Panama Canal Transit

Step into history with its vibrant colonial walls, lively plazas, and bustling markets. Explore cobblestone streets, soak up Caribbean vibes, or unwind at nearby beaches, all perfect for a day ashore.

Everyone should sail through the Panama Canal at least once. It is a remarkable experience and a moving one when you know the mixture of tragedy and triumph, French farce and financial meltdown which went into its building. The French spent 20 fruitless years trying to build a canal - Suez-style - straight through the land. Then the Americans tried a lock-based canal and, between 1903 and 1914, completed the waterway that stands today. Look out for memorial plaques to the thousands who died in its creation, mainly of diseases rife in the forests and swamps through which the canal was forged. It is 50 miles long and, from the Caribbean side, your ship will be lifted 85ft by the Gatun Locks into Gatun Lake. She then negotiates the narrow Gaillard Cut to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks which lower her back down to the level of the Pacific, which you first see stretching out on the other side of the towering Bridge of the Americas.

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest Pacific port, serving as a vibrant gateway for cruise travellers. Visitors can explore the bustling Mercado La Democracia for local crafts, embark on wildlife safaris at Auto Safari Chapín, or enjoy deep-sea fishing adventures. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or adventure, Puerto Quetzal leads you into a country boasting sublime scenic drama and a colourful history going way back to Mayan times.

This pretty Mexican port town is enveloped by forested hills and bright blue sea. While its beaches are inviting, its marina and Old Town hold equal appeal, with quaint boutiques and fresh local seafood caught in the bay. 

Alive with glitz and glamour, Los Angeles the City of Angels - is all about fulfilling the American Dream all the way from Hollywood and the original Disneyland to swish Beverly Hills, Malibu and then Hollywood Hills where the stars love to live out that dream in their spectacular mansions.This starry lifestyle is fun for visitors, too, though. Watch the surfers at the fabulous surfing beaches of Santa Monica, give those cards a hammering at Rodeo Drive's exclusive shops, or be impressed by the high quality of the exhibits at the smart Downtown museums and art galleries.The filmmaking capital of the world exudes style and offbeat artistic expression. Check out all the movie star hand and foot imprints on the sidewalk outside the famous Mann's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard or stroll the boardwalk at bohemian Venice Beach with its wacky street artists, musicians, roller skaters, cyclists and the outdoor weightlifting at Muscle Beach.

Alive with glitz and glamour, Los Angeles the City of Angels - is all about fulfilling the American Dream all the way from Hollywood and the original Disneyland to swish Beverly Hills, Malibu and then Hollywood Hills where the stars love to live out that dream in their spectacular mansions.This starry lifestyle is fun for visitors, too, though. Watch the surfers at the fabulous surfing beaches of Santa Monica, give those cards a hammering at Rodeo Drive's exclusive shops, or be impressed by the high quality of the exhibits at the smart Downtown museums and art galleries.The filmmaking capital of the world exudes style and offbeat artistic expression. Check out all the movie star hand and foot imprints on the sidewalk outside the famous Mann's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard or stroll the boardwalk at bohemian Venice Beach with its wacky street artists, musicians, roller skaters, cyclists and the outdoor weightlifting at Muscle Beach.