consummate Host

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The Consummate Host

service

On your Princess® ship, gracious and attentive crew members are there to serve you and make your entire vacation memorable.

You first noticed it on the lapel of the officer who welcomed you aboard as you crossed the gangway: a blue-and-gold pin that read "CruisE." Then you saw it again worn by the concierge, and your stateroom steward, and ... What are these pins, and what does CruisE stand for?

CRUISE began as a program to help keep the passenger experience top-of-mind for all Princess staff and crew, and that is still one of its important goals. But CRUISE is also how we recognize and reward employees for great performance.

CRUISE is how we educate our employees for career and personal growth. CRUISE is how we support our employees' health and welfare so they can perform their jobs with excellence every day. CRUISE is the vehicle through which Princess delivers our core values — we serve, we respect our team, we innovate,

we are consistent, we are accountable, and we do it right — to our staff, and motivates them to live out those values and be The Consummate Host.

What does CRUISE mean to you?

It means you can expect consistently warm, welcoming service — from courteous greetings in the dining room at dinner to friendly smiles by the stewards — on every ship in our fleet. It means everyone on board is working together to make your vacation a relaxed, rejuvenating retreat at sea. It means all of us know your vacation memories are infinitely precious — and we want you to remember not only our spectacular ships sailing to fantastic destinations, but also how valued you felt while you were on board.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Your ship is a floating destination of culinary delights, with options to match every taste and mood.

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Dining

freshly prepared

Delicious

ilemma

One of the most enticing things about your spectacular Princess 速 ship is the wide variety of tempting onboard options to delight your palate. From specialty restaurants and gracious dining rooms, a warm, freshly cooked meal is never far away. You can have a burger grilled to order out on deck, or grab a slice of handmade pizza to eat by the pool. Maybe all you need is some soft-serve ice cream to fend off the heat. Or keep your eyes open for cookies & milk on deck in the afternoon. From breakfast to dinner to late-night snacks, Princess raises the bar on dining at sea.

A chef in one of the galleys takes a tray of Princess breads from the oven. Each day, an assortment of baked goods are prepared for your enjoyment.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Dining

freshly prepared

We understand

how important

dining is to the vacation experience, which is why we put such an emphasis on the quality and range of our dining options. Our own Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi, designed the menus for our Delectable entrees served in the Princess restaurants range from Italian specialties to aged steak to the freshest fish available.

Traditional and Anytime Dining sM

Ask about the Chef’s Table, yet another

rooms to truly make sure the food is

unique offering — you’ll be invited into

the star. From our signature pastas

the galley for champagne and hors

to our lighter selections, you’ll savor

d’oeuvres, and you'll later dine on

freshly prepared cuisine, utilizing

a special menu conceived by the

ingredients with regional influences.

Executive Chef himself. Or if you

For variety,

happen to have a balcony stateroom, you can choose

you can stay in one evening and

a specialty restaurant like sabatini’s,

we’ll bring the experience to you —

with traditional italian fare, the elegant

with ultimate Balcony Dining.

sM

Crown Grill

sM

or sterling steakhouse

sM

for an aged prime steak or grilled

We invite you to indulge in

seafood, or the Bayou Café & steakhouse

all this and more during your cruise.

for a more southern ambience.

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Restaurants & dining venues on board Restaurants

Style

Traditional & Anytime

Main Dining Rooms

Specialty Dining

Breakfast Hours

Lunch Hours

Lunch is available on turnaround days, sea 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM days and in select ports. (see Princess Patter)

Traditional Dining Hours

Anytime Dining

Charges

5:30 PM, 6 PM and 8:15 PM

5:30 PM - 10 PM

None

Style

Breakfast Hours

Lunch Hours

Dinner Hours

Charges

Specialty

7:30-10 AM for Suites only

N/A

6:30 PM - 11 PM

Cover charge

Specialty

N/A

N/A

6:30 PM - 11 PM

Cover charge

Specialty

N/A

N/A

6:30 PM - 11 PM

Cover charge

Bayou Café & Steakhouse

Specialty

N/A

N/A

6:30 PM - 11 PM

Cover charge

Ultimate Balcony Dining

Specialty

7 AM - 11 AM

N/A

5:30 PM - 10 PM

Nominal charge

Specialty

N/A

N/A

Onboard reservations accepted only

(subject to change)

Style

Breakfast Hours

Lunch Hours

Dinner Hours

Charges

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM - Midnight

None

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 2:30 PM

7 PM onward

None

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 6 PM

(Except on Ocean and Pacific Princess)

6:00 PM onward

None

Casual

6 AM - 10 AM

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

5:30 PM - Midnight

None

Casual

6 AM - 11:00 AM

11:00 AM - 5:30 PM

(closed for dinner Caribbean, Crown, Emerald & Ruby Princess)

None

Casual

6 AM - 11 AM

11 AM - 6 PM

6 PM onward

None

Room service

N/A

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

None

Afternoon tea

Casual

N/A

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

N/A

None

Casual

7 AM onward

N/A

N/A

Nominal charge

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM onward

None

Casual

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

Nominal charge

Casual

N/A

11:00 AM onward (4:30 PM port days)

5 PM - 11 PM

Nominal charge

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM onward

None

Sabatini’s

SM

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Pacific, Ruby, Sapphire, Star, Ocean Princess

Crown Grill

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Ruby, Star, Grand Princess

Sterling Steakhouse

SM

Dawn, Diamond, Pacific, Sea, Sun, Ocean, Sapphire Princess Coral, Island Princess All Princess ships*

Chef’s Table

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Pacific, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea,** Star, Ocean Princess

Casual Dining

$95 per person

Pizzeria (poolside)

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Princess

Pizzeria/trattoria

Dawn, Pacific, Sea, Sun, Ocean Princess

Burger & hot dog grill

All Princess ships

Café Caribe

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby Princess

(sea days only)

Horizon Court/Lido

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Dawn, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea, Star, Sun Princess

Panorama Buffet

Pacific, Ocean Princess All Princess ships All Princess ships

Pâtisserie

Coral, Dawn, Diamond, Island, Pacific, Sea, Sun, Ocean Princess

Ice cream bar

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Dawn, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea, Star, Sun Princess

International Café

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Princess

Vines Wine Bar

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand ^ Ruby, Sapphire,^ Star Princess

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess

5:30 PM - Midnight

Note: Dining options, locations and venues vary by ship and actual meal times and charges are subject to change based on itinerary and season. While room service is complimentary, charges will apply to certain food and beverage items. Once on board and based on availability, you may switch to Anytime Dining from Traditional Dining with 24 hours notice to the Maître d’Hôtel. Anytime Dining is not available on Pacific, Sun, Dawn, Sea** or Ocean Princess. Corkage fee of $15 applies. The Chef’s Table program is limited to approximately 10-12 passengers per cruise and is offered at $95 per person. * Ultimate Balcony Dining available in select staterooms. ** Anytime Dining and Chef's Table do not apply to Sea Princess while operating in Australia. ^Wine bar only.

Attire Smart Casual Evenings: Skirts/dresses, slacks and sweaters for ladies.

Pants and open-neck shirts for men.

Formal Evenings: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pant suits for women. Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men.

Note: Dress code is subject to change with the ship’s itinerary.

The above is a general guide.

Length of Cruise

# of Formal Evenings

# of Smart Casual Events

3-6 days

1

1-5

7-13 days

2

5-11

14-20 days

3

11-17

21-28 days

4

17-24

29+ days

5

24+ PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Activities

daytime

Unlimited opportunities to expand your horizons through culinary courses, wine tasting, classes in art history, navigation, art and crafts and more.

Do it all

or nothing at all Free time —

something each of us have

precious little of these days. Of course, that’s why you take a vacation. And on your Princess ship, you’ll find you have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous options your ship offers.

What’s your type?

Are you a fitness

fanatic? Do you like arts & crafts? Do you wish you simply had more hours in the day after work and family commitments to just sit down and read a book?

On a Princess voyage, we offer opportunities for every interest to be engaged, which is one of the reasons people often unexpectedly find that it is their time on the ship they remember most fondly. so now that you’re here, we encourage you to follow your mood

Each day, opportunities

to whatever activities and entertainment most interest

unfold from more active

day in your Princess Patter. And the ship’s pools,

to the relaxed and cultural.

and available whenever you feel like dropping in.

you. You’ll find a full schedule of what’s offered each library, fitness centers and other venues are open

it’s up to you to write the script. *Available on select voyages.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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renew yourself

Body & Soul

24

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Health & Wellness

rejuvenate

Rejuvenate with luxurious treatments in the Lotus Spa or on-deck in ®

The Sanctuary.

Sitting out on deck, you’ll be lulled into a

The Sanctuary – truly special.

blissful state by the sound of waves, the fresh sea air

Rejuvenate in the open air at the outdoor oasis

and the knowledge that while you are out here with

reserved exclusively for adults, The Sanctuary,

Princess, you don’t have a single care in the world.

available on select ships.*

And if you think that’s a good feeling, just imagine how you’ll feel after a massage or spa treatment!

Pampering

never felt as good as it does on

a Princess ship. The onboard Lotus Spa ® rivals most you’ll find on land — offering a sensational selection of services and treatments from facials, scrubs and massages to hot stone therapy, body therapy and body wraps, as well as a full-service salon should you choose to beautify after you unwind.

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with

In this popular haven you can get a massage under a cabana, to the sound of the sea lapping far beneath you. Or you can find yourself an empty chaise lounge in which to enjoy healthy smoothies, energy drinks, and flavored waters. A spa menu exclusive to The Sanctuary highlights a variety of light snacks such as lettuce-wrapped spring rolls, fruit skewers, and spicy tuna pâté with baked pita wedges, all served by special Serenity Stewards. MP3 players are also available with themed playlists, so you can escape completely to the soothing sounds of music.

