Encircle the Western Hemisphere on this pictorial fantasy cruise. Your visual voyage begins in Anchorage, Alaska and ends in Quebec City, Canada. Along the way you will visit 50 cities in North, Central and South America as you travel along the Pacific coast and then the Atlantic Ocean.
The Seward Highway is a wonderful, scenic drive for about 127 miles between Anchorage and Seward. Stop at several turnouts to enjoy the mountains, valleys, waterways and glaciers. If you are lucky, you might spot a whale, sea lion or a moose. Especially fascinating is the Ghost Forest in the Girdwood Valley at mile post 90. This Tidewater Slough was created during the Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964 when the elevation dropped dramatically below sea level. The seismic event wiped out the original town of Girdwood and turned this row of trees a ghostly white.
Seward Hwy & Alyeska Hwy Girdwood, AK 99587
As the WP&YR train chugs along the White Pass Route through the stunning coastal mountains, most tourists elect to enjoy the marvelous views from the comfort of their window seats. Those determined to photograph the excursion jostle for position outside on small platforms between the parlor cars. You know where I was standing for the whole ride.
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No roads lead to Ketchikan, Alaska …literally. The only ways in and out are by boat, ferry, commercial plane or a floatplane like this one taking off at sunrise. Most of these seaplanes are used for air tours over the Tongrass National Forest and for transporting fishermen and campers to ideal locations. Local residents also use these single prop taxis as the fastest means to get to neighboring islands.
1245 Tongass Ave Ketchikan, AK 99901
Nestled into the Inner Harbour on Canada’s Pacific coast is the charming city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. The vine-covered Empress Hotel, which is also called The Fairmont Express, was built in 1908. It greets visitors arriving by boat, seaplane or cruise ship and beckons them for Victorian afternoon tea. Nearby are gorgeous parliament buildings. Most enjoyable is a stroll along the historical streets. Then savor a seafood lunch outdoors. The gulls and pigeons will be happy to share it with you.
721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
This lovely and quiet lagoon is formed by the southwest end of Granville Island and the Island Park Walk on False Creek’s south bank. The Sutcliffe Park offers a perfect place for a family picnic while enjoying this picturesque view of downtown Vancouver.
1318 Cartwright St Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8, Canada
Seattle, Washington is the crown of the Pacific Northwest. With a skyline boasting over 200 high-rises – including nearly 30 skyscrapers over 400 feet – you can see why it is nicknamed The Emerald City. A great way to view downtown and Elliott Bay is from the top of the 175 foot Seattle Great Wheel. The Ferris wheel is located at Pier 57 on the Central Waterfront. It was built for the Great Western Pacific Company in 2012 at a cost of about $20 million.
1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
On Oregon’s Pacific coast is the fascinating Haystack Rock. The giant monolith rises 235 feet from the sands of Cannon Beach. It is accessible from shore during low tide. At high tide, however, be careful: many people have been stranded by fast rising water and had to be rescued. Next to it are two smaller yet impressive rock towers called the Needles. This sandy beach and shallow, warm water are perfect for a barefoot stroll with your best friend.
1766 S Hemlock St, Tolovana Park, OR 97145
This elevated view of Hanauma Bay shows an ancient volcanic crater at the base of a sea cliff. It is filled with crystal-clear water flowing over a bed of coral called a fringing reef. The name is derived from two Hawaiian words: hana means bay and uma translates to curved. This gorgeous seascape greets you at the park’s visitor center. The entrance fee is very reasonable.
101 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825
As cruise ship passengers disembark onto the Big Island at the Kailua Pier, their first view is often Kamakahonu Beach. This means Eye of the Turtle. Its calm waters have earned it the nickname Children’s Beach. Besides being beautiful, it is also historical. This is where King Kamehameha died in 1819. Nine years earlier, Kamehameha the Great became the first monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. On the other side of this finger of land is Kailua Bay.
Kailua Pier, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
If you follow Route 30 until it ends above Honolua Bay, you’ll discover a favorite remote spot among surfers. The best view of all the action is from the top of a cliff called Lipoa Point. If you are an experienced surfer, this is where you want to climb into your wetsuit, climb down a dirt path to the water and then climb onto your board. You are about to have a lot of fun.
6501 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
The Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also here where the ocean’s marine layer of water vapor collides with the different air temperatures of the bay and the land. This result is almost a daily pattern of rolling fog or clouds that often swallows the bridge with an eerie yet beautiful result.
