Around the World Cruise from Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place.
In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

Overlooking Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the port of Casablanca is the docking point of your Atlantic Ocean cruise to a modern, cosmopolitan and fairly liberal city.
From the harbour, in addition to the promenade where you can enjoy a stroll, you can quickly reach the medina on the northern side of the old city. Surrounded by walls dating back to the 16th century, the Casablanca medina is not very large, but the Souk el-Kebir has all the charm of a Moroccan market. Definitely very different but worthy of a look while on your cruise to Casablanca is the Habous district where the new medina was developed in the 1930s to solve the city’s housing shortage. The most important mosque is the modern Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993. It stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic and the very high minaret serves as a beacon for the harbour. While in Casablanca, a shore excursion to the cathedral of the Sacred Heart is well worth the time. Once a Catholic church, it is now transformed into a cultural centre connected from the Park of the Arab League to the lively Maârif district, modern, full of bars and dominated by the towers of the Twin Center.

Voted on of the best ports in the entire Caribbean basin, Barbados offers natural beauty, attractions, and endless stretches of pink and white sand beaches.

Between walls and ancient castles in Cartagena, Colombia, you can take in the colonial past and be impressed by the wonderful Caribbean Sea.
Take advantage of the stop in the port of Cartagena de Indias to discover the magic atmosphere and the historical wonders of one of the finest jewels of the Caribbean. During the stop, take a walk in the historical centre of the city to admire the walls and ramparts, which bring the history of the place to life. You can also visit the extraordinary Castle of San Felipe de Barajas.

Colon took its name from Christopher Columbus. It is the richest port in the Caribbean, because of its role as the nerve center of the Panama Canal. The city was founded by the Americans in 1850

Manta is a port city on Ecuador’s central coast. It’s known for its tuna-fishing industry. The popular Murciélago Beach is on the city’s northwestern tip. Bars and restaurants are clustered along the Malecón Escénico promenade and nearby streets. The low-key Tarqui Beach has a waterside fish market.

Manta is a port city on Ecuador’s central coast. It’s known for its tuna-fishing industry. The popular Murciélago Beach is on the city’s northwestern tip. Bars and restaurants are clustered along the Malecón Escénico promenade and nearby streets. The low-key Tarqui Beach has a waterside fish market.

The port of Arica is located just 18 km south of the border with Peru. Arica is the capital of the province, the driest in the world.
Arica is known as the city of eternal spring, thanks to its mild climate and its almost complete lack of rain, so much so that the cars don’t even have wipers! The Humboldt Current makes the sea cold and this ensures reduced seasonal fluctuations in temperature, which never go too high. A few kilometres from the port of Arica is the Azapa Valley, an important archaeological site with over 10,000 years of history. The Museum of San Miguel de Azapata has the oldest mummies in the world. You can taste the famous olives of Azapa, a violet and bitter tasting variety.

San Antonio is a Chilean city, commune and the capital of the San Antonio Province in the Valparaíso Region. It is the hub of the fishing area that spans the Chilean coast from Rocas de Santo Domingo to Cartagena. Its port is the largest in terms of freight handled and the busiest on the western coast of South America

San Antonio is a Chilean city, commune and the capital of the San Antonio Province in the Valparaíso Region. It is the hub of the fishing area that spans the Chilean coast from Rocas de Santo Domingo to Cartagena. Its port is the largest in terms of freight handled and the busiest on the western coast of South America

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island
Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island
Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

The Pitcairn Islands, officially the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, is a group of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that form the sole British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Immersed in an atmosphere of pure enchantment, the largest of the Cook Islands fascinates with its blue lagoons and white sandy beaches.
The cruise will take you to discover wonderful beaches, warm waters, crystal clear and rich in fish and coral: all characteristic features of this site. Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, the South Pacific archipelago, and the capital, Avarua, is located here. The island, of volcanic origin, is also rich in jagged peaks and hidden waterfalls, the most famous of these is Wigmore’s Waterfall, which is home to a great diversity of wildlife and lush vegetation, all waiting to be discovered.

Another perfect place for admiring the beauty of nature, is Maire Nui botanical garden. Not to be missed, is the lively food market “Punanga Nui” in Avarua: an excellent opportunity to sample local dishes and experience the culture of the place.