Spinning, Personal Training classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Body Sculpt Boot Camp and TRX Suspension Training. The Lotus Spa Fitness Center also features world-class exercise equipment so you can tone on your own.

The Sanctuary is a relaxing oasis on deck that’s perfect for an al fresco massage or a fruit smoothie and some relaxing music.

*The Sanctuary is available on most ships. Covered cabanas not available in the Sanctuary on all ships.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Bring home the

Perfect Gift You’ll return home from your Princess ® vacation with experiences to last a lifetime. But why not remind yourself of the carefree time you had onboard as often as possible, with something special from our array of on board boutiques?

Browse through the fine jewelry, fashion apparel and accessories on board — you’ll discover a stellar selection of names like swarovski, Lancôme, Estée Lauder and TAG Heuer among the luxurious offerings, as well as a wide variety of signature Princess merchandise. All shops are tax- and duty-free, with savings up to 60% off u.s. retail. Plus, watch for additional savings with special promotions throughout your voyage. And in each of our boutiques, you’ll be greeted by gracious, knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the perfect gift to take home.

f o s s i l • c i t i z e n • tag h e u e r • t i s s ot • M i c h a e l Ko r s • lo n g i n e s • P h i l i P st e i n • r ay b a n • oa K l e y • c o lu M b i a g e M s • ta r a P e a r l s • D i a M o n D s o f r u s s i a • c r i s lu • s wa r ov s K i

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q u e r ay

c o u r v o i s i e r v s o P • r e M y M a r t i n x o • c h i va s r e g a l • M a r l b o r o • b e n s o n & h e D g e s • v i r g i n i a s l i M s

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c a lv i n K l e i n • g i o r g i o a r M a n i • i s s e y M i ya K e • e f f y • Dav i D o f f • c a r t i e r • M a r a h l ag o • b u r b e r r y • s o P h i a f i o r i

MOLiTE

j e a n Pato u • y s l • j o s e P h r i b Ko f f • o s c a r D e l a r e n ta • a s h e r • to M M y b a h a M a • g u e s s • j e n n i f e r lo P e z

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Enrichment

experiences

the Princess Photo & video team captures

Your Memories at Sea A picture is worth

a thousand words — especially of your cruise with Princess. And we offer many ways for you to relive your vacation with both photos and video.

You can have formal and casual portraits taken throughout the ship, with your choice of background, in one of our studio locations each evening. You’ll also notice our professional photographers and videographers at the gangway, in port, and even on select shore excursions. All photos taken will be displayed in the gallery the following day, and the reflections DvD captures all the fun in motion!

Photo-video gallery.

Don’t forget to stop by and check out our great selection of digital cameras, high-quality binoculars, exclusively designed frames, photo albums, Princess collector’s edition DvDs, and much more!

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Enrichment Programs set sail with Princess, and you’re in for an adventure that’s more than just sightseeing.

You will discover an array of engaging onboard offerings to expand your cultural horizons.

Among the wonderful offerings of our enrichment programs are an array of classes, from singing to culinary and art history. You can brush up on your cooking knowledge, expand your navigational awareness, or join the zumba ® Fitness dance party. Get creative and have fun learning new craft activities and much more. Enrichment programs also present intriguing lectures on selected cruises, including those focusing on the history, culture and geography of the region you are visiting.

Art auctions at sea*

An adventure in the

Cultural Engaging enrichment

opportunities and exciting art auctions bring refinement to your cruise.

are fun, fast-paced and offer a wonderful opportunity to bring home a great work of art at significant savings.

You’ll find the art world’s greatest stars — names like Picasso, Chagall, rockwell and Miro — all represented, as well as a variety of works by contemporary art’s most popular figures. There’s no registration necessary, and complimentary champagne and a festive atmosphere make these auctions an exciting highlight of your voyage.

Artwork is charged to your shipboard account, then insured, packaged, and shipped to your home or office from a u.s. fulfillment center. * Not available on Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess

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Movies

under the stars®

Princess pioneered the concept — passengers enjoying a feature film ®

poolside on a giant screen — Movies under the stars.

®

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The sky’s the limit Order a drink

, grab a bag of complimentary popcorn, get yourself a lounge chair by the pool — or even better, a coveted spot in the hot tub for the greatest show on the sea.

Movies under the stars ® is a real crowd-pleaser, with up to five movies shown poolside during the day, and two feature films at night. What a great way to take advantage of warm nights in the region. A high-tech 300-squarefoot LED screen and 69,000-watt stereo system assure clarity and quality of sound from wherever on the deck you might be sitting.

Even kids get in

on the fun. some of the most popular offerings on the Movies under the stars big screen are our special Playstation® or Nintendo ® Wii TM tournaments. And teens will enjoy late-night screenings just for them, while younger cruisers can take in a colorful matinee with newfound friends!

To keep the entertainment fresh, there are other showings beside movies. Major sporting events such as the super Bowl,® NBA Finals, World series, NCAA Basketball ® tournament and NCAA Bowl Championship series™ are shown on the big screen, weather permitting.* And you’ll often find yourself grooving to a concert video of one of the world’s popular performers.

Viewed from high above, the Movies Under the Stars screen entertains passengers poolside.

Note: Movies under the stars is featured on most Princess ships.

*satellite coverage permitting.

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Youth

and teen

Kid-sized fun that’s simply

“SeaSational” Moms and dads,

Our youngest guests

be forewarned — aside from mealtimes, you may not see your kids much on this cruise. That’s because Princess ® has one of the best programs for children and teens from 3–17 of any cruise line. On days at sea and in port, the fun begins in the morning and continues throughout the day and into the evening in our supervised Youth Centers & Teen Lounges.

ages 3–7 will love our Princess Pelicans program. They can participate in a variety of programs including art projects, sports and games, educational activities, and even pizza and ice cream parties. Plus, kids can take part in fun events such as talent shows, dance parties, pajama parties and special get-together dinners.

They’ll even paint their own T-shirts and create other custom souvenirs of their cruise.

’Tweens will revel in shockwaves — a special venue with activities just for them.

They can enjoy parties, join sports tournaments and scavenger hunts, watch movies, learn to cook with our Jr.CHEF@sea program, or participate in talent shows, enjoy educational programs sponsored by the renowned California science Center, and other fun options.

Whatever their age, kids on a cruise with Princess will find fun-filled activities suited just for them.

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Parties • Food • dJ • dance Parties PLaYstation® • nintendo® WIITM sPorts coMPetitions • and More

reMix What’s a teen to do

on a Princess ship? Plenty — because

our remix teen program is the hottest thing on the ocean. Come make new friends and hang in your own dedicated Teen Lounge with music, games, dance parties, yoga and Playstation.® There are hip hop classes, karaoke, mocktail parties, late night poolside movies, talent shows, and “teen makeovers.”

if you haven’t checked it out,

come to remix.

it’s the place to be at sea!

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Whether for a few hours in the lounge or an evening of dancing, don’t miss this chance to cut loose and be enchanted by the night.

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Activities

nighttime

the

Night

belongs to you

step out for an evening of adventure and excitement on a ship of dreams

When was the last time you could

go out without a single worry — and have so much to choose from? it’s a rare luxury to be able to walk out of your stateroom any evening, and within a short stroll be able to take in a musical, roll the dice in a lively casino, settle into a piano bar for some cocktails and live music, or dance the night away in a state-of-the-art nightclub.

From comedy and magic acts to movies by the pool to champagne in an intimate lounge, there’s always more to do than you could fit in an evening.

Fortunately, you’ve got many nights ahead to enjoy all the evenings Princess ® holds in store for you.

Before retiring, you may want to drop by the Atrium for the fabulous Champagne Waterfall, or get out on deck for a stroll beneath the stars in the balmy tropical air.

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Casino

gaming

The onboard casinos offer a chance to play, watch the wheel spin, press the slot buttons and bring home the winnings.

Are you feeling lucky?

An evening of gaming and good fortune is beckoning you to the casino, where you can try your luck at any of your favorite games of chance.

Our fabulous, contemporary casinos blend a bit of the excitement of vegas with an elegant ambience to create a gaming experience unique to Princess. in these lively rooms, you can join other passengers for blackjack, roulette, and of course an array of slot machines.

There may even be a poker tournament getting under way with a seat just for you.

Whether you’re an avid gamer or just an occasional enthusiast, you’ll love the

Princess is your

Lady

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Princess casinos. Those on our grand ships are some of the largest at sea!

Luck

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Stunning sets, elaborate costumes and memorable music make our original Princess productions a highlight of your voyage.

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Shows

entertainment

Jazz

Music, dance & all that

Ladies and gentlemen,

please take your

seats. The lights are dimming, the curtain’s opening, and the show is about to begin.

Our original musicals

are unforgettable —

combining lavish stage sets and compelling scores with the song and dance of a troupe of professional singers and dancers. On every voyage with Princess,® you’ll have the opportunity to attend several different musical productions, each custom created just for our passengers. Check your Princess Patter each day to find out about that evening’s offering. And we’ll see you at the show!

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Princess

Captain’s Circle

®

Welcome to

The Circle

Whether it’s your first cruise with Princess,® or you’ve sailed with us many times before, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits and rewards of the best loyalty program at sea.

