Barbados, West Indies: Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands. The western shore has soft, sandy beaches while the more rugged east coast offers dramatic rock formation formed by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Belem, Brazil: Belém stands at the gateway to the mysterious Amazon, bearing all the gifts of the jungle. Enjoy the bounty in Ver-O-Peso, Brazil’s largest outdoor market.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Smart and sophisticated, Buenos Aires is one of the world’s most glamorous cities. Try dinner at one of the fabulous steak houses followed by tango dancing in a chic night club. Tours are also offered to a nearby “estanica”, where you can see authentic gauchos at work.

Callao (Lima), Peru: Callao is your port of entry for Lima, the darling of Peru. This elegant city offers priceless treasures in its many museums and is the gateway for tours to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas high in the Andes.

Cape Horn (Cruising), Chile: Weather permitting, we’ll cruise past Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. For centuries prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this was the route taken by all mariners sailing from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Devil's Island, French Guiana: If weather permits, look \ forward to visiting the isle notorious as the penal colony where “Papillon” launched his daring escape. Watch for the Scarlet Ibis, a beautiful species of bird that nests in the Mangroves.

Esmeraldas, Ecuador: Named for the emerald quality of its luxuriant vegetation, this provincial capital is a favorite of beach lovers and bird watchers. Good buys can be found in handicrafts and filigreed gold jewelry.

Montevideo, Uruguay: Not only is Montevideo Uruguay’s capital, but it dominates the South American nation’s culture and commerce. The Placia Salvo on Plaza Independencia recently underwent major exterior renovation, and the city hall viewing platform offers an excellent vista of the city. Plaza Independencia is the city’s grandest square.

Patagonian Channels (Cruising): The breathtaking beauty of the Patagonian Channels and Chilean fjords rival anything to be found in Alaska or Scandinavia. The rugged landscape, pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife make sailing this area a highlight of your cruise.

Port Limón, Costa Rica: The small country of Costa Rica offers a great deal to the visitor, from the rain forests of the interior to sophisticated shopping in San José, the capital. A full day in port gives you the time to make the most of your visit here.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Puerto Madyrn is the gateway to the Valdes Peninsula, a wildlife reserve which is a breeding ground for sea elephants and a wide variety of sea mammals and birds. Antarctica doves and cormorants nest on gravel beaches while white whales mate and calve off the jagged coastline. Puerto Madryn itself has maintained much of its original Welsh flavor.

Puerto Montt, Chile: Puerto Montt, at the southern terminus of the Pan American highway, is a charming town in Chile’s beautiful Lake District. Founded by German immigrants the town is reminiscent of a Bavarian village in a setting of great natural beauty.

Punta Arenas, Chile: The capital of Chile’s Magellanes region, Punta Arenas is home to 100,000 residents and several interesting museums of indigenous art. Take an optional tour of Chile’s Patagonia region for a look at the area’s fascinating flora and fauna.

Recife, Brazil: Recife is a modern, attractive city with excellent beaches. The nearby town of Olinda was Brazil’s first capital. A jewel of a town, with well-preserved colonial homes and churches, Olinda is built on a hilltop overlooking scenic Recife and the sea.