The Cook Islands, a former British protectorate, is now a parliamentary democracy with self-government in free association with New Zealand. English is one of the official languages, but the Māori language of the Cook Islands has also spread, and a variant called “Rarotongan”, from the name of the island.

Wellington, also called the “Windy City”, is the capital of New Zealand and a perfect place to observe the Kiwis, cute little birds that take their name from the fruit which they resemble.
Take advantage of this stop at the port of Wellington to discover the infinite charm of the capital city of New Zealand that surprises with its spectacular views and cultural heritage. After exploring the harbour area, you can visit the many museums in the city, see the beautiful botanical garden, to enjoy the fascinating exoticism of the region, and sample the delicious local cuisine.

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, the smallest state of Australia. It stands at the foot of Mount Wellington and at the mouth of the River Derwent.
Hobart, pleasant to explore and characterised by the elegant Georgian architecture, is renowned for its food and wine. In this respect, it is nice to visit the weekly folklorish market in Salamanca Place. The sailing tradition of these seas is shown in the historic Sydney-Hobart regatta held in December.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Brisbane, capital of Queensland, is a large city on the Brisbane River. Clustered in its South Bank cultural precinct are the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, with noted interactive exhibitions. Another South Bank cultural institution is Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, among Australia’s major contemporary art museums. Looming over the city is Mt. Coot-tha, site of Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

In Cairns, breathtaking dives along the reef await us, while, for the more adventurous, you can try out the cage to see great white sharks up close.
Enjoy a stop at the port of Cairns to discover the magic atmosphere of one of the sunniest beaches in the Northern State of Queensland, Australia. During this stop you can admire the great barrier reef, one of the world’s most fascinating coral agglomerates, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. You can also visit the Cairns botanical garden where you can enjoy truly idyllic scenery.

Rabaul is an important City of Papua New Guinea, the last of a string of islands, extending from Southeast Asia to the Pacific.
During the cruise, you’ll discover a wild land, unspoilt, varied and almost unknown. Papua New Guinea is located south of the Equator and North of Australia.

A land beloved especially by naturalists and explorers who can have fun with almost 9,000 plant species of rainforests and over 250 species of mammals.

Rabaul was the capital of the Province of West New Britain until 1994, when it was destroyed by an eruption of Tavurvur volcano.

It previously served as the headquarters of the German New Guinea until its conquest by the Commonwealth of countries during World War I, when it became the capital of the Australian protectorate territory of New Guinea. On 23 January 1942 the city was conquered by Japan and became the most important base for Japanese military operations in Oceania.

The port of Osaka stands among the many districts that make up one large centre. Discover this city that combines the warmth of oriental colours with the spirit of innovation of the new Japan.
The area around Osaka Bay has undergone recent development and has become one of the most popular spots in the city. No shortage of attractions: Japan’’s largest shopping centre, the tallest Ferris wheel in the Japan, the world’s largest aquarium and the only Universal Studios theme park outside the United States are all in Osaka. A large funfair for adults, where you can have fun and discover Japanese and Korean cuisine, is located in the District of Tsuruhashi. Those who love history must pay a visit to Osaka Castle, symbol of the power and the history of the city.

Nagasaki is the capital of the prefecture of the same name, situated on the island of Kyushu, the third largest island of the Japanese archipelago. The narrow strait of Shimonoseki separates it from Honshu. Kyushu is shaped like an irregular rectangle and features various areas of high ground reaching nearly 1800 meters including Mount Aso, the volcano.
The island’s climate is characterized by abundant precipitation which encourages the growth of subtropical vegetation. The city of Nagasaki is in the middle of a long bay, the island’s best natural port. The residential and commercial area of the city has been built on a small level area, whereas the metropolis of nearly half a million inhabitants extends along two main river valleys, divided by a rocky spur.

The port of Busan, also known as Pusan, is the largest in the country, as well as our dock in South Korea.
Seomyeon is the hub of Busan, with a large shopping area. Here there are also local offices of major Korean and international banks, but it is also the entertainment district with cafes, bars and restaurants. Nearby, there is also the market of Bujeon, the largest in the city with things never before seen in the West. Mt. Geumjeongsan offers the ability to scale its heights and visit the Beomeosa temple, associated with Korean Buddhism. Busan attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, its many luxury hotels, and Gwangalli Beach, famous for its bars and restaurants. Finally Taejongdae, located on the Island of Yeongdo, is a natural park with a cliff overlooking the sea.