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Gold Members After your 1st completed cruise • Member benefits card • special launch savings • reduced Deposit • Preferential pricing offers • circle centersM Online - standBy Program - referral rewards - Circle savings AccountsM • Princess cruises captain’s circle Magazine • Princess cruises captain's circle enewsletter • free cruise Photo contest • access to a circle host onboard • Members-only on board events • Princess Passport • gold Member Pin

Platinum Members From your 6th-15th cruise, or 51-150 cruise days • credit toward internet café packages

By voyage’s end, it’s likely

To the right you’ll find

you will have made a new circle of friends at dinner or perhaps in the fitness center, boutiques, bars and lounges of your Princess ® ship. Like you, they’re all members of a very special group — those who’ve sailed with Princess, and those we hope will sail again.

a chart listing the benefits of various levels of membership. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to visit with the Circle Host on board, who can answer any questions you may have.

Welcome

to the best loyalty program at sea. The Princess Captain’s Circle ® was created to thank those passengers who cruise with us frequently — and to offer an incentive to our new passengers who may be joining us for the very first time.

A range of rewards awaits you, from exclusive onboard parties and events to access to a Circle Host on board every cruise who can answer any questions you might have about benefits. At higher levels, you’ll receive other perks like Preferred Check-in, complimentary wine tasting, complimentary internet credit, priority disembarkation and more!

You’ll receive a special Member Number as a Circle Member. Be sure to have it handy whenever booking, so you can be certain to take advantage of all your benefits.

But wait, there’s more...

Complete 20 cruises and you’ll earn Loyalty Commends onboard credits from $25 to $100. Other benefits include a private luncheon for the top 20 Most Traveled Passengers or a commemorative gift and bottle of champagne for the top 3 Most Traveled Passengers on each voyage.

NOTE: Captain Circle Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the Captain's Circle Program. Please visit princess.com or your Captain's Circle Host onboard, to review the full terms of the program and to obtain further details on Member benefits.

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Voyage

Minutes

7 days or less

150

8-20 days

250

21+ days

500

• upgrade to Princess Platinum vacation Protection • Preferred shoreside phone line • Platinum Disembarkation lounge • complimentary cruise atlas • Platinum Member Pin • Preferred check-in at embarkation

Elite Members From your 16th cruise on, or 151+ cruise days • complimentary shoe polishing, laundry and professional cleaning services • Priority ship to shore tender embarkation • Priority disembarkation • 10% boutique discount • complimentary grapevine wine tasting • complimentary mini-bar setup • Deluxe canapés on formal nights (upon request) • upgraded stateroom amenities • traditional afternoon tea in stateroom (upon request) • elite Member Pin

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Plan

a future journey

Book your next cruise

on board

Let a Future Cruise sales Consultant help you plan a future getaway, and you’ll get a reduced deposit and up to $300 in shipboard credits, even if you don’t yet know where you want to sail.

Book a cruise, or place a deposit, while you’re on board and receive a special offer — up to $300 shipboard credit per stateroom.

With just a reduced $100 refundable deposit per person, you’ll get a shipboard credit good on your next cruise with Princess. if you’re unsure of your future travel plans, simply make a deposit and take up to 2 years to decide. This exclusive offer is available only to our onboard passengers. see your Future Cruise Consultant for details.

Shipboard Credit*

Cruise Length

Stateroom Type

3-6 days

interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/suites

$15 $25

7-10 days

interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/suites

$25 $50

11-16 days

interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/suites

$75 $100

17+ days

interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/suites

$125 $150

(U.S./CAN)

Check the Princess Patter daily for office hours and location.

*Deposit is per person, for 1st and 2nd passenger only.

Note: Future Cruise Deposits are also available to international passengers. see Future Cruise Consultant for details.

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Arriving June 2013

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EMprizE /shuttErstock .coM

The Grand Canal in Venice, with the famed Rialto Bridge in the background.

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Ports of call 46 52 55 56 70

Asia & Africa Australia & New Zealand Canada & New England Europe South America

New worlds beckon. Royal landmarks in the British Isles. Temples in Asia. The darkly mysterious Amazon and the wildly beautiful Australian outback.

These and so many other experiences are unforgettably yours on a cruise vacation to the less tried and true.

Your ship will take you to one or more of the world’s exotic destinations — Asia, Africa, Australia, South America — or to its simply entrancing locales in Europe, Canada and New England. The pages that follow offer the highlights of these places, to inspire and enlighten your journey.

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DESTINATIONS Asia & Africa

Asia

A place of wonder and exhilarating extremes, Asia offers thousands of years of history, ancient religious shrines and temples, opulent palaces, war memorials, beaches, dense forests and bargain shopping framed by glittering skyscrapers.

This part of the world has an energy and excitement equally matched by the genuine warmth and welcoming smiles of the people. Asia is exotic, but its heart will make you feel at home.

TOP, FROM LEFT: The Forbidden City, Beijing; the Tian Tian Buddha at Po Lin Monastery on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island.

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China Historical wonders. From the mysterious and enigmatic Forbidden City — which was, in fact, forbidden to the public for 500 years — to the early-morning practitioners of tai chi gathering at the pagoda-like Temple of Heaven and the nearby Great Wall, Beijing exemplifies the greatness of China’s history.

Close by is Tianjin, China’s largest man-made port. The colorful city offers many popular attractions; experienced visitors make time for Food Street, filled with the flavors and aromas of authentic Chinese cuisine. Dalian offers a glimpse of China’s colonial past. Perched on the Liaodong Peninsula bordering the Yellow Sea and long prized by foreign

powers as the only ice-free port in the region, Dalian was occupied by czarist Russia and Imperial Japan at the turn of the 20th century.

Consumer culture. With a population topping 20 million, a history and character born in colonial roots and a future embodied in its spectacular skyline, Shanghai is a true showcase of East meeting West.

Here, traditional treasures such as the magnificent Yu Gardens and Old Town are juxtaposed with futuristic skyscrapers and modern commerce. Hong Kong is the place for extreme shopping. Look to Wan Chai and Sham Shui Po for tech gadgets and Mong Kok for

souvenirs, or gallery-hop along Hollywood Road for traditional Indian and Chinese art.

India Colonial remnants. Vestiges of India’s colonial past are preserved in the relics, architecture and traditions throughout India. Its oldest European settlement, Cochin, is a relaxing mix of the remains of British colonialism, Indian royalty and medieval Portuguese and Dutch country houses. Mumbai is India’s fast-beating heart, with teeming nightlife, Bollywood power moguls and financial centers; but grand colonial relics and cricket matches are never far away. Look for bling at the Zaveri Bazaar and

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left: leung chopan/shutterstock.com; I.t./shutterstock.com; rIght: treasure dragon/shutterstock.com; paolo gIantI/shutterstock

designer clothes along Colaba’s streets. For more ancient sites, visit the UNESCO-protected Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a stirring place of gargoyles and Gothic spires, or the incensefilled Babulnath temple.

Japan WWII remembrances. Japan’s role in World War II is inextricably linked to an instant of time when Hiroshima — now a modern, upbeat, prosperous city — became the site of the first atomic bomb blast at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945. The city’s Peace Memorial Park is a reminder of that fateful day. Nearby Nagasaki, the second place hit with an atomic bomb, is considered by many to be Japan’s most beautiful

city. Dominated by green hills dotted with houses perched on terraced slopes rising above its U-shaped harbor, its quaint streets welcome visitors. Iwo Jima, most famous as the site of the iconic photograph of Marines raising the U.S. flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, is only eight square miles in size. Osaka was bombed nearly flat during the war, and now seems an endless pile of concrete buildings. To see its modern footprint, look to the area of Osaka-jō and surrounding parks, the Osaka Aquarium and the nightlife of the Dotombori.

Technology and cherry blossoms.

As the world’s technology center, Tokyo seems obsessed with new ideas, new products and

new technology. Hunt for the latest electronic gadgets in Akihabara or find silk kimonos in Asakusa. North of Tokyo, Muroran’s Hakucho Bridge — the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan — looms over the fine brown sands of Itanki Beach.

About two hours away by train is Aomori, a World Heritage Site with many natural and historical attractions. The nearby Shirakami Mountains contain the world’s largest virgin forest of beech trees, and the area’s several ancient sites include the SannaiMaruyama Ruins dating form 4000 b.c. On the western coast of Japan lies Kagoshima, where shrines, temples and gardens bid a gracious welcome. Among the shrines is Kagoshima-jingu, believed to have been built by Japan’s first emperor, Jinmu. To the south, subtropical islands make up the “other Japan.” Here you will find Okinawa, a place of cherry blossoms and gardens, white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees.

FROM LEFT: Itsukushima Shinto Shrine in Miyajima, an island off Hiroshima; The Peace Statue in Peace Park, Nagasaki, created to express the desire to end war.

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the China Sea. Langkawi is Malaysia’s island paradise in the Straits of Malacca, surrounded by a spectacular turquoise sea, powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees under jungle-clad hills. It’s a designated duty-free zone, so be prepared for great shopping deals.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Giant demon statue guards an entrance to Wat Phra Kaew (the Grand Palace) in Bangkok; Langkawi hanging bridge, Malaysia; approaching Mumbai.

Malaysia Two for one. Cut in two by the South China Sea, Malaysia is like two different countries. On the peninsula is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s hub of international commerce, which boasts the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia. On the border of Thailand, Penang, known for historic churches, temples and sandy beaches, is the high-tech sector of the country.

Jungle paradises. Known by the locals as KK, Kota Kinabalu offers shopping, nightlife and beaches. It’s located on the northwest coast of Borneo (the “other” Malaysia), facing

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Thailand Warm welcome. Opulent palaces, ancient temples, irresistible bargains and sunny beaches draw people to Thailand, but it is the friendly Thai people who make visitors want to return.

Heart-pounding excitement, nonstop action and diverse architectural styles intermingle with the ancient, serene temples of Bangkok — more than 500 of them, including the dazzling Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the sacred Emerald Buddha; and Wat Pho, home to the 151-footlong golden reclining Buddha.

