Panama Canal Cruises 2018 - 2019

Philipsburg is situated on the narrow stretch of land between the picturesque Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, on the tropical Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Just four parallel streets wide, Philipsburg is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for its mile-long tax-free shopping district just a stone’s throw from the port and beaches.

• Experience the thrill of watching commercial airplanes land just feet above your head from the infamous Maho Beach
• Enjoy a snorkel tour of St Maarten’s crystal-clear turquoise waters brimming with marine life
• Relax and unwind on the brilliant white sands of Great Bay Beach

Cozumel, a tropical island located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, is one of the world’s top cruise destinations. With its glittering turquoise waters, bright white beaches and exotic marine life, the idyllic island is popular for snorkeling, diving and swimming with dolphins.

Cozumel has a well-established tourist industry. Cruise passengers will have plenty of opportunities for water sports, nature exploration and nightlife. Year-round temperatures in the upper 70s make it the perfect place for a sunny beach vacation.

• Visit Stingray Beach to experience a close encounter with stingrays and exotic sea creatures
• Spot tropical birds, crocodiles and sea turtles at the Faro Celerain Eco Park
• Discover the island’s fascinating Mayan history at the San Gervasio Ruins

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and is located on the southeast coast of the exotic Caribbean island. The lively city center is a melting pot of the old, new, historic and nouveau, and was recently named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. A popular beach destination by day, cruise visitors can also enjoy Bridgetown’s fresh seafood, fantastic bar scene and vibrant nightlife.

• Take a stroll down Wickham Lewis Boardwalk where you can spot beautiful yachts, charming charter fishing boats, luxury catamarans and the harbor’s iconic Jolly Roger pirate ship
• Take a dip in the glittering turquoise waters of Pierhead Beach
• Explore Bridgetown’s iconic parliament buildings, where you can find the Barbados National Heroes Gallery and Barbados Museum of Parliament

Basseterre is the bustling capital city of St. Kitts and Nevis, situated in the eastern Caribbean. The tropical city is teeming with historical sites and architectural gems and hosts a vibrant downtown next to the cruise ship terminal which is renowned for excellent duty-free shopping, souvenir stalls, and cocktail bars. Venture outside the city boundaries to enjoy a variety of water sports, such as kiteboarding, jet skiing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing and more.

• Marvel at the beautiful Independence Square, located in the heart of the Basseterre
• Discover the island’s fascinating history at the National Museum
• Hit a hole in one at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club against the backdrop of spectacular Caribbean ocean vistas

Puntarenas is home to Costa Rica’s most important port, and the city has a rich history of shipping, fishing and international trade. Puntarenas has a lot to offer: delicious fresh seafood, inexpensive waterfront cafes, and a beautiful beachside promenade are just some of the things visitors can look forward to. It also lies in close proximity to some of Costa Rica's most beautiful nature. Take a shore excursion to a beautiful waterfall, or bathe in a hot spring on an active volcano. Or hike through a cloud forest for a surreal journey surrounded by mist and dripping vegetation.

• Enjoy year-round tropical temperatures in the upper 80s
• Savor a sweet treat while relaxing on the beach at one of the many ice cream and smoothie shacks
• Get up close and personal with the local wildlife at Reserva Biologica Carara

South America's most popular cruise port, Cartagena is a must-see stop on any Panama Canal or southern Caribbean cruise. The city is safe and tourist-friendly, and most tourist places will speak English and accept U.S. dollars. Beautiful parks, museums and shops welcome visitors, and beautiful Spanish cathedrals and castles lurk around every corner. For beach lovers, there are plenty of sandy beaches and coral reefs within easy access of the city. And for shopaholics, kiosks and tourist shops dot the inner city.

• Visit one of the many Spanish cathedrals and marvel at the ornate sculptures and altars
• Taste some authentic Columbian coffee and take home your favorite as a souvenir
• Visit the Chocolate Museum and see how Columbian cocoa becomes artisan chocolate – great for families!

Traveling to Havana is a step back in time. The streets are filed with classic cars from the 1950s, imported before the embargo was enacted, and people still largely enjoy a slower, more traditional way of life. The locals are incredibly friendly, and culturally conscious visitors will appreciate the opportunity to learn about the Cuban way of life. Of course, those looking for a relaxing tropical vacation will also not be disappointed. With year-round temperatures in the 80s, Havana is a beach lover’s dream.

