24 Night Grand World Voyage sector sailing from Cape Town to Ft Lauderdale aboard Amsterdam.

The ms Amsterdam is the third ship to bear the name of the Dutch capital in Holland America Line's over 135-year history. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the ms Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.

At the heart of the ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a commissioned signature sculpture soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time. Dutch heritage and tradition is clearly displayed throughout the ship in original Art Deco pieces that once graced the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938. For a contemporary touch, works of the noted maritime artist Stephen Card adorn public spaces.

Highlights of this cruise:

Cape Town
Once dubbed the "Tavern of the Seas," Cape Town is now more sedately known as South Africa's "Mother City." Here, a cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain is in order, or a visit to the wineries and Cape Dutch buildings of Stellenbosch. If your African experience would be incomplete without a safari, head for Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.

Walvis Bay
The apricot-colored sand dunes behind Walvis Bay are populated by gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, brown hyena, the rare, long-legged desert elephant, and sometimes even cheetah-amazing for such an apparently inhospitable environment. Inching ever closer is the relentless Namib Desert.

Fortaleza
Jangadeiros (fishermen aboard log rafts with triangular sails) skim this port's green waters as they have for centuries; in the city, artisans hand-craft gossamer pieces of heirloom lace.

Belem
Situated on the mouth of the Amazon River, Belem is the chief port for the Amazon. The Portuguese colonial architecture is evident in numerous city squares, elegant parks and splendid churches created during the rubber boom of the 19th century. Wander the narrow streets of the old city, explore the local Ver O Peso market or view the world's largest collection of tropical plants at the Goeldi Museum.

Castries
Edenic green jungles, dazzling beaches, a drive-in volcano: This lush isle has it all, plus the spellbinding twin peaks the Pitons.

Ft Lauderdale
There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Fort Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Fort Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or venture to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.