11 Nights Caribbean, Southern

Panama City is the spirited capital of Panama, a center of business and culture and a doorway to the Panama Canal, one of the worlds most famous man-made marvels. If youre looking for colonial charm and great food during your cruise to Panama City, head to Casco Viejo, the hippest and most lively part of Panama City and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an edgy feel of the city, stroll amongst the skyscrapers that house cool small hotels, chic bars and some of the best shopping areas in Panama. Dont leave Panama without experiencing the wonders of the Teatro Nacional, the BioMuseo (a biodiversity museum) and Plaza de Francia, home to famous landmarks and amazing sights.

This $387 million dollar, 51-mile-long canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Completed by the U.S. from 1904-1914 under teddy Roosevelt, it is considered one of the greatest engineering marvels of all time.

A beautiful, quaint fishing town on the Atlantic coast of Colombia, Cartagena is full of pastel-painted buildings, Spanish colonial architecture and magnificent cathedrals. Walls and fortresses, once constructed to protect the city from British soldiers and pirates, still stand.

The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.

Colonial architecture comprises much of Aruba's bright and breezy capital, which is located just south of the main resort area. Orangestad is extremely popular because of its abundance of boutiques and duty-free shops. Local bars provide great opportunities to socialize with the locals.

The largest of the Netherlands Antilles has its fair share of Dutch colonial buildings, but its dry climate, barren soil and cacti are more akin to the U.S. Southwest. Its greatest beauty lies offshore?the island's coral reefs. Volcanic pebbles make up many of its rocky beaches.

It's always sunny in Bonaire, where the days last nearly twelve hours and the adventure never ends. The countless coral reefs surrounding its shores are home to more than 400 species of marine life, earning it the nickname ?Diver's Paradise.' But for some of the best snorkeling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Or hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea views? no swimming required. Cruise to Bonaire and do some onshore exploring at Washington Slagbaii National Park, which covers a fifth of the island. With its dramatic desert landscape, mangrove lagoons, famous pink flamingos and unrivaled dive spots, Bonaire offers endless outdoor adventures? along with a healthy dose of colonial charm.

This vast array of wonderful beaches offers you opportunities to swim with the dolphins in a tropical lagoon and come face-to-face with alligators during an Everglades airboat tour. Or stroll through a tropical rainforest while hundreds of butterflies flutter above you.