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San Diego Bay is a 12 mile waterway and harbor for a variety of watercraft. Vessels range from naval aircraft carriers to commercial ocean freighters and include lots of pleasure boats. On a sunny day, you will typically see several sailboats floating slowly by the skyline of downtown.
1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
The Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. At this junction is the impressive El Arco. The Arch is one of several mammoth rock formations at the Land’s End. El Finisterra (in Spanish) is an appropriate name because the next geography directly south is Antarctica. So, get a boat or water taxi from the nearby marina, watch the passing dolphins during the short trip and then take the hint from the sunning sea lions by enhancing your tan on Playa del Amour (Lover’s Beach).
Ave Solmar #1A Col Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Antigua was once the glamorous capital of Guatemala before two devastating earthquakes in the 1700s left it mostly abandoned. Now the ruins are a tourist attraction. Within eight-by-eight blocks, a visitor can walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets to see the remains of former churches, arches and plazas plus convents and monasteries. A stunning example is the San Francisco Church with its twisted columns, religious statues and bell towers. This Spanish-American Baroque monastery was built in 1702 and destroyed in 1773.
San Francisco el Grande, Calle de los Pasos 6, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Eloy Alfaro was president of Ecuador at the turn of the 20th century. He is credited with building the country’s unity, education, railroad and infrastructure but he also suppressed the Catholic Church. In 1911, he was deposed. A year later, he was murdered by a mob. This monument to Eloy Alfaro is at the Alfaro City Civic Center Square on a hill known as El Centinela. The tribute overlooks Montecristi, the town best known for originating the Panama hat.
Civic Center, Ciudad Alfaro, Montecristi, Ecuador
The cornerstone of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima was laid in 1535 and construction, additions and reconstructions continued through 1940. Those magnificent neo-classical twin bell towers took over forty years to build. They were finished in 1649 based on the design of the Cathedral’s second architect, Francisco Becerra. Flanking the Door of Forgiveness is the Door of the Gospel (left) and the Epistle (right).
Jirón Huallaga & Jirón Carabaya, Cercado de Lima 15001, Peru
Arica’s most prominent landmark is this cliff called El Morro. The 427 foot “Nose of Arica” faces the Pacific Ocean. The summit is reached by a pedestrian walkway starting at Colón Street. El Morro was declared a National Monument in 1971. The mount was the last Peruvian stronghold against the Chilean army during the Battle of Morro de Arica in 1880. Learn more about this historic event at the Museo Históricode Armas, a military museum on top of the scarp. You will also see a giant Chilean flag, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Cristo de la Paz statue, the harbor in the Pacific Ocean and a panoramic view of the city.
Carlos Condell 98 Arica, Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile
Carved into Valparaíso’s 43 hills are five neighborhoods painted in a kaleidoscope of colors. The picturesque buildings are connected by a labyrinth of narrow alleys, steep staircases and century-old funiculars. The Historic District is shaped like a giant amphitheater with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean seaport. Valpo, as the local porteños call their city, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
Bahía de Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
These people standing on a long wooden pier (Muelle Frutillar) are enjoying a gorgeous scene. In the foreground is Lake Llanquihue. At 330 square miles, this glacier-formed lake is Chile’s second biggest. The snowcapped mountain in the background is Volcán Osorno. This still active volcano has an elevation over 8,700 feet. It is part of the Southern Andes range.
Avenida Philippi & Jorge Montt, Frutillar, X Región, Chile
If you like penguins, you will love seeing over 63,000 breeding pairs on Magdalena Island in southern Chile. In this family portrait, the two birds with grey-blue coloring are chicks. An average of 1.4 chicks per nest survives each year. The adults can live up to 20-25 years and mate for life.
Magdalena Island, Magallanes y la Antártica, Chilena Region, Chile
The United Kingdom’s claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands was challenged by Argentina in 1982. When the latter seized the island, they covered the beaches with landmines. The war with Britain lasted less than a month, but the mine fields where left behind. Efforts to clear approximately 25,000 of the buried explosives began in 2009. According to legend, when a local man lost his leg from one of these mines, he impaled a boot on a hill near Port Stanley. In sympathy, others repeated the gesture on what is now called Boot Hill.
Darwin Rd Stanley FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands, Islas Malvinas
The centerpiece of Congressional Plaza is an elaborate water fountain graced with bronze sculptures by artist Jules Lagae. In the center is the Allegory of the Republic. Called the Monument of the Two Congresses, these sculptures celebrate the centennial anniversary of two assemblies. Together they achieved Argentina’s independence from the Spaniards in 1816. This gorgeous park is one of three squares in front of the Palace of the Argentine National Congress. A green, 260 foot dome crowns the white marble façade. The Neoclassical design by architect Vittorio Meano was finished in 1906. The palace is a National Historic Landmark.