Keelung (sometimes called Jilong) is a major port city in the north-eastern part of Taiwan. It borders Taipei County and forms the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan area together with the City and County of Taipei.
Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and its important maritime role, the city is Taiwan’s second largest seaport (after Kaohsiung). Keelung is currently administered as a provincial city of Taiwan Province in the Republic of China. It has been suggested that the name Keelung was derived from the local mountain whose shape resembles a rooster cage. However, it is more probable that the name was derived from the first inhabitants of the region, like the names of many other Taiwanese cities. Indeed, the area’s earliest inhabitants were the Ketagalan people, and Ke-lâng was thus probably derived from Ketagalan.

Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Da-Nang in Vietnam offers invigorating nature and a spiritual and historical awakening through the ancient archaeological sites.
During the stop in the port of Da Nang, you can recharge your energy in an idyllic natural setting and then discover the richness of the historical heritage of this popular seaside resort. After a visit to the various archaeological locations declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Mỹ Sơn shrine, come and enjoy the charm of the works of the Cham Sculpture Museum.

From the port of Phu My, where our Costa ship will dock, we can easily reach Ho Chi Minh City, an important city of Vietnam.
The port of Phu My is one of the busiest trading ports of Vietnam. Located between two major cities in the country, it is also the place where numerous cruise ships anchor. During this stop you will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the great economic and cultural centre, or Vung Tau, a seaside town is much appreciated by tourists.

Singapore was a small commercial centre in the powerful Srivijaya empire of Sumatra and later, towards the middle of the 13th century, a puppet state of the Majapahit empire in Java, while in the 15th and 16th century it became part of the sultanate of Johor. Singapore’s more recent history is inextricably linked to the figure of Sir Stamford Raffles, an official in the East India Company. With a treaty stipulated with the sultan of Johor in 1819, he established a British settlement in Singapore. He then made the city a resting point to restock the ships of the British Empire and to halt the Dutch expansionist policy.

Singapore was a small commercial centre in the powerful Srivijaya empire of Sumatra and later, towards the middle of the 13th century, a puppet state of the Majapahit empire in Java, while in the 15th and 16th century it became part of the sultanate of Johor. Singapore’s more recent history is inextricably linked to the figure of Sir Stamford Raffles, an official in the East India Company. With a treaty stipulated with the sultan of Johor in 1819, he established a British settlement in Singapore. He then made the city a resting point to restock the ships of the British Empire and to halt the Dutch expansionist policy.

Klang or Kelang, officially Royal Town of Klang, is a royal town and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the Klang District. It was the civil capital of Selangor in an earlier era prior to the emergence of Kuala Lumpur and the current capital, Shah Alam.

The port of Penang is a good starting point to discover Buddhist spirituality, the exoticism of nature and the history of the Malaysian city.
Take advantage of this stop at the port of Penang to discover the enchanting exoticism of one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia. You can admire the fascinating nature reserves and appreciate the diversity of the flora and fauna of the island, so you can visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple, explore the historical wonders of the city of George Town and discover the tasty local cuisine.

Colombo is a chaotic, bustling and very busy city, a melting pot of the different ethnic groups and religions that make it such a multicultural city. The largest group is the Buddhist Sinhalese, and this explains the presence of numerous Buddhist temples such as the Gangarama with its myriad of statues and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions. The Tamils have influenced the architecture of the city with their numerous Hindu temples known as Kovils. The Kathiresan temple is dedicated to Skanda, the god of war, whilst the Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devasthanam temple located near Fort railway station is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is dedicated to the goddess Shiva and the god Ganesh. However there is also plenty of western influence in evidence: the Dutch Governor’s banqueting hall was transformed into St. Peter’s Church in 1804 whilst the Dutch Period Museum, which contains historical documents and exhibits relating to the Dutch colonial period, was previously home to Governor Thomas van Rhee (1692-97).

