Panama Canal from Ft. Lauderdale with 1nt Stay, 9 April 2026 (19 nights)

As well as being one of the top global ports to start and finish your cruise, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do either side of your ocean adventure. Why not take a trip to the Flamingo Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary, peruse some culture at the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, or take a boat tour through the everglades and waterways as well as passing impressive Millionaires’ Row.

Stroll through colourful streets, explore colonial architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this historic Colombian coastal city.

Joining the mighty Atlantic to the vast Pacific oceans from Colon on the west coast to Panama City to the east, the Panama Canal bridges the two worlds without having to traverse the infamous Cape of Horn around Chile by ships. The journey down through the canal and its impressive locks by cruise ship is a destination and unique cruise ship experience in itself.

Just west of Panama City, at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is one of the most unique ports of call on any Americas cruise. Not only does this destination afford you the opportunity to marvel at the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most impressive feats of human engineering, from afar — with the viewpoint at the Miraflores Locks a particularly good spot to do this – but it’s also a port of call that’s just a short distance from both the bustling urban centre of Panama City and the vibrant tropical jungles that surround it. This destination really does have it all, with every kind of traveller finding something to enjoy here, from impressive colonial era historical landmarks like Panama Viejo and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama to interesting cultural attractions like Biomuseo and Mi Pueblito – the latter being a unique outdoor theme park featuring faithful recreations of colonial and indigenous buildings and exhibits on Panamanian folklore. Those of you who want to spend your time ashore connecting to nature a little more, however, will want to venture further inland to the Soberania National Park; just a couple of hours from the cruise port, this is a breathtaking slice of the tropical paradise that covers so much of this unique Central American nation and home to historical trails dating back to the 16th century.

A beautiful port town in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas features a combination of natural and manmade attractions. From the bustling Casa de la Cultura with its theatres, art galleries and other attractions to its wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant port town.

A seaport city in El Salvador, Acajutla is filled with delicious restaurants, coffee shops and markets. There's also scenic beaches, and if you fancy venturing further afield, El Imposible National Park.

On Guatemala’s pacific coast, Puerto Quetzal is one of Central America’s most popular tourist spots. Serving as the gateway to such sought-after destinations as UNESCO-listed Antigua, volcanic Lake Atitlán and the wonderfully preserved Mayan ruins at Tikal, visitors will find plenty of must-see attractions all just a short ride from the port, making for a perfect day tour. Don’t forget to try milk straight from the coconut, or mixed with rum for a more traditional taste.

Famous for the cruise terminal building’s giant thatched roof resembling an Aztec pyramid, Puerto Chiapas drops you straight into the local culture like few other cruise destinations right as you step off the ship. Outside, you’ll be greeted to musicians, and locals selling their wares and cuisine as well as the ability to take tours to such wondrous tour destinations as the Izapa Mayan ruins, Tapachula city and the famous chocolate city.

Western Mexico’s largest cruise port, Manzanillo boasts two bays with gorgeous beaches offering fantastic water sports such as fishing and surfing, while the city centre offers interesting streets full of cafes and shops with local artists busking around the Garden Square. Tour excursions opportunities include visiting Las Hadas where the film ‘10’ was shot as well as gorgeous Pueblo Blanco for picturesque white plaster and red tiled buildings.

Nestled between the tropical lush hills, Puerto Vallarta is a popular Mexican cruise destination due to its lively downtown area and local resorts cruisers have access to. Depending on where you dock, you’ll have access to a nearby resort where you can eat, sunbathe and make the most of the pools and other activities. Meanwhile, if looking to head down town, just take the bus or the taxi for 15 minutes for cool bars, shopping and restaurants.

As California’s second largest city, San Diego is known for its gorgeous climate, sandy beaches and a wide array of outdoor activities. From camping, hiking or sailing, visitors can take in the beautiful wilderness and spot the fascinating wildlife whether they’re exploring the foothills or tramping the mountains. Not only this, San Diego boasts a thriving arts and culture community with over 15 museums and galleries.