Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands

Situated on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France captures your attention with the splendor of its bay, a magnificent coastal indentation widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Positioned at the harbor mouth on a narrow strip of land, Fort Saint-Louis majestically overlooks the capital city. Climb up to this historic fortress to experience truly breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher Library, both standing as testaments to a secular history deeply intertwined with the story of the island. Treat yourself to some fresh coconut while wandering through the vibrant stalls of the Grand Marché. For a relaxing breather right in the heart of the city, find tranquility within the lush Balata Garden or the peaceful Aimé Césaire Park.

Discover Mayreau, the smallest among the string of paradisiac islands and sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago. Embrace the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, offering a perfect escape far from bustling crowds to help you relax. On shore, take advantage of a shaded, fully equipped beach, providing an ideal starting point for snorkeling. Dive into the water to observe vibrant, colorful fish darting around the coral situated at the base of the rocks stretching across the beautiful bay.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Fall in love with the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The capital of Curaçao stretches along the edge of St Ann's Bay on the island's south-west coast, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A profusion of color awaits you on the Handelskade quays, where it's a pleasure to stroll alongside the merchants' houses whose rainbow façades characterize Dutch colonial architecture. A few paces from here is the Floating Market, a true feast for the eyes and taste buds. You can also visit Fort Rif and the Maritime Museum, or, in the quieter streets of Otrobanda, enjoy browsing the craft shops and old-time bars at your own leisurely pace.

Included Excursions
Panoramic Curaçao: Scenic Views & Island Highlights
Duration : 2h30
Discover the many facets of Curaçao on this panoramic city tour, showcasing some of the island’s most emblematic highlights.

Your journey begins at Caracas Bay, catch a glimpse of an old fortress and enjoy a photo stop from the comfort of your coach. Continue to the Caribbean Handcraft shop, offering not only authentic local souvenirs but also sweeping views over the sparkling Spanish Water lagoon and the striking Table Mountain, one of Curaçao’s highest points. Driving through one of the island’s elegant villa districts, admire beautiful residences that reflect the refined lifestyle of Curaçao’s privileged few. Your next stop is the historic Chobolobo Mansion, home to the original distillery of the world-famous Blue Curaçao liqueur. Learn about its fascinating production process and enjoy a tasting before browsing the boutique, where bottles of these distinctive liqueurs make for perfect souvenirs. The excursion concludes with a scenic drive through Willemstad city center, where vibrant colonial mansions and tropical architecture line the streets. From the iconic bridge, take in a magnificent view of the colorful harbor and the lively heart of the city.

Willemstad & Caves: History and Hidden Wonders
Duration : 2h45
This excursion combines two of Curaçao’s most iconic highlights: the mystical Hato Caves and the colorful UNESCO-listed city center of Willemstad. A short drive takes you to the Hato Caves, where centuries-old limestone formations create a fascinating subterranean world. Admire dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, the renowned Madonna statue, and even glimpse a colony of rare long-nosed fruit bats. With your guide, let your imagination take flight as you identify whimsical shapes and figures within the rock formations. Your journey continues in the heart of Willemstad. Stroll through the historic center, passing the oldest continuously used Sephardic synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and the lively floating fruit and vegetable market, where Venezuelan schooners sell their fresh produce directly from their boats. As you walk along the harbor’s entrance, admire the vividly painted merchant houses, perfect backdrops for unforgettable Curaçao photographs. The tour also includes a stop at Fort Amsterdam, the 17th-century stronghold that now serves as the seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles. At the end of the guided visit, you may choose to remain in the city to further explore and shop at leisure, or return comfortably with your guide to the ship.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Santa Marta, located in the north of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a seaside town dominated by the majestic Sierra Nevada. The highest coastal chain of mountains in the world, it is listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the diversity of its fauna and flora. At the heart of the first Spanish colony, discover the heritage of the Tairona, the largest indigenous civilization in Colombia. The eponymous national park offers you sumptuous landscapes, with its lush tropical forest.

Included Excursions
Tayronaka: Jungle and Ancient Civilizations
Duration : 7h00
Tucked away in the heart of a lush jungle in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Taironaka ruins will reveal the history and culture of one of Colombia's 70 indigenous tribes, all believed to be descended from pre-Hispanic civilizations. At the pier, board your coach for the approximately 1.5-hour journey to the Taironaka ruins. En route, admire the tropical jungle scenery, majestic mountains, traditional villages and roadside fruit stalls. On arrival, leave the road behind and follow a forest trail. Follow the path through the lush vegetation to the remains of an ancient village that was inhabited between 800 and 1600 AD. Not far from there are the lands of the Kogi, considered to be direct descendants of the Tairona tribe. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the ruins and an introduction to Kogi culture, followed by some free time to explore the site at your leisure. Savor a delicious, traditional lunch before making your way back to your ship.

