Costa Diadema: ITJ - KEL - ITJ27A00

     Founded in 1535, Santos was one of the first Portuguese settlements in the New World. Situated a few kilometres east of Sao Vicente, the city was developed on an island, with the port facing inland and ships approaching through a narrow canal. The heart of the city is very much connected with the port activities, and the main buildings lie along a network of narrow alleyways and streets.
     There are several street markets, where bartering is the order of the day, just as it was in ancient times. One of the most important attractions in the city centre is the Rodoviària, near Praça dos Andradas. The commercial centre is found along Rua XV de Novembro and Rua do Comercio.
     The city's train station, built in 1860, is a copy of London's Victoria Station. Nearby is the Baroque-style Santo Antoñio do Valongo church and Convento do Carmo. The city's commercial importance is now complemented by the tourist industry, with many visitors preferring the coast of Santos to Rio de Janeiro.
     On the south side of the island, which has a 400km coastline, are a number of bays with large beaches, protected inland by green hills, giving a Mediterranean feel to the area.

     The cityscape of Rio de Janeiro and its spectacular surroundings are one of the world's magnificent scenes. It combines a vibrant, teeming city with glorious coastline and awe-inspiring landscape. The area was first discovered in 1502 by a relatively unknown Portuguese navigator, Gaspar de Lemos. He called the city Rio de Janeiro, 'January River', because he thought he was at the mouth of a river and that the adjacent bays were a miracle of geology. Initially, the Portuguese did not focus much attention on the area, despite its natural beauty, and preferred the more spiritual Salvador.
     Consequently Rio was subjected to several influences, notably periods of French and Spanish rule. The Portuguese gained control again in the 16th Century and over a period of 150 years erected a series of six major forts along the coast and in the hills. The city became a departure point for large amounts of gold extracted inland to be shipped to the Iberian coast. Inevitably this precious cargo attracted the attention of pirates and Rio was attacked on a number of occasions, the most serious of which was in 1711 when the city was set on fire. Despite this and hostilities from native Indians, during the 1800s thousands of European settlers continued to come to the city to seek their fortune.
     The biggest influx was from Germany, Italy and Portugal. The present population of Rio is some seven million people, Brazil's second largest city. The statue of Christ towering above Rio on Corcovado mountain is one of the world's best known sights, along with Påo de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). The Rio coastline along the Atlantic Ocean extends for some 320km and includes probably the best known beach in the world, Copacabana, as well as several other excellent beaches, notably Ipanema and Barra.
     The luxury hotels that line the coast form a striking contrast to the favelas shanty towns on the hillsides behind. According to a local saying, happiness is found in the small things: a cool beer on the beach ('chopp' is cheaper than water), the rhythms of samba music, a jog along the Copacabana. Plus of course the world-famous Rio carnival and the national obsession - soccer. The Brazilian joy for life, 'saudade', is symbolised in the thrilling city of Rio.

     "The place where you breathe the history, soul and essence of Brazil." These are not the lyrics of a poetic verse, but the words you read when you enter the heart of Salvador da Bahia, one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world. Founded in the 16th Century, it was the first capital city of Brazil and maintained political and cultural supremacy for 215 years. The city was first established on All Saints' Day, November 1, symbolising the importance of its religious heritage.
     Its bay was named 'Baia de Todos os Santos' and the city soon became the focus of Catholic fervour promoted by Portugal, which made it the papal city of its maritime empire. The Portuguese built 365 churches, one for each day of the year. The majority, in exquisite Baroque style, still survive. The Catholic community soon found itself sharing the city with the voodoo spiritualism of Africa, brought into Brazil by African slaves.
     The fortunes of the two followings gradually became intertwined, to form a unique tradition that influenced the broad cultural development of the city. The historical heart of the city with its two million inhabitants is the Pelourihno plaza, not long ago an area of drug trafficking, prostitution and an illegal weapons trade. After a restoration project sponsored by Unesco, the area has been reborn as the centrepiece of cultural life in Salvador, the third city of Brazil. During the day, the area is the domain of craftsmen and artists.
     At night it becomes a rhythmic extravaganza. This is the soul of Bahia samba, a thrilling beat of African drums and intoxicating percussion. The Olodum band is the city's most famous musical symbol, coming to international attention in a video made with Michael Jackson.

