Tampa, Florida - A myriad of attractions awaits you during your stay in the Tampa area: the active nightlife of Tampa's Ybor City, it's Aquarium, and Busch Gardens for those with kids (even Walt Disney World is within striking distance). Magnificent beaches are a short ride away (Ft. DeSoto being a rare jewel of a beach without hotels and "McMansions" crowding out nature), then there's the Dali museum in St. Petersburg's hip, food-and-art-centric Downtown. To the south, in quieter Sarasota, you can visit the palatial mansion and art museum of the king of the circus: John Ringling. It's a great vacation destination, in itself. Be sure to plan a couple days before or after your cruise to soak it in.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Georgetown, Grand Cayman - The premier attraction here is Seven Mile Beach...white as snow, soft as talc. Name your game and you'll find it here: Snorkeling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing over rippling waves, or gliding under them in a passenger submarine. Or perhaps shopping is your game. Duty-free bargains abound: crystal, perfume, jewelry fashioned of silver and prized pink coral.

Cartagena, Colombia - The oldest city in the New World, founded in 1533. Through its portals once poured the wealth of the Spanish Main... Mother lodes of gold, silver and emeralds bound for Madrid. See San Felipe, the fortress that guarded it all, then plunder the dazzling Bocagrande, where emeralds still gleam.

Colon, Panama - Set at the Caribbean end of the Canal, Colon is your portal to the massive Gatun Locks; and a visit to the Gatun Yacht Club for a rare experience - swim in the Canal.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica - Surrounded by nearly half of all the animal species on earth and 8,000 species of plants, marvel as you tour tropical flower farms or ride a Mawamba boat through the jungle canals. Or choose to stroll through the markets bursting with color in San Jose

Cozumel, Mexico - The Conquistadors first saw Mexico from the shores of Cozumel while searching for gold. Today, visitors to the island continue to seek out gold and silver jewelry in the shops of San Miguel while having a great time in its many local bars and restaurants. Plus, the waters around Cozumel's sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world.