Panama Canal and Central America.

The drier season lasts from December until March, so this is perhaps the most reliable time to cruise in terms of weather. Even so, humidity and temperature are likely to be high, and the varied terrain and elevation mean that weather will vary a lot, depending on how far you travel. If you don't mind the rain, visit in September and October, when the rainforests are at their greenest and most impressive.

Humidity and heat are plentiful in this part of the world. Bring light, breathable clothes for maximum comfort, so you can add or remove layers as the temperature varies along your cruise route, and include sunscreen, hat and glasses in your luggage too. A waterproof jacket is recommended, even in the drier season. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes for on shore exploration, as the terrain can be rough and some of the more spectacular sights require hiking. We also recommend binoculars and a decent camera so you can treasure the experience for years to come. Lastly, bring along swimwear so you can make the most of our on board pools and spa facilities, and formalwear for our famous Gala ball evenings.