Av. Rivadavia 1864, C1033AAV, CABA, Argentina
A large percent of the 9,000 people living in Punta del Este, Uruguay serve wealthy tourists. The visitors flock to this quaint resort town for the nightlife and beaches. Brava Beach is very popular for sunning and swimming. In the center is this monument to the drowned. La Mano, or The Hand, consists of five giant fingers protruding from the sand. The concrete sculpture by Mario Irarrázabal has become a local landmark since the dramatic artwork was erected in 1982.
Brava Beach, Punta del Este, Uruguay
Without question, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous image is the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. This figure’s outstretched arms – measuring 92 feet wide – symbolize peace. The Jesus Christ figure was made from sandstone and concrete in 1931 by sculptor Paul Landowski. The world’s tallest Art Deco statue stands 124 feet. Nearly every visitor to Rio travels through the forest of Tijuca National Park for a close up and a photo. Yet this icon of Brazil can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Not surprising, Cristo Redentor was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Cristo Redentor, Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
Aruba is the “A” in the ABC Islands, three Caribbean islands in the Leeward Antilles sharing common roots with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Oranjestad (which means Orange Town) is the capital city for Aruba’s population of just over 100,000. Most residents strive to make it “One Happy Island” for the droves of tourists who love its 80° sunshine, low rainfall and magnificent beaches. Their language is Papiamento and their currency is the Aruban florin. These do not stop them from welcoming visitors from around the world.
Seaport Village Marina, Lloyd G. Smith Blvd, Oranjestad, Aruba
The Caribbean flamingo is technically known as the Phoenicopterus ruber. This means crimson winged and red. They are the largest flamingo species reaching 55 inches and 6.5 pounds. In the wild they can live up to 50 years. While walking slowly along the shallow salt flats, they use their S-shaped neck to reach food. After scooping up a morsel, water strains from their angled beak. Their feathers are not naturally pink. This color comes from the carotenoid pigments they consume from their diet of brine shrimp and other crustaceans.
Kaminda Goto Rincon, Caribbean Netherlands
The initial inhabitants were the Caiquetío, an Arawak Indian tribe. Soon after the Spanish arrived in 1499, they named it Curaçao because they believed the island “cured” sailors of scurvy. The Dutch conquered it in 1634. Today, Willemstad has a population of about 150,000 people. It is the capital of this constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the foreground is a late 18th century cast-iron cannon. The 24 pounder next to the Queen Emma Bridge points across St. Anna Bay towards Otrobanda.
Kon. Emmabrug, Willemstad, Curaçao
This panoramic view of Cartagena from Convent de la Popa shows its very modern cityscape. There are about 150 high-rises and skyscrapers. The majority have been built since 2003, especially in the Bocagrande neighborhood in the background. Most of them are condominiums to house the population of about 900,000 people. Several are luxury hotels with lots more planned. The towers in the middle stand on Manga Island. Some real estate experts have compared Cartagena’s construction boom to Panama City and Miami.
Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa Cl. 37, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Ever wonder where the dividing line is between Central and South America? This is it: the Bridge of the Americas. This steel arch bridge is 5,425 feet long and has a clearance of 201 feet above the Panama Canal. The United States commissioned it while controlling the Canal Zone. This critical link of the Pan-American Highway was completed in 1962 by John Beasly & Company.
Bridge of the Americas & Carr. Panamericana, Panama City, Panama
The three-toed sloth is the perfect animal to photograph in the wild: they don’t move fast and they are always smiling. For a chance to see a Bradypus variegatus in the forest, walk the trails at either the Refugio Gandoca Manzanillo or Parque Nacional Cahuita. Both parks are south of Limón. You might also spot this brown-throated sloth hanging from trees during a boat ride along the Tortuguero Canal north of the city. For a guaranteed close up, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center near Puerto Viejo or the Sloth Sanctuary close to Cahuita.
Canal del Tortuguero, Limón Province, Costa Rica
The prescription for a perfect afternoon: sit on a gorgeous beach in a lounge chair under a palm tree while staring at the ocean waves with a cold beverage at your side. There are no known harmful side effects except occasional sunburn. So, repeat as necessary. Fill the prescription at Costa Maya, Mexico, or the tropical getaway of your choice.
