Panama Canal LA to Florida: 5-Star Celebrity Cruise

Guatemala’s largest Pacific Ocean port, Puerto Quetzal offers a wealth of activities. Discover Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, which is surrounded by three volcanoes. The area is rich in Mayan history, as well as a fertile ground for coffee growing.

The world knows Costa Rica for its ecological biodiversity and national parks, and Puntarenas welcomes you to many of these treasures—Pacific beaches, renowned surfing, rainforests, and wildlife. Ride horseback through secluded tropical forests or along the wide open beach. Head down the coast to Playa Jaco, which draws surfers from around the world for international competitions. Plunge below the surface to discover reefs teeming with marine life. Spot monkeys, crocodiles, scarlet macaws, and other birds by cruising through the mangroves or up the Tárcoles River. Hike through the lush rainforest or fly over it by zip line. Launch out to Prison Island and learn about its haunting history before kicking back for lunch on Tortuga Beach. Duck into a family-run restaurant, called a soda, to find authentic Costa Rican cooking. Order the gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish, or try the ceviche, made from the catch of the day “cooked” in lemon juice. Order a taco, called a tico, from a food truck. To find souvenirs, stroll the Paseo de los Turistas, a bustling beachfront promenade. While in Puntarenas, meet the local vendors selling hand-made crafts and score a fresh bag of rich Costa Rican coffee.

The canal is a marvel of engineering, but the area is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures.

Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America’s most photogenic cities. But it’s not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude.

Encounter Georgian architecture, African culture, cool waterfalls, and blissful beaches around Falmouth, a town forged by flames, rebellions, and pirates. At the redeveloped cruise port, enjoy Jamaican rhythms, local crafts, and duty-free shopping. Cruise to Jamaica and uncover rich colonial history at the 18th-century Good Hope Estate up in the hills, or ride a 30-foot bamboo raft along the lazy Martha Brae River. East of town, discover ancient rock formations at Green Grotto Caves, then continue on to iconic Dunn’s River Falls, where you can climb up the steps as the water rushes all around you. Head west on a scenic drive to Montego Bay, passing the infamous Rose Hall Great House, former home of the White Witch, then taking a swim at Doctor’s Cave Beach. Jamaican cuisine runs mild to wild, a result of British, Spanish, and African traditions. The mild staple of breakfast or lunch is ackee—a fruit with the taste and texture of scrambled eggs—with salt fish. On the wild side is jerk, the legendary flavor of Jamaica—spicy hot, mildly smoky, a little sweet—invented by runaway slaves, now popular around the world, adding a distinctly Jamaican kick to chicken, lamb, pork, fish, even veggies.

No destination blends global finance with the Caribbean lifestyle quite like the Cayman Islands. This upscale destination offers world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and duty-free shopping, plus white sand beaches, brilliant blue waters, and teeming coral reefs. Enjoy postcard views of George Town, Seven Mile Beach, and West Bay from the custom-designed Cayman Explorer. You can step down easily into shallow waters to interact with the welcoming stingrays.

Launch your snorkeling adventure from a luxurious catamaran. Swim right through the World War II naval vessel USS Kittiwake, now a shallow artificial reef. Finish with leisurely sunbathing and cool cocktails. Swim with the denizens of Stingray City in the crystalline waters of Coral Reef Gardens. After snorkeling with the graceful rays, recharge with an island barbecue on Seven Mile Beach. You’ll shop till you drop in the duty-free boutiques of George Town. Find gifts for everyone—including yourself—like china, crystal, jewelry, antiques, and resort wear by renowned designers.

Conch shells were the homes of tasty mollusks. Try Cayman conch in salads, chowders, and fritters. Cruises to Grand Cayman Islands are not complete without a sample of the rich Caribbean curries, and don’t miss the fresh produce: coconut, cassava, and plantains. For dessert, have some rum cake.

Following your departure from the Celebrity Summit, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home to Ireland.