Dream destination. Lush green rainforests and miles of white-

sand beaches caressed by azure waters make Phuket the place for those who love water sports, seafood and quiet places to relax. No longer the paradise of pristine beaches and clear seas it once was, Ko Samui, an island off the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, still offers exciting nightlife, excellent shopping areas and some isolated beaches.

Vietnam War memorials. Once known as Saigon, the bustling Frenchcolonial Ho Chi Minh City has not forgotten its link to the war, as recalled in the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. You will also find quiet beaches, wonderful food and shopping at the Ben Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street. To the north are the beaches of tourist friendly Nha Trang, where diving, mud baths, mountain views and historic sites offer much for the visitor.

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DESTINATIONS Asia & Africa

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Princess shares more of Japan The beauty of Asia opens to Princess passengers more than ever in 2014, with a greatly expanded program that brings a second ship to Japan and visits more than 20 ports in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Asia.

Diamond Princess joins Sun Princess in cruising from three home ports in Japan: Tokyo (Yokohama); Kobe; and an industry first, Otaru, near Sapporo on Hokkaido.

From Tokyo, Diamond Princess visits Taiwan, South Korea, Hokkaido, Russia and 15 Japanese ports. Cruises include a special 10-day itinerary during Golden Week, the popular Asian holiday celebrated in late April and early May. In 2014, Diamond Princess also celebrates her 10th anniversary with a special call to the Nagasaki shipyard where she was built.

Meanwhile, Sun Princess cruises from Otaru and Kobe. The ship also visits the Japanese

islands of Ishigaki and Amami Oshima, as well as Abashiri and Hualien, Taiwan.

Princess is infusing the ships with a distinctly Asian ambience while sailing to these destinations.

To welcome their Japanese passengers — and anyone else who appreciates their culture — Diamond Princess and Sun Princess crews include Japanese-speaking crew members in key passengerfacing positions. Dining room menus feature dishes catering to Japanese tastes, such as an a la carte sushi bar, a Japanese breakfast, a noodle bar, regional tea tastings and a special sake menu. The captain’s welcome includes a traditional Kagami Wari ceremony, and specially designed enrichment programs offer insight into art, culture and history.

And as always, an extensive array of shore excursions in English and Japanese enable passengers to experience all the ports have to offer.

FROM TOP: Otaru Canal, lined with restored warehouses containing restaurants and shops; Odori Park, a mile-long space in Sapporo; Yoichi Nikka Whisky Brewery in Otaru.

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DESTINATIONS Asia & Africa

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Po Nagar Cham temple in Nha Trang, Vietnam; a temple in Bali, Indonesia; the skyline of bustling Singapore.

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Other Asia ports Bali: Besides breathtaking beaches and lush forests, visitors to this Indonesian nation can see elaborate stone carvings dating to the eighth century at the Goa Gaja (Elephant Caves), or visit Bedugul Botanical Garden and its more than 300 orchid varieties.

options. Relax on some of the world’s finest beaches. Explore the temples, halls and palaces of the last Sinhalese kingdom at Kandy. Or take a guided tour of an elephant orphanage.

Cheju Island, South Korea: Often called “the Island of the Gods,” this locale may remind you of Hawaii; like the 49th U.S. state, Cheju is built on volcanic rock and is known for frequent rain and a temperate climate. It’s also a popular honeymoon destination.

Lombok, Indonesia: The crystalline waters of the Lombok Strait separate the island of Lombok from its neighbor, Bali. Both are renowned for their traditional craft villages. Artisans produce the exquisite brocaded cloth called songket, elegant woodcarvings, and superb pottery made from local hillside clays. The island also possesses great natural beauty, from the dramatic rice terraces and plantations of the south to the tropical rain and cloud forests of the north.

Colombo, Sri Lanka: A visitor to Sri Lanka has a wealth of

Sihanoukville, Cambodia: Built in the 1950s as a deep-water

port and named after the king of Cambodia at that time, Sihanoukville is best known for its beaches and for excellent scuba diving and big-game fishing. It leads to Angkor, one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. Angkor Archaeological Park displays remains of the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries. Sites include the stunning Temple of Angkor Wat, built in the twelfth century.

Singapore: You’ll find Southeast Asia’s best shopping in Singapore, a blending of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western cultures.

Culinary delights are also a top draw in this modern, high-tech monument to consumerism. Don’t miss having a Singapore Sling in the colonial splendor of Raffles Hotel. — Jim Thompson

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Africa

LEFT: VaLEry Shanin/ShuTTErSTock.com; apoLLoFoTo/ShuTTErSTock.com; DmiTry koSTErEV/ShuTTErSTock.com pETE niESEn/ShuTTErSTock.com; maxphoTo/ShuTTErSTock; ZhukoV oLEg / ShuTTErSTock.com

The ports of these far-flung destinations offer ample rewards for the curious traveler. Here, ancient mysteries are revealed in distinctive settings and in modern environments. These treasures await exploration: glorious temples, inspiring architecture, intriguing markets and sights of magnificent natural beauty.

Diverse drama. Where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean is where you’ll find Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and most diverse city. Here are Europeaninfluenced architecture, a gleaming waterfront, rolling wine lands and a 1,305-acre botanical paradise, all poised against a dramatic mountain plateau.

Get a gorgeous snapshot of it on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, then get a view into Cape Town history at the District Six Museum and Robben Island.

The complex, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meandering around the bottom of the continent, you’ll come to East London, South Africa’s only river port. The town has a laidback charm, but as gateway to a coastal nature reserve, it also has a wild side: 7,400 acres of coastal nature reserve sandwiched between two rivers. Inland, Mgwali Village, the oldest village in Eastern Cape, showcases African culture and entertainment.

Plenty of urban distractions fill Durban, renowned for its worldclass tourist attractions. Fronting the Indian Ocean, the Golden Mile stretches from the familyfriendly uShaka Marine World in the south to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north. Along this dazzling stretch are traditional market vendors selling Zulu art and crafts. Want a lift? Hail a Zulu rickshaw pulled by an elaborately costumed driver.

Island reveries. The Indian Ocean boasts exotic jewels above and below the sea. A standout is the port of Pointe des Galets on Reunion Island; its volcanic mountains, lush tropical forests and flowering gardens evoke Hawaii, while its lively café culture recalls Paris.

Moroccan moods. Cosmopolitan and historic, Casablanca is Morocco’s most modern city. It’s home to art galleries, palm-lined boulevards and Mauresque, an exotic architectural fusion of Art Deco, French-colonial and traditional Moroccan style. Also a

standout: the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims.

More than 6,000 traditional Moroccan artisans worked on the building, dramatically poised on a rocky outcrop above the ocean and large enough to contain Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral.

Suez sites. Situated 135 miles east on a wonder of the modern world — the Suez Canal — is Port Said, site of the waterway’s 1869 inauguration. The city’s gracious old architecture and towering minarets herald travelers heading south through the canal to Sharm el-Sheikh, a year-round destination for water sports and eco-tourism. From there, it’s just an 80-mile jaunt across the Red Sea to Port Safaga and the black-sand beaches that lure sun-worshippers. Port Safaga also draws remedy seekers to its many therapeutic spas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Undeniably the Middle East’s trendiest destination, Dubai contrasts ancient souks and modern shopping malls, sloping dunes and lush golf greens, gleaming skyscrapers and remote villages. No desert oasis, it’s a place of extreme sports, shopping and entertainment. — Lana Bortolot

TOP, FROM LEFT: Dramatic cliffs facing the shore at Cape Town, South Africa; Hassan II Mosque and Minaret in Casablanca, Morocco.

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DESTINATIONS Australia & New Zealand

Australia

Beguiling and bewitching, the land Down Under is packed with surprises. The vibrant cities of Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, offer superb museums, tempting boutiques and exquisite dining. Nature takes center stage in the wide-open spaces and picturesque shores: Eye-popping coral reefs and wonderfully weird wildlife lure visitors to Australia, while spectacular fjords and steamy geysers, together with the fascinating Maori culture, enchant travelers in New Zealand.

TOP, FROM LEFT: A view of the city from beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge; a vineyard in the Barossa Valley, northeast of Adelaide.

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Northern Region: Top this. The outback outpost of Darwin is home to a rugged set of Crocodile Dundee-like individuals along with a fair share of real live crocs.

Locals call the region the Top End. Visitors who take a cruise on the Adelaide River to see the famous jumping crocodiles will call Darwin unforgettable. The maze of six-foottall termite mounds at Litchfield National Park is equally amazing.

Queensland: Reefs and rarities.

High-speed catamarans skim over the shimmering Pacific from picturesque Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Watching schools of brilliantly colored fish and gently swaying corals through a snorkel mask is a stirring adventure. The reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, stretches over 1,800 miles along the Queensland coast and is within a boat ride of Port Douglas.

Touring trendy Brisbane, set on the Brisbane River, is as easy as crossing a bridge or hopping on a city ferry linking attractions on the river’s south and north shores. The city offers a touch of the best of Australia, from viewing Aboriginal art at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art to strolling amid tropical plants in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Visitors are allowed to cuddle koalas for photo ops, a rare treat, at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Southern Region: Lovely to see. Sailing into Sydney Harbour, past the iconic Opera House and up to the Harbour Bridge, is one of cruising’s great moments. Ships dock within walking distance of The Rocks historic district, the Opera House and the lovely Royal Botanic Gardens. Nearby, Darling Harbour features the Sydney Aquarium and bustling waterfront cafés.

Tree-lined boulevards, peaceful parks and classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture abound in Adelaide. Shore excursions feature the famous Barossa Valley wine-growing region, oliveoil tastings, and sessions for sampling the luscious goodies at Haigh’s Chocolate Factory.

