Due to its location, Central America enjoys great diversity in its landscapes. Central America and Mexico cruises promise a world of natural wonders. From white sand beaches and vibrant corals to prehistoric jungle canopy, mighty rivers and canals, mountains and caves. Its culture is just as eclectic. Ancient civilisations, contemporary cities, Spanish flair and colonial architecture – the blend is unique.
Superb diving and other watersports, remarkable cultural, historical, marine and wildlife attractions, make Central American crusies the perfect destination for all visitors. Enjoy a Mexican cruise or Costa Rica cruise and take rich marine life and glorious beaches, not to mention Mystical Mayan ruins and buzzing resort life of Acapulco,. Think of all the ‘must have’ aspects that make an incredible holiday and you will find them on our Central American cruises.
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| LimonShow more | Costa Rica |  |
About Limon Limon is your gateway to some of the most extraordinary experiences imaginable. Like the Rainforest Aerial Tram ride through the canopy of a 1,000-acre nature reserve next to a national park. On a jungle boat trip you can travel silently through the network of jungle canals and enjoy the chance to see what a rainforest life is like at ground level. In another part of the forest, you can even travel through the canopy Tarzan-style (except in slow-motion) on a series of horizontal traverse cables. Multi-coloured butterflies and birds fly by while you absorb the atmosphere of this living, breathing forest. You may see some monkeys but that is more likely on the Tortuguero Canals, another national park - one created to protect the green turtle (Tortuguero). Nearly a quarter of Costa Rica is national parks as the country boasts 8,000 species of plants, 859 species of birds and 10% of the worlds butterflies.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| PuntarenasShow more | Costa Rica |   |
 About Puntarenas Puntarenas in Costa Rica shares its name with the province which surrounds it, which is the largest province in Costa Rica, and boasts the most varied landscape. Here you can explore the leafy byways of dense mangrove swamps and, on higher ground, discover sub-alpine flowers. Puntarenas is the largest city in the Central Pacific and home to fine Spanish colonial architecture. Its popular beach is lined with alfresco restaurants and cafés serving fish freshly caught by local fishermen – try local specialities like shrimp scampi (camarones al ajillo) or ceviche de corvina - a lime juice-marinated fish cocktail. Further afield, there is luscious countryside to explore in Manuel Antonio Park, where verdant rainforests border some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches and the snorkelling is superb. Follow forest trails to enjoy spectacular views and hopefully spot some of the inhabitants, which include sloths, iguanas and pretty little squirrel monkeys.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Puerto QuetzalShow more | Guatemala |   |
About Puerto Quetzal On the Pacific Coast of one of the worlds newest and most exciting eco-tourism and cruise destinations - Guatemala, the Central American cruise port Quetzal leads you into a country boasting sublime scenic drama and a colourful history going way back to Mayan times. Its interior is a lush panorama of coastal plains, lakes, mountains, volcanoes and valleys creating a habitat for 300 species of birds and no fewer than 600 types of orchid. This is interspersed with farmland and timeless villages while modern Mayan Indian communities still cluster around the beautiful Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands. The major ancient Mayan site is Tikal (nearer the Caribbean coast) while another must-see is La Antigua, once the Guatemalan capital until it was destroyed by earthquakes 300 years ago. The ruins of this Spanish colonial city set in the shadow of three volcanoes are now a World Heritage site.
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| Santo Thomas de CastillaShow more | Guatemala |  |
About Santo Thomas de Castilla Santo Thomas de Castilla lies on Amatique Bay, off the Gulf of Honduras in northeast Guatemala. Belgian’s settled here in the 19th century and today you can see the cemetery where the pioneers are buried. This region, however, has a captivating Mayan history that dates back much further. Delve into the lives of ancient civilisations as you wander the mystical ruins at Tikal. Hidden within a forest, this fascinating place is the largest and most impressive of all the classical Mayan sites, with over 500 excavated structures, including the Temple of the Jaguar and the Lost World Complex. Alternatively, explore Quirigua National Park, one of the smaller, yet none the less important, Mayan sites in the region. Set within green parkland, the area is surrounded by banana plantations. Admire the 8th century monuments lining the central plaza and study the intricate carvings on the stelae, altars and zoomorphs.
