Norwegian Joy - January 26, 2024

Sail past Los Arcos, the soaring rock archway at the extreme southern tip of Baja California that guards Cabo's perfect harbor. This idyllic bay once sheltered treasure ships from the Orient, and pirate brigs bent on those treasures. Now Cabo caters to an international vacation set, and has a strong artistic tradition famous for its black-coral jewelry.

Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.

The festive strains of a marimba band are never far away in Puerto Quetzal, your gateway to Guatemala's authentic Amerindian culture. Enjoy an excursion to Antigua, the former colonial capital, celebrated for its European flavor and magnificent architecture.

San Juan del Sur is a tranquil fishing village nestled at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua. The lovely bay is peppered with small, private yachts and commercial fishing boats. The inhabitants of San Juan del Sur make their living fishing, diving, and catering to the visitors drawn to the bay's beautiful white-sand beaches, smooth waters, and ecological richness.

The tropical city of Puerto Caldera provides access to San Jose, Costa Rica. Most tourists in San Jose come to visit the Opera House. Other excursions include Paos Volcano National Park, and Sarchi, known for its beautiful crafts. You can also go on a tour of the wildlife preserve and see tropical birds, alligators, and more.

Founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, Panama City flourished in early colonial times as the Pacific port of transshipment of Andean riches to Spain. Construction of the Panama Canal brought assured prosperity, and American sanitary measures and disease control made Panama a clean and healthful tropical city. The city has a reputation as a drug transshipment point between South America and the United States.

Founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, Panama City flourished in early colonial times as the Pacific port of transshipment of Andean riches to Spain. Construction of the Panama Canal brought assured prosperity, and American sanitary measures and disease control made Panama a clean and healthful tropical city. The city has a reputation as a drug transshipment point between South America and the United States.

Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.

Once the port where the wealth of the New World flowed back to the Old, Cartagena also served as a notorious base for privateers and pirates. Today, you can stroll the tree-lined Spanish colonial artistry of old in the streets and see the works of the Gold Museum. The port is also a great place to find bargains on emeralds.

Explore all that Miami has to offer, from the magnificent Port of Miami, to the world famous Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, historic Coconut Grove, and trendy South Beach. Other attractions include the Miami Seaquarium , Miami MetroZoo, and sports teams the Dolphins, Heat and Marlins. No wonder so many celebrities, such as Gloria Estefan, Madonna and Ricky Martin, call Miami home.