Caribbean: Curacao & Aruba to New Orleans

Puerto Plata (or officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain which stands over 2,600 feet high. History buff? Visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life.

Walk around this quaint harbor town and you'll think you've travelled back in time to Old Amsterdam. Admire the colourful Dutch architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping. Relax on 17-century veranda with a drink made with the famous Curaçao liqueur. Looking for a cruise to Willemstad? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history. Looking for a cruise to Aruba? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Sail into the Caribbean seaport of Colón and grab a good spot on deck so you can take in the view. What a picture it is. Behold the Atlantic Ocean entrance to the famous Panama Canal. Born from a desire to get to California (and its Gold Rush) as fast as possible, this industrious town was the last stop on the 19th century Panama Railroad. It's now home to Canal Zones, U.S. military bases and of course, beauty.

Puerto Limón is known for its multi-cultural community and a festive annual carnaval celebration. In recent years the area has become even better known as must-see stop for eco-tourists. The region's unique geography and neo-tropical climate combined with abundant rainforests make for one of the most naturally diverse "biospheres" in the world. And you can take advantage of national parks and reserves in all directions from Limón. Pay close attention when you dock as many guests have reported seeing peaceful sloths lumbering in the trees right in port!

The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is famous for its Seven Mile Beach, the popular Stingray City and its excellent diving. Both nature and history are preserved underwater with a collection of easily viewed shipwrecks. Looking for a cruise that stops in the Cayman Islands? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

The island of Cozumel off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula continues to be known for its fantastic fishing, snorkelling and diving opportunities. And despite the growth of tourism in recent years, the island and its only town, San Miguel, retain much of their original warmth and charm. Looking for a cruise that stops in Cozumel? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

It seems nothing can dampen the spirits where the good times roll, the jazz is cool and the food is hot. Get in on the action in the world-famous Vieux Carre, better known as the French Quarter, with its Dixieland sounds and Bourbon Street banter. Tour the charming Garden District or just stroll along the Mississippi. Looking for a cruise from New Orleans? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.