AROUND THE WORLD IN 180 DAYS

You're in for a big treat if you've booked a Caribbean or Panama Canal cruise with Cartagena on the itinerary, as this lovely old town and resort on Colombia's Caribbean coast is quite deservedly the country's most popular tourist destination. There, you'll find everything a cruise passenger's heart could desire: a fascinating -- and often dark and bloody -- history embedded in ancient forts, churches and palaces; a walled town filled with exquisite 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial architecture; soft beaches; world-class snorkelling and scuba diving reefs; delightful restaurants; and enough shops to capture your interest without the place feeling like one gigantic mall. Your only regret, as your cruise ship steams away at the end of the day, will be that you didn't have longer to explore.

Corinto is an off-the-beaten path destination typically included on Panama Canal itineraries. It features a man-made beach and a small downtown area that visitors can spend a couple of hours exploring. Boating and fishing excursions are also popular. Additionally, travellers can venture a bit further out to tour some of the local villages and reach natural beaches. --By Shayne Thompson, Cruise Critic contributor

Cabo San Lucas is an anchor port for all cruises sailing on Mexico's Riviera and Sea of Cortez itineraries, but passengers are a small minority of the tourists who flock there. The heavily Americanized party town serves as one of the most popular beach escapes for Californians and other West Coasters who come here to let loose (spring break festivities are intense and not a proposition for the faint of heart). One of Cabo's major attractions is Cabo Wabo, a cantina owned by rocker Sammy Hagar, most famously of Van Halen. Rocks of a different sort -- El Arco, with its jagged points protruding from the Sea of Cortez, make more impressive photos. Yet for those passing on the beer-pong tournaments and temporary tattoos, Cabo has a lot to offer. Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas -- together with its more elegant and much quieter sister town of San Jose del Cabo -- is an ideal spot for adventure-oriented pursuits. If conditions are right, the clear waters make for great snorkeling kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, sailing and Jet Skiing. The Sea of Cortez is among the biologically richest areas in the world, with pods of whales that winter offshore; if you're here in season (late December through late March), a whale-watching trip is a must. Cabo also has some of the best sportfishing in the world, and it is the quest for marlin that put the town on the map. After World War II and the advent of private planes, Hollywood royalty such as Bing Crosby and John Wayne arrived to fish. In the 1970s, a highway was built to connect California to Baja, and the travel industry began in earnest. Now, it's hard to open a celebrity magazine without seeing photos of A-listers lounging at the six-star resorts that have sprung up in "The Corridor," as the coastal stretch between the two cities is known. One of the downsides for most cruise travelers: There's no cruise pier, so all ships must anchor and tender passengers to the port. That means you'll need to factor in extra time getting to and from your ship. Even odder is the fact that some ships only stop for half-day visits, which means that actual on-land time can be extremely limited (although excursion providers usually time their tours to meet the needs of cruisers). However, other ships spend two days in Cabo, allowing passengers to stay out until 9 p.m. before the ship maneuvers offshore to open casinos. If you're one of the lucky ones with a longer port time, greater Baja, including daytrips to Todos Santos, are within reach -- but can be expensive to coordinate independently.

Raiatea is one of the largest islands in French Polynesia -- second only to Tahiti; however, don't let its size fool you into thinking it's busy or overrun with tourists. While Bora Bora offers celebrity chic and Moorea is simply exquisite, Raiatea is a secret find. Outside of the main port town, Uturoa, the 105 square-mile island is quiet and lightly populated, yet there's much to do and see along the coast and within its untamed, rugged interior. Natural beauty aside, Raiatea is known as 'The Sacred Isle' because it was the centre of religion and culture dating back to about 1000AD, and there's also an enticing mystique about it. Members of various Polynesian kingdoms once journeyed here by canoe for tribal meetings, ceremonies and even human sacrifices at Marae Taputapuatea in Opoa to the southeast. Today, visitors can visit the outdoor ancient worship temple and glimpse petroglyphs carved in basaltic stones found along the coast. One thing that sets Raiatea apart from other islands in French Polynesia is there are no real sandy beaches. However, those who want to get their feet wet can take a trip to one of the motus or islets that dot the lagoon (you have to rent or hire a boat to get to them). Among those are Motu Nao Nao, a stretch of gorgeous white sand, and Opeha Point, known for good snorkeling.

