Tropical Expedition 
New Year's Cruise 
Deluxe Stateroom
5% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
A Tropical Odyssey in Central America
Belize City - Colón
Dates:
28/12/2023
to
7/1/2024
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you to board Le Dumont-d’Urville for a brand-new 11-day expedition cruise departing from Belize City, discovering lush landscapes, stunning shores and the cultural riches of Central America.
You will discover Placencia, which exudes Afro-Caribbean atmosphere in a preserved Eden, between houses in shimmering hues, sublime beaches leading into the Caribbean Sea and its lagoon, a real sanctuary for wildlife including sheltering manatees, dolphins and saltwater crocodiles.
The next port of call will be Santo Tomás de Castilla. From there, you will be able to discover the palaces, pyramids and sanctuaries of the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next comes the idyllic scenery of Roatán and Corn Island, hidden Caribbean jewels. Their magnificent fine sandy beaches bathed in turquoise water invite you to enjoy a fine interlude of relaxation, swimming or snorkelling.
Le Dumont-d’Urville will set sail for Puerto Limón, from where you will be able to access Tortuguero National Park, renowned among other things for its canals, which are rich in biodiversity and are nicknamed ‘the Amazon of Costa Rica’. Exploring Cahuita National Park will also promise memorable encounters with varied and exuberant fauna.
Near the border, the Bocas del Toro Archipelago is home to Panama’s first national marine park and the mangrove-covered islands seem to almost float on the Caribbean’s turquoise waters. Discover the idyllic landscapes and their rich biodiversity while enjoying the lush surrounds. The islands are also popular for their preserved beaches, sublime stretches of opaline sand lined with coconut trees.
Finally, your ship will set sail for Colón that you will reach at the end of a wonderful cruise.
Ref : EU281223
Your itinerary
A brand-new expedition cruise to discover the natural and cultural treasures of six countries of Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Celebrate the New Year...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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L'AUSTRAL
28/6/2023 to the 12/7/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
L'AUSTRAL
10/8/2023 to the 26/8/2023
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
11/9/2023 to the 5/10/2023
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new expedition cruise to discover the natural and cultural treasures of six countries of Central America: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
- Celebrate the New Year aboard and enjoy unforgettable moments in an idyllic setting.
- New ports of call: Placencia, Roatán and Bocas del Toro.
- An encounter with the Garifuna people descended from a mix of freed slaves and Caribbean and Arawak people, and their cultural traditions.
- The possibility of meeting the largest indigenous community of Panama, the Ngöbe-Buglé, and discovering their cultural traditions.
- Landscapes: palm-fringed beaches, blue lagoons, heavenly islands, mangroves, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, rich seabed, rivers, canals.
- Wildlife: howler monkeys, white-headed monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines, multicoloured fish, tropical birds including the toucan, green ibis, frigate bird, yellow-crowned night-heron and the boat-billed heron.
Ports of Call & Excursions
28 December 2023 - Belize City
Embarkation 28/12/2023 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 28/12/2023 at 6:00 pm
Belize City is the former capital and the country’s largest town. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this lively little town symbolises the fusion of British, Spanish and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it’s also the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture: in the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites await you. Another unmissable experience: a trip to the mouth of the Belize River: with a little luck and care, you’ll get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas and many aquatic bird species.
29 December 2023 - Placencia
Arrival 29/12/2023
Departure 29/12/2023
Placencia beckons travellers with the opalescence of its idyllic beaches and the blue hues of the Caribbean Sea that edges it. Lying in the south of Belize, in the Stann Creek District, this former fishing village exudes an Afro-Caribbean atmosphere in an unspoiled paradise combining brightly-coloured traditional houses and enchanting scenery. A veritable nature sanctuary both on land and at sea, Placencia has become an increasingly popular eco-destination in the Caribbean, particularly with diving and marine life enthusiasts. Its stunning lagoon is home to manatees, saltwater crocodiles and dolphins, among others, as well as numerous species of tropical fish.
30 December 2023 - Santo Tomás de Castilla
Arrival 30/12/2023
Departure 30/12/2023
A port city located in the north-east of Guatemala, on the coast of the Amatique Bay, Santo Tomás de Castilla offers exceptional access to the fabulous Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this place takes you back in time, deep into a décor of ruins and vestiges from the 8th century.
