From this December luxury cruise liner the Deutschland will embark on an exciting Central and South American sailing programme with eWaterways (www.ewaterways.co.uk), the niche and river cruise specialists.

Hailed as the ‘Grand Hotel at Sea’ the elegant five-star cruiser is soon to be recognised under a different moniker, as a London 2012 Olympics hotel ship! Before mooring in London’s docklands next July, the intrepid cruise ship will offer the ultimate blend of expedition and luxury cruising.  With many different itineraries to suit those seeking urban cultural encounters, off the beaten track adventure, nature discovery or relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, eWaterways and the Deutschland will start by showcasing the best of Latin America’s diverse and magical landscape.

Gold Coast of South America: Rio to Buenos Aires (Visiting Brazil – Uruguay and Argentina) 19th December 2011 5th January 2012

Guests aboard this 18 day cruise will be able to celebrate the festive season in the party capital Rio de Janeiro, before setting sail for the historic towns of Buzios and Paraty along the Costa Verde. After visiting Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, the cruise crosses over to Argentina, where passengers will cruise the Parana River - the continent’s second longest river after the Amazon - docking in Rosario, a city famed for its neoclassical architecture. From here the glistening skyline of capital city Buenos Aires beckons, the final destination on this remarkable cruise where guests can celebrate the New Year in style.

Around Cape Horn: Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Visiting Argentina, Uruguay and Chile)
6th January to 23rd January 2012

This cruise focuses on South America’s magnificent nature as the Deutschland journeys from Buenos Aires all the way to Valparaiso in Chile. After a day trip to the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, the cruise continues along to Argentinean Patagonia. Guests will be awed by the wild landscapes of the Valdes Peninsula, which is home to many rare animal species. From the vantage point of the Deutschland, guests will be able to spot Magellan penguins, southern sea elephants, sea lions, seals and various indigenous birds at close proximity.

Rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of Chile, arguably, the most incredible part of the cruise starts at Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The stunning scenery of the region has been witnessed by few travellers and will offer guests one of the most memorable of holiday experiences; cruising through the Tierra del Fuego National Park, across the Beagle Channel, along the Magellan Strait and then through a Chilean fjord and ending in Valpariso.

Whales, Surf & Cliff Diving: Gayaquil to La Paz - Baja California (Visiting Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemal, Mexico)
8th February to 26th February 2012

This cruise works it way up the continent from South America to Central America over the course of 19 days. Commencing in Ecuador, the Deutschland travels along the Pacific Ocean coast for a discovery of beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Central America awaits passengers after the ship crosses into Costa Rica and Guatemala. Marvel at the country’s volcanic and mountainous landscapes before an opportunity of a lifetime to visit Mayan settlements in the heart of the Guatemalan rainforest. The journey continues on to Acapulco, the largest beach resort in Mexico where guests can sunbathe on the world-famous beach, swim in the calm waters of the bay and be entertained by Acapulco’s cliff divers at La Quebrada.

The cruise continues up the Mexican Coast to the Baja Californian Peninsula where sea lovers can enjoy the acclaimed scuba diving destination of Cabo San Lucas and humpback whale and dolphin watching in Gorda Banks. After all the activity, guests can relax in Loreto, a beach resort on the warm, inviting waters of the Sea of Cortez before the ship’s final port of call La Paz.

Central American Kaleidoscope: La Paz to Panama City (Visiting Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama)
27th February to 16th March 2012

Starting in the Mexican city of La Paz, this 19-day cruise offers a full exploration of Central America. Cruising to the peaceful, secluded bays along the Pacific Coast there is opportunity to partake in an educational trip to the ancient Mayan pyramids in the middle of the Guatemalan rainforest.

The cruise continues along the coast for an exploration of less visited destinations El Salvador and Nicaragua. Mooring at Acajutla, passengers will be able to spend a day exploring the main sea port of Central America’s smallest country before arriving in the sleepy town of Corinto in Nicaragua. A real treat for the Deutschland’s guests, Corinto’s virtually untouched beaches and idyllic tropical surroundings evoke a romantic bygone age. In Costa Rica, the naturally beautiful landscapes of Puntarenas, a surfers’ favourite and lush port town Golfito.

The final destination on this cruise is Panama starting with Isla Coiba, a UNESCO Heritage Site home to many indigenous plant and wildlife species. The voyage concludes with a visit to Isla del Rey, the largest island of the Pearl Islands before drawing to a close in Panama City.