Cruise North America: combine mythical cities, beaches and wilderness!
North America, a multi-faceted destination to discover
Come and discover the diversity of North America, the part of the American continent made up of Canada, the United States and Mexico. Surrounded by three seas, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Arctic Ocean to the north, this destination will enable sea-lovers to make their dreams of escape come true. The diversity of landscapes, richness and cultural contrasts of North America make it a destination for every taste. As you travel from city to city, you'll come across places that will let you savor the joys of vacation.
From the Isthmus of Panama, North America stretches to the edge of the North Pole. A trip to this destination will give you the opportunity to discover the world's third largest territory, covering 24 million km². Steeped in over 2,000 years of history, North America has become a veritable cultural melting pot. From pre-Columbian times to the present day, this part of the globe has been marked by a succession of civilizations, starting with the Amerindians, the continent's indigenous people. Their culture lives on today in Canada and many parts of the USA, through various tribes, the best known being the Iroquois, Navajo, Cheyenne, Cherokee and Apache. This was followed by Viking colonization around the year 1000. Discover this chapter of Greenland's history. The arrival of Europeans with the discovery of the continent by Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of the founding of cities and states as we know them today.
North America's must-sees: megacities, nature and wide-open spaces
North America immediately conjures up images of megacities. And no matter how many times you've seen them in photos, North America's iconic cities always appeal to visitors. Each of these glittering, skyscraper-clad cities also boasts some of the finest period architecture in the world. In New York's East Village, for example, in the Little Havana district of Miami's Design City, or in Old Pasadena on the edge of Los Angeles, time seems to stand still. These picturesque neighborhoods reveal a different image of these ultramodern cities. The same is true of Canada's major cities: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Whether it's New York for its hustle and bustle, Miami and Hawaii for its dream beaches, Chicago for its architecture, Panama City for its multi-faceted atmosphere or Hollywood for its 7th art, there's something for everyone on a North American cruise. Taking a trip to this destination also gives you the chance to play with contrasts, to reconcile extremes: big city and wilderness, modern city and picturesque village, snow-capped peak and sunny beach. If you dream of adventure and wide-open spaces, this continent is the place for you. Discover Alaska's wild, snow-capped mountains. Let yourself be tempted by a hike around the great lakes and in the Canadian Rockies. Set off for great adventures in the Grand Canyon and deserts of the USA, or explore the lush forests of Mexico. Your trip will also take you to some of the world's most impressive natural sights, including Niagara Falls, straddling the border between the USA and Canada.
North America: when to go?
From the far north of Canada to the deep south of Central America, the climate varies considerably. In the northern part of the maple-leaf country, the weather is increasingly polar-like, while Mexico and the countries to the south of this destination enjoy plenty of sunshine most of the year. To make the most of your trip to North America, leave at the right time. For sun and sea holidays, or to explore the U.S. national parks, summer departures are particularly recommended. At this time of year, the southern part of the continent, where the Rocky Mountains and the seaside towns of the Pacific coast are concentrated, enjoys exceptional sunshine. Florida, on the other hand, nicknamed the Sunshine State, boasts a year-round spring climate. So you can discover it at any time.
In Canada, nature slowly wakes up from April onwards, but the sun really shines from June to August. It's time for summer pleasures. The months of September and October are characterized by a mild climate, typical of the Indian summer. At this time of year, nature is decked out in magnificent shimmering colors of gold and orange. A hike during the Indian summer reveals another face of Canada: picturesque, a real feast for the eyes. If you want to enjoy the magic of winter and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the far north, discover Canada between December and March. Beware: temperatures can drop to -40°! Central America is characterized by a warm tropical climate, with an average of 20°C all year round. From August to October, the Caribbean coasts are humid. Choose destinations along the Pacific coast to enjoy the good weather!