The Port of Miami, often referred to as the "Cruise Capital of the World," has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Port was officially opened in 1915, with dredging operations, completed in 1916, making it a deepwater port. It was initially used for shipping, particularly for the transportation of fruits and vegetables.

It wasn't until 1968 that the Port of Miami began to transform into the cruise capital we know today. The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to build a modern passenger terminal, signifying a shift in the port's function. Today, the Port of Miami serves millions of passengers each year, making it one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

Cartagena, located on the northern coast of Colombia along the Caribbean Sea, boasts a rich and storied history stretching back thousands of years. Before the arrival of Europeans, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Calamarí and Puerto Hormiga cultures, who thrived on fishing and agriculture. The city was officially founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, who named it after Cartagena, Spain. Its natural harbor made it a critical port for the Spanish Empire, serving as a key hub for trade and the shipment of gold and other treasures extracted from South America. However, its wealth and strategic importance also made it a target for pirates and foreign invaders, leading to repeated attacks, including notorious raids by Sir Francis Drake in 1586.

To protect the city, the Spanish built extensive fortifications, including the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most impressive colonial military structures in Latin America, and an elaborate system of walls that still surround the Old Town today. These defenses helped Cartagena become one of Spain’s most secure and vital strongholds in the Americas. Cartagena also played a significant role in Colombia’s fight for independence in the early 19th century, earning the title "La Heroica" ("The Heroic City") for its resistance against Spanish forces. Today, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, and rich historical legacy, making it one of South America’s most iconic and visited cities.

Colón, a major port city on the Caribbean coast of Panama, has a history shaped by its strategic location and role in global trade. Founded in 1850 during the construction of the Panama Railroad, the city was established to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating efficient trade routes. The name "Colón", the Spanish form of "Columbus", honors the explorer Christopher Columbus. The city’s significance grew exponentially after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, solidifying its position as a vital hub in international maritime commerce.

Today, Colón is home to the Colón Free Zone, one of the largest duty-free zones in the world, attracting businesses and traders from across the globe. Despite its economic importance, the city has faced challenges, including periods of decline and socioeconomic struggles. Colón is rich in cultural and historical heritage, with landmarks such as the San Lorenzo Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing its colonial past. The city’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture is evident in its music, cuisine, and festivals, adding depth to its dynamic identity. While ongoing revitalization efforts aim to address its challenges, Colón remains a crucial gateway for trade and a symbol of Panama’s enduring importance in global commerce.

The history of the BLB-Panama Canal port, also known as the Balboa port, is intricately linked with the development of the Panama Canal. The port, located on the Pacific side of the canal, was first established by the United States in 1904 to support the construction of the canal.

In 1999, the control of the Panama Canal, and consequently the Balboa port, was transferred from the United States to Panama. Since then, the port has undergone significant expansion and modernization. Today, the BLB-Panama Canal port is one of the busiest ports in Latin America, serving a significant portion of the world's shipping traffic.

The history of the port of Puntarenas in Costa Rica dates back to the 16th century. The port was initially established as a fishing village by Spanish colonists. However, it quickly grew in importance as a strategic port for the transportation of goods, especially coffee, from the interior of the country to the rest of the world.

In the mid-19th century, the port of Puntarenas became even more significant when it was connected to the country's capital, San Jose, by a railroad. This development not only boosted the port's commercial operations but also made it a popular destination for tourists. Despite facing intense competition from other ports, Puntarenas continues to play a vital role in Costa Rica's economy and remains a key gateway for international trade.

Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, boasts a fascinating history that intertwines indigenous heritage, colonial exploration, and modern development. Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by the Pericú people, a nomadic indigenous group who lived off fishing, hunting, and gathering. In 1534, Spanish explorers led by Hernán Cortés arrived in the region, marking the beginning of European influence. Despite early attempts at colonization, the harsh desert environment and resistance from the Pericú made large-scale settlement difficult during the colonial period.

Cabo San Lucas remained a quiet fishing village for centuries until the mid-20th century, when its natural beauty and proximity to the United States made it a desirable tourist destination. By the 1970s, the Mexican government began investing in infrastructure, transforming Cabo San Lucas into a world-famous resort town. The iconic El Arco, a natural rock formation at Land’s End, became a symbol of the region, attracting visitors from around the globe. Today, Cabo San Lucas is celebrated for its luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and recreational activities, while its rich history remains preserved in its cultural traditions and archaeological sites.

The Port of San Diego has a rich history that spans over hundreds of years. It was established by Spain in 1542 when explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the natural harbor he named San Miguel. Later, in 1602, Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino renamed it San Diego Bay.

In the 19th century, the port became a significant point of trade and commerce. The California Gold Rush in 1849 increased the port's significance as it served as a transit point for miners and goods. The port was officially founded in 1962 and has since grown into a major hub for international trade, cruise ships, and tourism.

The Port of Los Angeles, also known as America's Port, has a rich and significant history. Established in 1907, it is located in San Pedro Bay, 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. It was initially used as a trading post by Spanish missionaries and later developed into a hub for the fishing industry. The port was officially designated as the Port of Los Angeles by the City of Los Angeles in 1897.

Over the years, the port has undergone numerous expansion projects to accommodate the growing trade demands. Today, it's renowned as the busiest container port in the United States and one of the largest in the world. With over 9.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) handled in 2020, the port has played a crucial role in facilitating international trade in the United States. The port is also recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and has implemented various green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Port of Seattle, located in Washington, was created by the voters of King County in 1911, and was the first port in the United States to be established by a local government. It was formed in response to public outcry against corruption and mismanagement by private dock owners, with the aim of ensuring that the harbor would serve the public good, rather than private interests.

After its establishment, the Port of Seattle grew steadily, and by mid-20th century it had become one of the busiest ports in the United States. In 1969, it opened the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, further bolstering its importance as a transport hub. Today, the port continues to play a vital role in Seattle's economy, handling both passenger and freight traffic from around the world.