Panama Canal Cruise - Itinerary
Your transit through the Panama Canal –a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Along the way, visit the unspoiled beaches and aquatic playground of the Mexican Riviera. At Puerto Quetzal journey inland to discover diverse wildlife amidst dense jungle. The nonstop nightlife of Acapulco includes eclectic bistros and mariachi bands, and don’t miss the legendary cliff divers at scenic La Quebrada. Costa Rica is a virtual paradise of cloud forests with a stunning diversity of rare wildlife, such as the Indigo-capped hummingbird.
The centerpiece of your journey is your transit through the Panama Canal. You will be amazed at the intricate engineering involved in creating this famous passageway! Surrounded by lush, impenetrable jungle, the canal is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Aboard your luxurious cruise ship, take advantage of a variety of dining options and enjoy exercising both body and mind. Whether on board the ship, or ashore on excursions, there’s always something to keep you entertained!
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 - USA/Acapulco, Mexico, sail 8:00pm
Depart today on your flight to Acapulco. If you arrive early, shop, relax and people-watch in the delightful Zocalo (town square) of this vibrant Mexican city. Or taxi to scenic La Quebrada and witness daring cliff divers plunge gracefully into the sea. Board your cruise ship this afternoon and prepare to sail this evening. (meals aloft,D)
Day 2 - Huatulco, Mexico, 10:00 a.m./3:00 p.m.
Hidden coves, tropical jungles and blue lagoons summon curious travelers to this idyllic fishing village at the foothills of Mexico's stunning Sierra Madre. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, 9:00 a.m./7:00 p.m.
On the west coast of Guatemala lies lovely Puerto Quetzal. Journey inland to uncover the area's diverse wildlife hiding amidst dense jungle. Perhaps you'll even spot the area's namesake - the once-sacred Quetzal bird. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua, 6:30 a.m./4:00 p.m.
Browse the alluring shops and stop in the myriad churches of this quiet village on Nicaragua's tropical Pacific coast. In nearby Managua, visit the Plaza de la Democracia and the Old Cathedral. (B,L,D)
Day 5 -Puntarenas, Costa Rica, 8:00 a.m./8:00 p.m.
Raft down the Corobici River or travel on the Pan American Highway from the gateway city of Puntarenas to Costa Rica's historic capital, San Jose. Don't miss a visit to the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - At Sea.
Participate in your choice of on-board activities: browse the world-class art collection, shop in duty-free boutiques, relax in a hot tub, sun yourself on the deck with a book from the ship's library, exercise in a state-of-the-art gym, or pamper yourself in the spa; and at mealtimes take advantage of the ship's variety of dining options. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Panama Canal, Panama, 7:00 a.m./4:30 p.m. Colon (Cristobal), Panama, 5:00 p.m./8:00 p.m.
Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this man-made marvel is surrounded by dense rain forests and exotic wildlife. Onboard experts and in-depth shore excursions expand your understanding of this landmark. This afternoon arrive in Colon, a thriving hub of international trade. Take a nature walk through a rain forest, or get an up close look at the workings of the Panama Canal's locks. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 8:00 a.m./4:00 p.m.
Some must-sees around this Northern Jamaican town are the spectacular limestone tiers and tumbling waters of 600-foot Dunn's River Falls, verdant Fern Gully, Turtle Beach, the lovely grounds of Shaw Park Gardens and historic Prospect Plantation. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - At Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 7:00 a.m./hometown
Miles of golden sand beckon sun worshippers from around the globe. After sunning, stroll along the trendy Las Olas Boulevard and sip a cocktail, shop or kick back and catch some local music before your return flight home. (B,L,D)