     Approximately 250km south of Recife, the sophisticated coastal resort of Maceio is the capital of the densely populated north-eastern Brazilian region of Alagoas, with a long history of maritime commerce. It boasts some of the country's most delightful beaches - particularly on the northern side - which slope into the crystal clear emerald green water of the Atlantic and are protected by a coral reef. The recently restored ancient quarter of Maceio remains the heart of the city.
     Many of Maceio's inhabitants can trace their ancestry to African slaves who immigrated to Brazil and set up the state of Palmares, which in the 17th Century evicted the Dutch colonists. The city of Maceio includes the impressive Museo Do Instituto Historico and Museo Theo Brandao, both dedicated to the history of the region. Maceio's most famous son is the militant environmentalist Gininho Britzky, who has a large cult following as president of the Brigada Ecologica de Alagoas. The scourge of multi-national companies, he has faced threats and attempts on his life.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city in the Canary Islands, is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Gran Canaria. This vibrant city combines a rich history, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a relaxed Mediterranean-Atlantic lifestyle. The historic heart of the city, Vegueta, is the perfect place to explore colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Its cobbled streets are home to important museums, churches, and buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the House of Christopher Columbus. In contrast, the modern parts of the city offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and the dynamic rhythm of urban life.

One of the city’s main attractions is Las Canteras Beach, over three kilometres long and located right in the city centre. Thanks to a natural reef that softens the waves, it's ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and seaside walks. The city hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the well-known carnival, famous for its costumes, parades, and music. The cultural scene is enriched with theatres, concert halls, and museums.

The local cuisine features traditional Canarian flavours – fresh fish dishes, local vegetables, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce – along with influences from Latin America and Africa, reflecting the city’s historical ties to trade and the sea.

Thanks to its mild year-round climate and excellent transport connections, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for those looking to combine culture, the sea, nature, and urban life all in one place.

Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and its economic capital, is located on the Atlantic coast and pulses with the energy of a major modern metropolis. Unlike many other Moroccan cities that emphasize their past, Casablanca looks toward the future — and it is precisely in this blend of tradition and modernity that its unique appeal lies.

The city is a symbol of modern Morocco: wide avenues, contemporary neighborhoods, business centers, and colonial-era urban architecture, especially in the Art Deco style, all testify to its history as well as its ambitions. Yet Casablanca has not lost its Moroccan identity — it can be felt in the rhythm of its streets, markets, cafés, and the aromas of traditional cuisine. Its most famous landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive in the world, with a 210-meter tall minaret. It is an architectural marvel that blends Islamic art with modern technology. The old medina, smaller and quieter than those in other cities, offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life — from artisan workshops to local markets. There is also the Corniche, a seaside promenade in the Ain Diab district, filled with restaurants, cafés, and clubs, ideal for seaside strolls and enjoying the sunset views.

The city is also famous for its name, which evokes iconic film scenes — although the movie Casablanca was not filmed here, the spirit of romance and nostalgia remains alive in legendary places like "Rick’s Café," inspired by the film.

Casablanca is a city that reveals the face of contemporary Morocco — ambitious, bustling, yet deeply rooted in its culture and tradition. It is a meeting place of old and new, where the Mediterranean and Africa intertwine in a unique urban story.

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,800 years. The city was founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, and was later ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Some of the most notable landmarks are the Roman Theatre, the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, which offers a stunning view over Malaga and the coast, and numerous museums. The most notable ones include the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the La Manquita Cathedral.

The city is also known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and is home to La Concepción, one of the most significant botanical gardens in Europe and the modern Muelle Uno promenade.

Malaga offers beautiful beaches, such as Playa de la Malagueta, close to the city center, and Playa del Palo, as well as a rich gastronomic scene focused on fresh local ingredients. Specialties include espeto (grilled sardines), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), a wide variety of tapas, and sweet wines like Moscatel. The Atarazanas Market is the perfect place to sample local food and buy souvenirs.

     The city of Leixões has the most active port in northern Portugal. This has given Leixões an importance that is not reflected in the history books, which concentrated instead on Lisbon, Porto, and Vitoria and ship departures to the New World and East Indies colonies. Situated nine kilometres from the centre of Porto, Leixões is to Porto what Piraeus is to Athens.
     The port of Leixões was created in the last century and is almost completely manmade. It was originally developed as a loading point for locally produced wine being exported to international markets. Leixões and the city of Matosinhos were designed with the purpose of easing marine traffic to northern Portugal. Originally completed in 1890, the port was widened in 1930 and modernised in 1970 with the creation of new terminals for fruit products and containers. It is presently renowned for silo transportation.
     In recent years, Leixões's passenger traffic has increased, mainly due to its proximity to Porto, a city with significant cultural and historical appeal.

