Panama to Aruba

Arrive in Balboa, the Pacific gateway of the Panama Canal. Embark on the tall-ship vessel. Stroll along the marina lined with yachts and American colonial architecture. Settle into cabin, enjoy dinner aboard, and prepare for the canal transit ahead.

Transiting the Panama Canal offers a firsthand view of one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements. This journey through the Isthmus of Panama links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via a sophisticated system of locks and channels. As ships rise and descend through the canal’s lock chambers, guests witness an intricate process highlighting technological precision and human innovation. The route passes through lush tropical scenery, showcasing Panama’s natural beauty while underscoring the canal’s critical role in global commerce. It’s an essential travel experience that blends education, history, and striking landscapes.

Portobelo is a historic town renowned for its colonial charm, rich maritime history, and picturesque harbor. Once a major Spanish port, Portobelo is dotted with well-preserved forts, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Lorenzo Castle, which stands as a testament to its strategic importance.

The vivid colors of the San Blas Islands are undoubtedly the inspiration for the fanciful birds, fish, and animals in brilliant reds, oranges, blues and greens that decorate the intricately appliqued molas created by the indigenous Kuna women. Strung along the throat of Panama's dramatically beautiful Kuna Yala coast, the remoteness of these coral atolls protects an independent people who prize their communal culture with its rich oral history and artistic heritage. 

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library.

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the north coast of Colombia, Cartagena host a spectacular collection of buildings and massive fortifications dating from the early 1600's. The Fortresses were built to protect Cartagena from the pirates. City highlights include Saint Philip of Barajas Fortresses and the Fort Ferdinand Fort.

Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia. Its beautiful beaches are backed by the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Range. Tayrona National Park is a great place to explore ancient ruins amidst the lush mangrove forests. Enjoy a meal in one of the many cafes that serve meals that combine a fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and European flavors.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library.

Pink flamingoes, divi-divi trees, Papiamento, and the best diving in the Caribbean - You can only be in Bonaire. The blinding white salt flats of Bonaire were once marked by tallobelisks of red, white, blue and orange (the colors of the old Dutch flag) to guide mariners. Today they are marked by clouds of pink - enormous flocks (500 or more!) of fluttering flamingoes feasting on the orange brine shrimp that gives the flamingoes their unmistakable color.

The gabled houses and warehouses of Dutch colonial Willemstad march in tight formation along the entrance to St. Anna Bay, an incongrous vision of a tropical Amsterdam where the floating market sells mangoes and papayas instead of tulips. In Curacao's interior cunucu, a few Dutch landhauis or farm owners still wrest a living by ranching on the near-desert soil.

Bon boni means welcome in the local dialect, Papiamento, and it's universally understood by all who visit little Aruba. Just 15 miles from Venezuela, this almost independent nation still has a ceremonial Dutch Governor General. Once it depended on oil for income, but tourism is the new king. No wonder Aruba's endless beaches and spectacular diving are too tempting to pass up.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.