31 December 2023 - Water Caye, Isla Utila
Arrival 31/12/2023
Departure 31/12/2023
The Bay Islands archipelago is home to stunning cays, sheltered coral islets with warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Off the island of Utila, the white-sand beaches lined with palms and coconut trees and the reefs of the deserted islet called Water Caye offer a picture-postcard setting that will delight fans of swimming and snorkelling.
1 January 2024 - Roatán
Arrival 1/1/2024
Departure 1/1/2024
North of Honduras, off the coast of La Ceiba, lies the island of Roatan, a slice of paradise. Edged with immaculate beaches where palm trees bend gently with the wind, topped with colonial stilt houses built from wood, and covered in lush vegetation home to an exceptionally rich biodiversity, Roatan will transport you to a veritable Eden swaying to the local Caribbean rhythms. Renowned for its proximity to the largest reef in the Caribbean Sea, the island that was once the lair of many pirates in the 17th century has become, over the centuries, a favourite destination of diving enthusiasts, who travel there to observe the exceptional marine biodiversity where tropical fish weave in and out of colourful corals.
2 January 2024 - At sea
Arrival 2/1/2024
Departure 2/1/2024
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 centre. 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.
3 January 2024 - Corn Island
Arrival 3/1/2024
Departure 3/1/2024
A little slice of paradise lying off the coast of Nicaragua, in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Corn Islands are an invitation to leisure as well as exploration. The long white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms promise enjoyable moments of relaxation while the hills, covered with thick tropical forest, and the surrounding turquoise waters, teeming with life, will delight hikers and divers. Countless multicoloured fish, nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks, rays and barracudas can be seen in the sumptuous coral reefs and underwater caves.
4 January 2024 - Puerto Limón
Arrival 4/1/2024
Departure 4/1/2024
We’re pretty sure the little coastal town of Puerto Limón will completely win your heart. It is located on the Caribbean sea. Just beyond the harbour, Playa Bonita creek opens its arms to a haven of beauty rimmed by clear blue waters and shaded by giant peach-palms. If you wish to explore the lush green areas in the town, it’s worth taking a stroll through the lemon groves that give Puerto Limón its name. You’ll have all the time in the world to mosey around the streets scattered with multicoloured wooden makeshift stalls. These makeshift bars with their raffia roofs offer fresh juices blended just for you.
5 January 2024 6 January 2024 - Bocas del Toro
Arrival 5/1/2024
Departure 6/1/2024
Heavenly stretches of beach with opalescent sand, virgin rainforest, traditional houses in flamboyant colours... the Bocas del Toro Archipelago welcomes you in a gentle, typically Caribbean atmosphere. Anchored to the north-west coast of Panama, this lush and wild Eden is composed of nine main islands surrounded by thousands of verdant islets. Boasting a rich biodiversity, this lost paradise is home to the only national marine park in Panama: Isla Bastimentos. This stunning reserve protects an exceptional marine ecosystem composed of a rich coral reef and more than 200 species of colourful fish.
7 January 2024 - Colón
Arrival 7/1/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 7/1/2024 at 7:00 am
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.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
COLONIAL PANAMA AND MIRAFLORES LOCKS
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Colon/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative. You will depart by coach for a sightseeing tour of Panama City.
You will be taken first to Miraflores locks where you will experience the so-called ‘Eighth Wonder of the world. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
You will then visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.
Lunch included.
Then, discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in the peninsula of Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, the “Casco Antiguo” became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by the French colonialists, the Catholic Church, and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$390
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
PANAMA CITY, ITS CANAL AND ITS CULTURAL HERITAGE (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, the natural beauties and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Colón/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h30 drive).
You will be taken a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the orquiderarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Enjoy wonderful views of the Chagres River during lunch.
You will then make your way back to Panama City. Before arriving at the Hilton 5* hotel, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.
Check-in your room.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - Panama City
Check-out.
You will depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
Your tour will continue to the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.
Lunch included.
Discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. You will also visit the Interoceanic Canal Museum.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Bay View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on Day 1.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Contact of your hotel:
Hilton Hotel
Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia
Panama City, PANAMA
Telephone: + 507 280 8000
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$870
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.