From Nassau to Miami · North America · 16 nights
Widely acclaimed as the best ship in the world, Europa 2’s stylish Nordic décor, fantastic accommodation and great dining options make her a great choice
Europa 2 really is a ship with a difference, and you feel it
from the moment you step on board. Her beautiful light-flooded
interiors are fresh and inviting, and the feeling of space created
by innovative design is vastly refreshing. This dedication to
design is not, incidentally, confined to public areas: the elegant
suites themselves are a wonderful place to stay.
Nassau, the lively Bahamian capital, is home to duty free shopping, a burgeoning restaurant scene and elegant, pink-hued Georgian architecture. There are some interesting museums where you can learn about the pirates and slave traders of yesteryear, and the surrounding coastline boasts some truly stunning beaches.
The port at Costa Maya is a purpose-built facility for cruise passengers, with amenities including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. The neighbouring village of Mahahual will give you a slightly more authentic taste of the Yucatán, and the ruined Mayan city of Chacchoben is an hour’s drive away.
The town of Progreso, on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is the jumping off point for exploring the fascinating Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, a 100-mile drive inland. The lovely colonial town of Mérida is another option, and is much closer, while Progreso itself has a decent beach.
New Orleans is a city with real soul, an exuberant, infectious sort of place where music fills the air every night of the week. Festivals and parades are a regular occurrence, with the highlights including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, though in truth a festival atmosphere pervades the city year round.
The Tampa Bay area of Florida is home to some of the finest beaches in the USA, as well as a host of cultural attractions. The city of Tampa itself may not be the main draw, but it still has some interesting sights, including historic Ybor City, Tampa’s atmospheric Latin Quarter.
Downtown Miami is a destination in its own right, with a host of world class galleries, but it's still Miami Beach that draws the biggest crowds. The Art Deco district around South Beach is very much back in vogue, with new restaurants, bars and luxury developments sprouting up all over the place.
