Named after the Mayaimi tribe that inhabited the area in the 1600s, Miami has skyrocketed to international recognition as the cruise capital of the world. Nestled between Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, the incredibly diverse tropical metropolis is equally acclaimed for its stunning sandy beaches, extravagant party scene, street art, natural beauty and glittering skyline. Vibrant, classy, edgy, exciting – Miami is everything you want in a cruise destination and more.

Great Stirrup Cay is a small sandbank island which counts as part of the Bahamas. It is characterized by long white beaches with not much vegetation due to the temperature. However, coconut palms still decorate the island and the crystal clear waters marry the white sand beaches perfectly.

The Costa Maya is a beautiful, 100-mile-long coastline on the Yucutan Peninsula characterized by white sand beaches and beautiful blue water. Right on the port you can find shopping areas, restaurants and bars, and jet skis for rent, and the nearby city of Mahahual holds a popular, easy to access beach. For those looking for a more private piece of paradise, the more secluded beaches are just a short taxi ride away. One must-see for any visitor of Costa Maya is the Chacchoben Ruins, the remainders of an ancient Mayan city more than a thousand years old. For the best experience, take a guided tour to learn about what life was like for the Mayans – back then and now.

An industrial port which has only recently begun receiving cruise ships, Santo Tomas is the gateway to some of the most incredible experiences Guatemala has to offer. Within a short drive from the port are dazzling waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, and beautiful jungle hikes. If you’re looking for an authentic glimpse of what life is like in Guatemala, look no further than Santo Tomas: a hidden gem which has yet to be overrun with visitors, the nearby village of Livingston is the perfect introduction to the traditional Guatemalan way of life.

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America. First occupied by the Mayans around 1500 BC, the city boasts a rich history with more than 900 ancient sites to explore. The city also has one of the richest ecosystems in the world and contains an incredible 10 per cent of the world’s known species, making it a popular cruise destination.

The island of Roatan sits above the second-largest coral reef in the world, making it an attractive destination for snorkelers, scuba divers and other ocean enthusiasts eager to get a glimpse of one of nature’s most colorful wonders. Book an excursion to visit the beautiful reef by boat, or simply swim from shore – some of the coral is located just 300 feet from the beach. The white sand beaches and crystal clear water make Roatan perfect for swimming and tanning alike.

Puerto Limon is a bustling, industrial port city that serves as a gateway for many cruise ship passengers to Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The Veragua Rainforest is an easy day trip outside of the city, and visitors can explore it by foot on its hiking trails, by boat on a jungle canoe tour, or from above on a zipline canopy tour. Passengers preferring to stay close to port may prefer the waterfront park Parque Vargas, or learn about local history in the Museo Etnohistoric de Limon.

Overnight

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.