Tasmania: Wild present and past. National parkland covers 40 percent of the state of Tasmania, a rugged, heartshaped island lying off Australia’s southeast coast. Near Hobart, its capital, Bonorong Wildlife Park is home to such favorite critters as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus and, naturally, the Tasmanian devil. Mount Field National Park, an hour’s drive from town, is a plant lover’s paradise. Tours from Burnie, on Tasmania’s north shore, explore Wing’s Wildlife Park, a respite for injured animals. Port Arthur is famous

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as the site of an 1800s prison, recalling Australia’s past as a British penal colony. It features 30 restored buildings on the so-called escape-proof grounds.

Victoria: Sophisticated sights.

Cosmopolitan Melbourne, with its lively arts scene, stylish shops and fine dining, is a delight. Beyond city limits, grand adventures await. Horseback riders go wine-tasting. Rail buffs climb aboard Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest steam train, for an exciting ride through forests and ferns, while brilliant red and blue parakeets fly overhead.

Western Region: Dramatic scenes. The west coast’s wild expanses and endless seas are legendary. Bunbury is renowned for the bottlenose dolphins playing in Koombana Bay. Geraldton’s beaches attract aquatic sports enthusiasts.

Further north, Broome offers camel-riding on the sparkling white sands of Cable Beach.

The incredibly beautiful Kimberly Coast is an awesome showplace of red-rock cliffs with waterfalls plunging into turquoise pools.

Fremantle, the port for Perth, is the site of the intriguing Aquarium of Western Australia.

FROM TOP: A rural field in Tasmania; rock cliffs in Purnululu National Park, Kimberly Coast.

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North Island: Sailing through. On a clear, breezy day, Auckland — the City of Sails — plays host to hundreds of sailboaters. Visitors are welcome to join the boating crowd, be it on a sightseeing yacht cruise or a ferry headed to Waiheke Island for scenic walks.

Landlubbers get their bearings high atop the Sky Tower, where the observation terrace offers sweeping, 360-degree city views.

An overview of New Zealand’s colorful history unfolds at the Auckland Museum, and nautical events are key at the National Maritime Museum.

A call at The Bay of Islands means fun in the sun and surf.

History buffs can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, considered the birthplace of New Zealand. It was here, in 1840, that Maoris and the British governor signed the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing British law and giving Maoris ownership of their lands.

TOP, FROM LEFT: View from Manganui Mountain, Tauranga, New Zealand; Auckland’s modern skyline.

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Tauranga is the gateway to Maori culture and one of the world’s most active geothermal regions.

Steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools created by volcanic upheaval thousands of years ago dot the otherworldly landscape.

colonial cottages and streets with French names are the legacy of the unfulfilled dream of colonizing New Zealand.

Art Deco and Napier are practically synonymous. The town, rebuilt in Art Deco style following a 1930s earthquake, features rows of colorful houses and shops trimmed in the era’s decorative fashion. Picture Miami’s South Beach without the neon.

Bagpipers greet arriving cruisers in Dunedin, which makes disembarking more than a wee bit like stepping into Scotland.

Scottish settlers founded the city in 1848. Examples of their regal architectural style include the much-photographed stone railway station. As New Zealand’s ecotourism capital, Dunedin is renowned for the Royal Albatross Center on Taiaroa Head. These rugged cliffs boast the world’s only mainland breeding albatross colony. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, too, nest in the windswept hills.

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city on the waterfront, is made for walking. A stroll along the quay winds past shops and harbor cafés to the outstanding Te Papa Museum packed with cultural treasures, even a virtual bungee jump. A cable car whisks visitors uphill to the Botanic Garden. A drive through the mountains leads to the Wairarapa vineyards for a taste of wine, history and country-style hospitality.

South Island: Touches of Europe. The country’s only French settlement, Akaroa, is nestled on a deep harbor. Comfy

With hundreds of waterfalls cascading down 14 picturesque fjords, Fiordland National Park is all about water. Milford Sound, with its triangle-shaped Mitre Peak, is the most famous of the park’s glacier-carved fjords. It’s also the wettest, with up to 200 inches of waterfall-making rain a year. — Ginger Dingus

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New Zealand

DESTINATIONS Australia & New Zealand

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DESTINATIONS Canada & New England

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On the waterfronts. The port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, shows its lively personality at the art and cultural district at the south end of the harbour. A favorite stop is the Canadian Museum of Immigration, which reveals Halifax’s past as a major immigration entry point. The story of Sydney, Nova Scotia, is told with statues and plaques along the Oceanfront Esplanade. Many have fallen in love with the nearby town of Baddeck — including Alexander Graham Bell, whose summer home, Beinn Bhreagh, is now a museum. Visitors to Québec City are forever impressed by the cobbled alleyways and old stone buildings in North America’s only walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits atop a bluff overlooking the St. Charles and St. Lawrence rivers.

Natural beauties. Appealing shops and cafés line the waterfront of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Beyond

it, hiking trails meander along rolling hills in the peaceful countryside of one of Canada’s most pleasant provinces. Nature also figures prominently in Saint John, New Brunswick, known as the Fundy City for its place on the gorgeous Bay of Fundy.

Among its incredible natural wonders are the Reversing River Rapids, which actually flow upstream because of string tides in the bay.

Canada’s scenery seems to get better with each stop, and the far-northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador is no exception. But it’s not all about nature. Visitors to Corner Brook can choose to explore shops, restaurants and museums as well as the nearby mountain and forest trails. In St. John’s, stroll beyond the quaint waterfront and you’ll find a colorful cultural scene, offering museums, galleries and theaters galore.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cape Bear Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island; the walled city of Québec; The Elms Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.

New England

Canada

The hardy regions of Canada and New England are home to quaint fishing villages, charming towns and elegant cities, all steeped in a past that is honored and preserved. People here know they are inextricably linked with nature, and fiercely cherish and protect their mountains, rivers and seas. The climate may be frosty at times, but the welcome is warm.

Elite retreats. Some New England locales made their marks as playgrounds for the wealthy, but now offer to everyone the privilege of enjoying their breathtaking coastlines and other dramatic scenery. In Bar Harbor, Maine, originally the summer home of such names as Rockefeller and Vanderbilt, visitors can stroll through the lovely downtown or hike through vast Acadia National Park. The town of Newport, Rhode Island, has much more to recommend it than its famed mansions: Winery tours, bike treks and specialty shopping are just a few of the pleasures here.

The hub of it all. History is just one of many reasons to see New England’s “hub” city, Boston.

The birthplace of the American Revolution also offers prestigious institutions of art, culture and education, from Harvard University to its many art museums — not to mention Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox and their fiercely devoted fans.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

Mediterranean & Greek Isles

Dubrovnik has a fine seat on the Adriatic Sea.

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ancient island that combines breathtaking scenery in the interior with fascinating culture on the coast. Amid the many historic sites are some of Croatia’s leading wineries.

that’s reflected in the cultured and cosmopolitan makeup of the city. Visitors flock to the many museums and galleries and to a lively café culture, all of it enlivened with an ethnic melting pot of French, Arabic and Italian ancestry. Lovers of the sea also flock to Sète, home to a tantalizing open-air seafood market. Great artists also have come here to work, attracted by the clear, soft light.

France

French Riviera

The great ports of Europe have enthralled travelers for centuries, and those on the Mediterranean hold special allure. From the ancient remains of classical Greece and Rome to the elegant resorts of the French Riviera, one visit is not enough to experience all the history, culture and romance they offer.

Croatia (Very) old towns. The famed city of Dubrovnik is best known for its Old Town, dating from the seventh century. Encircled by walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries, Old Town’s cobblestoned streets lead past well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque cathedrals, monasteries and museums.

Dubrovnik also is known for its beautiful beaches on the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is even older, with a 1,700-year-old harbor and historic sites such as the palace that the Emperor Diocletian began building in a.d. 295. On the Riva waterfront, you can grab a glass of wine or a local seafood dish and stroll along the palm-lined Promenade. Halfway between the two cities is Korcula, an

A world apart. From its verdant setting on the island of Corsica, the port of Ajaccio rises elegantly.

Along its streets are fascinating museums, historic churches and other evidence of a rich past, while busy markets and plentiful water sports attest to a lively present. Firsttime visitors may arrive knowing only that Corsica is the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, but they leave remembering Ajaccio’s charming streetscapes and exhilarating natural beauty.

Scenic seaports. Decades of artists and writers have found their inspiration in Marseille, and

Soignée on the sea. Cosmopolitan and chic, and yet still relaxed and warm, the French Riviera is one of those locales whose name says it all. Perhaps the ultimate in pleasure resorts, the region also surprises with quaint charms that garnish sun-drenched beaches and elegant promenades.

Cannes’ annual film festival draws worldwide celebrities, who come back for the sunny beaches and glamorous nightlife. It’s also where Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III, becoming princess of nearby Monaco after she married him.

The principality offers much more than the celebrated Monte Carlo

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casino: Besides art and history museums, you can stroll through many picturesque spots including a rose garden dedicated to the late Princess Grace. Nestled between these two lovely resorts is elegant Nice, where many visitors begin their day at the open-air market and finish with a stroll through lovely Vieux Nice, the old city.

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Gibraltar

Still standing. The Rock of Gibraltar rises from the Mediterranean. Invading armies came and went with regularity over the early centuries of the last millennium, but since 1713, the British flag has flown proudly over the Rock’s battle-scarred Moorish castle, which still overlooks the sea.

Greece Myths and monuments. Who but the goddess of wisdom could lend her name to the

birthplace of civilization? Athena’s namesake, Athens, presents its ancient pedigree in the remnants of monuments, statuary and sacred sites such as the grand Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.

