17-night Panama Canal Eastbound Cruise

Much of Los Angeles lies in a fairly flat basin, surrounded by mountains and ocean. Although the Santa Monica Mountains, one of the most unheralded of the city’s remaining natural treasures, splits LA between the familiar sights of La-La Land to the south and the charmless suburbs to the north, the metropolis is easily traversed. Places for visitors to explore include Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, the central strip of Wilshire Boulevard with faded Art Deco "Miracle Mile" zone and good museums, and the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice, where visitors can stroll along the former’s remodeled pier and Third Street Promenade outdoor mall, or visit the latter’s famed Muscle Beach and oceanside Boardwalk. Lengthier trips to LA may include the old-fashioned charm of Old Pasadena, home of ever-popular Rose Parade and Bowl, Downtown, site of much city heritage and setting for what skyscrapers the area does have, the South Bay, the place to find the region’s second biggest city of Long Beach, and Malibu, where visitors can try to get a glimpse of movie stars and assorted celebrities.

Destination Guide

Puerto Vallarta is where Mexico comes alive. Fall in love with Puerto Vallarta's old world charm and dreamlike natural beauty. Lush tropical jungles surround this quaint colonial city with interesting architecture, cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings. Discover chic boutiques along the Malecón, then check out the exploding art scene and sizzling nightlife. Sprawling golden beaches, Pacific blue waters and heart-stopping sunsets reflect on majestic mountains to complete this picture-perfect vacation spot.

Destination Guide

Puerto Quetzal, on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, gives access to Guatemala City, the capital, beaches and some significant historical sites. Magnificent buildings of the colonial period remain at Antigua, the colonial capital, located near Guatemala City. Guatemala was the center of the old Mayan civilization, and many sites from the classic Mayan period (3rd-10th century AD) have been excavated and studied. The largest of these is Tikal in the northern lowlands, where some 3,000 structures, including tall temple pyramids as well as plazas and monuments, cover an area of about 6 sq miles. Thought to have sustained a population of 50,000 at its peak, it was abandoned for unknown reasons at the end of the 10th century.

Destination Guide

The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Destination Guide

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Destination Guide

Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.

Destination Guide

The most famous attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is Dunn's River falls, where you can barefoot your way up a staircase of cascading water. For sheer natural beauty, you can't surpass Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, which offers 32 acres of indigenous trees, flowers and shrubs as well as picturesque streams and waterfalls.

Destination Guide

Grand Cayman attracts most Cayman tourists, most of whom flock to Seven Mile Beach. Divers see abundant marine life. Gentle stingrays cluster at Stingray City. Rum Point serves up cinnamony rum punch. Spend an entire day floating in clear azure waters. At dawn, head out on a dive boat or tan on decadent Seven Mile Beach. Check out underwater sights without getting wet on a 100-foot descent on Atlantis Submarine or an 800-foot descent in a two-person sub to a shipwreck. Head to Hell, with its velour-clad devil, before zipping over to Turtle Farm. Grand Cayman's sparsely populated East End is refreshing with long streches of rocky coast. The oldest island structure is a castle rumored to have been built by pirates two centuries ago in Savannah. Blowholes offer awesome spots for picture of watery spires. Harborside George Town has tempting shops. Among popular nightlife spots are Ramada's Treasure Island and Island Rock. Hopping pubs include Lone Star Bar & Grill or My Bar on the shores of Sunset House.

Destination Guide

Tampa is a great place to visit for rest and relaxation or thrills and excitement. An abundance of activities, attractions, shopping opportunities and restaurants create a memorable vacation holiday. Record breaking sunshine, attractions, museums and natural experiences are right outside. Tampa has tons of beaches to fit anyone's desire for fun in the sun. Tampa also has plenty to offer in addition to its beaches and sunshine. Busch Gardens, Anheuser-Busch's addition to Floridian theme parks just a few minutes northeast of the city, is Tampa's biggest tourist haven. Adventure Island, Celebration Station, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are also in the Tampa area.

Destination Guide