Panama Canal Discovery

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.

Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Rich in history, Mayan vestiges and natural wonders, it is a true paradise in the middle of the sea with white beaches, beautiful sunsets and world famous for its coral reefs.

Top Things to Do in Cozumel:

• visit the San Gervasio Mayan site
• explore the Chankanaab National Park
• visit the Museo de Cozumel
• cross to the mainland and explore Tulum, Playa Del Carmen or Chichén Itza
• spend the day at Xcaret Eco Park
• snorkel one of Cozumel's famous reefs

Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Costa Maya is privy to some of the best natural wonders, historic structures, and scenic views in Mexico. Built to predominately cater to cruisers, it offers sandy beaches, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, intriguing animal encounters, and exhilarating activities. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Costa Maya:

• swim, snorkel or dive in Cenote Azul
• explore the Kohunlich and Chacchoben ruins
• spend they day at the Uvero Beach Club
• swim with a dolphin
• go kayaking in a clear-bottom kayak

Featuring an enchanting range of environments such as tropical rainforests, marshes and coral reefs, Harvest Caye offers both relaxation and adventure amid lush landscapes. This pristine mangrove-covered 75-acre private island is a gem in the crown of Belize’s natural resources. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do on Harvest Caye:

• cruise the Monkey River
• zip line across the island
• snorkel the barrier reef
• parasail the waters of the Caribbean Sea
• discover the Mayan temple of Nim Li Punit

Santo Tomas de Castilla is the Caribbeans gateway to Guatemala. It was originally settled in the 19th century by Belgian pioneers, today the streets are scattered with colonial buildings, a lasting clue to its European background. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Santo Tomas:

• hike to the Las Escobas waterfalls
• explore San Felipe Castle
• visit the indigenous Q’eqchi village
• travel by air to Tikal National Park, an ancient Mayan city site
• explore Quirigua National Park

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, is noted for its pristine coral reefs, beautiful beaches, lush tropical foliage, and friendly people. A diving paradise, there is easy access to the underwater marvel of the Caribbean’s largest coral reef. Ships will dock or anchor offshore in the town of Coxen Hole.

Top Things to Do on Roatan:

• look for monkeys in Gumbalimba Park Nature Reserve
• snorkel or scuba dive the reef
• go deep sea fishing
• go horseback riding on the beach

This bustling city is home to extravagant open-air markets that buzz with commerce, fascinating architecture and historical museums. Beyond the city lies a land that features thick rainforests, meandering rivers, and a variety of exotic wildlife. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Limon:

• ride an aerial tram through the canopy of the Braulio Carrillo National Park
• cruise the waters of the Tortuguero Canals
• spot native animals in Cahuita National Park
• visit the wildlife rescue centre

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

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.

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
  

Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia and abounds with Spanish colonial charm. From the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande to the beaches of Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta offers a multitude of thrilling adventures. Ships will dock at Puerto de Colombia.

Top Things to Do in Santa Marta:

• hike to the Quebrada Valencia waterfalls
• learn about the Tairona culture Taironaka Indian Reserve
• visit the museum dedicated to Simon Bolivar
• explore Tayrona National Park
• visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.

Top Things to Do in Aruba:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal. 

Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• visit the National Archeological Museum
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel at De Palm Island

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Willemstad:

• explore Christoffel National Park
• snorkel in Caracas Bay
• ride the trolley train through Willemstad
• relax on Cas Abao Beach
• visit the Hato Caves
• join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine

Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, welcomes cruise ships at the North and South Piers. The town center is a mere 500 meters (0.3 miles) away, easily reachable on foot within 5-10 minutes. This proximity allows travelers to explore Kralendijk’s charming streets, colorful buildings, and local shops without hassle. A short trip of about 8 kilometers (5 miles) takes you to the stunning beaches of Lac Bay.

Once an important banana shipping port, Port Antonio is now a laid back town with a jumble of streets and charming Georgian buildings. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and with access to navigable rivers, waterfalls, freshwater Blue Holes, and so much more. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Port Antonio:

• spend the day at San San Beach
• stop at the picturesque Trident Castle
• go rafting on the Rio Grande
• swim at Reach Falls
• explore the crafts at Portie’s market

The high-energy capital of the Bahama's, Nassau, is filled with charming colonial-style buildings and pastel-coloured wooden shops that alternate with Georgian-style structures. To the north lies Paradise Island, developed almost exclusively to delight and accommodate visitors. Ships will dock at Prince George Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Nassau:

• snorkel or scuba dive at Rainbow Reef
• spend the day at Atlantis Aquaventure
• discover Pearl Island
• swim with the pigs at Rose Island
• shop at Nassau Straw Market
  

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.