Panama Canal From Miami To Miami

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, family-friendly zoos and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants. Don’t forget about the white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, perfect for relaxing before or after your Caribbean cruise from Miami.

NCL's ships feature up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. Dance to the ultraviolet energy at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Sip champagne, sake or scotch. Lounge poolside with an umbrella drink. Play pool at the pub. Or chill at the Ice Bar. Follow your mood and mingle.

Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena:

• join a walking tour through the city
• visit the Rosario Islands
• explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
• visit the chocolate or emerald museums
• wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo
  

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global maritime trade. Stretching approximately 80km/50mi, this intricate waterway features three locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun - that elevate and lower vessels to overcome the variation in sea levels.

The Miraflores Locks' visitor center offers an insightful experience, allowing observers to witness massive ships navigating the locks. The Gatun Locks, a crucial part of the canal, showcase the impressive process of raising and lowering water levels to enable the passage of ships.

Traversing the Panama Canal provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate operations that have shaped international shipping for over a century.

Panama is a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, where the modern and the traditional come together to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Three main sections make up the city, the historical ruins of the 16th century called Panama Viejo, the 17th century Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo and the modern skyscraper city.

Top Things to Do in Panama City:

• explore Portobelo National Park
• watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
• shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
• ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway

When you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you'll have plenty of great places to shop. Whether you are looking to splurge on yourself at one of our onboard boutiques or you want to shop for gifts for your friends and family on shore, our friendly staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Check your Freestyle Daily for shopping seminars, special sales and more on shopping while you cruise with us.

Puntarenas beckons with its rich tapestry of lush landscapes making it a vibrant spot for adventure and relaxation. This coastal city is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering thrilling activities like zip-lining and river rafting amidst its natural parks, and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot sloths, scarlet macaws, and capuchin monkeys in their natural habitats.

The city's history is as rich as its landscapes, from its indigenous roots to its emergence as a vital coffee exporting hub. Today, Puntarenas thrives with cultural landmarks such as the Casa de la Cultura and the Marine History Museum, blending educational experiences with natural exploration. Whether it's wandering through the Paseo de los Turistas, visiting the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary, or exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Puntarenas offers a unique blend of cultural and ecological wonders for every traveller.

Puerto Caldera's cruise terminal is approximately 23 kilometers (about 14 miles) from the city of Puntarenas, around 30 minutes away. For transportation, you can opt for taxis, which are readily available at the port, or consider an organized shore excursion to maximize your visit. A must-see is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, offering a glimpse into the country's diverse flora and fauna.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala’s principal Pacific Ocean port, is a gateway to some of the country’s most captivating attractions. While primarily a launch point for nearby destinations, its proximity to key sites allows visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of local culture and history swiftly. From here, the colonial beauty of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and stunning volcano views, is easily accessible (approx. 1hr15m drive - 90 km/56mi away).

For those interested in the natural beauty of Guatemala, the surrounding area offers activities such as visits to coffee plantations in the highlands where the unique, aromatic beans are cultivated. Additionally, the coastal town of Monterrico is within reach, known for its black volcanic sand beaches and as a nesting ground for sea turtles, making Puerto Quetzal a strategic starting point for exploring Guatemala’s diverse landscapes.

When it comes to the award-winning entertainment on board our ships, you won't believe your eyes or even your ears. Journey from the gritty streets of New Jersey to glamour and international fame with Jersey Boys. Put on your dancing shoes for Footloose. From hit Broadway musicals to buzzworthy original shows, discover the best entertainment at sea with Norwegian.

Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' Acapulco is Mexico's most glamorous pacific resort. The city is famed for its splendid beauty and its superb weather with an average of 360 days of sunshine per year. Its lively promenade gives travellers a sense of modern Mexico with a creative food scene and excellent shopping. Ships will dock at the Terminal Maritima.

Top Things to Do in Acapulco:

• watch the cliff divers at La Quebrada
• take a jetboat ride on Puerto Marques Bay
• visit the Fort of San Diego
• explore La Roqueta Island

As the leader in cruise gaming, Casinos At Sea is dedicated to providing guests with only the best in class gaming experience as they travel around the globe. We have designed our casinos with comfort in mind so that you can relax and unwind from your hectic schedule while playing your favourite games. Equipped with the latest, greatest, and most popular slots, you can bet there is a winning machine waiting for you. For table game players, ante up, double down or handle a hot pair of dice as you make your way to your next destination.

Puerto Vallarta, nestled on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is famed for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty. The city balances quaint, traditional Mexican charm with the sophistication of a modern resort town. Art enthusiasts are drawn to the numerous galleries along its cobbled streets and the iconic sculptures that line the Malecón, a seaside promenade.

The area is encircled by lush jungles and clear blue waters. Beaches like Playa Los Muertos offer sunbathing and water sports, while nearby, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens provide a tranquil escape with native flora and fauna. For an authentic taste of local life, the Olas Altas Farmers Market showcases crafts, food, and music, enriching any visit to Puerto Vallarta.

Cabo San Lucas is the sunny resort town on the tip of Mexico’s Baja California. This colourful small town is known for its excellent big-game fishing, great diving spots and challenging surf waves. Ships will anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas bay and tender guests to shore.

Top things to do in Cabo San Lucas:

• catch the sunset at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
• snorkel the coral reefs along the Sea of Cortez
• relax on Medano beach
• explore nearby Todos Santos

Enjoy a four-course meal and a great bottle of wine. Or grab a burger hot off the grill. Dress up. Dress down. Sit with your friends or make new ones. Dine inside or Oceanside along The Waterfront. Only Norwegian offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. So follow your mood, not a schedule.

The Port of San Francisco annually hosts more than 80 cruise ships at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27) and nearby Pier 35. The terminal is in a prime location, with easy access to popular attractions including Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building and Union Square.

One of the most spectacular things about cruising from San Francisco is passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure you are on the lido deck for the sailaway party. It’s certainly a ‘hold your breath’ moment as the ship sails under the bridge.

The Port of San Francisco annually hosts more than 80 cruise ships at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27) and nearby Pier 35. The terminal is in a prime location, with easy access to popular attractions including Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building and Union Square.

One of the most spectacular things about cruising from San Francisco is passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure you are on the lido deck for the sailaway party. It’s certainly a ‘hold your breath’ moment as the ship sails under the bridge.