Miami is a seaport city on Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, the "Cruise Capital of the World." The Port of Miami has led global cruise passenger traffic for over 20 years. Florida's second-largest city, it has about 5.5 million in its metro area and is a major center for finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, arts, and trade. Its name means "big water"; Spain claimed it in 1566, and it became U.S. territory in 1821. It is very flat, averaging 1.8 m above sea level.

Cozumel is a vibrant Mexican island known for exceptional scuba diving, snorkeling, and dazzling beaches. Its reefs and black coral attract beginners and experts alike, while Mayan lore says it was sacred to Ixchel, goddess of fertility and love. From Playa Palancar to Playa El Cielo, expect white sand, clear waters, starfish, stingrays, and sea turtles. Beach bars serve Mexican seafood, and San Gervasio ruins add ancient Mayan history-often alongside sunbathing iguanas.

Christopher Columbus landed here in 1502 and named the region Costa Rica ("rich coast"), expecting mineral wealth that never appeared. Yet the country proved rich in peace and democracy, with only one brief skirmish in recent history. It is also rich in natural beauty-beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and wildlife packed into a small area-and has become one of the world's top ecotourism destinations. A day visit is enough for a quick taste.

Colón is the gateway to the Panama Canal, one of humanity's great engineering feats, linking two oceans and saving ships an 8,000-mile Cape Horn voyage. Ride the historic Panama Railway, built at great human cost. Visit UNESCO-listed Portobelo, with 17th-century Spanish forts, and nearby Fort San Lorenzo. In Colón, see the Gatún Locks and shop the duty-free Colon Free Trade Zone. For a beach break, try lively Playa La Angosta or boat-only Playa Chiquita, with warm clear water and rainforest.

Manta, Ecuador's second-largest seaport, is a modern coastal hub, not a sleepy village. Known for its giant tuna statue and thriving seafood industry, it's a great place to try tuna ceviche, squid, octopus, lobster, and South American tapas. Visit the Archaeological Museum for Manteño-Huancavilca ceramics, then take a short Chivas ride to nearby Montecristi, home of the Panama hat and old Spanish charm.

Lima, founded in 1535, brings colour and culture to Peru's arid coast. This vast oceanfront capital, often wrapped in winter garúa, mixes colonial splendour, ancient history and modern contrasts, with nearly 10 million residents. Visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and Government Palace, then explore nearby pre-Columbian sites and museums. In Barranco, see galleries and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Finish with ceviche and a Pisco Sour.