Olympia is where the mythical gods battled in sport every four years and where human athletes first began competing in the Olympic Games of the ancient era. Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese, has felt the influence of ancient Greeks, Romans and Turks; of crusading knights, early-20th-century Italians and modern Greeks. Here, the immense Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood watch from the harbor.

Idyllic islands. The island of Corfu is blessed with natural beauty. Steep slopes rise from the eastern coast, sheltering

turquoise coves; golden sands stretch along western shores; fertile valleys nurture olive and citrus groves. Mykonos is dotted with chapels and windmills. Richblue balconies accent a labyrinth of tidy white houses adorned with crimson geraniums. In Santorini, whitewashed villages cling to steep cliffs that hover over blacklava beaches, all framed by blue sky and sapphire sea. On Crete, the quaint harbor town Aghios Nikolaos leads to the Minoan ruins at Knossos. Rocky, humble Patmos is officially designated a sacred island; it was the final home of St. John, who wrote the New Testament’s Book of Revelation in what is now called the Grotto of the Revelation.

The ancient world celebrated Volos as the launching place for Jason and the Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece; today, holy men seek God from monasteries built atop the island’s towering cliffs.

Italy The Eternal City. In its heyday, Rome was the headquarters of the largest and most powerful empire in the world; it later became the center of Christianity.

Both eras offer stirring evidence of their times. The Colosseum remains a captivating monument to the days when thousands watched Roman gladiators do battle; pilgrims now travel by

TOP, FROM LEFT: Gibraltar, the mighty rock; Monte Carlo, a chic getaway. LEFT: Cannes draws sun-seekers and celebrity-spotters.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

RIGHT: Ruins of the Acropolis in Athens. BELOW: The unmistakeable blue rooftops of Santorini, Greece; St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Rome.

the thousands to worship at St. Peter’s Basilica or be transfixed

by Michelangelo’s powerful painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The Roman Empire’s last seat was Ravenna, which eventually became first the barbarians’ capital and then a major hub in the Byzantine Empire. Ravenna also leads to the venerable cities of Bologna and Ferrara.

The grand city. Romance is all but assured in Venice, which mesmerizes visitors with its enchanting waterfront, filigreetrimmed palaces, meandering canals and gracefully arched bridges. The bustling pedestrianonly streets abound with delightful temptations, and the nearby island of Murano is known for its glass artistry.

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art and architecture. At every turn are reminders of the city’s glorious past, and not just its structural glories. The Basilica di Santa Croce holds a shrine to the writer Dante and the tomb of Michelangelo — whose Sistine Chapel fresco was inspired by Filippo Brunelleschi’s painting under the dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Coastal allure. The Campania region, gateway to southern Italy, romances visitors with breathtaking views and rugged charm. And in a nation defined by great food and wine, Campania is arguably the ultimate foodie heaven: Naples, after all, gave the world pizza. Once the domain of kings and wealthy noblemen, modern Naples is a lively, working port city along the lovely Amalfi Coast. Across the blue waters of its bay lies the isle of Capri, where fragrant lemon groves and other beautiful scenery have drawn visitors since the days of ancient Rome. The dramatic Blue Grotto is still the must-see attraction here. A bit south is the alluring town of Sorrento, high on the cliffs above the sea.

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Across the bay can be seen Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in a.d. 79 and destroyed the then-prosperous city of Pompeii.

Completely buried by molten lava, Pompeii is one of the world’s most magnificently preserved ancient cities. Excavations later unearthed sumptuous private homes that featured colonnaded central courtyards with lavish fountains and interior murals painted in vivid colors.

Style setters. The ports of the Italian Riviera are renowned for their beauty and relaxed elegance. Portofino, nestled within a tiny cove along the Riviera, is one of Italy’s most beautiful seafront villages.

Buildings adorned in muted ocher and earthen-tinted colors line the harbor, where lavish yachts sit side by side with quaint fishing boats and pleasure craft.

Old in the new. The city of Messina, portal to the island of Sicily, literally is both ancient and modern: Much of the city has been built or refurbished only in the last 100 years, due to a devastating 1908 earthquake and then to bombings during World War II. Students of the great artist Caravaggio are

drawn to the Regional Museum of Messina. Another island, Sardinia, offers a dramatic coastline that attracts beach lovers and a dramatic heritage that covers prehistoric, medieval and modern times.

Malta Capital scene. Crystal-clear waters, striking walled cities, picturesque fishing villages and arcane Neolithic temples older than Stonehenge all draw travelers to Malta. Valletta, the capital, is filled with Baroque architecture and other intriguing attractions.

Spain Mediterranean delights. The artistic and intellectual capital, Barcelona is best known for the art of Pablo Picasso and the architecture of Antonio Gaudí. The fanciful Parc Güell is a favorite place to take in Gaudí’s modern designs, while beautiful medieval buildings make up the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). Be sure to make your way to Las Ramblas, a neighborhood of wide, tree-lined boulevards in the Old City, take in fabulous art and architecture, browse and buy at the vibrant Boqueria Market, or just relax at a café and watch it all go by.

TOP, FROM LEFT: Gliding to the Rialto bridge in Venice; the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence; Naples hugs Italy’s scenic Amalfi Coast; ruins of Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Sunset over The Blue Mosque, Istanbul; The Opera and Ballet Theater in Odessa; The Sultan’s audience hall inside Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.

The Black Sea

Lithuania

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Cool it. The country’s thirdlargest city, Klaipeda, was once the capital of the Prussian Kingdom and celebrated its 760th birthday in 2012. Its attitude is anything but old. It is a leading light in architecture and design, and attracts a youthful-minded crowd. Jazz clubs, museums and galleries help Klaipeda keep its cool at night; daytime offers pretty parks and gardens.

Romania Ancient and updated. Perched on the west coast of the Black Sea, Constanta claims a history stretching back 2,500 years.

Founded by Greek colonists in the sixth century b.c., it now offers restaurants, nightclubs

and cabarets along with many historic sites — including the Museum of Natural History, which is in Ovid Square, namesake of the great Roman poet Ovid.

Turkey Exotic escapes. Irresistible shopping awaits in Istanbul, a sprawling city laid out in three sections on two continents — East meets West in Turkey, literally.

Originally named Constantinople, it became Istanbul after its conquest by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The city’s busy harbor is filled with handsome crisscrossing ferries, while large tankers and container ships thread their way along the Bosphorus. Its treasures include the Topkapi Palace, the residence of reigning sultans

until the mid-19th century; and Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century church that later became a mosque and is now a museum.

Ukraine Beach beauties. The largest city on the Black Sea, Odessa offers a mild climate, sunny beaches and a multicultural attitude, factors that often bring comparisons to the Mediterranean. Tree-lined streets, eclectic architecture and pleasant squares, not to mention its friendly people, make Odessa a memorable stop. The beauty of Yalta has made the Crimean coastal city a popular resort since the 19th century, when it was imperial Russia’s version of the Côte d’Azur.

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The Holy Land

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Columns of the Celsus Library of ancient Ephesus; a view of Cairo from the Saladin Citadel; Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, Temple Mount and Archaeological Park; a mummy at Alexandria National Museum.

Wondrous city. Egypt’s largest port, Alexandria, holds some of its oldest antiquities — no surprise, considering it once housed the Royal Library of Alexandria, the ancient world’s largest library.

See a modern version of it in a restored Italian-style palace. Other top sites here are the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the ancient acropolis; and the Alexandria National Museum, featuring 1,800 artifacts from Pharaonic to modern times. The city is the gateway to Cairo, home of the Great Pyramids.

Ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are reached from the port of Kuşadasi, a major Turkish resort and tourist center where shops beckon with a dazzling array of gold and silver jewelry, alabaster vases, Turkish carpets

and other luxurious souvenirs. Life was even grander in Ephesus, which saw its heyday in the first and second centuries b.c. One of the best-preserved Mediterranean cities of the classical era, it offers many glimpses into its past, among them the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus.

Pilgrim paths. People of all faiths are drawn to Jerusalem, whether to visit the Western Wall, the most sacred Jewish shrine, or to enter the multi-

denominational Church of the Holy Sepulcher, said to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Israel’s other ancient sites, Galilee and Nazareth, attract not only religious pilgrims, but also historians, archaeologists and those seeking restorative therapies. Trekkers come for the three-year-old Jesus Trail, a hiking and pilgrimage route that begins in Nazareth and traverses biblical sites such as the Sea of Galilee, Tiberius and the Jordan River en route to Galilee.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

British Isles

Northern Regions

England

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Castle Cornet Gardens in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, in the Channel Islands; the Parliament building and Big Ben on the Thames River, London; Blarney Castle, Cork.

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From great literature and art to the most revered principles of government — not to mention the game of golf — the British Isles have contributed more than their share to Western civilization.

England, Scotland and Wales make up Great Britain; add Northern Ireland and you have the United Kingdom (U.K.). The Republic of Ireland has been independent of the U.K. since 1922.

Kings, queens and commoners.

The monarchy and its effects are everywhere in London, it seems, from the mesmerizing Crown Jewels in the Tower of London to the venerated souls of the poets laid to rest in Westminster Abbey. The city has no fewer than three royal residences: Buckingham Palace, the official home of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip; Hampton Court, one of Henry VIII’s several houses; and Kensington Palace, whose residents once included Diana, Princess of Wales. It’s likely that Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery are on your sightseeing list, but be sure to also make time for the less blue-blooded attractions: the restored Victorian market at Covent Garden; modern shopping at famed Harrods; and the theater district of the West End. Liverpool is well known as the birthplace of The Beatles, who managed to be both real and legendary, but it has many other artistic and cultural attractions in its own right.

