Flavors Of Cartagena

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Key West, Florida

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy some sunny weather, Key West is the perfect place for you. This small island off the coast of Florida is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. There’s plenty to do in Key West, from exploring the historic district to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. You can also just relax on the beach and enjoy the incredible sunsets. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Key West.

Cruising the Florida Straits

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

A small town with a focus on big business George Town is a pleasant place to visit on any holiday in the Cayman Islands. The city centre is well-planned and has a number of shops and restaurants worth visiting and a few attractions of its own: The National Museum situated in the Old Courts building the island's oldest building exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful independent nature of the seafaring society; and the National Gallery exhibits works by local and international artists.George Town's most popular attractions however are its stunning natural environments on Grand Cayman. Boatswain's Beach the sparkling Seven Mile Beach and the scenic Mastic Hiking Trail are all within a few miles of the town.Though usually quiet George Town is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and comes alive on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks when it is densely packed with tourists.

Falmouth

Falmouth is a coastal town in the parish of Trelawny, located on the north coast of Jamaica. With a history dating back to the late 18th century, Falmouth is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved Georgian towns, reflecting a rich heritage derived from its days as a bustling port and trading center for sugar, rum, and slaves during the colonial era. The town's vibrant past is echoed in its well-preserved architecture, which has survived to make it a notable point of interest for historical and cultural tourism.

Established by Thomas Reed in 1769, Falmouth was meticulously designed with wide streets and a regular grid layout uncommon in the region at that time. Its location was strategic: near the Martha Brae River, it served as a convenient port for the sugar estates and a transportation hub linking the interior of the island to the sea. The town grew prosperous as the sugar industry flourished, becoming a social and economic center in Jamaica.

Today, as visitors walk through the streets of Falmouth, they are greeted by the sights of beautifully restored public buildings, homes, and churches that reflect its 19th-century grandeur. Key historic sites include the Falmouth Court House, with its iconic colonnade, and the Falmouth Parish Church, which is a showpiece of Georgian architecture with beautiful stained glass. The Albert George Market, another standout structure, has historically served as a focal point for the community and continues to be a hub for local commerce and interaction.

The revitalization of Falmouth has been partly propelled by the cruise industry. The town hosts one of the Caribbean's biggest cruise ports, allowing tourists from around the world to explore its charms and attractions. The Falmouth Cruise Ship Port, which opened in 2011, is equipped to accommodate the largest cruise vessels and provides a gateway for travelers to experience not just the history of Falmouth but also the surrounding areas, such as the stunning beaches, majestic waterfalls, and heritage plantation houses.

In addition to cultural tourism, Falmouth attracts visitors with various local festivities and culinary experiences that capture Jamaica's rich and lively cultural tapestry. Jamaican cuisine, known for its bold flavors and rich spices, can be savored throughout the town in various dining establishments, from street food vendors to more established restaurants.

One of the natural attractions in proximity to Falmouth is the Luminous Lagoon, a rare bioluminescent bay where dinoflagellates in the water emit a mystical glow when disturbed. It's one of the few places on Earth where visitors can experience this phenomenon, making it a must-see destination for those staying in or passing through Falmouth.

Despite its small size, eco-tourism also plays a significant role in the area, with the nearby Martha Brae River providing opportunities for river rafting and the exploration of lush tropical landscapes. The Falmouth Heritage Walks offer visitors a chance to learn about the local ecology, history, and development efforts aiming to preserve the environment and culture.

Efforts to maintain Falmouth's historical elements are matched by ambitions to ensure that it grows sustainably, balancing tourism growth with the preservation of its distinct historical character. Falmouth's blending of rich history, cultural experiences, and natural beauty makes it a unique destination that encapsulates the essence of Jamaica's colorful legacy.

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Cabo Rojo

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

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.

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Puerto Limón

At first glance it may appear derelict and rather unsavoury but this is mainly because Puerto Limon was badly affected by an earthquake in 1991 from which it has never recovered. The friendly welcoming people of this Caribbean port city however are proud of what they still have to offer tourists who visit the city not so much for its sights but for its proximity to some of Costa Rica's top natural attractions.Many cruise liners lay over in the port to allow passengers the chance to take excursions and independent travellers come here from San Jose along the scenic Guapiles Highway to use Puerto Limon as a base for exploring the coast.It was once a port of some importance exporting bananas and grain to various parts of the world but today Puerto Limon is commercially a little bereft the focus having moved to Moin a port about four miles (6km) to the north. The city itself however still sports some pretty if run-down buildings. One of its biggest draws is the market in the centre of town selling everything from woodcarvings to cashew nut wine.Just south of the city is the popular and beautiful beach of Playa Bonita easily accessible by taxi or bus and inland there are myriad scenic excursions to be made to appreciate the volcanoes lush valleys tropical rainforests and national parks.From Puerto Limon do-it-yourself tourists or cruise ship passengers can organize trips to ride an aerial tram across the rain forest canopy in the Braulio Carrillo National Park or travel to Costa Rica's capital San Jose passing through some incredible exotic scenery en route. The more active can opt for white-water rafting on the Reventazon River or a horseback trek from a nearby ranch through the jungle. One of the most popular outings is a boat trip up the Tortuguero Canal which runs parallel to the coastline from Puerto Limon to the Nicaraguan border affording the chance to enjoy some spectacular scenery and get close to a variety of wildlife.

Panama Canal Transit

Panama City

One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America, Panama's
chic capital is a mosaic of colour and culture with a thriving
commercial and financial sector. Formerly dismissed as a centre of
drug trade, Panama City has rebuilt its reputation as a fantastic
holiday destination with a sense of style drawn from five centuries
of history.

The city's modern skyline is constantly expanding, adding new
skyscrapers to tower over the centuries-old Baroque and Spanish
Colonial buildings that populate its older quarter, known as
. The district was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 2003, and its mix of architectural styles make a
great introduction to the diverse cultural influences of Panama
City.

There are many beautiful buildings in Panama City, including the
cathedral on
, the presidential palace (called
in honour of the herons that roam
freely in the courtyard), and the Church of San Jose. Interesting
museums such as the Interoceanic Canal Museum, the
cultural museum, and the Museum of Religious
Colonial Art, give visitors insight into the city's fascinating
history, while scenic parks are great for enjoying the perennially
beautiful weather.

Panama City has a diverse population, with a number of American
and Asian expat residents who contribute to a lively nightlife,
especially around Calle Uruguay. There are also plenty of good
restaurants in Panama City, ranging from Spanish tapas and Italian
pastas to local specialties such as
(fresh fish marinated in lemon or lime juice) and
(vegetable stew). There are a number of cafes
along Via Argentina, and the fish market near the Casco Viejo is
the best place to try fresh seafood.