This magical city is festive and friendly, from its legendary zoo to Balboa Park everyone here seems to be living that quintessential California lifestyle – sun, sand and surf. Between ocean and desert, the near perfect weather here is ideal for exploring charming neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and of course, the beach.

Embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the beautiful Banderas Bay on the other, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera's leading resort cities. White stucco houses are capped with red-tile roofs and surrounded by bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets. Native women who beat their laundry along riverbanks as busy fishing boats return to port illustrate a lifestyle that has been maintained for decades. Nearby, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, smart boutiques and lively nightclubs bear testament to the changes wrought on this quiet seaside city since the 1960s. Life here has never been quite the same since the filming of the movie "Night of the Iguana" and the worldwide publicity accorded the romance of its stars, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Puerto Vallarta brims with life. Shop for leather goods, shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca. Explore cobblestone streets and pic…

Despite being Mexico’s biggest and busiest seaport, this sunny destination is known for its miles of golden sand beaches – by some counts there are twenty – and water sports including swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling and diving. Manzanillo hosts the annual International Sailfish Tournament (be sure to see the 82-foot turquoise sailfish statue in town!), so not surprisingly, the deep-sea fishing here is excellent, too.

With its golden beaches and brilliant waters, the picturesque seaside port of Zihuatanejo is somewhat reminiscent of Polynesia. Just five miles away lies its twin town, the resort of Ixtapa, an isolated oasis of high-rise hotels, yet Zihuatanejo's natural beauty has been preserved and its pristine, fine sandy beaches remain.

Relatively new on cruising sojourns, El Salvador is likely to become pinned as a surprising favorite, due to a unique blend of authenticity and rusticity combined with classic tropical attractions – think national parks, steep volcanos, wide beaches, colonial history, colorful handcrafts and an easy-going attitude. Outdoor pursuits might put you in snorkel gear or on ziplines, or you might make a beeline for a café serving the region’s famed coffee.

Acrescent-shaped bay, excellent surfing and fishing, and authentic, laid-back culture make this slice of paradise a tempting invitation to stroll golden-sand beaches and streets lined with wooden buildings painted in vibrant colors. Hammocks and sunsets are the way of life here, where the hilltop statue of Christ of the Mercy gazes upon the bay, like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, but on a much smaller scale.

One of Latin America's most peaceful countries, often called the "Switzerland of Central America," Costa Rica does not possess an army and boasts a stable democratic government as well as a high literacy rate. Strategically located between two great continents, it has been the benefactor of great cultural contributions from each. Visitors to Costa Rica will be welcomed by friendly people and will enjoy superb scenery and an ideal climate.

She is celebrated as the queen of the Caribbean coast, and given the shimmering lagoons, bays and stunning sea that surround her, it’s easy to see why. Cartagena’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with winding alleys, vibrant displays of architecture and iconic churches. Explore islands offshore, swim in the crystalline waters, and be sure to sample the

She is celebrated as the queen of the Caribbean coast, and given the shimmering lagoons, bays and stunning sea that surround her, it’s easy to see why. Cartagena’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with winding alleys, vibrant displays of architecture and iconic churches. Explore islands offshore, swim in the crystalline waters, and be sure to sample the

Port Antonio is a city on Jamaica’s northeast coast and the capital of Portland Parish. It’s known as a gateway to nearby tropical jungles, mountains and waterfalls. In the John Crow Mountains, Reach Falls flows into a river pool. Near Hope Bay, Somerset Falls flows on the grounds of a former plantation. In the east, the Blue Lagoon is known for its blue waters, fed by the Caribbean Sea and underground springs.

La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast and a gateway to nearby resort areas. Overlooking the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village with artists' workshops. An obelisk painted with colorful images of local life stands in the city center. South of the city is Catalina Island, with beaches, coral reefs and the wrecked ship of pirate William Kidd.

Rich in history, La Fortaleza is the oldest governor’s mansion in the western hemisphere; be sure to see the mahogany clock which stopped in time when the last Spanish governor of Puerto Rico struck it with his sword on his way out, heralding the last moment of Spanish rule in the New World.

As America's most beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, Charleston is steeped in a 300-year past. Hundreds of significant and lovingly preserved structures from the colonial and antebellum periods grace the Historic District's narrow streets and is best appreciated in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Discover some of the old-time bustling plantations from the period of the Revolution and absorb the haunting character which still lingers in this southern city.

As America's most beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, Charleston is steeped in a 300-year past. Hundreds of significant and lovingly preserved structures from the colonial and antebellum periods grace the Historic District's narrow streets and is best appreciated in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Discover some of the old-time bustling plantations from the period of the Revolution and absorb the haunting character which still lingers in this southern city.

New York City. Global nexus of art and architecture, fashion and finance, cuisine and culture. Each of its five boroughs has a distinct personality, with family-friendly Brooklyn renowned for its trend-setting artisan shops, hipster vibe, museums and micro-breweries. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located in the borough’s Red Hook area – an up-and-coming hotspot with a recent influx of restaurants, retailers and art houses - putting guests within easy rich of the city’s legendary attractions.