Amazon River Cruises

The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, cutting through dunes and deserts of the region. The construction of the canal shortens the journey from the North Atlantic to northern Indian Oceans and vice versa by about 7,000 kilometres. Passage through the canal does not require a locking system as the seawater from both sources sits at about the same level. Cruising through the Suez Canal offers spectacular views around every bend.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and major commercial and industrial center. The main attraction of the city is the Hassan II Mosque, which was opened in the 90s. In the markets, there are vegetables, fish, footwear and handicrafts for sale. From the cafes, observe the street life and immerse yourself in another culture.

Cape Town is the third largest city of South Africa with a population of almost 3.5 million and has been the city of the South African Parliament since 2004. Between October and march, Cape Town is a popular attraction for many tourism which is shown by their growing numbers in recent years. This in turn has made Cape town an important economic sector for the country. One of the favourite sites of tourists is the Table Mountain but the city has plenty more to offer. Museums, historic buildings, Castles and the oldest surviving building in South Africa are all options worth considering.

Stretching along a desert strip between the sea and the mountains, Safaga is a port town in Egypt that sits on the coast of the Red Sea. Although historically a merchant port, the seaside town also has a small tourism industry. The many coral reefs in the area, especially off the city of Hurghada just 53 kilometres south, make the region a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. To accommodate these visiting divers, the town offers vacancies in several hotels, bungalows and rest houses.

Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, home to about 60,000 people. In the 19th Century, the port of Mindelo was of important strategic significance for shipping logistics. The city on the Atlantic is known for its carnival. Explore the rough, but sweet charm, of the Cape Verde islands.

Tangiers is characterized by its steep streets, which wind between the white walls of houses. The small and large businesses with all kinds of merchandise extend like a maze through the Moroccan port city. Other attractions include the Grand Socco, a large and important marketplace.

With around 737 600 inhabitants, the city of Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and is situated directly on the Indian Ocean. Visit the large leisure complex 'The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World' and the many museums that can be found there or go shopping in the huge shopping center of Greenacres.

Durban is situated on the Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa. Durban is South Africa's second biggest city, with slightly more than 3 million inhabitants, and is one of the most important industrial cities in the country. The beaches and the subtropical climate make Durban a popular spot for vacationers from around the world. Watersport enthusiasts will be extremely impressed by the activities on offer and the cultural side of the city boasts many museums, theatres and botanical gardens.

Walvis Bay, 'Whale Bay' in English, is a city and bay on the west coast of Namibia. The city is home to the main sea port in Namibia and is the third largest city in the country. 67,000 people live in Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast. In the city there is the Rhenish Mission Church, which is a National Monument in Namibia. Outside the city numerous tours and excursions are offered. Besides seals and dolphin tours, a trip to the southern lagoon is recommended. The 5,000-year-old lagoon is Namibia's oldest and largest.

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. With a population of around 170 000, the city is the largest on the island. It is also the economic center of the country. Port Louis feels like a mixture of different countries and continents - Africa, China, Europe, the Middle East and others. Its lively streets provide a good alternative to the other part of the island filled with peaceful resorts and private beaches. Be aware that once the commuters leave the city after dark, it dies out and practically nothing is open.

Richards Bay is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The city has many sports facilities and a fantastic landscape with numrous bays and lagoons. Try your hand at surfing, visit the wildlife Richards Bay Game Reserve park or get an astonishing view of the beach and port from atop the Lighthouse.

Agadir is a resort city in southwest Morocco with a population of over 600,000 people. A devastating earthquake struck in 1960 and destroyed the city, including most of the historic sites. One of the few survivors is the hilltop kasbah's original wall, the rest of Agadir had to be completely rebuilt. Today, the city is Morocco's biggest and most popular seaside resort. With only a handful of sights, a shiny white marina and a long sandy beach it is perfect for families wanting to get away from it all and relax.

Dakar is the capital of Senegal as well as the largest city of the country. It expertly combines the modern big city with a traditional African way of life. Markets, museums, art galleries and film festivals all add to the charm of this vibrant port city. Cruisers will want to make the most of their time in Dakar. The twin hills Deux Mamelles, the African Renaissance Monument, and the Dakar Grand Mosque are just some of the must-see landmarks in the city. Also make sure you enjoy some of the delicious African cuisine.

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. The city's new developments on Avenida Marginal, wide selection of hotels and restaurants and its well-stocked supermarkets make it into the country's most forward place. Maputo is a must-see if you want to get to know Mozambique. It is said to be one of Africa's prettiest capital cities thanks to its Mediterranean-style buildings, jacaranda-lined avenues, lively culture and leisurely sea side life. Maputo is pricier than other places, however, there is enough variety for any budget.

Sitting on the western bank of the Suez Canal approximately 170 kilometres outside of Cairo is the northeastern Egyptian seaside city of Port Said. The global city is home to various nationalities and religions, mostly from the Mediterranean. Port Said, coexisting with its twin city Port Fuad on the eastern bank of the canal, form a metropolitan area that spans both the Asian and African continents. Free ferries operating on the canal connect the two cities.