17-Day Panama Canal

Fort Lauderdale, (lô´der-dâl´) city (1990 pop. 148,377), seat of Broward Co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; settled around a fort built (c.1837) in the Seminole War, inc. 1911. The city has more than 270 mi (435 km) of natural and artificial waterways and one of the largest marinas in the world. A major beach resort, it has a performing arts center and art and science museums. Products include electronic devices, boats and yachts, and various light manufactures.

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Holland America Lines. Frequented on their Caribbean cruises, Half Moon Cay has the charm of the old-world Caribbean. From stunning intricate coral reefs to state-of-the-art restaurants serving Caribbean cuisine, on this pristine, private island, there are no hassles.

When was the last time you whiled away the day on a private Caribbean island? Here’s your chance. The island is ours; the day is yours to sun, swim, and sail. Enjoy!

Try out Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, or just take a relaxing walk through this Island Paradise, all is yours as this is a Private Island for your pleasure.

After the Mexican government’s mastery with Cancun’s resort development, it decided to convert the tiny town into the luxurious resort that Huatulco has become. Bahias de Huatulco consists of nine bays extends over a 20-mile stretch. Santa Cruz, the original town, is now the center of Huatulco’s development. Not long ago it was a sleepy fishing village
of simple adobe huts, now its a resort town with wide, palm-lined boulevards, rolling golf courses, and large hotel complexes. The colorful silver and handicrafts market along the town’s main boulevard, Juarez, is a good place to pick up souvenirs. It’s also fun to watch people in the “zocalo,” the grassy town square, or take a glass-bottom boat ride into the pretty harbor of Santa Cruz Bay.

They called it worthless. That’s right-the Spanish explorer Alonzo de Ojeda, who claimed Aruba for Spain in 1499, said the island wasn’t worth colonizing. What could he have been thinking? With beautiful beaches, fine snorkeling and watersports, today’s visitors to Aruba enjoy fabulous nightlife, delicious local seafood, and the genuine friendliness of Aruba’s unique population.

The Spanish may not have been impressed, but the Dutch were. Arriving in force in 1634, they’ve entwined their culture, language and cuisine with that of the natives, giving the island a flavor all its own.

The island is now home to fabulous resorts, a golf course, a casino and outstanding shopping. The scuba and snorkeling in the clear waters is world famous.

Puerto Quetzal is our gateway to the natural wonders and ruins in this untouristed nation. Visit Tikal, once the most resplendent city in the Mayan world. Tour Antigua Guatemala with its rumbling volcanoes. Or go in search of the rare quetzal, the spectacular but shy bird with iridescent feathers that cannot live in captivity. So revered by Guatemalans, its graceful image appears on the country’s national coins called “quetzals.”

This sleepy fishing village became a jet-set resort after “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay and bordered by a mountain range, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by sleek, sophisticated world-class resorts, yet its downtown area has steadfastly held its character, refusing to be modernized. You’ll still find the traditional whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs and lush bougainvillea, cobblestone streets, and colorful fishing boats. A treat for the eye as well as the camera.

San Diego, (dê-â´go) city (1990 pop. 1,110,549; met. area 2,498,016), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay. The city is the second largest in California and the sixth largest in the U.S. Its excellent natural harbor has made it a fishing and shipping port, and a major naval center. Aerospace, electronics, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and other industries are important. Tourism and convention business are large factors in the economy. Explored and claimed by Spain in 1542, it
was the site of the first of Fr. Junípero Serra’s missions and a historic fort, the Presidio (both 1769). The area has many other historic sites, including the Cabrillo National Monument. San Diego is also a cultural, medical, oceanographic, and research center, and its aquatic park and enormous zoo are well known. From 1988 to 1995 the America’s Cup sailing races were held at San Diego.