14-night Panama To Jamaica Cruise

Balboa, sited at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal was founded in 1914 and named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, European discoverer of the Pacific. Balboa is noted for its orchid gardens, with more than 400 varieties. It is separated from Panama City by Ancón Hill.

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.

On the edge of 86,000 acres of protected forest and with endless beaches, Portobelo and the neighboring national park have much to offer those passionate about conservation, diving and the outdoors. Visitors come for the food, for the Afro-Caribbean lifestyle and the watersports. Divers will enjoy exploring the myriad of underwater sites: sixteen significant dive sites are scattered off Portobelo's coast, including a sunken C-45 twin engine plane and massive cargo ship. To experience the city in a different way, visit in October for the lively Festival de Cristo Negro, a national, spiritual celebration of one of the region's most honored symbols.

In the islands of Bocas you know you are on vacation the moment you arrive. You have an inmediate sense of unspoiled and unpolluted nature. The islands offer a great diversity of attractions and natural environments, uncommon to other regions of the continent: luxurious rain forests with an abundance of fauna and flora, sunny islands, beaches that compete with the Caribbean best, coral reefs in crystal clear water, mangrove islets in a lake-like scenery, guaymi indian villages and a national marine park that protects examples of the ecosystems and natural resources coexisting within the Archipelago boundaries, as a tribute to our future generations.

Puerto Límon, on a palm-fringed shore backed by mountains, is the country's most important port. It was built on the site of an ancient Indian village, Cariari, where Columbus landed on his fourth and last voyage. Though he felt this was potentially a very rich land and named it Costa Rica, it never quite lived up to his expectations. However the spot where he anchored has proved to be the best port of the Caribbean coast. It was from here that the first shipments of bananas headed to North America in the late 19th century.

San Andres is located to the northeast of Colombia's Caribbean coast and has beautiful beaches characterized by white sand, red corals, and transparent water with seven different shades of blue, and for this reason it is known as the "Sea of Seven Colors." Its vegetation consists mainly of coconut trees. The San Andres Island and Providence Archipelago were discovered in 1510 by Spanish navigators while traveling from Jamaica to Miskitos. It was settled by the English and Dutch and later ceded to the Spanish government, giving rise to its Spanish heritage, however today, most of the island's inhabitants speak "Bende" or Caribbean English.

Providencia, is one of a group of islands in the Caribbean, to the north of the coast of Panama but belonging to Colombia. It is the second largest island of the group and is volcanic island and much older than San Andrés, the largest island. The highest peak is El Pico, which is well worth a walk. Providencia is rapidly becoming a fashionable spot for Colombian tourists. Aguadulce on the western coast has already been converted into a tourist centre with hotels, restaurants, boat and snorkelling gear rental. However, the rest of the island has remained virtually unspoiled. The coral reefs around Providencia are extensive and provide for good snorkeling and diving. There is much fine Caribbean English-style architecture and the locals are very friendly.

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.

Cayman Brac is the middle sister of the three Cayman Islands. It is a coral island surrounded by reef with a population of about 1200 residents. It has changed little since it was discovered in 1503 by Christopher Columbus. Despite its history of pirate adventure and hidden treasure, it remains a peaceful quiet hideaway not only for divers and snorkelers, but also for sports fishermen, bird watchers, rock climbers, and those who just want to relax. The Brac retains the distinct charm of the Caribbean of many years ago. Gingerbread details on pastel colored houses are creations of local carpenters trained as woodcraft artists for shipbuilding. The quiet of the streets is broken only by friendly greetings and welcomes for visiting tourists. On the bluff, cattle are tended and locals utilize the land for vegetable crops. Hikers will find unlimited areas to explore. The natural vegetation of the island includes many tropical plants and fruit trees - mango and papaya - as well as beautiful wild orchids.

Montego Bay, with its hotels and beaches, offers the best of the Caribbean. Visit the famous Rose Hall Great House which was once home to the White Witch of Rose Hall, now owned by millionaire John Rollins. Legend has it the White Witch, Annie Palmer murdered her four husbands in addition to numerous slaves that worked on the plantation. Or go to the historic town of Falmouth, famous for its Georgian architecture. At Rafter's Village, a breathtaking ride takes visitors downstream on a 30' bamboo raft, guided by a trained and experienced raft captain.