DAY 1: UK - Miami - Fort Lauderdale.
Fly to Miami where you will be transferred to your hotel, the Marriott Harbour Beach, in Fort Lauderdale for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Fort Lauderdale.
Enjoy this morning at your leisure, relaxing by the pool or acquainting yourself with Fort Lauderdale's attractions, including its historic Riverwalk, the shops of Las Olas Boulevard or the newly designed beach with its charming cafés. This afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship. (D)
DAY 3-4: At sea.
Spend two days relaxing on board as you cruise the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea, enjoying the superb amenities and comforts your ship has to offer. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Oranjestad, Aruba.
One of the Netherlands Antilles, nestled off the coast of north-west Venezuela, the island of Aruba embodies true Caribbean spirit. Experience the old Dutch capital of Oranjestad and explore the colourful floating markets filled with local arts and crafts, relax on the pristine beaches, or take a stroll along Wilhelminastraat to admire the many pastel-coloured houses decorated with traditional Dutch woodwork and tiles. Alternatively, join an optional tour to see the island's highlights including the impressive Casibari Rock formations, the famed Natural Bridges, wind-shaped divi-divi trees, California Lighthouse and Gold Mill ruins. Admire the spectacular coral reefs, colourful tropical fish and nearby Antilla shipwreck as you snorkel, scuba dive or float in a semi-submarine amidst the warm, clear waters. Alternatively, take a tour of the countryside to meet some of the local wildlife including iguanas, ostriches and some beautiful butterflies at the Butterfly Farm. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 7: Panama Canal. Daytime passage.
Experience the full scale and ingenuity of the engineering wonder that is the Panama Canal. On board, an exclusive Exploration Speaker programme will tell the story behind this incredible man-made feat, covering its history and construction, which cost over 300,000 lives and was finished by the US in 1914. Flowing for 80 kilometres through lush Panamanian countryside, the Canal makes for a magnificent journey, as you sail through a series of vast locks. Having entered the Canal at Cristobal on the Caribbean side, you end your journey at Balboa on the Pacific. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Golfo Dulce. Scenic cruising.
Enjoy a day of scenic splendour as you cruise the turquoise waters of the Golfo Dulce or 'Sweet Gulf'. Nestled between the Osa Peninsula and Costa Rica's south Pacific Coast, this spectacular, huge bay is encircled by secluded, white sand beaches and countryside famed for its rich biodiversity, making it a true tropical paradise. Soaring emerald rainforests rise from the coast and the Osa Peninsula is home to 400 species of birds, 140 mammal species and over 100 species of amphibians and reptiles. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.
Puerto Caldera is a gateway to the untamed, exotic beauty of Costa Rica. Make the most of this inspirational landscape on an optional tour. Admire the misty crater of Poas Volcano and explore the National Park with its stunning Cloud Forest, spectacular scenery, exotic birds and rich tropical verdure, or head in to the Central Valley for rich farmlands, green hills and tropical forest mountains. Alternatively, experience either the Pacific or Atlantic aerial tram canopy tours for bird's eye views of pristine rainforest habitats, or enjoy a thrilling canopy walkway tour across hanging bridges suspended high above the forest floor. Perhaps take a relaxing river cruise amongst the lush mangroves or revel in the beauty of rare blooms at the Orchid Farm. San Jose City is also a welcoming sight with quaint colonial architecture sprinkled amidst the burgeoning metropolis. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 11: Santa Cruz Huatulco, Mexico.
Peaceful Huatulco is Mexico's hottest new resort. Surrounded by lush forests teeming with wildlife, this breathtakingly beautiful place is blessed with nine dazzling, white-sand and azure-water bays. The new town is also brimming with chic boutiques and waterside restaurants serving superb fresh fish plucked from its pristine Pacific waters. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Acapulco, Mexico.
The world-class city of Acapulco awaits you today. This intoxicating city sits in stunning Acapulco Bay, its high-rise hotels soaring from golden beaches and shimmering in the heat. Renowned for its pristine sands, amazing watersports and gourmet restaurants, Acapulco also boasts a surprising historical heritage - during colonial times, the Spanish used it as their base and the city was the only port in the New World authorised to receive Spanish galleons. Immerse yourself in the exciting atmosphere today and marvel at the legendary cliff divers or 'clavadistas'. Swan diving some 130 feet from jagged cliffs at La Quebreda into waters just 12-feet deep, their amazing bravery and exploits are thrilling to behold. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 14: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sitting on the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the sapphire waters of the Sea of Cortes, Cabo San Lucas is surrounded by awe-inspiring rocky landscapes, beaches and desert terrain. Centred around a beautiful marina and complete with its own underwater nature reserve near the towering Land's End rock formations, Cabo is renowned as a fishing and watersports paradise. Boasting a stretch of water known as 'Marlin Alley', the crystal clear seas lapping its shores are frequented by tuna, billfish and marlin, as well as parrotfish, manta rays and, in certain months of the year, whales. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 16: San Diego - UK.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to San Diego airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.
View My Holiday Photos
