12-night Panama Canal Discovery Cruise: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.

Destination Guide

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas. Have you ever peered through water so clear? Sipped a tropical cooler in the shade of a palm tree? This private paradise has been designated a Wild Bird Reserve by Bahamian National Trust. When was the last time you whiled away the day on a private Caribbean island? Here's your chance. The island is yours to sun, swim, and sail. Here is a sample of activities: banana boat rides, deep sea fishing, glass bottom boats, parasailing, tropical kayak adventures, certified scuba diving, beach parties, treasure hunts and ice cream, paddle boats, sailboats, and hobie cats.

Destination Guide

Oranjestad, Aruba is a Dutch jewel with a tropical touch. In Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, explore the colorful floating market and Nassaustraat, brimming with quaint shops. Head for the beach where water sports abound: snorkeling, rides on glass bottom boats and submarines. Or venture into the countryside to see the haunts of the huge green parakeet, the unique rock gardens of Casi Bari, the curious divi divi tree, forever bending in the tradewind breezes.

Destination Guide

Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.

Destination Guide

Cristóbal is a seaport on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama and gives access to Colon and Panama City settled by Spain in 1519 on the site of an Indian fishing village.

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Destination Guide

This small family recreational area is used by residents of the Atlantic community and employees of the Panama Canal Commission. While ashore experience folk dances and entertainment, marvel at excellent handicrafts or just relax. Nature walks are available from the club every hour and last from 30 to 40 minutes. The small lagoon is reputed to be home to an alligator. A local expert who will point out the flora and fauna of the area will accompany you. Gatun Lake abounds with fresh water peacock bass - avid fisherman may wish to join the fishing excursion. Go on wildlife watching expedition by boat and sail along the shore in search of the area's myriad species of birds, caiman, howler monkeys, and sloths. Visit Mono Island with its three capuchin monkeys. Another outstanding opportunity is to see Gatun Locks and the ships passing through. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, the Chagres River and surrounding rain forest.

This small family recreational area is used by residents of the Atlantic community and employees of the Panama Canal Commission. While ashore experience folk dances and entertainment, marvel at excellent handicrafts or just relax. Nature walks are available from the club every hour and last from 30 to 40 minutes. The small lagoon is reputed to be home to an alligator. A local expert who will point out the flora and fauna of the area will accompany you. Gatun Lake abounds with fresh water peacock bass - avid fisherman may wish to join the fishing excursion. Go on wildlife watching expedition by boat and sail along the shore in search of the area's myriad species of birds, caiman, howler monkeys, and sloths. Visit Mono Island with its three capuchin monkeys. Another outstanding opportunity is to see Gatun Locks and the ships passing through. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, the Chagres River and surrounding rain forest.

Cristóbal is a seaport on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama and gives access to Colon and Panama City settled by Spain in 1519 on the site of an Indian fishing village.

There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Destination Guide

Puerto Límon, on a palm-fringed shore backed by mountains, is the country's most important port. It was built on the site of an ancient Indian village, Cariari, where Columbus landed on his fourth and last voyage. Though he felt this was potentially a very rich land and named it Costa Rica, it never quite lived up to his expectations. However the spot where he anchored has proved to be the best port of the Caribbean coast. It was from here that the first shipments of bananas headed to North America in the late 19th century.

Destination Guide

Grand Cayman attracts most Cayman tourists, most of whom flock to Seven Mile Beach. Divers see abundant marine life. Gentle stingrays cluster at Stingray City. Rum Point serves up cinnamony rum punch. Spend an entire day floating in clear azure waters. At dawn, head out on a dive boat or tan on decadent Seven Mile Beach. Check out underwater sights without getting wet on a 100-foot descent on Atlantis Submarine or an 800-foot descent in a two-person sub to a shipwreck. Head to Hell, with its velour-clad devil, before zipping over to Turtle Farm. Grand Cayman's sparsely populated East End is refreshing with long streches of rocky coast. The oldest island structure is a castle rumored to have been built by pirates two centuries ago in Savannah. Blowholes offer awesome spots for picture of watery spires. Harborside George Town has tempting shops. Among popular nightlife spots are Ramada's Treasure Island and Island Rock. Hopping pubs include Lone Star Bar & Grill or My Bar on the shores of Sunset House.

Destination Guide

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.

Destination Guide