Treasures Of Two Oceans

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.

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.

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
  

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.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala’s principal Pacific Ocean port, is a gateway to some of the country’s most captivating attractions. While primarily a launch point for nearby destinations, its proximity to key sites allows visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of local culture and history swiftly. From here, the colonial beauty of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and stunning volcano views, is easily accessible (approx. 1hr15m drive - 90 km/56mi away).

For those interested in the natural beauty of Guatemala, the surrounding area offers activities such as visits to coffee plantations in the highlands where the unique, aromatic beans are cultivated. Additionally, the coastal town of Monterrico is within reach, known for its black volcanic sand beaches and as a nesting ground for sea turtles, making Puerto Quetzal a strategic starting point for exploring Guatemala’s diverse landscapes.

Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' Acapulco is Mexico's most glamorous pacific resort. The city is famed for its splendid beauty and its superb weather with an average of 360 days of sunshine per year. Its lively promenade gives travellers a sense of modern Mexico with a creative food scene and excellent shopping. Ships will dock at the Terminal Maritima.

Top Things to Do in Acapulco:

• watch the cliff divers at La Quebrada
• take a jetboat ride on Puerto Marques Bay
• visit the Fort of San Diego
• explore La Roqueta Island

Manzanillo, situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its status as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," hosting international fishing tournaments that highlight its vibrant marine life. The city's dual bays, Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago, are lined with beautiful beaches and busy ports, reflecting a dynamic blend of leisure and commerce.

Beyond its famous fishing scene, Manzanillo’s history is evident in the city centre, where traditional architecture and local markets offer a glimpse into the area’s cultural fabric. Ecotourism in the region thrives, with the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre Occidental providing a backdrop for activities such as bird watching and hiking.

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in California and is  is located right in downtown San Diego. Major cruise lines depart from the B Street Pier Terminal which is located a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Diego Station (Amtrak) and is easily accessible from major freeways.  The Embarcadero and nearby areas offer plenty of options for paid parking during your cruise.

Cruise lines embark to destinations such as the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the California Coast and the Panama Canal. 

Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California city, is famed not only for its influence on the entertainment industry but also for its diverse cultural offerings and sunny coastline. Highlights include the Getty Center, where art and stunning architecture meet in an expansive hilltop setting, and the historic Griffith Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.

For those disembarking mid-morning, a stroll through the vibrant streets of Santa Monica or a visit to the eclectic Venice Beach Boardwalk provides a perfect slice of local life. Both are excellent spots to enjoy the quintessential SoCal sun, sand, and surf, complete with shops, street performers, and seaside eateries.