Discover Rainforests, Exotic Wildlife

On the mountain-backed Caribbean shores of Costa Rica (the name, meaning rich coast was bequeathed by Columbus), Puerto Limon is a gateway to Central Americas most welcoming (its been a democracy for over a century) and surprising country. Though smaller than Ireland, it boasts an amazing biodiversity. With more butterfly species than the whole of Africa, more bird species than Europe, its precious tropical rainforests harbour over half a million plant and animal species. Small wonder that about a quarter of Costa Rica is protected nature reserve or national park. From Puerto Limon shore visits offer an opportunity to journey inland to the picturesque capital of San Jose or to see more of its rich widlife and exotic scenery.

On the mountain-backed Caribbean shores of Costa Rica (the name, meaning rich coast was bequeathed by Columbus), Puerto Limon is a gateway to Central Americas most welcoming (its been a democracy for over a century) and surprising country. Though smaller than Ireland, it boasts an amazing biodiversity. With more butterfly species than the whole of Africa, more bird species than Europe, its precious tropical rainforests harbour over half a million plant and animal species. Small wonder that about a quarter of Costa Rica is protected nature reserve or national park. From Puerto Limon shore visits offer an opportunity to journey inland to the picturesque capital of San Jose or to see more of its rich widlife and exotic scenery.

10 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel was long sacred to the Maya Indians as the Island of Swallows. Today its crystal seas and amazing reefs (made famous by Jacques Cousteau) have turned it into a shrine for scuba-divers! Sample the little shops, bars and restaurants of San Miguels colourful waterfront, perhaps visit the ancient Mayan holy place of San Gervasio, or cool off in the coral-rich waters of Chancanaab Lagoon.

Belize City is an intriguingly beautiful jumble of narrow streets and canals to explore, the perfect destination for those who love a little adventure. Largely surrounded by water, the city has a vast maritime history and was formerly a pirate base before the British turned Belize into an important timber city. Among the paths and water ways you will find beautiful architecture that harks back to Belize City’s past. Old Belize is a living museum with entertaining and interesting exhibits that showcase the history of the nation, while the Museum of Belize, a former prison, is filled with a vast collection of archaeological finds and documents. The Eco-museum – a living museum that showcases some of Belizes finest treasures is also well worth a visit.

Lush Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands that lie some 30 miles off the Caribbean coast of the Honduras, a jewelled archipelago patchwork that is all that remains of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range. Roatan offers a friendly and laid-back setting – more Caribbean than Latin-American (the Bay Islands were in British hands for over a century until 1859) where you can enjoy the superb beach at West Bay, Dolphin Encounters at Anthonys Key Resort, and snorkelling and diving amid virgin reefs in one of the Western Hemispheres most spectacular underwater envirnoments!

The pretty waterfront capital of Hamilton has an effortless elegance that epitomises the gracious mood of Bermuda itself. Britains oldest colony, formed by seven Gulf Stream-warmed Atlantic islands linked by bridge and causeway, forms a picture-book setting of pink sand beaches, pastel-coloured colonial-style houses, sparkling inlets and waterways – and a maximum speed of 20mph.

Since their discovery in the early 15th century, the Portuguese Azores have played an important part in oceanic navigation. They were a logistical point for the discovery of new worlds; a port of call for ships engaged in trade between Europe, America and India; and a place to lay anchor for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas back to the old world.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.