13 Night Panama Canal Eastward Cruise

Puerto Vallarta — or simply Vallarta, as the locals call it — is a romantic's dream, with its cobblestone lanes, beachfront eateries and an old city center filled to the brim with charming boutiques. Jump onboard a Puerto Vallarta cruise and head to the shimmering waters of Yelapa beach for a dream-like escapade, or pop into Cafe des Artistes for a romantic meal in a candlelit garden. Then check out the landmark Los Arcos, a set of Roman-style arches by the waterfront, for a perfect photo of Vallarta's official symbol. For a break from the city life, head to Jardin Botanico Vallarta and enjoy the delightful scents of orchids and bromeliads and the refreshing waters of a boulder-filled river.

Huatulco is an authentic Mexican town in the Oaxaca region that thrives on preserving its natural beauty. Cruise to Huatulco and explore the charming old town of La Crucecita, where you can visit the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church — its cupola features a 20-meter painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the largest of its kind in the world. Fill up at one of the many streets stalls serving carnitas and tamales. Then, explore one of the nine different bays and 22 miles of rugged coastline: Head to Santa Cruz for gentle waves or the crystalline waters of La India, accessible only by boat. Or see exotic waterfalls and lush jungle vegetation at Cascadas Magicas.

Situated on the long Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas is a great jumping-off point for the eco-adventures that have made Costa Rica famous. Trek lush rainforests in San Luis Park. Discover tropical flora and fauna in Pos Volcano National Park, and shower under Costa Rica's tallest waterfall at Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. Looking for oceanside adventure? Take the short drive from Puntarenas to the Nicoya Peninsula, where there's a wide array of beaches — relax on family-friendly Playa Guiones, or check out dramatic Playa Ostional, with its volcanic black sands and vibrant sea turtle population. Puntarenas cruises give you access to Playa Tamarindo, where you can find some of the best surf and food in the country.

Cartagena de Indias boasts romantic colonial architecture and a Caribbean coast glittering in shades of bright white and aquamarine. Saunter through the leafy Plaza de Bolivar, photographing multicolored streets like Calle Segunda de Badillo. Cruise to Cartagena to dance to the beat of merengue, salsa and Colombia's very own cumbia at places like Bazurto Social Club. Discover Proclamation Square, where the town people gathered in 1811 in support of the declaration of independence from Spain, and walk the 16th-century fortifications of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Enjoy Cartagena's natural grandeur on its many beaches, like Bocagrande, Playa Blanca and placid Rosario Islands National Park, just 45 minutes away from the city.