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Typical beachfront restaurant in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua

Costa Rica & Panama Canal: Panama City to San José

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Sea Cloud
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Explore a city with over a million inhabitants, paradise beaches, and national parks on this incredible 14-day cruise that transits the Panama Canal and makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Discover a phenomenally diverse range of unspoiled natural scenery, from rainforests, imposing volcanic scenes, and mysterious river banks to picturesque beaches and national marine parks. One of them, Coiba National Park, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Corcovado National Park, one of Costa Rica’s oldest rainforests, is located on the Pacific Peninsula of Osa. This park is home to roughly 400 species of birds and many other animals have been spotted roaming this forest.
Panama City's Bridge of the AmericasGatun Lock of the Panama CanalParadise callsAerial view of San Jose cityTypical beachfront restaurant in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Highlights
  • Sit back and relax on the picture-perfect beaches of Panama
  • Visit historic Granada, Nicaragua – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Refresh and prepare yourself for the New Year in the Caribbean
  • Enjoy Costa Rica's picture-perfect conservation areas and charming bays
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Colon, Panama | Embark

Arrive in Panama City and board the Sea Cloud. Attend dinner as the ship sets sail.

Day 2: Transit the Panama Canal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest part of Central America has been around for many hundreds of years, but from a technical perspective this tremendous achievement only became possible much later. The French took on the project in 1881, after the successful opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. But it would be more than 30 years before the canal was finally completed in 1914. This masterpiece of technology is just under 82 kilometers (50 miles) long, has 12 lock basins, and negotiates a difference in altitude of 26 meters (85 feet). The Panama Canal is one of the world's most important waterways and most spectacular ship canals.

Day 3: Islas de las Perlas, Panama

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy this day offshore, relaxing and taking in the smell of the fresh ocean breeze up on deck.

Day 5: Isla Coiba, Panama

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Coiba National Park covers the island of Coiba, the largest in the country, and 38 other smaller tiny islets. It is one of the world's largest marine national parks and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because the island broke off from the mainland around 15,000 years ago, a unique range of flora and fauna and an extraordinary variety of species are preserved here. Beautiful deserted beaches nestle up to the delightful turquoise sea.

Day 6: Golfito | Anchorage Casa Orqideas, Costa Rica

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 7: Punta Marenco, Costa Rica

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
One of the oldest rainforests in Costa Rica is on the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The impenetrable Corcovado National Park is home to jaguars, tapirs, pumas, ocelots, anteaters and around 400 species of birds. Some trees grow to 80 meters (262 feet) in height with trunks that are three meters (10 feet) thick. The time of explorers seeking the legendary gold of Eldorado in the untouched rainforest is over; today the many rare animal and plant species are the real treasure.

Day 8: Quepos, Costa Rica

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Quepos was a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it is a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 683 hectares and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis and raccoons, iguanas, many species of bird, and unique colorful butterflies have made this place their home.

Day 9: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the ship's luxurious amenities as it sails to Nicaragua.

Day 10: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The beautiful colonial city of Granada lies at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano and on the western bank of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America with its own archipelago of around 300 islands. The country's oldest town, it was founded by the Spanish in 1524. It was often attacked by pirates in colonial times due to its growing wealth as one of the most important trading places. This important historic legacy has received special protection, and the place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city around the Parque Centrale is a magnificently restored treasure with its splendid Spanish facades, Cathedral, and monasteries.

Day 11-12: Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
On the weekends, the beaches of Playas del Coco are likely to be populated with young Ticos hoping to swim and catch some sun. Take a river trip through the jungle areas, rice fields, and sugar cane plantations and discover animals that are native to the shores of the Rio Corobici. Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of waterfowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America - almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.

Day 13: Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isla Tortuga is on the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It actually consists of two islands - Isla Tolinga and Isla Alcatraz, with the latter known as Tortuga. The turquoise ocean, blue sky, deep green palms, and white sandy beaches make "turtle island" a heavenly place to stop for a swim and its many fishes make it a colorful place for snorkeling.

Day 14: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and disembark after breakfast for your continued independent journeys.

Ship/Hotel

Sea Cloud

A beautiful view from the deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,895
A Category 5 cabin
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Category 5
These approx. 9.5 m2/102 sq ft cabins with their upper and lower single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) once accommodated the ship’s officers, and their original features exude a romantic charm. These cabins can be ventilated with fresh air both day and night as the cabin door leads directly to the Promenade Deck beneath the bridge.
A Category 4 cabin
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Category 4
These cabins are each approx. 10.5 m2/113 sq ft and located on the Promenade Deck. They are furnished similarly to Cat. 3 cabins.
A Category 3 Twin-Bed Cabin
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Category 3
Located on the Promenade Deck, each of these outside cabins also features panorama windows, a marble bathroom with a fitted shower and a substantially sized wardrobe. They are approx. 12.5 m2/135 sq ft in size with two single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm).
A Category 2 Twin-Bed Cabin
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Category 2
Each of these cabins features a marble bathroom with a fitted shower, two single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) which can be placed together, a substantially sized wardrobe and additional built-in storage space. Their location on the Captain’s and Lido Deck and their design, featuring two panorama windows, mean these approx. 13.5 m2/145 sq ft cabins feel extremely bright.
A deluxe Category 1 Cabin
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Category 1
These two double-bed cabins are located on the Captain’s and Lido Deck and feature unique corner panorama windows. Approx. 13 m2/140 sq ft in size, they offer a substantial wardrobe, a double bed with two mattresses (each 80 cm x 200 cm) and a spacious, elegant bathroom with a fitted shower.
Sea Cloud Category C Cabin
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Category C
Warm and bright tones dominate these approx. 18-20 m2/198-215 sq ft deluxe outside cabins fitted with a double bed (160 cm x 200 cm) The cabins feature a modern elegance, generous storage space and a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom.
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Category B
Main Deck. Portholes, two single beds or king bed with two separate mattresses, one or two chairs, nightstand, decorative marble fireplace, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with shower or tub.
The luxurious owner's cabin (Category A)
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Category A
Main Deck. Portholes, large double bed, two armchairs, antique nightstands, table or antique secretary, decorative marble fireplace, desk, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with tub and portholes.

Notes

Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gratuities
  • Port Fees
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Welcome champagne in the suite/stateroom
  • Daily fresh fruit basket in suite/stateroom
  • All coffee, tea specialties and soft drinks
  • Bottled water on the excursions
  • Fine wines from renowned winemakers
  • Open bar (except premium brands)
  • Beach barbecues in select destinations
  • Marina platform with use of water sports equipment such as snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and towable tube (weather permitting)
  • Laundry service in suites
  • Curated moments
  • All meals including nightly 4-course menu and a 5-course gala dinner
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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