Panama Canal Eastward Cruise

Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California city, is famed not only for its influence on the entertainment industry but also for its diverse cultural offerings and sunny coastline. Highlights include the Getty Center, where art and stunning architecture meet in an expansive hilltop setting, and the historic Griffith Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.

For those embarking mid-afternoon, a stroll through the vibrant streets of Santa Monica or a visit to the eclectic Venice Beach Boardwalk provides a perfect slice of local life. Both are excellent spots to enjoy the quintessential SoCal sun, sand, and surf, complete with shops, street performers, and seaside eateries.

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

Huatulco is a resort region known for its nine beautiful bays and thirty-six pristine beaches. This area is celebrated not only for its scenic beauty but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with much of the land designated as a protected national park. The clear, calm waters make it ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking, especially around the reefs of Chachacual Bay.

Huatulco also offers a rich cultural experience with its lively markets and local festivals. Visitors can explore the small traditional communities nearby, sampling Oaxacan cuisine, which is famed for its complex flavours and indigenous ingredients.

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.

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
  

New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the most iconic cities in America due to its historic streets, charming architecture, epic festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine. Music is everywhere, people live to eat and every day is a party in the birthplace of Jazz. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in New Orleans:

• explore the famous French Quarter
• take a steamboat cruise down the Mississippi river
• hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar
• join a Louisiana swamp tour
• visit the Oak Alley Mansion and Plantation