     Santiago de Compostela is one of the most famous holy places of Christianity; in Mediaeval times it was just as important as Jerusalem or Rome. According to legend, James the Apostle (Santiago) came to Spain after the death of Jesus to preach the Gospel. Later he returned to Judea where, under the orders of Herod, he was decapitated.
     His disciples took his body back to Spain to be buried. At first the faithful came to his tomb to pray but, after years of war and disorder, it lay abandoned and forgotten. At the beginning of the 9th century a hermit noticed a star shining above a hill in a field ("campus stellae" or "field of the star"). An altar and a tomb were discovered on the site, containing a decapitated body. King Alfonso II of Asturias ordered a church to be built on the tomb of the saint, which was later replaced by a larger one in 900 AD. Al-Mansur sacked the city in 997 and destroyed the church, but the tomb was left intact.
     The present cathedral was largely rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. The cult of Saint James grew more and more with stories of his presumed brave intervention in the battles against the Moors. The Saint was seen to appear for the first time at the battle of Clavijo in 884. Over the years, Saint James killer of the Moors, who went down in history as "Santiago Matamoros", was honoured as the Patron Saint of the country. Pilgrims from all over Europe, ever greater in number, travelled along the so-called "Camino de Santiago" (The Way of Saint James) to the sanctuary, around which grew up a town.
     Along the way they found hospitality with monks and knights of religious orders. With their rough cloaks, robust sandals and wide brimmed hats decorated with a mollusc shell - the symbol of the saint - the pilgrims on their way to Santiago were easy to recognise. Many visitors are surprised to find a baroque rather than a mediaeval cathedral at Santiago. The first view of the cathedral in fact is the highly ornate Obradoiro facade, added in the 18th century. Behind this, however, is the old church with its magnificent doorway, the Pórtico de la Gloria (1188), a Roman masterpiece by Maestro Matheo. The narthex is comprised of three portals decorated with figures and sculptures in relief.
     In front of the central column, where there is a statue of St. James with a pilgrim's stick, the faithful would lean with their hands on the stone, which, repeated so often over the centuries, has left fingerprints in the stone. The inside of the cathedral, always in semi-darkness, is simple but enlivened by the magnificent ceremonies that take place on festival days, when eight men dressed in red carry an enormous silver thurible ("botafumeiro"), hang it from the vault and let it swing. Whistling and throwing off sparks, the thurible spreads the scent of incense throughout the cathedral evoking ancient rites. The immense Plaza de España, on the west side of the cathedral is lined with beautiful buildings from various eras and in various styles, but which nevertheless blend together harmoniously.
     The Hostal de los Reyes Católicos was built by King Fernando and Queen Isabel, "The Catholic Monarchs", as a hostel and hospital for the pilgrims. Its plateresque facade conceals a magnificent hotel. You can treat your palate to some Spanish specialities par excellence: paella and gazpacho vary widely from one place to the next. In fact there are at least thirty recipes for gazpacho, a chilled soup of Moorish origin, whose main ingredients are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, oil, vinegar and basil. The saffron rice in paella can be accompanied by chicken, rabbit, sausage, ham, prawns, shellfish, squid and lobster.
     The region produces the good white wines Albarino and Ribeiro; Agullo and Condado are slightly sparkling and go especially well with shellfish. As for shopping, we recommend leather goods, candlesticks and other handmade wrought-iron articles and silver jewellery, for which the Galicians are famous. In Santiago look for the pilgrim's symbol, the silver mollusc shell.

The local gastronomy is rich in fresh seafood and traditional Norman specialties such as cheeses, cider, and calvados.

Easily accessible from Paris, Le Havre is the perfect escape from the bustle of the capital and a chance to discover a unique mix of modern urban architecture and authentic French coastal charm.

Cruises from Southampton are part of a rich maritime heritage. Some of the most famous ships have set sail from this port, which, before the rise of commercial air travel, was the main gateway to the world. Hollywood stars like Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor passed through here to board cruises from Southampton, and it is also known as the port from which the Titanic departed in 1912.

In the picturesque Old Town, walking along cobbled streets reveals 12th-century churches, Tudor-style houses, and one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in the UK, featuring the historic Bargate entrance. The city also offers lively marina-side bars, modern shopping districts, and a cultural quarter where the Mayflower Theatre stages popular West End musicals, while the SeaCity Museum documents Southampton’s rich maritime past.

Some of England’s most famous landmarks are just a short drive away: the Neolithic wonder Stonehenge, the picturesque spa city of Bath, or iconic London attractions like Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge.

Discover 5,000 years of history and much more on a cruise from Southampton.

When it comes to the sea, there is no more important place in Germany – and arguably in Northern Europe – than Kiel. This port city in Schleswig-Holstein is a vital link between the Baltic and North Seas, located at the head of the Kiel Canal.

Kiel is also one of Northern Europe’s major cruise and shipbuilding centers, and it is especially known for Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), one of Europe’s largest regattas. Don’t miss a visit to the Kiel Aquarium, with its rich collection of marine life from the Baltic and North Seas.

Nature lovers can enjoy the expansive Baltic Sea beaches, seaside promenades, and picturesque botanical gardens with over 14,000 plant species. For those seeking historical and cultural experiences, fascinating open-air museums in Molfsee and the Baroque fortress in Eutin are located not far from Kiel.

Choose a Kiel cruise for unforgettable adventures in this captivating part of Germany.