San Diego to Tahiti (Papeete)

This magical city is festive and friendly, from its legendary zoo to Balboa Park everyone here seems to be living that quintessential California lifestyle – sun, sand and surf. Between ocean and desert, the near perfect weather here is ideal for exploring charming neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and of course, the beach.

Nestled into the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is surrounded by a translucent sea and timeless rock formations that seem otherworldly. There are miles of golden beaches and an undersea world that’s just as fascinating as what’s on shore.

The massive lighthouse of El Faro welcomes you to this thriving seaport located on a peninsula just south of the Tropic of Cancer, a fishing and sportsperson’s paradise.

Embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the beautiful Banderas Bay on the other, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera’s leading resort cities.

White stucco houses are capped with red-tile roofs and surrounded by bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets. Native women who beat their laundry along riverbanks as busy fishing boats return to port illustrate a lifestyle that has been maintained for decades.

Nearby, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, smart boutiques and lively nightclubs bear testament to the changes wrought on this quiet seaside city since the 1960s. Life here has never been quite the same since the filming of the movie “Night of the Iguana” and the worldwide publicity accorded the romance of its stars, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Puerto Vallarta brims with life. Shop for leather goods, shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca. Explore cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways filled with the scents and bustling energy
of Mexico.

Relatively new on cruising sojourns, El Salvador is likely to become pinned as a surprising favorite, due to a unique blend of authenticity and rusticity combined with classic tropical attractions – think national parks, steep volcanos, wide beaches, colonial history, colorful handcrafts and an easy-going attitude. Outdoor pursuits might put you in snorkel gear or on ziplines, or you might make a beeline for a café serving the region’s famed coffee.

Acrescent-shaped bay, excellent surfing and fishing, and authentic, laid-back culture make this slice of paradise a tempting invitation to stroll golden-sand beaches and streets lined with wooden buildings painted in vibrant colors. Hammocks and sunsets are the way of life here, where the hilltop statue of Christ of the Mercy gazes upon the bay, like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, but on a much smaller scale.

One of Latin America’s most peaceful countries, often called the “Switzerland of Central America,” Costa Rica does not possess an army and boasts a stable democratic government as well as a high literacy rate. Strategically located between two great continents, it has been the benefactor of great cultural contributions from each. Visitors to Costa Rica will be welcomed by friendly people and will enjoy superb scenery and an ideal climate.

Lapped by the azure waters of Ecuador’s Pacific coast, Manta brims with pretty beaches and a vibrant coastal culture of fishing, diving, snorkeling and kitesurfing. Seaside bars and restaurants beckon with local delicacies and stunning ocean views. Pacoche Reserve, a habitat for howler monkeys, is a hot spot for nature lovers. Fans of the Panama hat, recognized by UNESCO as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage, can visit its birthplace in Montecristi, where the hat is still woven by hand.

Hyacinths drift by on the chocolate brown Guayas River. The forest seems to almost close in on the town. A tour includes the Municipal Market, the City Museum and the column called La Rotonda, celebrating a meeting of Bolivár and San Martín. The pristine Galapogos Islands are straight west of here, beyond the horizon.

The port of Salaverry leads the way to Trujillo, Peru’s second largest city. The area is an archaeological treasure trove thanks to two pre-Inca civilizations: the Mochicas, who erected two pyramids, the Sun Temple and the Moon Temple; and the Chimu, whose adobe city of Chan Chan is now excavated. Later occupied by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the colonial flavor of Trujillo is still very much evident in the architecture of its old churches and historic mansions.

Lima is called the City of Kings, but a more appropriate nickname might be the City of Museums. Over 20 museums can keep you busy for hours, if not days. One museum displays pottery and textiles from Peru’s ancient civilizations; another exhibits 55,000 ceramic pieces; still another is a morbid yet fascinating Museum of the Inquisition. Headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for nearly three centuries, the building features not just the expected dungeons, but also a beautiful columned façade and carved mahogany ceiling.

Since it was settled by the descendants of Fletcher Christian and his band of British sailors, this hideaway island has remained unaffected by the outside world. Handicrafts are a mainstay of the economy, as are woodworking, weaving, and limited-issue stamps. Descendants of Fletcher Christian and his crew will come out to the ship with their carvings, weavings and other local craft items; no organized shore excursions are planned on Pitcairn Island, as guests are not allowed to proceed ashore.

At only 37 miles long and 13 miles wide, the atoll of Fakarava has little land to its name, but the island boasts an expansive and deep lagoon accessed by the widest pass in all of French Polynesia. The second pass, at the lagoon’s southern end, is reputed to be the most lovely in the Tuamotu group of isles, with the largest concentration of gray reef sharks in the world. Do any amount of snorkeling, diving or simple sightseeing and you will understand why Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The second largest atoll in the world, beautiful Rangiroa is a renowned dive destination with turquoise waters and a fascinating world of colorful fish who fearlessly swim next to their human visitors. On land, working pearl farms, quiet villages and secluded resorts entice guests to become a part of a culture that values neighborly friendliness and relaxation.

Awaken your senses in the vibrantly alive capital of French Polynesia. Stroll along the wide waterfront-boulevard and marvel and the gorgeous waters and perfect beaches. Tahitian locals and shopkeepers welcome you as you explore the carefree spirit of their island.

Awaken your senses in the vibrantly alive capital of French Polynesia. Stroll along the wide waterfront-boulevard and marvel and the gorgeous waters and perfect beaches. Tahitian locals and shopkeepers welcome you as you explore the carefree spirit of their island.