• This excursion involves two hours of walking on uneven ground with some steps. A good level of physical fitness is therefore required to fully enjoy this activity. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bringing sun protection and mosquito repellent. There will be an opportunity to swim in the river during the excursion, so pack a swimsuit and a towel. Lunch is included in your tour.
• The guide offers to collect a voluntary, non-mandatory donation from passengers to support community development. 

This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility or disabled.

Santa Marta: Colombian History and Traditions
Duration : 3h45
Set off to explore history-filled Santa Marta and its treasures. This oldest city in Colombia is yours to discover. Located on the Caribbean coast, Santa Marta boasts a natural harbor, beautiful beaches and stunning views. The Spanish established their first settlement here, leaving their mark on the city's landscape. Your first stop in this historic city will be the Museo del Oro Tairona, the Tayrona Gold Museum, located on the second floor of the Bank of the Republic. There, you can find a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, as well as precious gold and ceramic objects made by the Taironas. Next, visit the cathedral, dating from 1529 and said to have been built using planks from barrels that floated down the river during floods. Finally, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a 17th-century hacienda listed as a national monument. In 1830, Don Joaquín Mier y Benítez gifted this country estate to Simón Bolívar, who spent his final days there. Today, the villa's interior has been restored, and its extensive gardens have been returned to their former glory. Before making your way back to your ship, enjoy a show celebrating Colombian culture through traditional songs and dances, followed by a refreshing drink.

• This excursion includes walking a distance of approximately 1 km (0.6 miles), and some stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The drink is included in the excursion. 
• As the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) is closed on Mondays, it may be replaced by a visit to the Bolivarian Museum.

This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility or disabled.

Mountain Village and Coffee Farm
Duration : 5h09
Discover the mountain landscapes of Minca, nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — the world's highest coastal mountain range — and uncover the secrets behind Colombian coffee-making on this authentic escape. Your excursion begins aboard a coach traveling along scenic mountain roads to the village of Minca, located in the lush foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You then continue by 4x4 to reach Hacienda Victoria. Founded during the Victorian era, this historic hacienda, now managed by a German family, is home to a major coffee plantation. Discover the original facilities and learn about each stage of production, from hand-picking to processing, much of it organic. A snack and coffee will be served on site. Back in Minca, enjoy a short guided tour followed by free time to explore this charming mountain village, renowned for its cool climate, rich biodiversity, and appeal to nature lovers. Finally, return to the port and your ship. 

• This excursion includes approximately 600 meters (about 650 yards) of walking, with a few steps. Wear comfortable shoes and protecting yourself from the sun.
• A minimum number of participants is required for this excursion to operate. If this number is not reached, an alternative excursion will be offered. 

A splendid harbor city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical center whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-colored façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighborhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th century civil wars.

Included Excursions
Cartagena: A Historic Treasure of the Caribbean
Duration : 4h45
With its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture, Cartagena is like an open-air museum, which has earned it its spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Your excursion will begin with a visit of the San Felipe de Barajas fortress, an imposing structure located just outside the ramparts of the old town. You can have the opportunity to explore the inside of this impressive fortification before heading to the heart of the city. The city is encircled by a dozen or so miles of stone walls, whose construction was spread out over 194 years. Then, discover the open-air museum that is the city of Cartagena. Stroll around and admire the magnificent churches, the picturesque squares and the cafés which seem to remain stuck in the 16th century. A guide will lead you through your stroll around the cobblestoned streets, providing you with precious information about the history of Cartagena. Savor a delicious tasting of Colombian coffee. After this walk, visit the town’s historic museum, also known by the name of the Palace of the Inquisition, where you can discover the first acts of the Holy Office of the Inquisition. Take advantage of some free time to do some shopping before returning aboard the ship.

• This excursion involves walking around 900 meters (2,953 feet) on cobblestoned streets with some stairs. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes.

Canoe Immersion in the Mangrove
Duration : 3h00
Join local fishermen in traditional canoes to explore the Cueva del Manglar mangrove forest and experience the unspoilt nature, tropical birds and living traditions. Your excursion will begin with a 45-minute coach journey. On arrival, an instructor will go through the safety instructions before taking you out onto the calm waters of the mangrove forest for an hour. From your canoe, you may get the chance to spot beautiful tropical birds such as the kingfishers, white herons and pelicans that thrive in this protected ecosystem. Back on dry land, enjoy some refreshments and a show inspired by local folklore.

• This excursion involves a little walking on uneven surfaces with a few steps to negotiate. It is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring mosquito repellent and sun protection. Local wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Refreshments are included.  
• Please note that the canoe excursion requires the mandatory wearing of a life jacket. 
• A minimum number of participants is required for this excursion to take place. If the required minimum number of participants is not reached, an alternative option will be offered to you. 

Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometers offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Guna community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.

Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.