Panama To Caribbean Joy

Panama is a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, where the modern and the traditional come together to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Three main sections make up the city, the historical ruins of the 16th century called Panama Viejo, the 17th century Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo and the modern skyscraper city.

Top Things to Do in Panama City:

• explore Portobelo National Park
• watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
• shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
• ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway

Panama is a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, where the modern and the traditional come together to create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Three main sections make up the city, the historical ruins of the 16th century called Panama Viejo, the 17th century Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo and the modern skyscraper city.

Top Things to Do in Panama City:

• explore Portobelo National Park
• watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
• shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
• ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating global maritime trade. Stretching approximately 80km/50mi, this intricate waterway features three locks - Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun - that elevate and lower vessels to overcome the variation in sea levels.

The Miraflores Locks' visitor center offers an insightful experience, allowing observers to witness massive ships navigating the locks. The Gatun Locks, a crucial part of the canal, showcase the impressive process of raising and lowering water levels to enable the passage of ships.

Traversing the Panama Canal provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate operations that have shaped international shipping for over a century.

Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena:

• join a walking tour through the city
• visit the Rosario Islands
• explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
• visit the chocolate or emerald museums
• wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo
  

Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia and abounds with Spanish colonial charm. From the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande to the beaches of Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta offers a multitude of thrilling adventures. Ships will dock at Puerto de Colombia.

Top Things to Do in Santa Marta:

• hike to the Quebrada Valencia waterfalls
• learn about the Tairona culture Taironaka Indian Reserve
• visit the museum dedicated to Simon Bolivar
• explore Tayrona National Park
• visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.

Top Things to Do in Aruba:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck

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. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal. 

Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• visit the National Archeological Museum
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel at De Palm Island

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Willemstad:

• explore Christoffel National Park
• snorkel in Caracas Bay
• ride the trolley train through Willemstad
• relax on Cas Abao Beach
• visit the Hato Caves
• join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine

The golden beaches, swaying palm trees and fragrant air are just a prelude to what surrounds this beautiful city. Ochos Rios, meaning eight rivers in Spanish, was named for its spectacular rivers and waterfalls. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Ocho Rios:

• visit the beautiful Dunn’s River Falls
• tour Konoko Falls and Park
• bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River
• relax on Shaw Park Private Beach
• go river tubing down White River
• zipline in the White River Valley

Georgetown, the capital of the Cayman Islands, serves as a vibrant hub of activity and culture. Located on Grand Cayman, it is known for its excellent duty-free shopping, ranging from luxury boutiques to local crafts. The city also boasts a rich maritime history, which can be explored in depth at the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Visitors arriving by cruise are welcomed by the picturesque harbour and its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Just offshore, the famous Stingray City offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside and feed the friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, family-friendly zoos and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants. Don’t forget about the white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, perfect for relaxing before or after your Caribbean cruise from Miami.