Cruise Port, Costa Maya, 77940 Q.R., Mexico
This arched sculpture of two scuba divers on Avenida Raphael Melgar is a tribute to Cozumel’s loveliest natural asset: the coral reefs. Since Jacques Cousteau raved about them in 1961, they have become extremely popular among underwater enthusiasts. There are more than thirty dive sites along the island’s west coast. Lists are available online describing each by location, features, depths and skill level. Several are close to shore so they are easy to reach and explore. You will also find a host of resources catering to divers including shops, instructors, tours and even resorts.
Calle 2 Nte & Av. Rafael E. Melgar, Centro, San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
Cruise ships going to Grand Cayman typically arrive at George Town. When the Caribbean waves are rough, many ships are turned away while a lucky few anchor off the southern shore. This alternative port in Savannah is stark, congested and not convenient to tourist sites. Yet there is one refreshing advantage: after touring the largest of the Cayman Islands all day in the bright sunshine, a quick dip in the water near Spotts Public Beach is heavenly.
Spotts Beach Shamrock Rd, Savannah, Cayman Islands
These pastel buildings near the Bay of Samaná along the Avenida la Marina look like a painter’s pallet. The colonial row houses have a quaint village appearance. Inside they are designed to attract tourists’ wallets. On the right is the Samaná Casino. It is small with about 50 slots and a couple card tables. The rest are part of Plaza Pueblo Principe, a center containing shops, restaurants and nightlife. This property is owned by Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa, a resort located a short distance away.
Plaza Pueblo Principe, Avenida La Marina, Samaná 32000, Dominican Republic
If you want some historic adventure after swimming, sunning and sleeping at Pigeon Island Beach, then go explore the 44 acre national park on the horizon. This island was the home for the Arawaks and then the Caribs before becoming a lookout point for François le Clerc. Jambe de Bois was a 16th century French pirate. He was the first buccaneer known to have a wooden leg. This earned him the nickname Pie de Palo (Peg Leg). On the top left are the ruins of Fort Rodney. Learn the history of this 18th century fortress at the Interpretation Centre housed in an 1803 British officers’ mess.
Pigeon Island National Park, Gros Islet, St. Lucia
Bridgetown’s downtown shopping district starts along the boardwalk on the right known as The Wharf and extends for a few blocks. Inside these colorful European-style buildings you will find chain retailers plus a few local stores that have more charm. When you are hungry, cross Chamberlain Bridge and select one of the restaurants on the left. The food is good and the view is great of the boats in the Careenage Marina. This is part of the Constitution River channel.
Chamberlain Bridge Bridgetown, Barbados
Martinique is known as “Île aux Fleurs” meaning the “Island of Flowers.” Every spring you can see a kaleidoscope of blooming colors that justify this nickname. One example is the bright red petals of the royal poinciana growing along the roadside. Also called the flamboyant, this tropical wildflower makes a perfect picture frame for the sailboats moored in Cul-du-Sac du Marin.
Marina du Marin, Boulevard Allegre, Le Marin, Martinique
English Harbour began as a British garrison at the turn of the 18th century. For almost two hundred years, it evolved into an elaborate complex of buildings now called Nelson’s Dockyard. The fort was named after Horatio Nelson. The vice-admiral arrived in 1784 and later became its commander. When the Royal Navy base was abandoned in 1889, it fell into disrepair until an extensive restoration was finished in 1961. Nelson’s Dockyard is now a national park and a major tourist attraction. In 2016, this historic property was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These boat house pillars are among the most recognizable and photographed features.
The Admiral's Inn Dockyard Drive, English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda
The last cove to show you on the French side is Baie de L’Embouchure and Le Galion Beach. They are best observed from Rotary Lookout Point along Rue de Coralita. Just offshore is Caye Château. This uninhabited isle is accessible by taking a short stroll through the balmy water. Directly to the south is Baie Lucas and Coralita Beach. So many beaches … 36 in all … and so little time. Return soon for a longer vacation at St. Martin/St. Maarten.
Rotary Lookout Point, Rue de Coralita, Guadeloupe, St Martin
In the foreground is Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the only town in St. Thomas. It has a population of about 18,000 people. On the left is the Havensight Port where most of the cruise ships dock. The archipelago in the harbor includes the Hassel and Water Islands. The former is uninhabited and the latter has less than 200 residents. All of the wonderful blue water is the Caribbean Sea. This view is available from the Skyline Drive Overlook.