Apart from cruise ship visits, Raiatea is the yachting hub of French Polynesia and there'll always been plenty of sailboats and yachts at the island's marinas on the north coast. Situated in the same lagoon as Raiatea and only about 10 km to the north is Tahaa, a tiny island, even quieter than Raiatea; you can only get there by boat via ship-sponsored excursions or private tours. Upon arrival you might see women fishing for their day's lunch and you'll certainly have a chance to buy vanilla and pearls and these are the two main industries. If it isn't a school day, kids will pause from chasing each other to wave hello. It feels a world away, even in the already far reaches of the South Pacific.

Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia, is a must-visit for anyone. With its bustling market, charming waterfront, and delicious French-Polynesian cuisine, Papeete offers a taste of authentic Tahitian life. Don't miss the chance to explore the island's lush interior, relax on its black sand beaches, and soak up the laid-back island vibes.

Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia, is a must-visit for anyone. With its bustling market, charming waterfront, and delicious French-Polynesian cuisine, Papeete offers a taste of authentic Tahitian life. Don't miss the chance to explore the island's lush interior, relax on its black sand beaches, and soak up the laid-back island vibes.

Crossing the International Date Line is a unique experience, marking the point where the calendar day changes. As you journey across this imaginary line in the Pacific Ocean, you'll effectively travel forward or backward in time by a whole day, a fascinating concept that highlights the way we measure time and the world's diverse time zones.

As the second largest municipality in Tonga and home to 6,000 people, the city offers a deep-water harbour suitable for cargo & passenger ships. Waters in the region are known for their clarity - the area attracts migrating whales between June and November. Be sure to visit the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden, a bird sanctuary that promotes the survival of exotic and native bird species.

The town of Airlie Beach serves as a gateway to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands and the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsundays is renowned as one of the best beaches in the world, with impossibly white sand and crystal clear waters and can be reached from Airlie by a small boat ride.

Cairns, Australia's closest port city to the Great Barrier Reef, was once little more than a jumping-off place to the reef or the remote Daintree rainforest to the north. Now, with the busiest airport and cruise port in Australia's northeast state of Queensland, and enough tour operators to plan a month of activities, there's reason for travellers to venture beyond the reef and the rainforest. Most cruise passengers won't have enough hours to do the best of what Cairns offers -- a major diving or snorkelling trip to the outer reef, for instance, takes a full day -- but there are plenty of tour choices that are unique to Australia. They include a half-day snorkelling trip to see an amazing array of sea creatures on a nearby portion of the reef, hugging a koala at a tropical zoo, or just hanging around the beach of a city-built saltwater lagoon swimming pool designed to separate tourists from the crocodiles that frequent some of Cairns' ocean beaches. Cairns is a pedestrian-friendly city that buzzes with travellers day and night. Don't miss its vibrant waterfront. Within 10 minutes from the cruise terminal (if you dock downtown), you'll find shopping, dining and, most important to the economy of Cairns, dozens of tours designed to get you out of town. Excursions include bungee jumping and white-water rafting, glass-bottom boat rides and a Skyrail cableway that runs above the rainforest canopy.

Darwin is a departure point for visits to Australia's Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks but this modern city in the Northern Territory also has plenty of attractions for the one-day cruise visitor. Its streets are lined with Aboriginal art and craft galleries, boutiques selling locally cultured pearls, and restaurants and cafes where the ethnically diverse cuisine highlights Australia's bountiful produce and seafood. From feeding crocodiles in the central business district (CBD) to historic World War 2 oil storage tunnels and a lively waterfront wave pool, Darwin offers an enjoyable day out for travellers with a variety of interests. The city was named after naturalist Charles Darwin, who stopped there aboard HMS Beagle in 1839. As home to a growing population of 132,000, it is the smallest Australian capital city. Closer to the capitals of five countries in Asia than it is to Canberra, the capital of Australia, Darwin is a modern mix of Aussie and Asian culture -- at least in its food options. Many buildings also look relatively new as the city was rebuilt after it was largely levelled by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve in 1974. Kakadu is too distant to reach on a shore excursion, but if you're looking for natural beauty, you should have enough time to squeeze in a day trip to Litchfield National Park. Just a 90-minute drive from Darwin, this delightful park is noted for its waterfalls cascading into swimmable pools as well as trails through lush tropical forests and giant termite mounds, many two metres (6.5 feet) high or taller.

Puerto Princesa, on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is a gateway to stunning natural beauty.  From the world-renowned Underground River to pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush jungles, Puerto Princesa offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. 