Our Costa Cruise to India makes a stop at the port of Mormugao, linked to the memory of the 1970s, when hippies regarded this region as the place to be.
The Mormugao Harbour, one of the oldest in the region of Goa, is the main port for the country’s mineral exports, which makes it extremely important for the economy of the area. Mormugao was once renowned for the hippy communities that resided there. Our stop will allow you to enjoy the fine sandy beaches and clear water that make for an unmissable tourist attraction. You can relax under the bright sunshine of this heavenly place.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra (India is a Federal Republic) and is the most populated city in the country. Originally made up of a group of seven islands, as far back as the 3rd century B.C. it formed part of the Maurya Empire ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashok. Its first inhabitants were probably Buddhist monks and some historical remains still exist today from this period (320-184 B.C.). In the following centuries Hindu fishermen known as Koli settled here, calling their settlement “Mumbai”, and so Buddhism made way for Hinduism.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra (India is a Federal Republic) and is the most populated city in the country. Originally made up of a group of seven islands, as far back as the 3rd century B.C. it formed part of the Maurya Empire ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashok. Its first inhabitants were probably Buddhist monks and some historical remains still exist today from this period (320-184 B.C.). In the following centuries Hindu fishermen known as Koli settled here, calling their settlement “Mumbai”, and so Buddhism made way for Hinduism.

Salalah is the country’s second largest city, the administrative capital of the region of Dhofar and lies over 1,000 km from the capital Muscat. Its climate is temperate all year round thanks to the influence of monsoons making Salalah a tropical city with lush vegetation: agriculture provides plenty of fresh fruit and coconuts.
However there is much more to the economy of the region than agriculture: fabric and leather production, handicrafts, fishing and also shipyards and especially tourism are the main resources of a growing economy. In spite of the rather closed character typical of the era prior to Qaboos Bin Said’s government, the town has a multicultural side: the largest immigrant community is Indian with its own private school, “Indian School Salalah”. Indians make up 14% of the population today, followed by Pakistanis (8%) and by other ethnic immigrant groups

Your stop in Jordan will be a dream: from Aqaba you can easily reach the beautiful lost city of Petra.
Take advantage of this stop in the port of Aqaba to discover one of the finest jewels of the Red Sea. Aqaba, Jordan’s only port city that hosts the country’s only seaport, is known worldwide for its beautiful seaside resorts, famous dive sites and renowned tourist spots. During your stay, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Petra, a historic site and one of the 7 wonders of the world. You can also visit the marine park and other city attractions.

The cradle of Greek culture, Athens welcomes us to its port of Piraeus, watching us from above the wonderful Acropolis.
Piraeus is the port of Athens, the largest in Europe, allowing you to visit the city, a place of dreams. A place of emigration, it has inspired numerous songs. Most ships will be making a stop in Athens before resuming the Mediterranean route or returning to the Atlantic. Take the time to visit the Acropolis and maybe the museum located at its base. Before flying out, enjoy the spectacle of a sunset at Capo Sunio. Try not to visit the city when it’s too hot in summer, much of the population moves out of town.

Not to be missed:

• The mythical Parthenon

• The Ancient Agora

• The Olympic Stadium

Naples is the heart of the Mediterranean. A unrivalled city where everything becomes a pleasant experience.
The port of Naples is located right in the heart of the city and you can easily reach the city centre on foot. One of Italy’s symbolic cities: a cruise to Naples will immerse you in a universe of flavours and traditions that have developed during a history of almost 3,000 years. A shore excursion around Naples is like a visit to an open-air museum watched over by the majestic slopes of Vesuvius. The true soul of the city is Spaccanapoli in the ancient heart of the Decumani—the streets built in the Greco-Roman era—where you dodge mopeds as you stroll among the artisan workshops. It would be sacrilege to take a trip to Naples and not enter at least one of the over 500 churches in the old city. Take advantage of the break to visit Pompeii. You will be offered two shore excursions to immerse yourself in the heart of history and visit the ruins of this ancient Roman city. Then, let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the landscapes between the Hill of Posillipo and Vesuvius. If you want to go shopping, take a trip to Spaccanapoli, the main artery of the city.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it.
Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby.
The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.