Mayan Legends and Southern Charm Small Ship Cruise

Despite its small size, North Bimini offers plenty of adventure: while everyday life in the beach bars of Alice Town is relaxed, the bright-blue lagoons invite you to snorkel or dive around sunken shipwrecks. Sun worshippers and anglers will also find their island paradise on the dream beaches under palm trees or enjoy Bahamian seafood fresh from the ocean. Fancy some culture? Then the exhibitions at the Bimini Museum are well worth a visit. But the most beautiful pictures are painted by nature: experiencing the sunset on board against the endless blue horizon is unforgettable.

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 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 long lay time extends your impressions into the evening.

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.