Ports of Central America and selected waterways frequented by cruise ships. Ports in the Caribbean are to be found in a separate region. Descriptions include maps, charts and travel information. Click on any of the selected ports or references below for travel-related information:
PATTERNS: The west and south coast of Mexico, sometimes referred to as the Mexican Riviera, is visited predominantly by cruise ships from San Diego and Los Angeles. Ensenada might be used as either a starting or ending point to meet the US cabotage requirements. More and more Panama Canal transits are operating inasmuch it makes an interesting two week journey. The east coast of Central America is popular on the so-called Western Caribbean itineraries. Some few vessels visit the Panama Canal from the Atlantic and only enter as far as Gatun Lake and one set of locks.