Legendary spaces. London is just the first of England’s history lessons. Thanks to the Norman Conquest of 1066, the

realm includes the Channel Islands off the coast of France.

Colorful flowers, fishing boats and whitewashed cottages make Guernsey the prettiest of them.

Stroll among the cafés, pubs and boutiques of St. Peter Port, the capital, or hop a ferry to visit the other Channels. Falmouth, in Cornwall, claims an even longer history — all the way back to the sixth century — as the home of the mythic King Arthur, who supposedly was born at Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s northern coast.

Country style. The English countryside is as lovely as you’ve heard, and Dartmouth leads to some of its loveliest spots. Storybook-pretty Devon is a place of classic English gardens — including one at the former home of Dame Agatha Christie — as well as the famed clotted cream that’s a must at tea time.

Ireland Irish charms. In Dublin, favorite walks include the Georgian-style Merrion Square, where William Butler Yeats once lived and where a statue of Oscar Wilde rests on a large rock. The picturesque city of Cork is filled with an enchanting network of quays

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and bridges. Nearby is Blarney Castle, where the Blarney Stone is said to confer eloquence on anyone who “kisses” it. Lovers of fine lead crystal make time to visit Waterford, where artisans at the House of Waterford demonstrate the techniques used to create the coveted glassware since the 1700s. The city has been in existence since medieval times, and like many places in these isles, it has a strong Viking heritage.

Northern Ireland Deep Celtic roots. Long an important center of shipbuilding, Belfast today has an active arts movement and wonderful shopping and sightseeing. Its four iconic neighborhoods are known as the Quarters: the Titanic, named for the most famous of the many ocean liners built here; the Cathedral, dominated by St. Anne’s Cathedral; Queen’s, where Queen’s University inspires vivacious entertainment and culture; and Gaeltacht (“gaeltock-t”), where the original village of Belfast first took root and which celebrates the Celtic language, music, literature and culture.

Scotland Castles and creatures. The ancient Edinburgh Castle watches over the city of Edinburgh, which is also the home of St. Giles’ Cathedral and Holyrood Palace, the official Edinburgh residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The city is reached by ferry from the port of Rosyth. Glasgow, the U.K.’s Second City, is close to the Scottish Lowlands and the “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond. Inverness has a lot more to offer than Loch Ness’ legendary “sea monster,” Nessie. Galleries, cafés and shops fill the historic seaport.

Viking shores. From the beaches of Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, just off the northeastern tip of Scotland, you may catch a glimpse of seals, porpoises, whales, orcas or dolphins. Go a bit more northeast to the Shetland Islands, where Viking settlements are still in evidence and where the many other archaeological sites include ruins of the 3,000-year-old Clickimin Broch, which sits in the center of Lerwick.

Wales Welsh welcome. The ancient port of Milford Haven is a gateway to other destinations in Wales, but you may decide to stay put and explore this beautiful city.

It was founded as a city in the eighteenth century, but its harbor had long been a haven for Viking and Irish ships. You’d do well to seek shelter in one of Milford Haven’s cafés, boutiques and galleries. If you hunger for history, the surrounding countryside offers dramatic castles and other fascinating sites.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s royal family for centuries; the east bank of the River Ness in Inverness; the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow; St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orklney Islands.

Canary Islands Naturally yours. Active volcanoes and an otherworldly landscape make Lanzarote one of the world’s most remarkable locales.

Gran Canaria’s chief city, Las Palmas, is a busy, happening place with a historic old section, sizzling nightlife and golden sandy beaches. Tenerife is blanketed with banana plantations, almond groves, pine forests and poinsettias as tall as trees, and claims Spain’s tallest peak: the 12,198-foot-high Mount Teide.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

France

Estonia

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Town Hall Square in Tallinn; The Louvre in Paris, with I.M. Pei’s Pyramid at left; the Bode Museum in Berlin.

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Modern and medieval. A jumble of alleys, towers and turrets gives Tallinn the look of something imagined by the Brothers Grimm.

It is one of the most picturesque and best-preserved medieval cities of Europe; its Old Town section, built from the 13th to 16th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has retained its original structures remarkably well. That’s especially impressive when you consider that Estonia is Europe’s — and possibly the world’s — most connected country, with 100 percent Wi-Fi access, much of it free. And within Old Town’s meandering wall, you’ll find cafés, boutiques and art galleries that invite strolling, shopping and celebrating. The Kadriorg district offers more views of Tallinn’s history, from the days of Estonia’s rule by Russian czars through Soviet-era domination.

City of love. Artists, writers, historians and, of course, lovers, have been drawn to Paris for centuries. They come for the beauty of the Seine River, the inspiration of the Louvre’s art collection, the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, the gastronomic genius of the restaurants, the serenity of the Champs-Élysées.

About an hour away is Rouen, where Claude Monet tended his garden and painted the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen — and where French military heroine Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy. Further on is the jaw-dropping glory of Versailles and its gardens.

Remembering the fallen. Paris is the gateway to Normandy, where the Allied invasion in 1944 liberated much of Europe. Those terrible yet hopeful days are remembered at museums and memorials such as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and the Allies’ landing area, Omaha Beach.

Germany Stoic style. From the devastating Thirty Years War to World War II and the fall of Communism, Berlin has had a turbulent past — and doesn’t shy away from the worst of it. The city’s many memorials include the Jewish Museum and the Brandenburg Gate, which once divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War. A look back at the city’s entire history comes

at Alexanderplatz, named in honor of an 1805 visit by Russian Czar Alexander I. Known as Alex to Berliners, the square began as a cattle market in the Middle Ages and later became a military square; its finest hours may have been Nov. 4, 1989, when 1 million people gathered in a protest that ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Other memories are stirred at Charlottenburg Palace, the Baroque summer retreat that the future Prussian King Frederick I built between 1695 and 1699 for his wife, Sophie Charlotte.

Iceland Cool hotspots. Art, music, literature and cinema abound in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, where fans of art and design mingle on Listagil, the Street of the Arts.

Icelanders’ love of the outdoors is evident as well — Akureyri is, after all, officially designated as the winter sports center of Iceland, and claims the northernmost botanical garden and northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world. Skiing, skating and ice-fishing are top sports, but visitors also can watch whales or just relax in one of many geothermal pools. Take a trip to the nearby island of Grimsey and you can say you’ve been to the Arctic Circle. Reykjavik also boasts an active cultural tradition.

Its symphony orchestra and opera company are at home in the new Harpa-Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre,

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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, Estonia.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

and the city offers many art and heritage museums. Reykjavik leads to Iceland’s stunning natural wonders, which range from ice fields to boiling thermal pools that enable many Icelanders to enjoy open-air swimming pools even in frigid weather.

Netherlands

FROM TOP: The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Reykjavik; traveling one of the many canals in Amsterdam.

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Canals and culture. The canals that wind through Amsterdam began as part of this protection when the city was founded in the Middle Ages, but merchants soon discovered they happened to be an efficient way to transport goods to and from the harbor and around the city. Fanning out in fanciful semicircles around the Amstel River are 165 canals that make up some 60 miles of waterways and are spanned by almost 1,300 bridges. Canal boats are just one of several ways to get around the city, which has more than 50 museums; collections range from the lighthearted (coffee, tulips, Russian vodka) to the sobering (the Anne Frank House)

and the uplifting (works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt). More than Amsterdam’s neighbor, Rotterdam proudly calls itself “the architectural capital of the Netherlands,” and the sleek designs throughout the city back up the boast. Ballet, opera, classical music and theater are among the other cultural offerings, and shopping mavens will be glad to know that spacious malls are among Rotterdam’s designs.

Portugal Exploring history. The capital and largest city, Lisbon, celebrates great Portuguese explorers — Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and others — with the Monument to the Discoveries overlooking the harbor. Modern-day voyagers who wish to linger in this sophisticated city have plenty of reason: It’s a walker’s paradise, with charms around every corner. Specialties here are seafood, honey bread and fado, Portugal’s hauntingly beautiful form of musical ballad.

Fragrant and flavorful. The island of Madeira — Pearl of the Atlantic — is scented with the aroma of mimosa, pine and eucalyptus. Its location in the midst of an Atlantic archipelago lends a luxurious subtropical exoticism, and its rich volcanic soil and mild year-round climate nourish an abundance of tropical flowers and plants. Madeira’s most prized fruit is the grape that

creates the fortified wine named after the island of its production.

Spain Andalusian allure. The southern coast includes the famed Costa del Sol, a once-quiet seaside that became a celebrity-fueled glamour spot in the mid-20th century. In Málaga, as Spanish a city as you are likely to find, jasmine and bougainvillea gardens enhance the ancient streets and lovely old villas. It’s worth making time to visit Granada’s Alhambra, the world’s most outstanding Moorish castle, about an hour away.

Regional character. The Basque region, on the border with France, is one of Spain’s oldest regions, but it has more than kept up with modern times. Bilbao, on the Bay of Biscay, is the center of Basque culture and economic development. It is home to two of the country’s finest art galleries, the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, housing works by great masters including El Greco, Goya and Gauguin. Vigo, in the Galicia region next to Portugal, boasts one of Spain’s finest fishing ports. The city’s maritime heritage is best seen by wandering on the winding cobbled streets, where sailors patronize tiny shops and cafés. The medieval-flavored Old Quarter offers plazas and fine dining where visitors can enjoy excellent regional cuisine.

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Alhambra Palace near Mรกlaga.

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DESTINATIONS Europe

Scandinavia & Russia

Finland

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Vadestedet, a popular gathering spot in Aarhus, Denmark; the cathedral in Senate Square, Helsinki; Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) at Lysefjorden in Stavanger, Norway.

