Miami, Florida, US Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Cartagena, Colombia The Spanish founded Cartagena, officially known as Cartagena de Indias, in 1533. The city rapidly became a thriving commercial port, where precious stones and minerals from the New World awaited shipment back to Spain. Situated in a bay on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena had the most extensive fortifications in South America, once guarded by 29 stone forts and a high wall of coralstone measuring 16-miles long, 40-feet high and 50-feet wide. Cruising Panama Canal A thrilling day you will never forget. Surrounded by hulls of every sort and purpose from every corner of the globe, your ship is gracefully lifted by inrushing water in huge locks, and then sails through narrow, jungled channels and across a broad, shining lake from one ocean to another. At the other end, the waters again ease your ship downward to rejoin a different sea, and send you on your way with memories to last a lifetime. Puntarenas, Costa Rica The principal town of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas gives access to several of the nation’s ecological reserves, including the Monteverde Reserve, as well as highlights of the highlands such as the famous woodcarving centre of Sarchi and the distinctive highland town of Grecia with its metal Gothic church. At the nearby Carara National Park, visitors can see the “Pura Vida” waterfall, some 650 feet high and keep an eye out for brilliant Scarlet Macaws. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala’s largest Pacific Ocean port, offering access to the natural and historic wonders of Guatemala. Beyond the black-sand beaches that surround Puerto Quetzal, a narrow ribbon of lowland runs the length of the Pacific shore, where local farmers raise cotton, sugar, bananas and maize. Bordering the fertile lowlands, the Guatemalan highlands suddenly emerge, rising to heights of 2500 to 3000 feet. Jutting boldly from the southern highlands is a string of volcanoes, adding even more drama to this diverse land of ancient Maya ruins, Spanish Colonial heritage and breathtaking scenery. Puerto Chiapas, Mexico Puerto Chiapas is located in the southern Soconusco region of the Mexican state of Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The region produces both coffee and cacao for chocolate, and so provides opportunities to see how these commodities are grown, processed and used worldwide. Bananas and tropical blooms are two other regional agricultural mainstays. If you have never tasted a truly tree-ripened banana, the experience can be revelatory. There are some pre-Columbian ruins at Izapa, although nothing on the scale of other, more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala. Huatulco, Mexico The nine glistening bays of Huatulco were virtually unknown outside the state of Oaxaca until the first coastal highway was completed in 1982. Now part of Mexico’s ‘Master Plan’ to develop certain coastal areas into premium resorts, Huatulco may one day rival Acapulco and Cancun in the competition to attract tourists from around the world. The pleasing subtropical climate, fine golden sand beaches and warm waters certainly won’t disappoint. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Cabo San Lucas is ideally located where the Mexican desert collides with the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, producing postcard perfect views. Once a hideout for pirates and a tranquil fishing village, Cabo is located at the southernmost tip of the magnificent Baja peninsula, and is blessed with what many describe as the perfect climate. Long a favorite for anglers out to land the ‘big one,’ Cabo San Lucas has great beaches, unlimited shopping options, restaurants and cantinas, and a variety of hotels and resorts. Cabo is also known for El Arco, a magnificent natural rock formation at Land’s End and Playa Medano, Cabo San Lucas’ long white sand beach. Los Angeles A city spinning with energy and creativity, where tomorrow’s trends are born, nurtured and released. Having one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles draws visitors year-round from all over the world. Officially founded in 1781, the modern-day metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains. Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, a vibrant city of visual delights with more museums than any other U.S. city. Voyage highlights... The Bridge of The Americas over the Panama Canal Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 01202 767926
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