Day 1 : Tampa

Florida's third largest city, Tampa is a lively west coast port that still hints of its Spanish heritage. In the Latin Quarter stands Ybor City, site of the once flourishing cigar industry. Hugging Tampa Bay and near Tampa is St. Petersburg; some of the attractions found in the area include Busch Garden's The Dark Continent and Adventure Island, a water theme park.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : Grand Cayman

Survey the neatly shuttered shops for bargains, or the twisted rock formations known as "Hell." But there's nothing hellish about the white-sand heaven of Seven Mile Beach. Sample the rum distilled here and be sure to visit the world's only sea turtle farm.

Day 4 : At Sea

Day 5 : Cartagena/COLOMBIA

Charming Cartagena is one of the most fascinating towns in South America. The old city, almost completely surrounded by lagoons, bays and the Caribbean Sea, is still girded by its 17th-century fortifications. Once these guarded the gold and treasures of the New World, bound for Spain; now they shelter ornate churches and convents, the dramatic Palace of the Inquisition, and other historic gems.

Day 6 : Colon/PANAMA

Day 7 : Panama Canal/CRUISING

Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : At Sea

Day 10 : Puerto Quetzal/GUATEMALA

Puerto Quetzal has become the destination of choice for historians interested in looking at ancient Mayan ruins. The ancient city of Tikal is nearby, and its ruins are remarkably well preserved. Once you've seen the ruins, take it easy along Guatemala's Pacific shore. The beaches here attract Guatemalans from all over the country.

Day 11 : At Sea

Day 12 : At Sea

Day 13 : Puerto Vallarta/MEXICO

Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.

Day 14 : At Sea

Day 15 : At Sea

Day 16 : Los Angeles

Sprawling between the mountains and the beaches, Los Angeles is quintessential California. Whether your taste runs to fashionable Beverly Hills, the mega-entertainment of the movie studios, or the sizzle of homestyle Mexican food on Olvera Street, the city of angels is worth exploring.