Valdemar A. Hill, Sr. Drive Scenic Overlook 00802, St Thomas 00802, USVI
When you disembark from your cruise ship after docking at Grand Turk, you only have to walk about 400 feet before finding a free chaise lounge with your name on it. This palm-tree-lined beach is gorgeous. It is only surpassed by the aquamarine water lapping along the shore. If you get too warm during your nap, then cool off by snorkeling. Before returning to the ship, treat yourself to a massage on the beach.
Grand Turk Cruise Center, Marina, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
The phrase “Can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” was disproven in Nassau. Originally, the cay across from Nassau was called Hog Island. That changed in 1959 when Huntington Hartford – the grandson of George Hartford who converted the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company into A&P, formally the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. – purchased the 685 acre property. In 1962, he renamed it Paradise Island. His transformation included building the Ocean Club and a pro golf course. Later, in partnership with Resorts International, he added a resort, casino and a bridge connecting the islands. Since then, the island has evolved into a premier resort and vacation destination.
Predator Lagoon, One Casino Drive, Suite 52, Paradise Island, Bahamas
If you cruise to Havana, this will be your view of the city when your ships docks. The disembarkation process takes a while – nothing happens quickly in Cuba. Savor the cityscape while getting acclimated to the major landmarks you want to visit. On the left is the bell tower of Basilica de San Francisco. The red roof is Terminal Sierra Maestra San Francisco. The yellow dome crowns Lonja del Comercio, a former commodities market. The three tallest buildings in the background are (left to right), the ETECSA Building (telephone company), the spire of the Church of the Sacred Heart and the dome of National Capitol Building.
Oficios & Ave. del Puerto, La Habana, Cuba
This gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian mansion at the end of Duval Street was built in 1897 as the residence for Judge Harris and his wife. Thomas Edison designed the home’s electricity. It has also been a speakeasy and a nightclub. Today, the Southernmost House is an inn and museum on the waterfront. It has hosted five presidents and countless famous people. The hotel’s name is derived from being the most southern house in the Continental United States.
1400 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale. This Florida gem has 23 miles of beaches along the Atlantic coast. This is home to 170,000 people in the city and a total of 5.7 million in the metropolitan area. Many residents are snowbirds who head south for the winter. Fort Lauderdale is also a popular tourist destination with over 12 million visitors a year. Who can resist the sun, sand, water and glamor of the “Venice of America?”
3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The bright neon signs, flashing ads, street performers, careening cabs, musical productions and guarding police at Times Square in Midtown are only a part of the menagerie. About 40 million people annually make the pilgrimage to the “Center of the Universe.” In 1872, it was called Longacre Square. When the New York Times became a major tenant in 1904, the area adopted the newspaper’s name. Once considered a prime location, it deteriorated during the Great Depression through the mid-1990s. Then, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani cleared out the porn theaters and helped restore the Broadway ones. This has been the location of countless parades and movies. The most famous event since 1907 is the New Year’s Eve ball drop.
Times Square, Manhattan, NY 10036
On December 16, 1773, a group named the Sons of Liberty stormed three ships. The protestors threw more than three hundred chests of cargo into Boston Harbor. This defiance to the British Tea Act led to the Parliament’s Coercive Acts. The new law rescinded Massachusetts’ ability to self-govern. More protests followed. In less than two years, the Revolutionary War began. This red museum in Fort Port Channel welcomes tourists to board a ship similar to those historic vessels.
306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Credit earthquakes, volcanoes and glaciers for forming the 47,000 acres of pristine forests, rugged coastlines, peninsula fingers and charming inlets of Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor. This cliff with a cluster of exclusive homes is Schooner Head. The gorgeous scene is viewable from the Overlook observation point just off the Park Loop Road.
Schooner Head Rd & Schooner Head Trailhead, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
This is a composite of Halifax in Nova Scotia Providence, Canada. In the background is the Halifax Town Clock. This landmark on Citadel Hill was built in 1803. In the foreground is a man re-enacting a mid-1800s soldier from the Royal Artillery at Fort George. The fortress, which was built in 1856, is called the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Halifax Town Clock, 1766 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3, Canada
The sounds and sights of water dropping 276 feet over the Montmorency Falls are impressive. You can watch the cascade from atop the suspension bridge while feeling the mist along the walkways. Or venture down the long staircase to the basin. The falls are nearly 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls. This marvelous display of nature is about eight miles from Old Québec City.
Montmorency Falls Vista Point, 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 1S1, Canada