Panama City is the thriving, urban metropolis that is the heart and soul of Panama. The largest city in Central America, it is said to rival Miami as being the "Capital City of Latin America." Panama City can be accessed by ship at the nearby cruise ports, Fuerte Amadore and Balboa, or by a boat or train ride from Colon. Situated on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, the city has benefited from a century of wealth generated by the canal.

What better way to see the Panama Canal than by cruising through it? Sail in the wake of history as your ship navigates the locks which have been in service more than 100 years and are still functioning flawlessly today. Plagued by difficulties during construction, the final lock system was so effective, it has remained virtually unchanged throughout the years. The entire Panama Canal crossing takes 8 to 10 hours.

South America's most popular cruise port, Cartagena is a must-see stop on any Panama Canal or southern Caribbean cruise. The city is safe and tourist-friendly, and most tourist places will speak English and accept U.S. dollars. Beautiful parks, museums and shops welcome visitors, and beautiful Spanish cathedrals and castles lurk around every corner. For beach lovers, there are plenty of sandy beaches and coral reefs within easy access of the city. And for shopaholics, kiosks and tourist shops dot the inner city.

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The small capital of the British Virgin Islands is located on the main island of Tortola and has about 9000 inhabitants. The city was founded in 1648 by Dutch settlers. The town has been destroyed on many occasions due to coming under siege. The oldest buildings that remain now date back to 1840. If you're looking to explore the city, the Botanical Garden is a good place to start. Then, you can make your way to the ferry terminal of the city where many beautiful yachts drop anchor.