Historic Sea of Cortez & Panama Canal

Nestled along California's sun-kissed coastline, San Diego enchants visitors with its blend of laid-back beach vibes and vibrant urban culture.

On the southern tip of the Mexican peninsula that borders California, its dramatic coastline, protected marine reserves and fun-filled bars make it a popular destination for sun-kissed adventure.

A tranquil way of life abounds in La Paz, which means "peace." Among its simple pleasures: strolling the palm-shaded malecón, lazing on the beautiful beaches of nearby Pichilingue Peninsula, snorkeling sapphire seas at lovely Los Islotes, home to a colony of inquisitive sea lions. Sample shore excursions: Snorkeling at Los Islotes; Highlights of La Paz; Discover Todos Santos; Blandra Bay Snorkel.

This peaceful seaside community, founded in 1697 by Jesuit priest and explorer Juan Maria Salvatierra, was the first European settlement in the Californias. Stroll the cobbled plaza to the Mision Nuestra Se ora de Loreta, burnished with years of devotion; commune with nature as you snorkel the crystal-clear lagoons of Isla Coronados. Sample shore excursions: Loreto Walking Tour; San Javier Mission; Snorkeling at Isla Coronados.

Guaymas lies in a quiet bay in the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Step back in time as you tour the neoclassic San Fernando Church and the Moorish 13 de Julio Plaza in the historic town center. Explore the popular beaches and picturesque bays in nearby San Carlos. Visit a world class pearl farm or journey to magical Las Barajitas Canyon, home to three separate ecosystems. Sample shore excursions: San Carlos Desert Discovery; Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Show; Coastal Nature Cruise.

Have you heard of Topolobampo? Good, don't tell anyone. Holland America Line is the only major cruise line to call on this peaceful port on Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Awaiting your arrival: playful bottlenose dolphins; the mansion of Don Diego de la Vega, "El Zorro"; grand visions of the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railway, a luxury train through Mexico's scenic Copper Canyon. Sample shore excursions: Copper Canyon by Train; Land of Zorro & Native Culture; Bay, Birds & Dolphin Cruise.

Book a Mexico Cruise with Holland America Line and sail to the port city of Mazatlán, where the best of traditional Mexican architecture, food and culture is found alongside contemporary conveniences, amenities and attractions. There's a reason why Americans and Canadians flock here, particularly in winter: It's a warm and welcoming place with plenty to keep visitors entertained for a vacation getaway. Cruise to Mazatlán and explore an array of activities on a Mazatlán shore excursion. There really is something for everyone here, from golfing, fishing and zip lining to sampling agave-based spirits on a distillery tour or learning more about local history at the archaeological museum. There are plenty of cultural opportunities, too, from performances at the Teatro Ángela Peralta to witnessing death-defying cliff dives that will make you hold your breath until divers resurface from the churning surf. On a cruise to Mazatlán don’t forgot to taste some local cuisine. Mazatlán keeps visitors' appetites sated; thanks to the city's coastal location, seafood is freshly caught, and shrimp-based dishes are a particular specialty in local restaurants. And if you can't head home without a souvenir, there's locally made liquor or handmade crafts that can fit neatly into your luggage.

Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexico—many of which were created by the government as planned communities—Puerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, we take you alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta.

This sunny port on the Baja Peninsula gives you a taste of festive Mexico. Get ready for mariachi music, whale watching and fine wines from grapes grown in Mexico's principal wine region, just south of town. Sample shore excursion: Folklore of Mexico.

Nestled along California's sun-kissed coastline, San Diego enchants visitors with its blend of laid-back beach vibes and vibrant urban culture.

Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexico—many of which were created by the government as planned communities—Puerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, we take you alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta.

Charming Huatulco captivates visitors with its picturesque bays and idyllic beaches, all lapped by the azure waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The southernmost port on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Chiapas is named for the state in which it is located. It is relatively new, built in 1975, and is the primary hub from which the region’s agricultural goods, including coffee, are sent abroad. For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the town of Puerto Chiapas is a jumping-off point to explore surrounding areas, including Tapachula, the second-largest city in the state of Chiapas. In addition to visiting the coffee estates and banana and cacao plantations of the area, day trips include excursions to Maya sites such as Izapa. Although not as well known as some of the Maya sites of southern and eastern Mexico, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichén Itzá, Izapa is impressive nonetheless. In addition to its interesting location—it sits along a river and is aligned with a volcano (the sixth-tallest mountain in Mexico)—archaeologists have found numerous stelae and evidence that it was the largest Maya site in Chiapas. While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the cuisine of Chiapas, which is influenced heavily by the Maya. One typical dish is tasajo, a thinly sliced beef steak marinated in a sauce made with achiote (also known as annatto) and chili.

Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country's colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvillea draped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes.

Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a gateway to exploring the many faces of this unique Central American country. The impressive engineering of the canal itself is a wonder to behold; a quick trip to the Miraflores Locks' visitor center with its panoramic observation decks offers the chance to watch behemoth barges thread their way through the legendary manmade waterway. Just minutes from the cruise port, the recently opened Biomuseo is a Frank Gehry–designed natural-history museum dedicated to Panama's ecological marvels. And Fuerte Amador sits within easy taxi distance of Panama City, the bustling, multicultural capital metropolis where visitors can wander a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in street cafés and peruse modern malls. For a rural escape, it only takes an hour or two by car to trade the city for the tropical rain forests of Soberanía National Park, where an aerial tram carries passengers through treetops, or to meet Emberá tribespeople in their traditional village along the Chagres River.

On Colombia’s Caribbean-facing coast, Cartagena is a handsome and historic city, with distinctive Colonial architecture dating back to the sixteenth century.

More than 700 islands make up the coral-based archipelago of the Bahamas which stretches 5,358 miles over the Atlantic Ocean.

Miami, a vibrant coastal city nestled in southeastern Florida, beckons with its sultry blend of tropical beauty, cultural diversity and sizzling nightlife.