Stand face-to-face with the grandeur of the Panama Canal aboard Celebrity Cruises. Whether you cross from Atlantic to Pacific or vice-versa, you'll encounter experiences that lifelong explorers like Magellan could only dream of.

In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico. Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself.

This southernmost enclave on the tip of the Baja Peninsula features unearthly rock formations, cantinas owned by rock stars and hundreds of ways to enjoy yourself on, in, under and close to the water. Cabo is also blessed with a coastline that's ideal for kayak exploration, snorkeling, whale-watching or perhaps a romantic rendezvous.

From the people to the bay, sensual Acapulco is known for its beauty. Its world-famous beaches offer up the sun and surf for different agendas, whether you're in the mood for exhilaration of serenity.

Huatulco, Mexico: this is indeed a place where recreation and ecology are in perfect harmony. At the foot of the Sierra del Sur Mountains, Huatulco is actually made up of nine distinct bays. The turquoise waters are home to an abundance of sea life and provide a delightful aquatic playground for visitors. On land, shopping and dining establishments are outnumbered only by the number of beaches in the area: thirty to be exact.

Located along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas is a great place to see native wildlife ranging from scarlet macaws to the alpha predator of Central America: the jaguar. Surfers from around the world regard this region of Costa Rica as prime surfing waters. As one of the country's leading fishing ports, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, including ceviche de corvine - bits of fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers and spices.

Panama Canal (Cruising): "The land of the divided, the world united." It's hard to imagine a more fitting motto for what in no uncertain terms irrevocably changed the Western Hemisphere forever. For fifty miles the canal transects the exotic emerald jungles of Panama and gives one an appreciation of what a Herculean task it was to build this waterway before the advent of computers and giant earth movers.

Founded in 1533, Cartagena is the picture-perfect Spanish-colonial village. A fortress wall surrounds the historic village's pastel-colored architecture, quaint streets and fine cathedrals, containing them like jewels. Stroll through the walled old town (Ciudad Murallada), shop the boutiques housed in what used to be dungeons, and otherwise enjoy a jaunt through a rich history.

Once the epicenter of Spring Break, today Ft. Lauderdale is a year-round destination where culture and cuisine are in ample supply. Beautiful beaches, sunshine, coastline, nightclubs and superb restaurants await you in this Gold Coast enclave. More restaurants and shopping on Las Olas Boulevard or Himmarshee in downtown Ft. Lauderdale are a must.