Topics in Infectious Diseases

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard, or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Costa Maya, Mexico - It’s best to think of Costa Maya not as a historic town, but as a modern, purpose-built gateway to the southern Yucatán’s authentic treasures. The port itself is a clean, self-contained village with pools, shops, and restaurants—a perfectly pleasant, if manufactured, way to spend a few hours. For a more genuine experience, we highly recommend venturing beyond its walls. A short taxi ride brings you to the neighboring fishing village of Mahahual. Here, a laid-back beachfront boardwalk, or *malecón*, is lined with local restaurants and unpretentious beach clubs, offering a true taste of coastal Mexican life. The real cultural highlight, however, is the access to lesser-visited Mayan ruins. An excursion to the Chacchoben ruins offers a fascinating and accessible glimpse into ancient history, set within the jungle and free from the overwhelming crowds of more famous sites. For pure natural beauty, the nearby Bacalar Lagoon—the famed “Lagoon of Seven Colors”—provides a stunningly beautiful and tranquil setting for a day on the water. Costa Maya is an excellent, comfortable base for exploring these worthwhile regional highlights.

Belize City, Belize - From the thriving, pulsating Caribbean capital of Belize, paradise calls. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere (175 miles long and second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef) is dotted with cayes teeming with a dazzling array of colorful fish and tropical plants. Inland, find dense virgin jungles, tumbling jade-green rivers and verdant valleys. An eco-tourist's paradise.

Cozumel, Mexico - Let's be direct: Cozumel is one of the world's busiest cruise ports, and it's essential to have a plan to navigate the crowds and find its genuine highlights. The island's global reputation is built on what lies just offshore: the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. For divers and snorkelers, this is a premier, bucket-list destination. The clear, warm water and vibrant coral formations of sites like the Palancar and Colombia reefs are genuinely world-class. For an accessible taste without a dedicated boat trip, parks like Chankanaab or the more remote Punta Sur Eco Beach Park offer excellent snorkeling directly from shore, combined with beaches and other amenities. Many are drawn by the allure of Mayan ruins, but here’s a critical piece of advice: the famous sites like Tulum and Coba are on the mainland, not on Cozumel. Reaching them requires a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen and then a bus journey, consuming nearly your entire day. While magnificent, choosing this option means forgoing the island experience entirely. It's a trade-off you must be comfortable with. If you stay on the island, the main town of San Miguel offers a bustling waterfront and a dizzying array of shops. We recommend walking a few blocks inland from the main tourist thoroughfare to find more authentic local restaurants for a fantastic lunch. For pure relaxation, Cozumel’s beach clubs are a popular and effective choice. They range from lively, all-inclusive party spots with water toys to more serene, upscale retreats where the focus is on a good book and a great cocktail. You can easily find one that matches your pace. Cozumel is a highly developed tourism hub that excels at water sports and beach relaxation; embrace it for these strengths, and you’ll have a fantastic day.

Nassau, Bahamas - Nassau is a bustling hub, and your best day here requires a plan to navigate beyond the immediate, often-crowded port area. While it has its share of tourist traps, genuine Bahamian character is well within reach for those who know where to look. For a dose of history, a short walk leads to the Queen's Staircase, a remarkable 66-step passage carved from solid limestone by enslaved people in the 18th century. It ascends to Fort Fincastle, which offers commanding views of the island. For a more refined local taste, the John Watling's Distillery on the historic Buena Vista Estate offers tours and tastings in a setting far removed from the downtown hustle. If a classic beach day is your priority, we advise looking beyond the nearest options. A taxi to the quieter sands of Cable Beach or, for a more curated experience, a day pass to one of the major resorts on Paradise Island will provide the tranquil, turquoise-water escape you envision. These passes grant access to pristine private beaches and high-quality amenities, turning a potentially hectic port day into a truly relaxing one. For the most authentic local flavor, take a taxi to Arawak Cay (known as 'The Fish Fry'). This is where Bahamians go for fresh conch salad, fried snapper, and a vibrant, casual atmosphere. It’s a world away from the port-side buffets and offers a true taste of the islands.