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| AcapulcoShow more | Mexico |    |
 About Acapulco Long a magnet for the rich and famous, Mexico’s top beach resort, Acapulco, boasts some of the most stunning beaches along the Pacific Coast Mexican Riviera. Situated on a spectacular sweeping bay lined by five star hotels, this jetsetters’ city makes the perfect cruise call as there is a huge range of attractions to suit all tastes and interests. There are lively bars and cafés, chic boutiques and a pulsating nightlife but so much of Acapulco life centres around the ocean. There is a huge variety of watersports from surfing, jet-skiing and parasailing through to snorkelling, scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing. But top of the list has to be the world famous cliff divers at La Quebrada, who plunge 130 feet from perilous cliffs into the raging waters below, timing their jumps precisely to coincide with the incoming waves so as to avoid landing with a bump in the shallows. Just marvel at the timing, grace and sheer bravery of the divers as they perform every lunchtime and evening
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| Costa MayaShow more | Mexico | |
About Costa Maya This newly created Mexican cruise port opened in 2000 and is close to the border with Belize. Through the Mayan temple-style entrance into the visitor centre, you will find shops and a small open-air theatre where folkloric shows are staged. There are also classes in local crafts and skills such as guacamole-making. Best of all, there is a swimming pool, bungee trampolines and small beach area with a water-polo pool, hammocks, showers and massage rooms. The area around Costa Maya offers a fascinating mixture of jungle, wetland, coastal dunes, and coral reefs with the bonus of a variety of Mayan sites. The closest is Chacchoben, a lost Mayan city that has only been partially uncovered from the jungle and whose most important discovery to date is a fascinating single pyramid.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CozumelShow more | Mexico | |
About Cozumel The worlds most popular cruise port, Cozumel, is just a small (12 miles long) island off Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula but it has a vibrant, pulsating Latin heart. Everywhere is all action and activity from the music-playing downtown bars, cafés and shops to the watersports on offer from the glorious beaches. Probably the best beach is at the Chankanab National Park which also boasts a beautiful botanical garden with 800 plant species. Best of all, though, is that it has a pool linked by an underground tunnel to the sea where you can swim with the dolphins who come and go freely there. Inland, there are jeep and horse-riding trips through the mangroves, while the most popular tour to the mainland is for the Caribbean-facing Mayan ruins at Tulum.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HuatulcoShow more | Mexico | |
About Huatulco Beach-lovers are spoilt for choice at Mexico’s first eco-tourism resort and new cruise port, Huatulco, for there are 22 miles of pristine sand stretched across nine sparkling bays, each hidden from the other. Even within these, there are secret coves and hidden lagoons to discover. On the Mexican Riviera coast, southeast of Acapulco and where the foothills of the Sierra Madre meet the Pacific Ocean, Huatulco is in the state of Oaxaca, an area of great natural beauty three-quarters of which has been designated as ecological preservation areas by the Mexican Government. Once a small fishing village, Huatulco has been developed out of the surrounding jungle and now offers visitors a range of amenities from shops and restaurants to golf and every kind of watersport. Look out for the galleries and shops featuring handmade Oaxacan arts and crafts – they make delightful gifts.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ZihuatanejoShow more | Mexico | |
About Zihuatanejo Full of life and beautiful scenery, Zihuatanejo (pronounced zee-watt-a-NEH-ho) has retained its charm as a small, sleepy fishing village. Dotted with golden, sandy beaches and surrounded by warm, calm waters, this is the perfect place to relax with a frozen margarita and soak up the sun. If you’re feeling more energetic, then there are a whole range of water sports to be enjoyed, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Or else take to the water on a trimaran or a fishing boat. Heading away from the beach, you may wish to soak up the authentic atmosphere as you stroll down the cobbled streets of the village and mingle with the friendly locals. For a real taste of Mexico, a trip to the farmers market is a must. The downtown area of El Centro is also great for souvenir shopping, as is the promenade, Paseo del Pescador. A trip to the neighbouring resort of Ixtapa is also worth a visit, with its vast tropical gardens and marina.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BalboaShow more | Panama | |
About Balboa Lying at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal, Balboa offers a pretty waterfront, but is mainly your way of getting up close and personal with the region’s biggest attraction after the Canal - Panama City.One of very few walled cities in Central America, Panama City is a highlight of any cruise itinerary. Start your exploration in its old town – Casco Viejo – a treasury of French, Spanish and American colonial houses. The French Plaza is particularly atmospheric and you can enjoy panoramic views over the city from the Old City Wall right above the Plaza. Take in the grand Spanish style of the Metropolitan Cathedral and see the neo-Classical Municipal Palace, which surrounds the square right in front of it. If time allows, visit the fascinating Metropolitano National Park, the only protected rainforest in the world to lie within a city’s limits. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ColonShow more | Panama | |
 About Colon Situated at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal is the port of Cristobal (Spanish for Christopher), your stopping off point for Colon (Spanish for Columbus). The city, founded in 1850 by the Americans working on the Panama railroad, is today Panama’s second largest. Colon underwent a massive redevelopment programme for the new millennium and is now a fantastic place to shop, as well as a great base for exploring the rest of Panama. Take an enchanting journey into the lush rainforest to San Lorenzo Fort and walk in the footsteps of the adventurous buccaneer – Captain Morgan. Experience the ecology and get a closer look at the wildlife on and around the amazing Gatun Lake. Then go further into the dense jungle and meet the Choco Indians. Living as they have done for centuries, in houses built on stilts along the banks of the Chagres River, you will get a glimpse of their mystical rituals and their amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies. You can learn more about the rich diversity of flora and fauna at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and don’t miss the impressive Gatun locks in action on the wondrous Panama Canal.View typical shore excursions for this port |