10-night Secrets Of Central America Cruise

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

The friendly Cuna Indians live quietly on these primitive islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. The arrival of visitors to their home is still a special occasion for these isolated island dwellers. They are happy to be photographed in their colorful attire, for perhaps a small tip. Bargain for one of their fancifully designed handmade embroideries called molas.

Destination Guide

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

Some of the most renowned pearls in the world come from the oysters on the seabed around the hundred or so islands which make up the Pearl Island archipelago in the Gulf of Panama. The islands are mostly uninhabited. There are some fishing communities and only two of the islands have tourist development. Contadora began to be developed in the seventies with the construction of a hotel and airstrip. Residential development followed around the superb beaches which surround this and other islands

Destination Guide

Isla Coiba is part of a park protecting three kinds of ecosystems: the island, the reef and marine life. This park is a group of islands with Coiba being the largest. This is one of the most extensive marine parks in the world. Coiba itself, is the largest island of the American Pacific and because of its geographical isolation the forest on the island has remained untouched. Activities available on Coiba include fishing, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, and hiking and enjoying beautiful flora and fauna. The beaches have very fine sands and waters are crystal clear. This island is internationally famous because of the big blue and black marlins that have been caught around here. On some of the beaches turtles come to nest between April and September. On the south coast of the island it is possible to see humpback whales migrating. Watch hundreds of dolphins chasing schools of tuna. This is the only place in the world where you can find whole troops of red Guacamayas. These are only some of the attractions for nature lovers besides flora, fauna and bird watching.

Destination Guide

Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Naturalist tours lead by professional entomologist are a fun and fascinating way to learn more about the bay. There are also diving adventures, and mountain biking expeditions to experience. Drake Bay is home to hundreds of playful dolphins, humpback whales and orcas, which can be seen patrolling the coast.

The Curu Biological Reserve, on the Peninsula de Nicoya, offers diverse wildlife from white faced monkeys to phantom crabs. Though smaller than Ireland, Costa Rica boasts an amazing biodiversity. With more butterfly species than the whole of Africa, more bird species than Europe, its precious tropical rainforests harbour over half a million plant and aninial species. Small wonder that about a quarter of Costa Rica is protected nature reserve or national Park.

The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Destination Guide