The unassuming waterfront of Coron Town is the gateway to a pristine mountainous jungle full of mystery. The hills and peaks of Coron Island would not look out of place in a King Kong film, and it is fitting that the jungle itself is the island's main attraction. While access is tightly controlled by the indigenous Tagbanua, tours are offered, and several beautiful lakes are accessible for swimming and diving.

Ishigaki, a tropical paradise in Japan's Okinawa prefecture, boasts pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush, jungle-clad mountains.  From snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters to hiking through scenic landscapes and savouring delicious Okinawan cuisine, Ishigaki offers a relaxing and culturally rich escape.

Beppu, on the island of Kyushu, Japan, is famous for its abundance of natural hot springs, known as "onsen".  From colourful "hells" to therapeutic baths, Beppu offers a unique and relaxing experience, showcasing the power and beauty of the earth's geothermal activity.

Sail into the Port of Shimizu and you will understand why it is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports. The sight of Mount Fuji soaring above the surrounding area belies the fact that Shimizu is not only a scenic area, but a culturally significant one as well. A collection of historic buildings in the vicinity, such as Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Sumpu Castle Park, and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, offer a fascinating insight into the area's rich history.

Nestled on the island of Kyushu, Miyazaki boasts stunning coastal landscapes, including pristine beaches and lush greenery. Explore the region's rich cultural heritage by visiting ancient shrines, such as the iconic Aoshima Shrine, or indulge in the local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and renowned Miyazaki beef. 

It's also close to the stunning Takachiho Gorge. This natural wonder features dramatic cliffs lined with lush vegetation and a serene river flowing through the gorge. Visitors can take a rowboat ride along the emerald waters, admiring this enchanting destination's towering rock formations and mystical atmosphere.

Known as Taiwan's main export centre and largest port, Kaohsiung is located on Taiwan's southwest coast. Once largely industrial, the country's second-biggest city (after Taipei) has come a long way in terms of urban renovation and cleaning up one of its star attractions: the Love River. Solar-powered yachts now carry tourists and hometown romantics alike on leisurely rides to marvel at the shore's towering skyscrapers, parks and film-shooting locations. The Pier-2 Art Center, housed in a repurposed warehouse on the wharf, is characteristic of the harbour's creative boom. Art galleries and trendy music venues vie for attention along with bikeways meandering along the bustling waterfront. The paths are dotted with graffiti-style murals and eye-catching, larger-than-life sculptures adorned in a multitude of colours. Even subway stops sport works of contemporary art, particularly Formosa Boulevard Station with its brilliantly coloured glass "Dome of Light." Fortunately for culture buffs, the city shifts easily between pop culture and old school Asian traditions. Spend the morning enjoying the rooftop amusement park of Taiwan's largest shopping complex, Dream Mall, built in the shape of a whale. To the delight of youngsters, the roof's playground comes complete with a Hello Kitty Ferris wheel, said to be the whale's spout. In the afternoon, check out the equally delightful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Here, brightly painted animals and pavilions perch on pilings above Lotus Pond, site of 20 temples of varying sizes.

Hanoi is a hectic collage of sights, sounds and smells. Masses of motorbikes roar down roadways, and bike and car horns are constantly honking. Women wearing traditional conical straw hats carry poles with baskets on each end, small shops overflow with colourful embroidery, food vendors sell cooked pigeons with their heads still on, and signs cover buildings. For more than 4,000 years, from a humble fishing village to a busy seaport, the city has thrived along the banks of the Red River in Northern Vietnam. The seaport was given the name Ha (river) Noi (in) by King Minh Mang in 1831. Hanoi is the country's intellectual and cultural heart that draws the best and brightest artisans from around the country. Many streets in the old district are named after the products made there at one time, and you can still come across shrines here and there dedicated to an artisan's god. As the northern capital, Hanoi was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War. Still, there are reminders of the past, including French colonial architecture and 1,000-year-old temples and pagodas. The capital city, home to 6.5 million people, boasts parks with gnarled banyan trees and many lakes, some peppered with swan boats. The Hoa Lo Prison or "Hanoi Hilton" where U.S. Sen. John McCain was imprisoned as a POW is now the site of a high-rise. Really nice hotels and high-end shopping also beckon tourists. Most cruise travellers reach Hanoi via Halong Bay where most of the large cruise ships anchor. The bay itself is one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions, with about 2,000 limestone islands that make up a spectacular natural UNESCO World Heritage site. A trip on the water of the bay is the kind of awe-inspiring experience travellers crave. Sit in a Vietnamese junk (boat) on silk couches and drink green tea or local beer as you cruise into the mist of the large bay, past giant, craggy limestone formations protruding from the sea. According to legend, a dragon sent by the gods to help the Vietnamese fight Chinese invaders, fell into the bay and formed the islands. In fact, these islands have seen their share of warring -- the bay is in the Gulf of Tonkin, where Vietnamese and U.S. forces first fought. The islands are mostly uninhabited, and many form odd shapes -- one looks like a man's face in profile, another like two roosters fighting. Their sheer cliffs and otherworldly presence has inspired writers, poets and artists. And it's easy to see why. The place is magical.

Kâmpóng Saôm, also known as Sihanoukville, is a vibrant coastal city in Cambodia that offers an enticing mix of natural beauty and urban attractions. With its pristine sandy beaches, azure waters, and lush tropical surroundings, it's a paradise for beach lovers. The city boasts a lively nightlife scene, bustling markets, and a variety of restaurants serving delicious Khmer cuisine. Whether you're looking for relaxation on the beach or exploring the vibrant city life, Kâmpóng Saôm has something to offer every tourist.

Just 25 years ago, Koh Samui -- located 310 miles south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand -- was a sleepy backwater where inhabitants made a living from fishing and coconut farming. What a difference a couple of decades make! Thailand's third-largest island (koh actually means "island" in Thai, and many locals leave it off of the name) was "discovered" in the late 1980s by the backpacker crowd, who spread the word about its white-sand beaches and clear waters. Budget lodgings quickly replaced beach shacks, and luxury resorts, tourist operators and souvenir hawkers soon followed. Today, the population is more than 62,000, with an additional 1.5 million tourists visiting per year. Cruise ships anchor at Nathon Pier on Ang Thong Road, the island's old commercial centre, which is also a ferry port. Cruisers tender from their ship to the pier. Though maligned in guidebooks, the town can make for a relaxed afternoon off the ship, with its old Chinese shop houses built by itinerant traders, plus restaurants, Thai massage spots and stores. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of beaches and sights around the 95-square-mile island -- including Grandmother Rock and Grandfather Rock, which are known for their slightly X-rated shapes.

In the far south of the country lies Hambantota, located in a fertile agricultural area and renowned for being home to some of the country's most skilful jewellers and craftspeople. Heavily damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, there has been a heavy emphasis on rebuilding and ensuring the town becomes an important part of the development of the region as a whole.

Male is the capital of the Maldives -- an island chain situated in the Indian Ocean. Though the Maldives is a small country, Male is a densely populated and bustling city that offers cruisers the opportunity to experience lots of authentic culture that is likely to be missed by visitors who head straight for the resorts and beaches that this island nation is best known for. Cruisers docked in Male should be sure to visit the local fish and produce markets and mosques, including the striking 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy, which is constructed out of white coral. From the city, travelers can also enjoy incredible scuba diving and boating adventures in the pristine turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

As the main gateway to Mecca, the spiritual and cultural importance of Jeddah cannot be underestimated. The city itself is the site of settlements dating back to 700BC and UNESCO has deemed the city of such importance that it has been a World Heritage Site since 2014. Unlike much of the rest of the country, the city has a cosmopolitan feel, perhaps due to the huge numbers of Muslims that flock to the city each year, not to mention the fact that the city is a major port and transport hub.

Sharm El Sheikh, nestled on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, stands as a beacon for travellers seeking a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, and luxurious resorts. Renowned for its world-class diving sites, the Red Sea's azure waters are a haven for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts, revealing a kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs and abundant exotic fish species. The mesmerizing underwater realm of Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island entices visitors with its sheer diversity and beauty, making it an aquatic paradise for explorers of all levels.

Beyond its aquatic allure, Sharm El Sheikh offers an array of experiences catering to diverse tastes. The city pulsates with a lively atmosphere, boasting a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bustling markets at places like Naama Bay, where locals and tourists converge to savour traditional delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or soak in the vibrant ambience. Adventure-seekers can embark on exhilarating desert safaris, exploring the rugged beauty of the Sinai Desert atop a camel or by quad bike and discovering ancient Bedouin traditions amidst the mystical landscapes.

Sharm El Sheikh's allure lies in its natural beauty and ability to cater to travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether indulging in the tranquillity of its pristine beaches, delving into the vibrant marine world, or embracing the rich tapestry of its cultural heritage, this Egyptian gem continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.

