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.

Puerto Quetzal is an industrial harbor city and home to Guatemala’s largest and most important shipping port. Directly on the harbor, you will find a small tourist area with restaurants, bars and shops. For those looking for a relaxing day, you don’t have to travel far to find a hammock on the beach. More adventurous travelers may want to travel to the nearby city of Antigua, a charming, Spanish city, and nature lovers won’t want to miss the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan.

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.