Tropical Island Holiday

Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. From the hot-blooded Art Deco haunts of South Beach to the natural wonders of the UNESCO-inscribed Everglades and the laid-back charms of the Keys, South Florida offers a bounty of appealing attractions that make an extended stay in the region nearly mandatory for those either embarking or disembarking here.

Although no written record of the island’s discovery by Europeans exists, it was in 1499 that Alonso de Ojeda landed in Aruba and claimed the island for Spain. Over the years, possession changed from the Spanish to the Dutch to the British and back to the Dutch, with independence promised by 1996. Aruba is one of only a few Caribbean islands where the indigenous Indian population was not decimated by invading Europeans. The native Aruban today is a mixture of Arawak Indian, and Spanish and Dutch colonizers. The official language is Dutch, with both English and Spanish widely spoken. The local population’s everyday tongue is Papiamento, a mixture of all of the above plus a few words left over from the days of the Arawak. The countryside is dotted with cottages surrounded by cactus fences and bright splashes of bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus. During our call, enjoy a stroll through the capital, Oranjestad. Colorful Wilhelminastraat is lined with typical Aruban buildings of the Dutch Colonial style, and plenty of shops offering duty-free goods.

Delightful Willemstad is the capital of the five-island Netherlands Antilles, which in turn are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Gabled buildings bring to mind Dutch cities, while working windmills dot the countryside, helping to provide the island with much-needed fresh water. Two bridges connect Otrobanda and Punda, the city’s two halves. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, now exclusively a foot bridge, was built in 1888. The imposing Queen Juliana Bridge arches over the channel, providing the link for motor vehicles. Shoppers will find no shortage of temptations here, while those so inclined will find excellent scuba diving opportunities.

In the early morning, your ship joins the flotilla of hulls of every shape and purpose from the far corners of the globe. They gather in Limon Bay off the shoreline of Cristobal in the Caribbean Sea to form the day’s convoy. Soon you will parade in file into the mighty Gatun Locks, there to be lifted patiently by inrushing water through three steps and exit into Gatun Lake to begin your transit of the canal. In truth, your ship sails from west to east, threading the jungled Gaillard Cut and before arriving at the Pedro Miguel Locks to begin your descent to the Pacific Ocean. At the Miraflores Locks, your ship files through the three descending steps, lowered gracefully by the outrushing waters into the mouth of the canal, bidding farewell to your convoy, and sailing on into the largest ocean on earth.

After a thrilling day passing through the mighty, water-powered locks and jungled channels of the Panama Canal, reflect on the engineering marvel that you have experienced, as your ship glides majestically out of the canal and into your first night in the Pacific Ocean. As the first stars sparkle in the horizon, lift your glass to the bold visionaries who dreamt of such an accomplishment so long ago, and to the untold thousands who toiled to make it real. VIEW CRUISES

Located in the Golfo Dulce nearly to the southern border with Panama, Golfito is far from the main tourist spots further north and the capital city. But what it does supply is Costa Rican nature at its best. The town is the gateway to the Piedras Blancas National Park, which is one of the three parks that ring the Golfo Dulce. The park is considered one of Costa Rica’s top birding spots, as well as being home to howler and capuchin monkeys and one of the last populations of jaguars in the country. South of Golfito stretch beaches that are world-famous among surfers, Playa Pavones is rumored to have the longest left-hand break in the world, with waves that supply rides as long as three minutes. Golfito is also famous for its sportfishing, especially for sailfish.

The principal town of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas gives access to several of the nation’s ecological reserves, including the Monteverde Reserve, as well as highlights of the highlands such as the famous woodcarving center of Sarchi and the distinctive highland town of Grecia with its metal Gothic church. At the nearby Carara National Park, visitors can see the “Pura Vida” waterfall, some 650 feet high and keep an eye out for brilliant Scarlet Macaws.

Once the site of an impressive ancient Mayan civilization, Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in 1524. Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala’s largest Pacific Ocean port, offering access to the natural and historic wonders of Guatemala. Beyond the black-sand beaches that surround Puerto Quetzal, a narrow ribbon of lowland runs the length of the Pacific shore, where local farmers raise cotton, sugar, bananas and maize. Bordering the fertile lowlands, the Guatemalan highlands suddenly emerge, rising to heights of 2500 to 3000 feet. Jutting boldly from the southern highlands is a string of volcanoes, adding even more drama to this diverse land of ancient Maya ruins, Spanish Colonial heritage and breathtaking scenery.

