Panama Canal from Valparaiso to Ft. Lauderdale, 11 March 2029 (18 nights)

A unique port city in northern Chile, Arica is a popular spot for surfing and watersports, with welcoming turquoise waters off the curved Playa Las Machas and Playa Chinchorror beaches. You’ll also find calmer waters more suitable to swimmers and kayaking in this city’s southern beaches, Playa La Lisera and Playa Brava to name a couple of examples. Beyond this, while the beaches are also fantastic for sun lounging when the weather is warm, Arica has a lot more to offer visitors. Chile’s northernmost city and a literal stone’s throw from the nation’s border with Peru, the culture and cuisine you’ll find in Arica is unique; and, with the city itself sitting in the point where the Azapa Valley and Lluta River converge – both of which cut through the Atacama Desert, the landscapes here are dramatically different to what you would see further south in Chile. Surrounded by rewarding hiking routes, it’s a fantastic place to stretch your legs when you disembark. A fascinating destination ideal for travellers who want to connect more actively with the great outdoors, Arica is an interesting port of call on South American cruises.

Callao is a charming seaside city in Peru, just a short distance from the nation’s capital, home to stunning sandy beaches (primarily on the La Punta peninsula), a vibrant culture, flavourful Peruvian food, and an extensive naval history. As a vital Spanish settlement throughout the colonial era, and a city home to Peru’s main airport and seaport, there is just so much to discover and enjoy when you travel to this bustling urban centre. However, with Lima so close, tours to the Peruvian capital are a must when visiting. An incredible city brimming with culture and history, you’ll find all the modern comforts of a capital here alongside fascinating landmarks, intriguing museums, and more. Whether you’re looking for a quieter visit, soaking in the atmosphere of the city while you wander its history-rich streets, or something a little more lively with boutique shopping and bars where there’s always a party, Lima has it all.

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.

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.

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

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the country. Beloved for its characterful streets, attractions and fantastic food, there's so much to see and do here. Top attractions include Columbus Park, the Museum of the Royal Houses and the Fortress of Columbus.

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.