Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.

Soak up the sun on Mexico’s largest island. Cozumel has pristine palm-lined beaches and plenty of opportunities for you to get lost in Mayan mysteries, explore Caribbean coral formations, or simply relax on a white sand beach.

ALonely Planet “Best in Travel 2019,” Belize is home to the dazzling offshore Belize Barrier Reef – the world’s second largest after Australia’s – this is a haven for snorkelers and divers eager to explore an underwater world of rich marine life. Inland, verdant jungles are home to Mayan ruins including Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid.

Santo Tomás de Castilla, also known as Matías de Gálvez is a port city in the Izabal Department, Guatemala. It lies at Amatique Bay off the Gulf of Honduras and is administratively a part of Puerto Barrios.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.

Puerto Limón, located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, boasts a rich combination of sights, sounds and smells. Once ashore, embrace these elements as they surround you, filling your senses with the essence of this delightful port city. The growth of the coffee market prompted the Costa Rican government to search for an Atlantic port to facilitate shipping coffee to Europe and beyond. In 1871, the port of Limón was established and what was once a migrant fishermen's village of five huts grew into an important center of commerce. With the introduction of a rail service the following year between San José and the Atlantic coast, Limón became a thriving railroad and banana town.

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

The Panama Canal is an artificial 82 km waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade.

Lapped by the azure waters of Ecuador's Pacific coast, Manta brims with pretty beaches and a vibrant coastal culture of fishing, diving, snorkeling and kitesurfing. Seaside bars and restaurants beckon with local delicacies and stunning ocean views. Pacoche Reserve, a habitat for howler monkeys, is a hot spot for nature lovers. Fans of the Panama hat, recognized by UNESCO as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage, can visit its birthplace in Montecristi, where the hat is still woven by hand.

Hyacinths drift by on the chocolate brown Guayas River. The forest seems to almost close in on the town. A tour includes the Municipal Market, the City Museum and the column called La Rotonda, celebrating a meeting of Bolivár and San Martín. The pristine Galapogos Islands are straight west of here, beyond the horizon.

The port of Salaverry leads the way to Trujillo, Peru’s second largest city. The area is an archaeological treasure trove thanks to two pre-Inca civilizations: the Mochicas, who erected two pyramids, the Sun Temple and the Moon Temple; and the Chimu, whose adobe city of Chan Chan is now excavated. Later occupied by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the colonial flavor of Trujillo is still very much evident in the architecture of its old churches and historic mansions.

Lima is called the City of Kings, but a more appropriate nickname might be the City of Museums. Over 20 museums can keep you busy for hours, if not days. One museum displays pottery and textiles from Peru's ancient civilizations; another exhibits 55,000 ceramic pieces; still another is a morbid yet fascinating Museum of the Inquisition. Headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for nearly three centuries, the building features not just the expected dungeons, but also a beautiful columned façade and carved mahogany ceiling.

Lima is called the City of Kings, but a more appropriate nickname might be the City of Museums. Over 20 museums can keep you busy for hours, if not days. One museum displays pottery and textiles from Peru's ancient civilizations; another exhibits 55,000 ceramic pieces; still another is a morbid yet fascinating Museum of the Inquisition. Headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for nearly three centuries, the building features not just the expected dungeons, but also a beautiful columned façade and carved mahogany ceiling.

At only 37 miles long and 13 miles wide, the atoll of Fakarava has little land to its name, but the island boasts an expansive and deep lagoon accessed by the widest pass in all of French Polynesia. The second pass, at the lagoon’s southern end, is reputed to be the most lovely in the Tuamotu group of isles, with the largest concentration of gray reef sharks in the world. Do any amount of snorkeling, diving or simple sightseeing and you will understand why Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The second largest atoll in the world, beautiful Rangiroa is a renowned dive destination with turquoise waters and a fascinating world of colorful fish who fearlessly swim next to their human visitors. On land, working pearl farms, quiet villages and secluded resorts entice guests to become a part of a culture that values neighborly friendliness and relaxation.

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Leeward Islands group.

Awaken your senses in the vibrantly alive capital of French Polynesia. Stroll along the wide waterfront-boulevard and marvel and the gorgeous waters and perfect beaches. Tahitian locals and shopkeepers welcome you as you explore the carefree spirit of their island.