PonantER190227
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Date
2027-02-19
Duration
7 nights
Departure Port
Puntarenas
Costa Rica
Arrival Port
Colon
Panama
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Lapérouse
Explorer
Launched
2017
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Puntarenas
Depart 20:00
Puntarenas is Costa Rica's historic Pacific port, a narrow peninsula reaching into the Gulf of Nicoya where nineteenth-century maritime heritage meets vibrant marine life, signature street food like the iconic *churchill* shaved ice, and easy access to Tortuga Island, cloud forests, and world-class whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas for both shore excursions and gulf crossings, making it the ideal window for cruise itineraries calling at this authentically Costa Rican gateway.
Day 2
Day 2
Quepos
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
Quepos is a laid-back Pacific coast town serving as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse reserves, where monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws share pristine beaches and dense rainforest. Must-dos include hiking the park’s trails, sampling fresh ceviche and Pacific seafood, and sportfishing for sailfish and marlin. December through April offers the driest weather, though the green season brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Day 3
Day 3
At Sea
Day 4
Day 4
Darién National Park
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Darién National Park is 579,000 hectares of impenetrable rainforest at the Panama-Colombia border, where North and South American wildlife overlap in one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, home to harpy eagles, jaguars, and the indigenous Emberá people. Must-dos include birdwatching for harpy eagles, visiting an Emberá riverside community, and experiencing primary tropical forest on guided treks. Visit December to April during the drier season.
Day 5
Day 5
Fuerte Amador
Arrive 07:00Depart 23:59
Fuerte Amador is Panama City's cruise gateway on the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, offering front-row views of the world's most important shipping lane and access to the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo old quarter. Must-do experiences include watching ships transit the Miraflores Locks, exploring colonial plazas, and tasting ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos. December through April's dry season offers the most pleasant weather.
Day 6
Day 6
At Sea
Day 7
Day 7
San Blas Islands
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.
Day 8
Day 8
Colon
Arrive 07:00
Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.
Day 1
Puntarenas
Depart 20:00
Puntarenas is Costa Rica's historic Pacific port, a narrow peninsula reaching into the Gulf of Nicoya where nineteenth-century maritime heritage meets vibrant marine life, signature street food like the iconic *churchill* shaved ice, and easy access to Tortuga Island, cloud forests, and world-class whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas for both shore excursions and gulf crossings, making it the ideal window for cruise itineraries calling at this authentically Costa Rican gateway.
Day 2
Quepos
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
Quepos is a laid-back Pacific coast town serving as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse reserves, where monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws share pristine beaches and dense rainforest. Must-dos include hiking the park’s trails, sampling fresh ceviche and Pacific seafood, and sportfishing for sailfish and marlin. December through April offers the driest weather, though the green season brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Day 3
At Sea
Day 4
Darién National Park
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Darién National Park is 579,000 hectares of impenetrable rainforest at the Panama-Colombia border, where North and South American wildlife overlap in one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, home to harpy eagles, jaguars, and the indigenous Emberá people. Must-dos include birdwatching for harpy eagles, visiting an Emberá riverside community, and experiencing primary tropical forest on guided treks. Visit December to April during the drier season.
Day 5
Fuerte Amador
Arrive 07:00Depart 23:59
Fuerte Amador is Panama City's cruise gateway on the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, offering front-row views of the world's most important shipping lane and access to the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo old quarter. Must-do experiences include watching ships transit the Miraflores Locks, exploring colonial plazas, and tasting ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos. December through April's dry season offers the most pleasant weather.
Day 6
At Sea
Day 7
San Blas Islands
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.
Day 8
Colon
Arrive 07:00
Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
1
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
4
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival.
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm).
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm).
A bathroom with shower.
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs.
A panoramic sliding bay window.
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa bed convertible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm) or a single bed (80 x 190 cm) , armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Baleno bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed, and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 45 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and lounge corner with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Suite
10
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Suite
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
12
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge corner with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
13
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
D
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
View Details
Prestige stateroom Deck 4
Balcony
7
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or panoramic swing door
View Details
Prestige stateroom Deck 5
Balcony
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or panoramic swing door
View Details
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Balcony
9
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
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