About the cruise
Madeira rises from the sea like a shimmering, floating garden. With an abundance of natural delights and a picturesque backdrop of imposing mountains and deep valleys, it is famed for its scenic splendours. After crossing the Atlantic your first call is Port Canaveral, home to the Kennedy Space Center, and gateway to Orlando – the theme park capital of the world and home to the famous Walt Disney World. Although much of Jacksonville, on the northeast coast of Florida, is urban, it also boasts nature and wildlife preserves, historic residential neighbourhoods and lots of golf courses. There is also range of art, science and history museums, as well as a tour of a brewery.
The original Southern Belle, Charleston is an elegant and aristocratic city. The old part still has sumptuous colonial mansions and one-room-wide ‘single houses’. Further afield follow the footsteps of George Washington on a visit to Heyward Washington House, where he stayed during his visit. Discover historic relics at Baltimore’s Maritime Museum and visit her crown jewel – Inner Harbor, a thriving assortment of promenades and pavilions where you can wine, dine and enjoy endless entertainment. Norfolk is a 400-year-old seaport located at the base of historic Chesapeake Bay. It has a wealth of galleries, museums and a superb shopping centre.
Take a bite out of the world’s ‘biggest apple’, inimitable New York. The Empire State, Times Square, Broadway, fabulous museums, mind-boggling shops and a feast of restaurants all vie for your attention. Next is Newport, with its two claims to fame. It is a famous yachting haven and home to the US America’s Cup team. And it is adorned with the vast mansions of America’s most fabled families, laughingly known as ‘cottages’.
America’s most historic city and one of its loveliest, Boston is a delightful mix of high-tech skyscrapers and beautiful Georgian buildings. Shopping and dining are sensational and nearby Harvard is a citadel of intellect. One of the most popular ports, Bar Harbor has something of the look of Old England. Built on an island it is situated in the middle of the Acadia National Park. Stop into Vigo for fresh seafood, outstanding restaurants and views of the magnificent harbour and Santiago de Compostela. You arrive back in Southampton on Tuesday 30 October.