7-Night Cruise Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 - Colón

Colón, Panama: The provincial capital of Colón, located beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, took its name from the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus. Founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad, the city was initially called Aspinwall in honour of a railway engineer. After the railroad's completion in 1855, Colón's significance grew, heightened further by plans for an isthmian canal. During the French canal attempt, a devastating fire in 1885 razed the city, leaving many homeless. Rebuilt in the French architectural style of the era, much of the city today bears the marks of that period, along with constructions by Americans between 1904 and 1914, although many are now on the verge of collapse. Colón also hosts the world’s second-largest duty-free zone, Zona Libre, known for bulk merchandise transactions catering to businesses nationwide.

Day 2 - San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands, Panama: Situated off the Caribbean coast east of Colón, the San Blas archipelago features 365 islands, ranging from tiny islets to those housing hundreds of Kuna Indians. Only about fifty islands are inhabited. The Kuna govern their territory with internal autonomy, preserving language and cultural traditions despite colonial influences. Besides their language, Spanish is commonly spoken, with many locals working on the mainland while residing on the islands. Women wear traditional costumes with unique designs, inspired by local themes, geometric patterns, and stylised fauna and flora. El Porvenir Island serves as a central governance seat for the Kuna. Many residents from surrounding islands have settled here, bringing with them traditional arts and crafts, notably the intricately hand-sewn molas. Originally part of women's attire, molas are now popular souvenirs offered to tourists.

Day 3 - Open Sea

At Sea: Sail through the emerald waters of the Caribbean, enjoying on-deck activities, fine dining, and nightlife. This day allows for relaxation and exploration of your floating oasis, with options ranging from spa services to comprehensive guided lectures about the destinations.

Day 4 - Fuerte Amador

Fuerte Amador, Panama: Situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador serves as a serene peninsula perfect for viewing the Bridge of the Americas. Historically a strategic military base, the area now features nightlife, dining venues, and shopping with panoramic views of Panama City's skyline and the surrounding waterways.

Day 5 - Darién National Park

Darién National Park, Panama: The remote Darién Jungle is home to one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and ranks among the top ten birding sites globally, featuring species like the Crimson-collared Tanager, Chestnut-fronted Macaws, and Snow-bellied Hummingbirds. It also houses mammals like tapirs and Black-headed Spider Monkeys. With no road access, rivers serve as the main thoroughfares. Rarely visited, the park welcomes fewer than a thousand tourists annually. The Embera people, among several indigenous groups in the region, live in relative isolation, offering intricate handcrafted baskets and carvings in their traditional villages.

Day 6 - At Sea

At Sea: Indulge in another day of luxury aboard the ship as you cruise through the serene waters of Central America. Engage in a range of curated activities that span from rejuvenating treatments at the onboard spa to culinary workshops and cultural presentations.

Day 7 - Golfito

Golfito, Costa Rica: Nestled along a small inlet of Golfo Dulce, Golfito combines rainforest landscapes with Pacific coastal beauty. This small port city, facing the lush hills that back Golfito Bay, was historically a primary port for banana exports. Currently, it serves as a gateway to stunning beaches and the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge. Trek through dense rainforest along well-maintained trails, leading to breathtaking vistas and encounters with rare flora and fauna. The city offers various hotels and restaurants and a duty-free zone as part of economic revitalisation efforts.

Day 8 - Puntarenas

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Although located on mainland Costa Rica, Puntarenas is best known as a vibrant cruise-ship port and a point of departure for ferries travelling to the Nicoya Peninsula. A significant fishing hub, it houses a lively fish market and retains charm away from the main streets, attributed to its past as a key port town and holiday destination for Costa Rica’s elite. Despite economic setbacks after the port’s relocation, the town is resurging. Resting on a sandy spit extending into the Gulf of Nicoya, it offers scenic Blue Flag beaches, a beachfront promenade lined with seafood restaurants, and a unique local culture. The Paseo de los Turistas is crowded with Ticos enjoying the sun, sea, and local delicacies.