Olive groves, mountains and beaches made for swimming and sandcastles; Crete is as beautiful as it is fascinating. See Greek mythology come to life as you visit ancient ruins like Knossos, home to the legend of the labyrinth and its Minotaur. 

Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world -- built around its namesake deity's temple, the Parthenon, which still stands today. But Athens feels far from an ancient city. While it has done an excellent job at preserving sites like the Acropolis (where the Parthenon is located) and Greek Orthodox churches, it has evolved into a hip and modern metropolis and homeport for ships sailing the Greek Islands. The city's recently overhauled Metro system also provides a cheap, safe and easy way to get around for sightseeing if you have extra time before or after your cruise. Aside from major landmarks, even once-dingy neighbourhoods like Plaka and Thissio have been restored, boasting fresh pastel-coloured painted facades and chic restaurants, bars and shops. Syntagma Square -- Athens' central square -- also has been reborn as a tree-filled haven from which to take in the city's gorgeous neoclassical Parliament building and catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Yes, that means you get to watch those men in frilly skirts, elaborate waistcoats and bobbled shoes do their high-kicking thing.) Athens, once (in some parts, still) one of the most frenetic and traffic-polluted cities in the world, now owns a real buzz and is well worth spending a few days in if your cruise starts or ends there.

Gythion is an attractive small fishing port that was once the port of ancient Sparta. It has a busy waterfront backed by old Turkish houses on the steep wooded hill behind. It has a large number of fishing taverns and restaurants serving fresh traditional seafood.

Messina is Sicily's most important city and port on the north east coast. From here you can take a tour to Taormina, a beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna. Visit the Palazzo Corvaia which dates from the l5th Century and the acoustically perfect Greek Theatre offering outstanding views of the Sicilian countryside.

The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back for more.

One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode) to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a great hangout spot.

First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from it all and unwind.)

The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci, Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?

No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a visit.

But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city. (There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back again.

On any Western Mediterranean itinerary, Florence is an absolute highlight -- the gem of the early Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century, when great artists like Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo worked there, they created magnificent examples of painting and sculpture that today still fill Florentine churches, civic buildings, grand palazzi and world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. Architecture prospered in Florence, too. The city's signature work of art is the masterful Brunelleschi-designed dome of its cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. No question, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, for cruise travelers with just one precious day on a six-hour port of call, it's impossible to see it all. We should note that, as lovely as Florence's famous River Arno is, it's nowhere near big enough (and its bridges are far too low) to allow any kind of ship inside the heart of the city -- and here we include low-slung river vessels along with more traditional cruise ships. As such, it can be confusing to see a cruise itinerary that calls on Florence when ships actually dock at the huge commercial port of Livorno, a good hour-plus drive from the Renaissance City. However, the charmless city of Livorno (it was badly bombed during World War II) serves as a jumping-off point for daytrips elsewhere. And while Florence is no doubt the richest destination of all, Livorno's north Tuscan locale means that other cities -- Pisa, with its famous leaning tower; the walled city of Lucca; and San Gimignano, with 14 of its medieval towers still intact -- are also options.

Located on Spain's Costa Brava, the medieval coastal city of Palamós features scenic beaches, verdant hills and a number of scenic coves ideal for snorkeling and swimming. However, the landscape is not all the city has to offer visitors. Its Old Town gives a glimpse into the city's past and for the more curious, there's even a fishing museum honoring its status as a former fishing village. --By Shayne Thompson, Cruise Critic contributor

The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is one of the country's -- maybe even Europe's -- most beautiful and vibrant places. A city of contrasts, it is like no other in Spain; this is most evident in its architecture, a marriage of Gothic spikes and modern curves. (One name to keep an eye out for is Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect.) Barcelona is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The old city -- Ciutat Vella -- is the heart of everything, with museums, shopping and cafes. Then there's the port area, Port Vell, which features bars, restaurants, shops, an IMAX theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. (Port Vell is different from the working port area where cruise ships dock, but it's not too far away.) Enchanting and ancient, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the centre of the old city and brings together the best of Barcelona in a series of narrow streets, shops, cafes and magical corridors. One of Barcelona's best attributes is that while it seems large and spread out, its neighbourhoods are surprisingly walkable and easily accessible by bus, metro or even on foot (in comfortable shoes). Don't miss a stroll along Las Ramblas, replete with produce and flower stands, a historic opera house and maybe even a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe calling to you from the balcony of the Erotica Museum. Just be sure to rest your feet now and then over a few plates of tapas (which are meant to be shared, but we won't tell if you don't) and an ice-cold pitcher of sangria or a bottle of cava, the region's sparkling wine.

