7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

Welcome to Aruba— or as the locals say, Bon bini. Here Dutch traditions mix with island charm. The capital and port town of Oranjestad, is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in bright Caribbean hues. While Aruba is only 20 miles from tip to tip, it is packed with incredible contrasts. Cruise to Aruba and go from relaxing in a tropical paradise to trekking rugged desert in no time. The southern coast is one giant photo op— a bustling port town surrounded by powdery white beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. To the north, waves crash onto a rocky coast, scattered with cliffs, cacti and divi-divi trees. Best of all, you don’t have to choose which spots to hit— just which to hit first.

It's always sunny in the port of Kralendijk, Bonaire, where the daylight shines for nearly 12 hours a day on pink salt flats and turquoise seas. The coral reefs surrounding its shores are home to more than 400 species of marine life, earning the island the nickname "Diver's Paradise." For some of the best snorkeling, head to the islet of Klein Bonaire. Hop on a glass-bottomed gondola for prime undersea views — no swimming required. Explore onshore at Washington Slagbaai National Park, which covers a fifth of the island and is home to birds, lizards and donkeys. You'll also find a wealth of cultural experiences throughout the island. With its dramatic desert landscape, mangrove lagoons and unrivaled dive spots, there are exceptional things to do in Kralendijk against the stunning backdrop of the Dutch Caribbean.

Home to the Panama Canal's Atlantic Ocean entryway, Colón is the second-largest city in Panama. Start your adventure at the Gatun locks, where you can watch ships being raised by water lifts to the higher elevation of the canal. Then, visit the Portobelo Natural Park and take in the beauty of its 16th century forts. Or head to the beach at Playa Maria Chiquita for clear Caribbean Sea waters and white sands. Cruise to Colón, Panama and check out Portobelo National Park, where you can see 17th-century Fort San Lorenzo or go bird-watching along the Achiote Trail in San Lorenzo Protected Forest. Or take the one-hour trek to Panama City, the Caribbean's urban heartbeat.