Best Cruise Lines & Ports for Your Central American Adventure

cruise ship sailing through ocean

Central America is home to some incredible historical sites, cultural attractions, natural wonders, and so much more. This region boasts tropical weather year-round, a selection of world-class luxury offerings, and a diverse array of breathtaking natural beauty, from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to stunning beaches and towering volcanoes—the perfect backdrop to a dream vacation!

The southernmost region of North America, Central America lies between Mexico and South America and comprises seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Each nation possesses its own unique culture, attractions, activities, and splendor. The best way to experience it all is on a cruise.

Cruising enables travelers to fully embrace the distinct wonders of the numerous port destinations along their itineraries—while enjoying a fun and luxurious seafaring journey.

Your choice in cruise line and port destinations can largely define your overall experience, so here are some of the best cruise lines and port destinations for an unforgettable Central American holiday.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line providing renowned VIP treatment for guests, with extraordinary itineraries, top-of-the-line services, incredible amenities, and exceptional onboard experiences.

Luxury cruise itineraries include top Central American destinations such as Costa Rica to Panama, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Port excursions and activities are designed to highlight the incredible beauty and majesty of each.

Guests can experience other popular and exciting ports, too, including:

  • Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
  • Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
  • Puntarenas, Costa Rica
  • Belize City, Belize
  • Roatan, Honduras
  • Colon, Panama
  • Panama Canal, Panama

Engage in fun and exciting activities such as zip lining above thick jungle canopies, and snorkeling through azure waters, horseback riding through verdant rainforests, and much more.

Tour iconic sites such as the Panama Canal or historic Mayan temple ruins to learn about the storied history and vibrant culture of the region. Sample some of the authentic local flavors and wonderful cuisine, or simply lounge on the warm, welcome sands of the tropical beaches scattered along the coasts.

Enjoy the myriad features and attractions of the region while indulging in the height of comfort and luxury aboard one of Celebrity’s superb fleet of ships. Whatever special itineraries you choose, Celebrity Cruises will bring you there in style!

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Cruise Line is renowned for its ultra-luxury, small-ship cruises designed for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate experience—the perfect choice for exploring the magnificent beauty of Central America.

Its fleet features only suites, and boasts a maximum passenger capacity between 450 to 600 guests, ensuring a more private and relaxing voyage defined by exquisite service and premium amenities, including: spacious marble baths, plenty of in-room entertainment options, Swarovski Optik Binoculars in every suite, and a Personal Suite Steward to attend to your every need.

Seabourn’s smaller ships are also able to visit smaller ports along your journey, giving you more opportunities to visit multiple destinations. Its Panama Canal and Pacific Coast cruises stop at nearly a dozen popular Central American ports, including:

  • Belize City, Belize
  • Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama
  • Panama Canal Cristobal, Panama
  • Panama Canal Balboa, Panama
  • Bocas Del Toro, Panama
  • Quepos, Costa Rica
  • Golfito, Costa Rica
  • Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica
  • Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
  • Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras
  • San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

The line offers a wide range of exciting excursion activities and tour opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, communities, and environments.

Intrepid travelers can explore the forests and beaches of Honduras by ATV, or visit Carara National Park for a visually stunning view of the vibrant plant life and towering formations of the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfall.

Surfing fans will adore the choice waves of Playa Pavones in Golfito, while sightseeing enthusiasts can appreciate the picturesque landscapes and diverse array of wildlife around Bocas Del Toro.

Whether you’re looking to walk along a quiet stretch of beach with your loved one or venture into the untamed wilderness, Seabourn has everything you need for a fun and memorable vacation.

Azamara

Azamara is a luxury cruise line providing elegant, immersive travel experiences, with longer port stops and overnight stays—enabling guests to spend more time enjoying exotic locales.

The line features Panama Canal and Central America itineraries to destinations including Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Check out the historic shipwrecks and diverse sea life off the coast of Tortuga Island in Costa Rica, or try some scuba diving around one of the largest reef systems in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef.

Explore the brilliant beaches or go out for a night on the town of San Juan del Sur—one of the most popular resort areas in Nicaragua. Fans of exotic wildlife can check out exclusive shore excursions and sightseeing activities, such as sailing a boat through the rainforest to visit the Rescue Animal Care Center in Golfito!

Nature lovers can peruse the winding, 20-mile Route of the Flowers in Acajutla, El Salvador boasting colorful colonial homes and buildings, a series of vast coffee plantations, and lush fields of vibrant wildflowers.

Whether touring famous sites, embracing the beauty of nature, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Azamara offers plenty of opportunities to explore and experience your dream Central American destinations.

Work With InteleTravel to Plan Your Perfect Central American Cruise Vacation!

Planning a cruise can be an intimidating prospect. From selecting the ideal line and destination to choosing the perfect cruise cabin and right time to book and travel, and much more.

InteleTravel Advisors organize the various aspects of your trip with all your preferences in mind, to help guarantee you experience the vacation of your dreams. Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family vacation or romantic getaway, InteleTravel’s vacation experts arrange your entire itinerary and book all your vacation plans and accommodations, to ensure your trip is absolutely wonderful.

Contact an InteleTravel Advisor today to set sail on the cruise of a lifetime!

Where would you like to travel?

Select your destination, and we'll pair you with an InteleTravel Advisor based on your travel needs.

Never miss an update

Subscribe to the InteleTravel blog to receive the latest travel news and updates