Panama Canal Cruise

Day 1

FLIGHT TO FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Depart Minneapolis on your flight to Ft. Lauderdale.  Upon arrival you’ll transfer to your overnight hotel.  The balance of the afternoon is free to relax or explore on your own.

Day 2

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Enjoy your morning at leisure before transferring to your home for the next 15 days; the luxurious Emerald Princess.  Ship Departs at 4:00 PM.

Day 3-4

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Day 5

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants. Spend the day exploring the graceful and historic walled Old City at the center of this port.  Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of its past as a Spanish colony.  You may wish to visit the impressive La Popa Monastery, enjoy a shopping bonanza at the craft center of Las Bovedas, visit a store specializing in emeralds. Experience a mud bath like no other at the mud volcano or take a boat ride to Playa Blanca, one of Cartagena’s nicest golden-sand beaches. 7:00 AM – 3: 00 PM

Day 6

PANAMA CANAL “NEW LOCKS”

Cruising the Panama Canal is one of the unforgettable experiences of your cruise.  It takes approximately 8 hours to navigate the 50 mile channel from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.  The Panama Canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rain-forests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources. You’ll take in the sights of the canals many locks and man made lakes cruising through the “new locks” opened in 2016.  A local expert will be broadcasting live narration from the bridge during your transit. 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM  

Day 7

FUERTE AMADOR (PANAMA CITY), PANAMA

Fuerte Amador, situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean.
The one-mile causeway was created by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. There are several shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores centered around a large marina that serves as a tender dock. The causeway also affords a panoramic view of Panama City’s impressive skyline and serves as the home for the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Optional tours are available to explore Panama City or take a ride on the historic Panama Canal Railway.

Note: Fuerte Amador is an anchorage port, passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender. Wheelchair Access Limited.

Day 8

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Day 9

PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA

Puntarenas is your gateway to Costa Rica’s wonders – and to its capital city of San Jose where you can view the historical National Museum (fighting during the 1948 civil war) or enjoy a relaxing river cruise.Take an optional tour of the rainforest canopy up-close on an open-air gondola ride, coupled with a jungle cruise on the Tarcoles River.  Tour the famous Orchid Farm, where gardens and greenhouses provide a year-round showcase for exotic tropical blooms–it’s a must for flower lovers.  View the serene cone of the active Arenal Volcano and then relax at a resort where thermal pools are warmed by the mountain. 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Day 10

SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA

Pass through the colorful artesian marketplace to explore the pure white sand beach stretching two miles and dotted with cafes. Take an optional tour to the colonial city of Granada rich in history and astonishing views on the banks Lake Nicaragua overlooking Mombacho volcano. 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Note: San Juan del Sur is an anchorage port, passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender. Wheelchair Access Limited.

Day 11

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Day 12

HUATULCO, MEXICO

Huatulco is a tropical Eden consisting of nine bays and 36 golden sand beaches with crystalline waters, and coral reefs. Inland, the rugged coast range is thickly carpeted with rainforest and coffee plantations. Large areas of Huatulco have been designated as an ecological reserve.  Spend the day on the beach or take an optional excursion to the Copalita Archaeological site or explore the colonial town of La Crucecita with it’s many shops.  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Day 13

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Day 14

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Puerto Vallarta offers mile after mile of palm-lined beaches andis known for it’s great values on leather goods, jewelry and handicrafts.  Take a stroll down the popular boardwalk “The Malecon” where it’s lined with shops, restaurants and artist selling their wars.  Explore the perfectly preserved colonial village of San Sebastian on an optional excursion to an 18th century hacienda and coffee plantation.  Spend your day relaxing on the beach or sail Banderas Bay on a 60 foot sailboat.  Your choices today are endless. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Day 15-16

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Day 17

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AIRPORT/HOME

After breakfast this morning, if time permits, enjoy a tour  of the highlights of L.A visiting Grauman’s Chinese Theatre,  Beverly Hills and  Rodeo Drive before your  return flight home with wonderful memories of your Panama Canal adventure.