Peru, Panama & Palms

Peru's capital, Lima was once the heart of Spain's South American empire in the 19th century, now modern Lima is a huge metropolis crammed with culture, and a history that pre-dates the Incas and is also a gateway to the marvels of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon jungle. The historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this is where many of Lima's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.

Callao is the chief seaport of Peru and has a rich maritime heritage and vibrant urban culture. Located adjacent to Lima, it serves as a vital link between the capital city and the world.

Callao boasts an intriguing mix of colonial architecture and street art, most notably in the regenerated neighbourhood of La Punta, where visitors can stroll along the seaside promenade enjoying the ocean breeze.

The Real Felipe Fortress, a historical bastion against pirate attacks, dominates the local landscape with its imposing presence. Now a museum, it offers a deep dive into the area's colonial past.

Callao is also the gateway to the Palomino Islands, where visitors can see large colonies of sea lions and seabirds.

Peru's capital, Lima was once the heart of Spain's South American empire in the 19th century, now modern Lima is a huge metropolis crammed with culture, and a history that pre-dates the Incas and is also a gateway to the marvels of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon jungle. The historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this is where many of Lima's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.

Callao is the chief seaport of Peru and has a rich maritime heritage and vibrant urban culture. Located adjacent to Lima, it serves as a vital link between the capital city and the world.

Callao boasts an intriguing mix of colonial architecture and street art, most notably in the regenerated neighbourhood of La Punta, where visitors can stroll along the seaside promenade enjoying the ocean breeze.

The Real Felipe Fortress, a historical bastion against pirate attacks, dominates the local landscape with its imposing presence. Now a museum, it offers a deep dive into the area's colonial past.

Callao is also the gateway to the Palomino Islands, where visitors can see large colonies of sea lions and seabirds.

Salaverry is the gateway to Trujillo, an elegant colonial town with brightly coloured façades, decorated with ornate wooden balconies. The city has a splendid backdrop of the Andean foothills and is set in a land scattered with impressive ruins and archaeological treasures left by ancient civilisations. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Salaverry:

• explore the Temples of the Moon and Sun
• eat some Ceviche in Huanchaco
• visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chan Chan
• visit the El Brujo Archaeological Complex

Guayaquil is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador as well as the commercial centre. Culture is alive in this bustling port, complete with hillsides dotted with colourful favelas, neoclassical architecture, world-renowned museums, and an electric nightlife. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Guayaquil:

• see how chocolate is made at a plantation
• cruise the Guayas River
• stroll the colourful streets of Las Peñas
• visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum

Colourful fishing villages, unspoiled beaches and unusual tropical dry forest make Manta an attractive tourist destination and the starting point for exciting day trips. Set along the mid-coast of Ecuador, the city is on of the countries largest seaports. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Manta:

• tour the Cerro Jaboncillo Archaeological site
• relax on San Clemente Beach
• take a Chivas Bus to Montecristi
• visit the Cabuya plant-weaving factory
• look for Howler Monkeys at Pacoche Lodge and Reserve

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.

This bustling city is home to extravagant open-air markets that buzz with commerce, fascinating architecture and historical museums. Beyond the city lies a land that features thick rainforests, meandering rivers, and a variety of exotic wildlife. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Limon:

• ride an aerial tram through the canopy of the Braulio Carrillo National Park
• cruise the waters of the Tortuguero Canals
• spot native animals in Cahuita National Park
• visit the wildlife rescue centre

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, is noted for its pristine coral reefs, beautiful beaches, lush tropical foliage, and friendly people. A diving paradise, there is easy access to the underwater marvel of the Caribbean’s largest coral reef. Ships will dock or anchor offshore in the town of Coxen Hole.

Top Things to Do on Roatan:

• look for monkeys in Gumbalimba Park Nature Reserve
• snorkel or scuba dive the reef
• go deep sea fishing
• go horseback riding on the beach

Santo Tomas de Castilla is the Caribbeans gateway to Guatemala. It was originally settled in the 19th century by Belgian pioneers, today the streets are scattered with colonial buildings, a lasting clue to its European background. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Santo Tomas:

• hike to the Las Escobas waterfalls
• explore San Felipe Castle
• visit the indigenous Q’eqchi village
• travel by air to Tikal National Park, an ancient Mayan city site
• explore Quirigua National Park

Featuring an enchanting range of environments such as tropical rainforests, marshes and coral reefs, Harvest Caye offers both relaxation and adventure amid lush landscapes. This pristine mangrove-covered 75-acre private island is a gem in the crown of Belize’s natural resources. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do on Harvest Caye:

• cruise the Monkey River
• zip line across the island
• snorkel the barrier reef
• parasail the waters of the Caribbean Sea
• discover the Mayan temple of Nim Li Punit

Belize offers a captivating blend of lush tropical rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and the second largest barrier reef in the world. This diverse country delivers a unique experience with its rich cultural heritage, encompassing Creole, Maya, and Garifuna communities, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic of Belizean life.

Visitors can delve into the mysteries of the Maya at sites such as Xunantunich or Lamanai, or embrace the breathtaking beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef through snorkelling or diving adventures.

For those keen to explore beyond the turquoise waters, Belize’s jungles are home to exotic wildlife, including jaguars and toucans, and numerous cave systems. The country’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures these natural wonders are preserved for future generations, making every visit a responsible adventure into the heart of Central America's untouched beauty.

Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Costa Maya is privy to some of the best natural wonders, historic structures, and scenic views in Mexico. Built to predominately cater to cruisers, it offers sandy beaches, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, intriguing animal encounters, and exhilarating activities. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Costa Maya:

• swim, snorkel or dive in Cenote Azul
• explore the Kohunlich and Chacchoben ruins
• spend they day at the Uvero Beach Club
• swim with a dolphin
• go kayaking in a clear-bottom kayak

Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Rich in history, Mayan vestiges and natural wonders, it is a true paradise in the middle of the sea with white beaches, beautiful sunsets and world famous for its coral reefs.

Top Things to Do in Cozumel:

• visit the San Gervasio Mayan site
• explore the Chankanaab National Park
• visit the Museo de Cozumel
• cross to the mainland and explore Tulum, Playa Del Carmen or Chichén Itza
• spend the day at Xcaret Eco Park
• snorkel one of Cozumel's famous reefs

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. Palm-lined causeways stretch across luminous Biscayne Bay as Miami rises in a gleam of glass towers, Art Deco curves, and tropical colour. Along Ocean Drive in South Beach, pastel facades from the 1930s glow beneath the Florida sun, while nearby Little Havana hums with domino parks, cigar shops, and the aroma of Cuban coffee. Beyond the shoreline, calm waters, yacht marinas, and breezy promenades frame a city shaped by Caribbean rhythms and sunlit coastal glamour.