Panama Potpourri

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.

Nestled in the Bahama’s Berry Island chain is a 250-acre uninhabited paradise waiting for you. Great Stirrup Cay is a private retreat designed specifically for cruise guests enjoyment. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay:

• go on a wave runner guided tour
• visit Stingray City Bahamas
• go parasailing
• swim with the pigs at Treasure Island
• hire a cabana to relax in
• kayak the turquoise waters

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

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

Belize offers a captivating blend of lush tropical rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and the second largest barrier reef in the world. This diverse country delivers a unique experience with its rich cultural heritage, encompassing Creole, Maya, and Garifuna communities, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic of Belizean life.

Visitors can delve into the mysteries of the Maya at sites such as Xunantunich or Lamanai, or embrace the breathtaking beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef through snorkelling or diving adventures.

For those keen to explore beyond the turquoise waters, Belize’s jungles are home to exotic wildlife, including jaguars and toucans, and numerous cave systems. The country’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures these natural wonders are preserved for future generations, making every visit a responsible adventure into the heart of Central America's untouched beauty.

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

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