18 Night Panama Canal
Eastbound Cruise

Los Angeles, California

Millions of visitors arrive each year in Los Angeles, eager to
experience first-hand the famed land of modern mythology, wondrous
optimism and immense creativity. The fantasy worlds of Disneyland
and Hollywood, the extravagance of Beverley Hills and Malibu, and
the sun-soaked beach culture are just some of the attractions
within the 'City of Angels'.

Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling
metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven
together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways
without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities
with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is
the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprise LA
County.

Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and
world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and
local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown's Bamboo
Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and
the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is
endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and a mix of people
from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages.

West Hollywood: the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, the
posh beachside resort of Santa Monica, body-builders at Muscle
Beach and the childhood fantasy of Disneyland all add to LA's
diversity. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every
conceivable production, fashionable boutiques, comedy clubs, poetry
readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played
in various venues throughout the city.

Underneath the huge 'Hollywood' sign on the crest of the
Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere,
bold billboards, beautiful sun-bronzed people, bright lights and
fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but
whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be
experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Puerto Vallarta

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. June to October is the rainy season, so the weather is not as ideal.

Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican beach resort town located on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahia de Banderas. The town is a popular tourist destination, especially for Americans and Canadians, because of its sandy beaches, lush jungles, and unique culture.

There are many things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta. The most popular tourist attractions include the Malecon, a boardwalk that runs along the waterfront; the Plaza de Armas, the main square in the town center; and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a beautiful church that is one of the most popular destinations for religious pilgrims.

In addition to its beaches and tourist attractions, Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. The town has many bars and nightclubs, as well as live music and dance venues.

If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, be sure to check out all it has to offer. The town is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, as well as experience Mexican culture.

Puerto Quetzal

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's busiest port, located on the Pacific coast in the southwestern part of the country. The port is a gateway to the country, with many cruise ships and cargo vessels passing through each day. Visitors to Puerto Quetzal will find a bustling town with a variety of shops and restaurants. The port is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a popular market. There is plenty to see and do in Puerto Quetzal, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore Guatemala.

Puntarenas

Puntarenas, situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a vibrant and bustling port city that offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Nicoya Peninsula and is a popular destination for both locals and international travelers. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Puntarenas has something to offer for everyone.

One of the main attractions of Puntarenas is the mesmerizing coastline. The city is blessed with miles of pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Playa Doña Ana is a popular beach within the city limits, offering a lively atmosphere with beachfront bars and restaurants. For a quieter beach experience, head to Playa Caldera or Playa Bajamar, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Nature enthusiasts will feel right at home in Puntarenas, as the region is surrounded by stunning national parks and wildlife refuges. Just a short drive from the city, you can explore Carara National Park, renowned for its dense rainforest and abundant wildlife, including scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and capuchin monkeys. Another must-visit is Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse flora and fauna.

If you're interested in learning about the local culture and history, Puntarenas has several attractions to offer. The Paseo de los Turistas is a picturesque beachfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and sample local delicacies. The city's main square, Central Park, is home to the charming Church of Puntarenas, an architectural gem that dates back to the 1800s.

For a unique cultural experience, make sure to check out the vibrant festivals and events that take place in Puntarenas. The Carnaval de Puntarenas is a colorful and lively carnival that happens annually in February, featuring parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes. You can also catch live music performances and dance shows at the local theaters and cultural centers.

No trip to Puntarenas would be complete without indulging in the region's delicious cuisine. Being a coastal city, seafood is a highlight of the local gastronomy. From ceviche to grilled fish, you'll find an array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Don't forget to try the traditional casado, a typical Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains.

With its strategic location, Puntarenas also offers easy access to other popular destinations in Costa Rica. From here, you can embark on exciting day trips to explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, or take a boat tour to the stunning Tortuga Island.

In terms of accommodations, Puntarenas provides a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury beachfront resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll find plenty of choices to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Puntarenas is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach holiday, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or an immersive cultural experience, this coastal city has it all. So grab your sunscreen and embark on an unforgettable journey to Puntarenas, where paradise awaits.

Panama Canal Transit

Cartagena

Visually Cartagena is a paradise with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international holidaymakers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colourful colonial facades.Cartagena's colourful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Centre San Diego Getsemaní and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.The Palace of the Inquisition the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches. However the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports boat tours and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands including the Islas del Rosario.

Grand Turk Island

Charming Cockburn Town, capital of the
Turks and Caicos Islands, is the centrepiece of the little
bean-shaped island of Grand Turk. The laid-back capital, with
donkeys and horses casually wandering the streets, sports a
collection of quaint inns, boutiques and colourful colonial
houses.

This 400-year-old town boasts an
interesting cultural history museum recording its discovery and
development. Also in the museum are mementos associated with
astronaut John Glenn, first American to orbit the earth, who spent
time on Grand Turk after his space capsule splashed down offshore.
Cockburn is also a busy financial centre, acting as a tax haven for
offshore investors.

Whether visiting for business or pleasure,
few of those who stay on Grand Turk can resist the call of the
crystal clear sea on their doorsteps. The island's quiet beaches
give on to magnificent coral reefs offering some of the world's
best wall diving opportunities, particularly on the western shore.
Other activities enjoyed on Grand Turk include bird watching,
beachcombing, horseback riding, whale watching, hiking or
excursions to surrounding islands or cays.

Boston, Massachusetts

As one of the oldest settlements in the USA and the
largest city in New England, Boston has a wealth of history and
culture to offer. Despite the city's serious academic and
historical pedigree, a huge student population ensures a youthful
vibrancy that adds a totally different dimension to Boston's bygone
charm.

Cambridge lies across the Charles River and is the
largest college town in the world, synonymous with Harvard
University and founded in 1638. The neat, ivy-covered brick
buildings of the university grounds, the labyrinth of twisting
streets in the city centre, and the old architecture means Boston
is best explored by foot.

Referring to itself as the 'Walking City', it's
remarkably compact and centres on the country's oldest public park,
Boston Common. The Information Centre in Boston Common is the
starting point for two walking tours, two of the city's main
attractions. The Freedom Trail explores the city's revolutionary
past and the birth of the modern American Republic, while the Black
Heritage Trail highlights Boston's place in black American history
and its role in anti-slavery.

Boston is an easy blend of historic charm and modern
convenience, with a busy street life and beautiful architecture,
green parks and gardens, skyscrapers and modern freeways, museums,
galleries, and colonial churches. The city is home to the first
public library, the first public school, and the first subway
system in the US. It's the site of the Boston Tea Party that
started the Revolutionary War and is the location of the Cheers
bar, made famous by the popular TV sitcom.