Panama Canal: Costa Rica & Dominican Republic

Miami’s amazing medley of cultures and flashy urban settings makes it a scene to be seen. Visit the trendy Art Deco district of South Beach, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the super-upscale neighbourhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables and the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. Looking for a cruise from Miami? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Puerto Plata (or officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain which stands over 2,600 feet high. History buff? Visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life.

Founded in 1521, San Juan’s picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Looking for a cruise to San Juan? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises and read all about why you should cruise from San Juan.

With an area of only 37 square miles, the island of St. Maarten is the smallest landmass in the world to be divided between two governments. The southern Dutch half offers casinos, duty-free shopping and island culture. The French half is all subdued sophistication. Looking for a cruise to St. Maarten? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

The town of Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking harbours in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind, for now beautiful beaches and bountiful duty-free shopping are truly its claim to fame. Looking for a cruise to St. Thomas? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus himself in 1493, this exotic, peaceful island is home to both towering mahogany trees and white-sand beaches. The region offers a challenging hike that extends 1,780 feet up Sage Mountain. A great spot for great birdwatching and breathtaking views of Tortola and neighbouring islands. Looking for a cruise to Tortola? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with thriving coral reefs and rain forest preserves. Explore the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater at Sulfur Springs. Visit the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Falls and the Morne Coubaril Estate. Looking for a cruise to St. Lucia? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island’s history. Looking for a cruise to Aruba? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

The old walled city of Cartagena reflects a turbulent history of conquistadors and pirates. Climb “las murallas” for an unforgettable view of the harbour. Shop for emeralds and leather goods along the cobblestone streets of this enchanting city. Looking for a cruise to Cartagena? Check out our selection of Panama Canal cruises.

Colón is the capital of Colón Province, in Panama. It sits on the Caribbean coast, at the entrance to the Panama Canal. The Canal Expansion Observation Center is a park with viewing platforms over the canal’s Atlantic locks and Gatún Lake. The vast Colón Free Trade Zone offers tax-free shopping. Just west of the city, at the mouth of the Chagres River, Fort San Lorenzo is a well-preserved colonial military structure.

Puerto Limón is known for its multi-cultural community and a festive annual carnaval celebration. In recent years the area has become even better known as must-see stop for eco-tourists. The region’s unique geography and neo-tropical climate combined with abundant rainforests make for one of the most naturally diverse “biospheres” in the world. And you can take advantage of national parks and reserves in all directions from Limón. Pay close attention when you dock as many guests have reported seeing peaceful sloths lumbering in the trees right in port!

When you book an overland journey on your partial transit of the Panama Canal, you’ll really travel like the jetsetters do as you sail through the Caribbean entrance of this maritime marvel. Once we arrive at Gatun Lake, booked shore excursion guests can disembark for an unforgettable adventure that not only promises beautiful scenery and wonderful photo ops, but an exciting jaunt to Colón, where guests will resume their cruise back aboard the ship. How’s that for excitement? Please note, only booked shore excursion guests can disembark at Gatun Lake. But everyone is welcome to explore at our port-of-call in Colón.