Panama Canal Holiday Cruise: Miami, Cabo Rojo & San Diego

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is an historic city undergoing a modern renaissance. Filled with legends, romance and splendor, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and cultural sites. Marvel at the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Clock Tower; explore the Squares of Los Coches, Santo Domingo, and Centenario; visit the beaches of Islas del Rosario National Park; or simply relax at one of the city’s many open-air cafés, as horse-drawn carriages parade by. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by Cartagena and its people.

With its coastline filled with beaches, islands, inlets and natural treasures, Puntarenas is a gateway to a myriad of outdoor attractions, including boat trips through the mangroves, canopy zip line tours, butterfly gardens, horseback riding, and sport fishing. Take a catamaran to the nearby Isla of Tortuga for its white sand beaches, snorkeling and swimming, go river rafting down the Corobici River, or explore the Mangrove Forest on the north side of the peninsula to see crocodiles, herons, and more. Be sure to take a stroll along the Paseo de la Turistas for shopping, souvenirs, local ceviche or a cold beverage, and pick up some Costa Rican coffee for the journey home.

As Guatemala’s largest Pacific port, Puerto Quetzal is both an important cargo destination for the country and the main gateway to an array of outdoor activities and sightseeing adventures. Visit nearby Iztapa for tuna and marlin fishing, take a tour of a coffee or sugar cane plantation, or unwind at the beach in Balneario Likín, a popular Guatemalan resort town. But a definite highlight at this port is taking a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua. Dating back to the 1500s, this stunning town nestled between volcanic peaks and located 4,500 feet above sea level, is renowned for its Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, colonial churches and incredible views.

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has been a popular resort town for decades. Its subtropical climate, gentle breezes and turquoise blue waters—combined with award-winning restaurants and vibrant nightlife—makes Puerto Vallarta a picture-perfect destination, whether you’re looking for sun, sand and surf or a night on the town. The beaches are legendary, including Playa de Oro (Gold Beach), Los Muertos, and the famed Mismaloya Beach, where John Huston shot the film The Night of the Iguana. Head to historic Old Town for galleries and sculptures, and go for a stroll along the Malecón for more art, cafes, bars, and people watching.

In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico. Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself.

One of the great cities of the world, San Francisco is a must visit for every traveler. With its year-round fresh produce and seafood, the city is a food lovers delight, featuring hundreds of international restaurants to choose from, while its destination neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown are equally renowned for their culinary options, cultural offerings and outstanding shopping. Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars over Nob Hill to Ghiradelli Square for fantastic views of the city and some world-famous chocolate, cruise out to Alcatraz, take a day trip to the award-winning wineries of Sonoma and Napa, or visit Golden Gate Park, and be sure to include a walk (or run) across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.