Leave the cold and hectic holiday prep behind and spend your days relaxing on sunny beaches and finding joy in cultures, cuisines, histories and sights from the far corners of the Mediterranean to the flare of South America. Dine al fresco in ancient Ephesus, soak up the blue-and-white beauty of Santorini, and witness the awesome elegance of Athens’ Acropolis. Compare Barcelona’s fantastical Sagrada Familia with Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the straight and narrow simplicity of the Corinth Canal with the massive locks and lake of the Panama Canal, Spain’s original Cartagena with its Colombian namesake. There are tiny islands to explore like Isla Aroma and Mayreau, and pristine marine parks in Tobago and Bocas del Toro. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Ecuador is also a haven for wildlife. The country boasts the highest bird density of any place on Earth and serves as the gateway to the iconic Galápagos Islands. Opportunities to explore the fascinating legacy of the Incan civilization are plentiful, with numerous ancient sites and traditions still deeply rooted in Ecuador and Peru’s cultures. Interspersed between it all are over 20 overnight stays and late-evening departures, and memorable moments like a sunset cruise past St. Lucia’s spectacular emerald Pitons. Plus, you’ll enjoy seasonal decorations and all your favorite holiday menu items, sometimes with the kind of unique twist you’d expect from the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation.