The great diversity of the Caribbean Sea - Panama City to Miami

Panama City is a dynamic capital where glass skyscrapers, the colonial UNESCO quarter of Casco Viejo, and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal converge at the Western Hemisphere's narrowest point. Must-dos include watching mega-ships transit the Miraflores Locks, exploring restored Casco Viejo, and spotting monkeys in the Metropolitan Natural Park. Visit December through April for dry season weather.

The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.

Cartagena, Colombia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich culinary scene. Must-do experiences include exploring the historic Old Town and savoring local specialties like arepas de huevo and ceviche de camarones. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for leisurely city explorations and excursions to nearby attractions.

Puerto Limón is Costa Rica's vibrant Caribbean port city, shaped by Afro-Caribbean heritage, coconut-infused Creole cuisine, and lush tropical surroundings. Visitors should not miss the pristine coral reefs and rainforest trails of Cahuita National Park or a whitewater rafting descent of the legendary Pacuare River. The port is at its finest during the dry season from December through April, when calm seas and warm sunshine coincide with peak cruise scheduling.

Isla de Providencia, Colombia's remote Caribbean island closer to Nicaragua than to its own mainland, harbours the world's third-largest barrier reef, the Raizal Creole culture, and the "Sea of Seven Colours." Must-dos include snorkelling Crab Cay's pristine reef, crossing the Lover's Bridge to pirate-history-rich Santa Catalina, and savouring coconut rondón stew. January through April provides the driest weather and clearest Caribbean waters for this deliberately uncommercialized island.

Grand Cayman is the Caribbean's most refined island — a place where the world's finest offshore finance sits comfortably beside Seven Mile Beach, consistently ranked among the hemisphere's most beautiful stretches of sand. Stingray City, where southern stingrays congregate in the shallow waters of a natural sandbar, offers one of the ocean's most magical wildlife encounters, while the reefs along the island's north wall deliver exceptional diving in crystalline visibility. George Town's duty-free shopping and exceptional dining — particularly fresh Caribbean lobster — complete a very polished package. November through April brings the most reliably sunny, dry weather.

Ocho Rios is Jamaica's waterfall-blessed north coast resort town, home to the iconic Dunn's River Falls and Ian Fleming's GoldenEye estate where every Bond novel was written. Must-dos include climbing Dunn's River Falls, tasting jerk at Scotchies, and sampling Blue Mountain coffee. December through April offers the driest, most comfortable conditions.

Port Antonio is Jamaica's original luxury destination on the lush northeastern coast, where Errol Flynn once held court amid the Blue Mountains, rafting rivers, and the birthplace of jerk cooking at Boston Bay. Must-dos include swimming in the Blue Lagoon, bamboo rafting the Rio Grande, and visiting Blue Mountain coffee estates. December through April offers the driest, most comfortable conditions.

La Romana is a vibrant port in the Dominican Republic, known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Must-do experiences include savoring La Bandera, the local culinary staple, and exploring nearby attractions like Catalina Island and Cayo Levantado. The best season to visit is from December to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry.

Puerto Plata, cradled between the Atlantic and the lush peak of Isabela de Torres on the Dominican Republic's northern coast, is one of the Caribbean's most historically layered ports. Take the Swiss-built cable car to the mountain summit for panoramic views before exploring the amber mines and the charming Victorian gingerbread architecture of the Malecón. Playa Dorada's golden sands and the kite-surfing mecca of Cabarete offer thrilling contrasts, while Brugal rum distillery tours illuminate the island's liquid heritage. November through April brings the driest, most luminous weather.

Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a captivating port known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like conch fritters and exploring the nearby paradise of Providenciales. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is most pleasant and ideal for beach activities.

Miami is a city of perpetual reinvention — the Art Deco jewel of South Beach giving way to the street-art murals of Wynwood, the Cuban rhythms of Calle Ocho, and the glass-and-steel towers of a skyline that has redrawn itself every decade since Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad south in 1896. Must-dos include strolling the pastel-fronted Ocean Drive at dusk and exploring the world-class collections at the Pérez Art Museum Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay. November through April delivers idyllic weather — warm and dry — while summer brings heat, humidity, and hurricane risk. Miami handles cruise departures elegantly, with the Port of Miami a short taxi ride from the best neighbourhoods.