• Step off the ship and immediately grab a mojito at Plaza Vieja
• Visit the awe-inspiring cathedral San Cristóbal, located right in the middle of Old Havana
• Take a tour of a cigar factory and get the inside scoop on the country’s most famous industry

Located on the western coast of Grand Cayman Island, George Town is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean. The cosmopolitan Cayman Islands’ capital is renowned for fantastic shopping and an eclectic history as the home of pirates, shipwrecked sailors, and deserters from Cromwell’s army in Jamaica. George Town is a haven for beach lovers, with some of the island’s most exclusive resorts located at picturesque Seven Mile Beach.

• Go diving at Gun Bay amongst shipwrecks, one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular maritime playgrounds
• Swim with stingrays and snorkel coral reefs at the idyllic Stingray City
• Wonder at the glittering waters of Starfish Point, which protect thousands of red cushion sea stars

Puerto Quetzal is an industrial harbor city and home to Guatemala’s largest and most important shipping port. Directly on the harbor, you will find a small tourist area with restaurants, bars and shops. For those looking for a relaxing day, you don’t have to travel far to find a hammock on the beach. More adventurous travelers may want to travel to the nearby city of Antigua, a charming, Spanish city, and nature lovers won’t want to miss the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan.

• Browse affordable souvenirs at the local market
• Explore a saltwater forest at the Monterrico Mangrove Natural Reserve
• Stroll through downtown Antigua and take in its colonial architecture and magnificent Spanish churches

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America. First occupied by the Mayans around 1500 BC, the city boasts a rich history with more than 900 ancient sites to explore. The city also has one of the richest ecosystems in the world and contains an incredible 10 per cent of the world’s known species, making it a popular cruise destination.

• Discover spectacular marine life while snorkeling at the pristine Ambergris Caye
• Explore the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient Mayan sacred site
• Visit Xunantunich, the second largest Mayan structure in Belize, which is home to six plazas and 26 temples

Home to Nicaragua’s largest port, Corinto is a picturesque city full of colorful houses, winding streets and historic buildings. Visitors often use it as a launching point to see the nearby city of Leon, Nicaragua’s second city and its de facto political and intellectual capital. Leon is best known for its beautiful historical cathedrals, built in a variety of architectural styles. A city tour with a knowledgeable guide can be a great way to learn about Nicaragua’s colorful political history.

Cristobal is one of two ports in Colon on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Many ships stop in Cristobal before they enter the locks, or stop in Cristobal and then turn around on partial crossings. If your cruise belongs to the latter, consider booking an excursion to complete the crossing in a smaller boat to get the complete experience.

Directly next to the pier, cruise passengers will find a lively flea market with plenty of opportunities for shopping, souvenir hunting, and haggling over prices. Adventure-seekers and nature-lovers may wish to visit the beautiful Gatún Lake.

• Snag some deals while shopping at the local market
• Take a tour of the rainforest's canopy with the Gamboa Aerial Tram
• Visit a nearby indigenous village and learn about the local art of basket weaving

Located on Mexican Riviera close to Central America, Huatulco is a hidden gem that is not to be missed. With a booming tourist industry and vast nature reserves, Huatulco is known as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Mexico.

Huatulco's coastline is a great place for diving and snorkeling. Nearby, small villages dot the surrounding mountainside, which you can visit on a shore excursion to learn about the local way of life. There are also plenty of opportunities for souvenir hunting, with lots of kiosks selling jewelry and artifacts made by local artisans.

• Enjoy a cool drink on the beach within walking distance of port
• Tour the nearby villages and learn about the local craft of basket weaving
• Snag some handcrafted treasures at the local markets and shops

An island located off the west coast of Panama, Fuerte Amador is the gateway to Panama City. Sitting close to the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers the perfect place to watch ships enter the locks as they begin to traverse the canal. In addition to holding numerous canal-related museums and attractions, Fuerte Amador offers easy access to Panama City, the metropolis-like capital city and heart of the nation.

• Check out the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to learn more about the canal, its history and its engineering
• Explore Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic quarter and a UNESCO protected site
• Learn about the importance of gold in Panama's history and see golden treasures up close at the Old Panama Museum

Puerto Limon is a bustling, industrial port city that serves as a gateway for many cruise ship passengers to Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The Veragua Rainforest is an easy day trip outside of the city, and visitors can explore it by foot on its hiking trails, by boat on a jungle canoe tour, or from above on a zipline canopy tour.

Passengers preferring to stay close to port may prefer the waterfront park Parque Vargas, or learn about local history in the Museo Etnohistoric de Limon.

• Swim, surf or sunbathe at the nearby beach of Playa Bonita
• Take a scenic driving tour of a fruit plantation and learn about the country’s biggest export
• Make an excursion into the rainforest and spot sloth, monkeys and snakes