Panama, Colombia, Aruba, Saint Lucia, British Virgin Islands Cruise on Norwegian Jade from Panama (City)

Panama (City)

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)

Cartagena or cartagena de Indias is a city surrounded by the Caribbean sea. The port has one of the strongest forts in South America. An area system divides the city in three neighbourhoods: San Pedro with the Cathedral and many andalusian style palaces, San Diego where the merchants and the petite-bourgeoisie lived and Gethsemani, the most popular neighborhood. Cartagena offers the tourists ancient forts, palaces and churches. It is a walled town filled with exquisite Spanish 16th and 17th century architecture. You can visit beaches, excellent restaurants, practise snorkeling and scuba diving in the reefs, or enjoy the day doing great shopping.

Oranjestad (Aruba)

The flourishing capital of Aruba, dream of any shopper, although it is not a port free of taxes, they charge the minimum. The habits of Aruba have been influenced to a mayor grade than any of the other near islands, for those from south america, for as the life in America is distinctly latin.

Santa Lucia (Castries)

Volcanic island, located at the south east of the Caribbean. Surrounded by hills, its large, safe harbor at the head of a wide bay is a constant hive of activity. Castries is a major port of call for cruise ships, that dock at Pointe Seraphine. The islands population is around 140.000, the mayority are catholic africans. The oficial language is english although they also speak a french dialect (french patois). the capital and principal port is Castries. Its economy is based on agriculture, some industry and a growing tourism, and has good internal communications networks and airports. The island was discovered by the Spanish in 1500 and in 1660 a permanent French colonywas established, its control was contested between French and English until 1814 passed into British hands. The island gained independence within the Commonwealth in 1979.

St. Kitts (Basseterre)

Basse Terre is the Capital city of Guadeloupe, an overseas region and department of France located in the Lesser Antilles.The city of Basse-Terre is located on Basse Terre Island, the western half of Guadeloupe. Although it is the administrative capital of Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre is only the second largest city in Guadeloupe. ContentsBasse Terre lies at a transitional point between a tropical rainforest climate and a tropical monsoon climate.In town is the Cathedralof Saint Pierre et Saint Paul, a 19th century building which has a notable grey stone highlighted by white statues; many other colonial buildings; La place du Champ d´Arbaud, the main square and Le Jardin Pichon, the park adjoining to the south & the Zoological and Botanical Park lies on a 1,500 foot hilltop garden on the banks of La Rivière-aux-Herbes. This is a reserve of the plants and animals of Guadeloupe.

Tortola (Virgin Islands)

Tortola is the biggest and most important of the Virgin Islands. Stands out for its huge and stunning beaches, commerces, restaurants and the particular charms of Road Town which is the capital.

Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)

Miami

Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county of Miami-Dade County. Miami is a major center and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. Miami is nicknamed the "Capital of Latin America", with a Spanish-speaking majority, and the largest city with a Cuban-American plurality. The Port of Miami, known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," has been the number one cruise passenger port in the world. It accommodates some of the world's largest cruise ships and operations, and is the busiest port in both passenger traffic and cruise lines. Going south you will find the Coral Gables, a select and elegant neighborhood with beautiful waterways, fountains and squares. It is recommended to take a guided tour that can pick the Old Town Trolley tours and you will have up to 90 minutes ride departing from Bayside. Miami Beach, between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic are some of the most fascinating areas of the Great Miami. Here prevailing Art Deco buildings, the sophisticated atmosphere, and the best beaches...