Licensed Member of CLIA ~ Cruise Line International Association
Destination - Panama Canal
Sail through this $350 million man-made wonder en route to
fascinating countries like
Costa Rica
and
Aruba
.
This Central American canal, completed by the
United States
in 1914, allows ships to travel between the Pacific and
Atlantic
Oceans
without traveling around
South America
. The canal consists of artificially created lakes, channels and a series of
locks, or water-filled chambers, that raise and lower ships through the
mountainous terrain of central
Panama
.
The entire trip through the canal takes between eight and
10 hours. About 14,000 ships, 400,000 crewmembers, and 300,000 passengers
traveled through the canal in 1995. Each ship that travels through the canal
pays a toll based on its capacity. One exception is Richard Halliburton, who
paid 36 cents for swimming the canal in 1928.
One advantage to cruising the
Panama Canal
is its proximity to so many countries. Ships often stop in
South America
,
Costa Rica
,
Nicaragua
,
Guatemala
and
Mexico
, so cruisers often have opportunities to embark upon fascinating shore
excursions in diverse regions.
Getting Around
Getting lost is a problem in itself, but getting lost
amidst Central America's mountains, caves, volcanoes and jungles is more than
possible - which is why guides on a Panama Canal cruise are indispensable.
Resourceful cruisers might be comfortable roaming within a
city and visiting sights that don't require extensive travel. However, even
cultural attractions shopping districts are located in unfamiliar outskirts, and
any escapade that takes a reasonable distance away from the docked ship should
involve a guide.
Sports Excursions
Learn to snorkel on the waters of La Entrega beach, one
of the most beautiful beaches in
Santa Cruz
Huatulco
,
Mexico
.
Deep-sea
fish for exotic catches of dorado, marlin and sailfish off the coast of
Guatemala
.
Take the helm as you sail past some of the most
splendid bays of
Huatulco
,
Mexico
with the daunting Sierra Madre mountains serving as a breathtaking backdrop.
Adventure Expeditions
Horseback
ride along rugged beaches and off-the beaten path trails on the Isla de
Margarita,
Venezuela
.
Hike
through Aruba's
Guadirikiri
Caves
, mysterious caverns that contain stalactites and ancient drawings.
Board
an all-terrain 4x4 and trek to remote fishing communities in
Macanao
,
Venezuela
.
Nature Trips
Explore
Costa Rica
's Carara, a biological reserve with rich vegetation and astounding
wildlife, including monkeys, macaws, toucans, sloths, butterflies and
reptiles.
Navigate
the Isla de Margarita's Tropical Labyrinth, a fascinating garden of tropical
plants arranged in unique naturally appearing patterns.
Witness
Venezuela
's
Angel
Falls
, the highest waterfall in the world (3,212 feet), and view the surrounding
Tepuys
Table
Mountains
, the oldest geological formations on the planet.
Cultural Attractions
Visit
the Murano Glass Factory in
Caracas
,
Venezuela
and see artisans craft molten glass into imaginative figures.
Travel
to the land of the modern Maya near
Lake
Atitlan
in
Guatemala
, and pass through villages of great heritage and witness the inhabitants'
contemporary lifestyle.
Journey to Puerto Quetzal's Ingenio Santa Ana, one of
the largest sugar cane mills in
Guatemala
, and learn how cane is sown, grown and harvested.
Historical
Tours
Experience
Cartagena
,
Columbia
, a preferred target for pirates until a constructed fortress made it the
most impenetrable city of the
Spanish Main
.
Encounter
the famed Mayan ruins of
Tikal
in
Guatemala
, including the
Great
Plaza
, the Central Acropolis and the North Acropolis.
Discover
Granada
's elegant Spanish churches, which have survived centuries of wars,
invasions and erosion.
Wildlife Interaction
Observe
an equestrian show performed by the
Spanish
Pureblood
Horse
School
in
San Juan
Del Sur
,
Nicaragua
.
Embark
on a bird watching eco-tour through the trails of the
Copalita
River
in
Mexico
and view orioles, woodpeckers, egrets, falcons, hummingbirds, seagulls and
hawks.
Tour
Willemstad
,
Curacao
's unique ostrich farm and encounter the world's largest bird.
Shopping Districts
Purchase
ceramics, leather, carvings, paints, textiles, art and other mementos at the
Indian Market in
San Juan
Del Sur
,
Nicaragua
.
Uncover
artistic treasures in Masaya, known as the birthplace of
Nicaragua
's best painters, artists and craftspeople.
Shop in Bocagrande,
Columbia
, a residential area famous for emerald, handicraft and leather shops.
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