12-night Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands Cruise

Set in a large bay on the leeward side of the island looking out onto the Caribbean sea, Fort de France became the capital of Martinique when St Pierre was wiped out by the eruption of the volcano Montagne Pelée in 1902. The town has mushroomed from less than 10,000 inhabitants at the time of the eruption to its current level of nearly 100,000 people. The historical centre grew around the strategic point of the Fort Saint Louis, which was first established in 1638. There are numerous cultural and historical places of interest in Fort-de-France, as well as a wide choice of quality shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, selling French and Creole products. English is widely spoken and understood, and US Dollars are accepted in most outlets.

Destination Guide

Marie-Galante is a popular day trip from Grande-Terre—regularly scheduled ferry and air service is available. It's different enough from the main islands in the archipelago, though, that it's worth an overnight stay. Marie-Galant is agricultural and rural, with a charm unspoiled by mass tourism. Most of the island is made up of sugarcane fields. Only one sugar mill is still active (at Grande Anse), but three rum distilleries are operating (you can visit both Bielle and Poisson and sample the wares). Many of the island residents are boatbuilders and fishermen.

A road circles the island and connects the three towns of Capesterre, St. Louis and Grand-Bourg. As you explore the island, you'll find golden-sand beaches rimmed by profusions of hibiscus, alamanda and bougainvillea. Charming little houses with colorful gardens and bright red roofs are terraced up the hillsides—there are even a few rare wattle houses still standing. You might even see traditional oxcarts transporting sugarcane for the production of rum. The ruins of windmills—72 in all—are everywhere.

In Grand-Bourg, see the Trianon and Roussel houses and the baroque 18th-century church. Also stop by the studio and gallery of Armand Baptiste, a sculptor whose works are in the collections of several French presidents and noted galleries throughout the world.

The Gueule du Grand Gouffre (Mouth of the Great Abyss) is a grotto on the northern coast formed by ocean waves. Other natural wonders include La Grande Barre (a high green ridge dividing the island) and the Trou au Diable (Devil's Hole), a sea-level grotto with stalactites. Hikers will enjoy relatively easy forays along the coast, as well as along the plateaus of the interior. Especially rewarding is a climb to the top of the highest point on the island, 670-ft/204-m Morne Constant, or just motoring along empty roads, discovering the tiny haunts and eccentricities of this timeless place. The local people are friendly and love to chat with visitors.

Destination Guide

Pigeon Island is located in the north of St Lucia. It is drier, with thorn scrub and cactus, and is home to colonies of seabirds. St Lucia is an independent island in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea, one of the Windward Islands close to Barbados, Martinique and St Vincent.

Destination Guide

Soufriere is a town and port on the east coast of St Lucia. Mountainous St Lucia's tapestry of lush hillslopes and plantation-filled valleys lend an exotic backdrop to the brightly-painted buildings of this small fishing community dominated by one of the Caribbean's most photographed landmarks, the volcanic coneshaped peaks of the Pitons rearing vertically skywards from the sea. Explore the steaming crater of what is billed as the world's only 'drive-in' volcano and test Soufriere's hot sulphur baths amid the rainforest. Further sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where you can walk the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls - and don’t forget those unspoiled golden beaches.

Destination Guide

Excursions

St. Lucia - Gros Piton Climb — Optional Private Excursions

Life has its rewards, you will find many of them on the Gros Piton Nature Trail. Travel by coach along
the scenic West Coast of the island through lush tropical vegetation onto the Fond Gens Libre, "village of the free people" community, to the welcome center. From this point, you are joined by a knowledgeable guide, who would guide you along the trail which winds around the mountain at a gradual gradient.

Enjoy panoramic vistas in every direction and see Petit Piton in the distance. The first half of the trail
is moderate and can be enjoyed by everyone, while the second half involves a steep accent to the summit suitable to the more adventurous hiker. After a strenuous but exhilarating climb, return to the bus for a scenic ride back to your resort or Cruise pier.

Inclusions:

• Knowledgeable Guide

Destination Guide

Tossed like a tiny emerald among the Grenadines' 100 islands is Mayreau. In this idyllic spot there are no cars, just one tiny village and one resort, hidden away in the palms.

Destination Guide

This untouched little Caribbean island is a true naturalist’s Eden. Spectacular underwater beauty prevails, along with white beaches and a breathtaking collection of ocean-carved rock formations. Bird watching is at its best here. See one of the loveliest and largest flamingo colonies in this hemisphere as well as Caribbean parakeets and Bonairean "lora". Outstanding opportunities for snorkeling and diving abound here, amid one of the Caribbean’s richest collections of marine life.

Destination Guide

Santa Marta is the cultural and historic center of Columbia's Sierra Nevada region. Be sure to visit the unspoiled beaches of the Parque Nacional Tayrona.

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

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

On the edge of 86,000 acres of protected forest and with endless beaches, Portobelo and the neighboring national park have much to offer those passionate about conservation, diving and the outdoors. Visitors come for the food, for the Afro-Caribbean lifestyle and the watersports. Divers will enjoy exploring the myriad of underwater sites: sixteen significant dive sites are scattered off Portobelo's coast, including a sunken C-45 twin engine plane and massive cargo ship. To experience the city in a different way, visit in October for the lively Festival de Cristo Negro, a national, spiritual celebration of one of the region's most honored symbols.

Destination Guide

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