Malaga offers an intriguing blend of culture, history and beaches -- with a contemporary vibe. The city is one of Andalusia's greatest treasures. Located on a stunning sweep of bay, with palm trees lining the seafront, this is the dynamic, friendly capital of Costa del Sol, Spain's "sunshine coast." Malaga is a wonderful place to wander and explore, particularly in the winding lanes of the old town, with their traditional taverns, plazas and pretty squares. It also encompasses fine architecture and has enough ancient buildings to keep history hounds happy for hours. Unlike Costa del Sol's party zones, including Puerto Banus, Torremolinos and Benalmadena, all great for clubbers, Malaga, although cosmopolitan, retains a distinctly traditional feel. Malaga's wines are worth more than a sip, too, and visitors can try them at Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of the city's few remaining wine cellars. Also, you can explore the region's wine history at the Wine Museum in the historic city centre. For a sense of traditional Spanish life, visit the districts of Pedregalejo and El Palo, fishing communities with some of Spain's best seafood. The city is an ideal base for trips outside town, allowing visitors easy access to explore southern Spain's delights. The surrounding area is a glorious patchwork of whitewashed villages, almond groves and mountain ranges -- including the Sierra Nevada where a particular highlight is the massive Nerja Caves with their 20,000-year-old wall paintings.

Founded as Portus Hannibalis by the Romans, Portimão is a port and one of the major resorts on the craggy Atlantic shores of Portugal's sunny Algarve. Its bustling harbour is overlooked by two castles. Close by is delightful Praia da Rocha with its stunning cliffs and striking wind-and-sea-sculpted rock formations. You can visit Albufeira, the area's largest resort, the 12th century sandstone fortress at Silves, Fortaleza de Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente and the fascinating historic town of Lagos.

A city of endless possibilities, high energy and great diversity, New York has always been the benchmark for first-rate dining, unparalleled shopping and cultural activity. For visitors, it's an exciting city and, at times, is more than a little intimidating. New York natives always seem to be in a hurry, but with midtown traffic often at a complete standstill, it may be faster for them to walk across town than to take a bus. When you hear a foreign language, it could be international tourists -- flocking to the city in droves because of the weak dollar -- or it could be a New Yorker. It's love at first sight when the Empire State Building comes into view, and the Statue of Liberty awes even the most blase tourist. Broadway shows will wow you; browsing Bloomingdale's will amaze you. It's always possible to stumble upon an unforgettable meal -- an oven-fresh slice of the perfect pizza, Chinese food in Chinatown or a haute-cuisine dinner by candlelight. The views from the Staten Island Ferry are a knockout, and downtown nightlife will keep you busy in the city that never sleeps. You'll find Central Park smack dab in the middle of New York with many of the city's best museums on either side. Check out the Upper East Side -- particularly Madison Avenue, between 50th and 99th streets -- for high fashion. On the Upper West Side, you'll find Time-Warner Center's luxurious shops and restaurants at Columbus Circle; operas, concerts, dance and theatre at Lincoln Center; and bustling neighbourhood street life along Broadway, including Columbia University. Surrounding Manhattan are Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Many Brooklyn neighbourhoods have become as popular and chic as Manhattan's. Smart shops and trendy restaurants have spread like wildfire, drawing Manhattanites across the river for fashionable dining and serious shopping. Five Brooklyn communities that are definitely worth a look are Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Park Slope -- down from Prospect Park -- Williamsburg and Brighton Beach. The Bronx has experienced some gentrification, creating attractions beyond the Bronx Zoo, such as the New York Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium, City Island -- which has the feel of a New England village -- and Woodlawn Cemetery -- the final resting place of Duke Ellington, George M. Cohan, Miles Davis, F. W. Woolworth, J.C. Penney and R.H. Macy. Meanwhile, Queens offers the Queens Museum of Art, memorabilia from two Worlds Fairs, a fabulous panoramic model of New York City, contemporary art at Public School No. 1 and vibrant ethnic neighbourhoods like Asian Flushing, Greek Astoria and Indian Jackson Heights. Beyond the ferry terminal, Staten Island has a cultural centre at Snug Harbor, its own zoo and a Tibetan art museum. Richmondtown also features a collection of New York City buildings, some as old as 300 years.