Puerto Chiapas is located in the southern Soconusco region of the Mexican state of Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The region produces both coffee and cacao for chocolate, and so provides opportunities to see how these commodities are grown, processed and used worldwide. Bananas and tropical blooms are two other regional agricultural mainstays. If you have never tasted a truly tree-ripened banana, the experience can be revelatory. There are some pre-Columbian ruins at Izapa, although nothing on the scale of other, more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala. Favorite activities that have been developed for visitors include people-to-people opportunities in some of the nearby rural (and very friendly) communities.

The nine glistening bays of Huatulco were virtually unknown outside the state of Oaxaca until the first coastal highway was completed in 1982. Now part of Mexico’s ‘Master Plan’ to develop certain coastal areas into premium resorts, Huatulco may one day rival Acapulco and Cancun in the competition to attract tourists from around the world. The pleasing subtropical climate, fine golden sand beaches and warm waters certainly won’t disappoint.

Cabo San Lucas is ideally located where the Mexican desert collides with the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, producing postcard perfect views. Once a hideout for pirates and a tranquil fishing village, Cabo is located at the southernmost tip of the magnificent Baja peninsula, and is blessed with what many describe as the perfect climate. Long a favorite for anglers out to land the “big one,” Cabo San Lucas has great beaches, unlimited shopping options, restaurants and cantinas, and a variety of hotels and resorts. Cabo is also known for El Arco, a magnificent natural rock formation at Land’s End and Playa Medano, Cabo San Lucas’ long white sand beach.

Los Angeles is a city spinning with energy and creativity, where tomorrow’s trends are born, nurtured and released. Having one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles draws visitors year-round from all over the world. Officially founded in 1781, the modern-day metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped San Gabriel mountains. Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, a vibrant city of visual delights with more museums than any other U.S. city.

“The Big Island” offers plenty of popular attractions from Punalu’u Black Sand Beach at sea level to the observatory on the peak of Mauna Kea at almost 14,000 feet! Downtown Hilo makes the most of its history with nostalgic shops like Hilo Hattie’s, famous for its vivid floral shirts, or the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory. Other choices include the 80-foot Rainbow Falls at Wailuku River Park, serene Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens or a trip to the active Kilauea caldera in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where sea-run lava flows are busy making new beach-front real estate for Hawai’i.

Lanai is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and has a small population of about 5,000 permanent residents. Sometimes called “the pineapple island” because, for most of the 20th century, virtually the whole island was one huge pineapple farm operated by the Dole company. Since 2012, 97% of Lanai’s land is owned by Larry Ellison, co-founder of the Microsoft corporation. He has invested substantial funds into restoration and infrastructure improvement, and has stated that he intends to make the island the first economically viable, 100% green community. He also owns the two Four Seasons luxury resorts on the island. Manele Bay is divided into two parts, known and White Manele and Black Manele. White Manele, or Hulupo’e Bay, is the location of the star attraction, a wide beach of golden sand. It attracts swimmers and snorkelers and is famous for frequent visits by spinner dolphins and humpback whales. Offshore, the bay supports rich and varied marine life, and is an ideal snorkeling site. One notable feature is Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, looming 80 feet above the sea about 150 feet offshore. The “Black Manele” section is lined by tall sea cliffs called Pali Lei noHauni, offering panoramic views from their tops. Elsewhere on the island, Kaunolu Village is a National Historic Site noted for its ancient Hawaiian ruins and petroglyphs.

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii’s population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii’s royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu’s famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii’s population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii’s royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu’s famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

The Garden Isle is a relaxed reminder of old-time Hawai’i. Villages like Hanapepe invite you to get your toes in the sand at one of the island’s many beaches, or step up to a roadside truck or stand for a refreshing, neon-tinted “shave ice.” Natural splendors abound on Kauai, including sprawling Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the dramatic fluted cliffs of the NaPali Coast or the Kilauea Point Lighthouse, standing proud on the northernmost point in the Hawai’ian Islands.

Voted “Best Pacific Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, the sights of Maui do not disappoint. Named for an ancient Hawaiian god, Maui is a tropical paradise graced with long stretches of white sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls and the mist-shrouded Iao Valley. Maui is also home to the 10,023-foot Mount Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1790, after a fierce battle in Iao Valley, King Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. Today, the historic whaler’s port of Lahaina offers excellent shopping venues, restaurants and entertainment, as well as one of the largest Indian Banyan trees in the world.

Los Angeles is a city spinning with energy and creativity, where tomorrow’s trends are born, nurtured and released. Having one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles draws visitors year-round from all over the world. Officially founded in 1781, the modern-day metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped San Gabriel mountains. Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, a vibrant city of visual delights with more museums than any other U.S. city.