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Denmark Fairy-tale city. The birthplace of beloved author Hans Christian Andersen is one of Northern Europe’s most charming cities.

Copenhagen’s network of canals inspires its nickname, the Venice of the North. Highlights of a visit include the fabled statue of Andersen’s The Little Mermaid; the cafés, restaurants and gabled houses along the Nyhavn canal; the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square; and the lovely paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe’s most celebrated pleasure gardens.

Forever young. Residents of Aarhus, on the east-central coast, say the high number of university students and the popularity of nightlife along the Aarhus River means Arhus is “young at heart.” The city also proudly promotes its Old Town, Den Gamle By, which re-creates life in the days of Denmark’s revered Hans Christian Andersen. The city boasts many castles and manor houses, including Marselisborg Castle, the summer residence of Denmark’s royal family.

Culture and commerce.

Occupying a spectacular seat on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a clean, stylish city noted for classical music, innovative designers and contemporary architecture. The commercial center, Aleksanterinkatu, has been compared to New York City’s Times Square for all the shops, cafés and restaurants along the street, and it’s convenient to key attractions such as Senate Square, the University of Helsinki, the Ritarihuone, the Helsinki Cathedral and the Nordea Bank. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Helsinki Philharmonic perform at spectacular Finlandia Hall.

The concert hall overlooks Toono Bay, which is a popular summer jogging and walking destination for the healthconscious Finns.

crown jewel of these glaciercarved waterways. In Stavanger, hikers are rewarded with aweinspiring views from above Lysefjord. In the city itself are Stavanger Cathedral, founded in about 1125, and the Canning Museum, which honors the fishing industry with which Stavanger first prospered. Even Norway’s capital city, Oslo, sits at the head of Oslo Fjord, which, together with the forested mountains in the background, makes a majestic view as your ship approaches the harbor.

The modern city offers many attractions for the more-urban visitors, of course, and students of history should stop at the Viking Ship Museum for a step back to the nation’s origins.

Scene stealers. While the fjords are ever-present nearly everywhere you go in Norway, other features

Norway Still waters. Deep-water fjords ringed by high-peaked mountains are among Norway’s most treasured elements, and so are the towns that grew up along them. The small village of Geiranger is at the head of Geiranger Fjord, the

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take center stage in some ports. Ålesund claims one of Europe’s most distinctive collections of Art Nouveau buildings, which were erected just three years after a devastating fire destroyed much of the city in 1904; the Brosundet Canal is a lovely way to travel past them. Bergen takes its name from the Norse phrase “meadow among the mountains,” and does indeed offer a tranquil and picturesque slice of historic and contemporary Norway. In Honningsväg, the northernmost town in Europe, travelers may encounter numerous species of birds and herds of reindeer roaming freely. Flåm sends its visitors elsewhere: on a scenic Flåm Railway route that climbs 2,850 feet up a steep mountain gorge to Myrdal. And the Paris of the North, Tromsø, has grown up quite a bit since its early days as a whaling capital. Once a starting point for North Pole explorers and polar-bear hunters, today it is one of the more sophisticated destinations in Norway.

Russia Day for night. Those seeking Russia at its grandest go to St. Petersburg, celebrated for its architecture and the arts. Much of the credit belongs to the city’s founder, Peter the Great,

the visionary czar who defied convention to modernize Russia with European-style layout. The many magnificent examples of St. Petersburg’s past include Peterhof Palace, which has been likened to France’s Versailles; the Hermitage Museum, which contains one of the world’s greatest art collections; Catherine Palace, home of another great Russian ruler, Catherine; and Smolny Cathedral, a blue-andwhite Baroque structure that Peter the Great built for his daughter. St. Petersburg is known as the City of White Nights for its extended summertime daylight, which can last as long as 22½ hours in June and July. The city takes the opportunity to party in the sunlight, with the annual White Nights Festival in May and June.

Sweden Prized port. The home of the Nobel Prize and the capital of Sweden, Stockholm is set on 14 islands in Lake Mälaren, leading to the Baltic Sea. Among the magnificent architecture is Drottningholm Palace, one of the residences of the Swedish royal family. The Royal Palace in 13th-century Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town, offers another noble perspective;

displays include the silver throne from Queen Kristina’s 1650 coronation, and the daily changing of the guard is one of Stockholm’s most popular events.

The district remains a vital part of today’s Stockholm; shoppers and others fill the central square, Stortorget, and the main shopping street, Västerlånggatan.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Grand Cascades at Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg; Old Town and Riddarholmen in Stockholm; the Grand Place in Brussels.

Other Northern Europe ports Brussels, Belgium: The European Union’s unofficial capital offers up-to-date cityscapes, imposing Gothic cathedrals and picturesque medieval streets. Its entrancing gateway is Zeebrugge, which offers delightful shopping and intriguing historical sites such as the Court of Justice.

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DESTINATIONS South America

South America

South America’s broad ethnic mix and its ties with Europe — especially Spain and Portugal — have resulted in a rich fusion of customs, traditions and cuisine. Yet each country has its own appeal, standing apart from its neighbors with unique historical sites, natural wonders, culinary offerings and musical style.

TOP, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires; Christ the Redeemer, the famed statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro; the Andes, looming over Ushuaia, Argentina.

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Argentina Continental divine. Stretching along the Rio de la Plata, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is famous for its passionate tango, tasty cuisine and dazzling kaleidoscope of neighborhoods.

In El Centro, the umbrella term for several action-packed downtown districts, sleek skyscrapers blend with fashionable restaurants tucked into elegant 19th-century mansions, along with cafés, bookstores and tango bars. The Teatro Colón is considered to be one of the top five concert venues in the world.

Way, way down south. The small city of Puerto Madryn leads to remote wildlife preserves and paleontological sites as well as to the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Ushuaia

boasts sea, mountains, forests and an extensive tax-free shopping zone. Two of the island’s principal icons are the Museo del Presidio, a 1902 jail which housed dangerous prisoners and political exiles until it closed in 1947; and the elegant, antique Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino, a.k.a. the Train at the End of the World, which transports visitors through dense Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Brazil Known as The Imperial City, Petrópolis once was the summer residence of Brazilian royalty; their former palace is now the Imperial Museum, which displays royal history and memorabilia. It’s no wonder they were drawn to this picturesque place surrounded by verdant hills. Today, Petrópolis draws artists and intellectuals and is a favorite weekend escape for residents of Rio de Janeiro, just a couple of hours away. Rio is famed for its sexy beaches, raucous Carnaval and sensuous bossa nova. It also showcases a collection of museums and signature sites such as Corcovado, the statue Christ

the Redeemer, elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain); Sambódromo, a permanent grandstand-lined parade avenue used during Carnaval; and the Maracanã, one of the largest stadiums in the world.

Amazing Amazon. Several cities bring visitors through Brazil’s fascinating Amazon region. Boca de Valeria offers a privileged peek into the hidden world of caboclo (river dwellers) villages.

Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas and the hub of the Amazon region, is the product of the 19th-century rubber boom.

The city’s signature sight is the opulent Teatro Amazonas, completed in 1896. Santarém attracted industrialist Henry Ford, who spent $80 million to establish a rubber plantation for the production of automobile tires. Today, Santarém is home to the Town Hall Museums offering pottery displays by the Tupai Indians; the Municipal Market; and the Casa da Farinha factory, which demonstrates extraction of latex from rubber trees.

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Past perfection. Brazil’s fourthlargest city, Recife, offers a snapshot of the past, with a collection of charming squares, impressive churches, interesting museums and modern skyscrapers. Salvador, Brazil’s former capital, traces its African influence to the 17th century, when slaves were brought there to work in the sugar cane fields — a heritage still evident in music, dance, cuisine and the Candomble religion.

Chile New life. Founded in 1848, Punta Arenas was originally a military garrison and penal settlement, and later became a convenient stopover for vessels en route to California during the gold rush.

Today, the city center boasts impressive mansions dating from the late-19th and early-20th centuries as well as a fine cathedral and an attractive central square.

The port of Valparaiso (Santiago) offers startling similarities to San Francisco. Cable cars toddle up and down steep hills lined with Victorian mansions and facing a scenic bay.

Natural beauties. Man and nature offer the visitor many attractions in Chile. Coquimbo, the nation’s second-oldest city, entices with its beaches and local culture.

Its neat, palm-lined streets are made for strolling, especially for those who enjoy viewing stunning examples of colonial architecture.

A bounty of natural wonders awaits the visitor to Puerto Montt, which is surrounded by national parks, lakes and mountains. Fishing is a popular way of whiling away the day, but the indoorsman can also enjoy a visit to the shops and restaurants of this picturesque locale. In Puerto Montt, excursions into the heart of Chile’s famed lake district are offered. Here the visitor encounters a stunning landscape of lush alpine valleys, snow-covered volcanoes and sparkling, azure lakes formed by the retreating glaciers that once blanketed the region.

Other South American ports Devil’s Island, French Guiana: It was home to France’s infamous penal colony from 1852 to 1946, and now attracts visitors who trace its history by wandering among the haunting overgrown ruins of prison cells and administrative buildings.

Lima, Peru: This UNESCO World Heritage Site awes visitors with its archeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals and popular traditions.

Montevideo, Uruguay: A relatively small capital, Montevideo boasts a number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture.

Sidewalk cafés, fine restaurants, fashionable shops, casinos and miles of pristine beaches beckon.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: Hundreds of species find a natural haven in the Falkland Islands, one of the last unspoiled wildlife wonders of the world. The Falkland Islands Museum occupies two buildings and offers an overview of the area’s heritage.

FROM TOP: A view of Punta Arenas, Chile, from the harbor; a pier on Lake Llanquihue near Puerto Montt, Chile; the waterfront in Montevideo.

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