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.

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.

Surfers and divers from all over the world flock to San Juan del Sur for its beautiful beaches and fantastic waves. Close to port, cruise passengers can meander into town and check out the local bars and restaurants, while shore excursions and guided tours offer access to some of Nicaragua's most beautiful nature. Take a tour of the nearby city of Granada, which played an important role in Nicaragua's early colonial period. Or visit the Masaya Volcano, an active volcano inside Nicaragua's largest national park. Whether you're in to surfing, sunbathing, or learning about history, San Juan del Sur has something to offer.

Located on Mexican Riviera close to Central America, Huatulco is a hidden gem that is not to be missed. With a booming tourist industry and vast nature reserves, Huatulco is known as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Mexico. Huatulco's coastline is a great place for diving and snorkeling. Nearby, small villages dot the surrounding mountainside, which you can visit on a shore excursion to learn about the local way of life. There are also plenty of opportunities for souvenir hunting, with lots of kiosks selling jewelry and artifacts made by local artisans.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s hottest cruise destinations, and for good reason: located near some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta features resorts, dining and leisure to suit every budget and taste. It is one of the most diverse cities in Mexico, and each neighborhood has a distinctive personality that makes it worth exploring. Old Vallarta offers a rustic, romantic atmosphere, perfect for recovering and relaxing after a long day of travel. Marina Vallarta is a shopping paradise and caters to a more luxurious taste, while the downtown area is home to the hottest clubs and bars that first come to life after sundown.