Set at the southern gateway to the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean-facing side, this port is a fixture for cruisers prepping for — or finishing up — a transit through the legendary passageway. Fuerte Amador (or Fort Amador) is positioned at the end of a thin causeway. It's populated by a small entertainment district of bars, restaurants, and shops, but more importantly, the stop offers easy access to the modern, vibrant metropolis of Panama City. The country's commercial capital, the cosmopolitan city is known for its sleek high-rises and romantic historic districts. Further afield, you'll find rainforests teeming with birds and wildlife; secluded villages entrenched in long-standing traditions; and pristine beach-laced islands.