Mexico / Panama Cruise Cruise Lines serving this destination: Baja California - A luxurious, relaxing cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the lovely shores of Baja California. Santa Catalina Island is just 20 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, and a stop here puts passengers in touch with some of the world's best diving and snorkeling. The charming boutiques and eateries in the town of Avalon are sure to tempt even the most seasoned travelers. Further south, cruisers will also find fine diving, as well heavy-duty shopping in Ensenada, Mexico. As this port town sits in the heart of Baja's "Bordeaux Belt," wine-tasting, too, is a popular pastime. Gulf of Mexico - The Gulf of Mexico offers tranquil waters, soul- soothing breezes, drop-dead gorgeous beaches, charming fishing villages, and fascinating cities. Cruise passengers may have the opportunity to savor the sidewalk sounds of Mariachi bands in Cancun, dip below the surface to explore Cozumel’s world-renowned coral reefs, or revisit ancient Mayan history at the awe-inspiring archeological ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula. Progreso offers beaches galore, a colorful fleet of fishing boats, and succulent seafood. Stateside, stops may include Tampa, a city flush with palm trees and amusement parks, and New Orleans, where jazz and zydeco music, mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, and quirky characters add up to an exuberant street scene. Mexican Riviera - Gorgeous blue waters provide the perfect backdrop for your cruise through the Mexican Riviera. Ports of call may include any of several colorful towns and resort cities along Mexico's Pacific Coast. The seaside city of Acapulco is a favorite with travelers who love its abundant water sports and vivacious nightlife. Ixtapa offers day-trippers an opportunity to luxuriate on white-sand beaches or hunt for bargains in the open-air markets. Cabo San Lucas, on the southernmost tip of Mexico, offers water activities, fine golfing, and a number of gourmet dining options, while a stop in Puerto Vallarta provides a trip back in time to traditional Mexico. Panama Canal - Part of the thrill of cruising through the Panama Canal is watching the ship be raised from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean--with a little help from gravity and 53 million gallons of water. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Cruise-goers may visit exciting ports-of-call such as Acapulco, where the famous divers of La Quebrada never cease to amaze. In Costa Rica, tropical butterflies and macaws may be viewed in their natural habitat. Less frequented but ever-popular Canal tourist haunts include the one-of-a-kind rock gardens at Aruba's Casi Bari and the undeniably Dutch canals and buildings of Willemstad, Curacao