Miami - Miami From the Sunshine State to Mundo Maya

Miami pulsates between palm trees and pastel facades, American lifestyle and Latin American zest for life. The famous Ocean Drive runs through the historic art deco district of South Beach with over 800 well-preserved houses from the 1930s and 1940s. The neighbouring beach, with its fine white sand and turquoise Atlantic Ocean, is not only a paradise for sun worshippers, but also a stage for the city’s colourful hustle and bustle. In Wynwood, Miami shows its creative personality – in the former warehouses, the famous Wynwood Walls are an open-air gallery displaying impressive street art from all over the world. Just a few blocks away, in the lively Little Havana neighbourhood, the Cuban heart of the city beats vibrantly: full of salsa rhythms, cigar shops and cafes serving strong Cuban coffee.

The countless islands of the Florida Keys are strung together like a row of pearls – connected to the mainland by numerous bridges. Key West is located at the tip as the southernmost city in the continental United States, delighting visitors with its relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Colourful Victorian-style houses line the narrow streets and a diverse art and music scene shapes everyday life. Hemingway appreciated the charm of this place – surrounded by azure-blue sea, swaying palm trees and inviting bars, you are sure to find your own personal favourite spot. To get an initial overview, take a tour in the Conch Train: the small train takes you comfortably to the most important sights and you’ll learn exciting things about the island and its inhabitants.

Puerto Costa Maya is a wonderful starting point for exploring the coastal village of Mahahual with its relaxed atmosphere and colourful houses. Just a few kilometres inland, surrounded by tropical nature, you can discover fascinating evidence of Mayan culture, such as the well-preserved temple complexes of Chacchoben and Kohunlich with its famous mask reliefs. The coast beckons with fine white sandy beaches and invites you to linger under palm trees and at beach bars – perfect conditions for snorkelling and diving or for boat trips along the coral reef.

Cozumel lies off the Yucatan peninsula lies – a paradise for beach lovers, divers and fans of culture alike. The island’s dream beaches and colourful underwater world were made famous in the 1960s when Jacques-Yves Cousteau explored its fascinating coral reefs. Even today, many follow in his “footsteps” underwater and discover the breathtaking vistas below the surface of the water that make Cozumel a popular destination for divers. But the island also offers cultural highlights: the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio and El Cedral, dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, transport visitors to the mysterious world of this lost civilisation.

The port city of Progreso is located in the north-west of the Yucatan Peninsula, formerly known as Mayab – “Land of the Maya’”. From the fourth to the tenth centuries, it was the centre of indigenous Mayan culture, as countless archaeological sites prove. Highlights such as the extensive complex of Uxmal bear witness to the former advanced civilisation. Merida is also enchanting, with its pastel-coloured facades, markets and colonial flair providing the backdrop for a relaxed stroll through the city. Off the beaten track, Yucatan surprises with quiet villages, mysterious cenotes and a natural landscape that delights with flamingos and wild orchids.

Galveston, an island city on the Texas Gulf Coast, combines nostalgic charm with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. The well-preserved old town with its magnificent Victorian architecture and many small boutiques, cafes and galleries invites you to stroll around. The sunny climate can be enjoyed on the expansive beaches, while Galveston Island State Park delights nature lovers with its dunes, salt marshes and hiking trails. The city’s lively cultural scene also shapes its character – from museums and festivals to open-air music.

In New Orleans, “The Big Easy”, cultures, sounds and flavours combine to create a unique atmosphere. Over centuries, Creole culture has developed here, a lively mix of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. This diversity still characterises the famous spicy cuisine today. The first jazz sounds once rang out from the streets and clubs of the city, making music history. In addition to great musicians, New Orleans also inspired writers such as Truman Capote, William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams. A stroll through the historic French Quarter with its delicate wrought-iron balconies and pastel-coloured facades reveals what is arguably the most beautiful architecture in the United States. The Garden District, with its magnificent southern-style villas and moss-covered oak trees, also seems like something out of another era. The city unfolds its special magic in the evening – when the French Quarter is bathed in golden light, jazz flows from open doors and life pulsates to the fullest in bars, clubs and street art. Enjoy the flair long after sunset, because your ship will stay overnight here.

Tampa, on Florida’s west coast, combines modern city life with relaxed coastal flair. Its urban heart beats along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 4 km (2.5 mi.) waterfront promenade that winds along the Hillsborough River, inviting visitors to relax and stroll. Nearby is the Florida Aquarium, where colourful coral reefs and sea creatures from all over the world offer fascinating insights into the depths of the oceans. Tampa also surprises with its beautiful natural coastline: not far away is Clearwater Beach, whose powder-white sand has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States several times. Tampa’s roots go back a long way – this is particularly evident in the Ybor City district: once the centre of cigar manufacturing, the red brick facades still bear witness to the industrial boom of the early 20th century. Today, Latin American sounds, murals and a colourful cultural mix mingle between the buildings, delighting visitors with street cafes and small galleries.