Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands
Fort-de-France - Colón
Dates:
7/12/2026
to
19/12/2026
Other available dates
days
nights on board
In partnership with the magazine Le Point and with the exceptional presence of the writer Kamel Daoud and the journalist Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is as hypnotic as the panoramas provided by Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia. Further on are the stunning archipelagos of the Grenadines, like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, and San Blas, home to the Kuna people. In Panama and Colombia, lush mangroves and lively towns reveal themselves, between Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins.
Ref : ER071226
Your itinerary
Lectures by Kamel Daoud and Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, sharing their perspectives of history as a writer and a journalist. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the fortifications of Portobelo; the Pitons of Saint Lucia;...
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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LE BORÉAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE BELLOT
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
*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.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- 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
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.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- 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
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two Stars CMAS or PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Highlights
- Lectures by Kamel Daoud and Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, sharing their perspectives of history as a writer and a journalist.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the fortifications of Portobelo; the Pitons of Saint Lucia; Cartagena de Indias; and idyllic islands: San Blas, Mayreau (private beach), etc
- A few of the included excursions*: the Tayronaka ruins from Santa Marta; La Soufrière in Saint Lucia, etc.
*Included excursions can be pre-booked approximately two months prior to departure, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
7 December 2026 - Fort-de-France
Embarkation 7/12/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 7/12/2026 at 9:30 pm
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.
8 December 2026 - Marie-Galante
Arrival 8/12/2026 early morning
Departure 8/12/2026 evening
It is undoubtedly because Marie-Galante concentrates all the charms of the Caribbean into one island that it is today one of the most in-demand destinations in the region. “The island of 100 mills” or the “great galette” as it is sometimes known, in reference to the form of its 15 km diameter limestone plateau, is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean In Saint-Louis, you can take the time to bathe in its turquoise waters, relax under the palm trees and almond trees or stroll along the colourful streets of the village.
9 December 2026 - Pigeon Island Beach
Arrival 9/12/2026 early morning
Departure 9/12/2026 midday
Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.
9 December 2026 - Soufrière
Arrival 9/12/2026 early afternoon
Departure 9/12/2026 evening
Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, you will be able to enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, you can set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.
10 December 2026 - Union Island
Arrival 10/12/2026 early morning
Departure 10/12/2026 late afternoon
Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and endless coral reefs – Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of “the Tahiti of the West Indies” to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be “the best-kept secret in the Grenadines” -Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.
11 December 2026 - Mayreau Island
Arrival 11/12/2026 early morning
Departure 11/12/2026 late afternoon
Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you’d like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.
12 December 2026 - At sea
Arrival 12/12/2026
Departure 12/12/2026
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.
13 December 2026 - Bonaire
Arrival 13/12/2026 early morning
Departure 13/12/2026 late afternoon
Surrounded by a barrier reef and a marine sanctuary, Bonaire is a true paradise for divers. This peaceful and preserved little island is renowned all over the world for its coral reefs, which are directly accessible from the beach, providing a unique sensation of freedom. Discover magnificent marine fauna and flora while snorkelling or diving in its turquoise waters. The Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north of the island is home to many birds. It is the most important breeding site in the south Caribbean for the pink flamingo, the island’s emblematic animal.
14 December 2026 - At sea
Arrival 14/12/2026
Departure 14/12/2026
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.
15 December 2026 - Santa Marta
Arrival 15/12/2026 early morning
Departure 15/12/2026 early evening
Santa Marta, located in the north of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a seaside town dominated by the majestic Sierra Nevada. The highest coastal chain of mountains in the world, it is listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the diversity of its fauna and flora. At the heart of the first Spanish colony, you will discover the heritage of the Tairona, the largest indigenous civilisation in Colombia. The eponymous national park offers you sumptuous landscapes, combining lush tropical forest and beautiful fine sandy beaches edged with crystal-clear water. The archaeological heritage and the Pre-Columbian treasures of the region are a source of endless enchantment.
16 December 2026 - Cartagena
Arrival 16/12/2026 early morning
Departure 16/12/2026 evening
A splendid harbour city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical centre whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-coloured façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighbourhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th century civil wars.
17 December 2026 - San Blas Islands
Arrival 17/12/2026 early afternoon
Departure 17/12/2026 early evening
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.
18 December 2026 - Portobelo
Arrival 18/12/2026 early morning
Departure 18/12/2026 late afternoon
In the province of Colón, along the magnificent Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is located not far from the famous canal. Given its name of “beautiful port” by Christopher Columbus, who discovered it in 1502, this charming and peaceful bay was one of the most important ports for the shipping of precious metals from the New World to Spain. Don’t miss a visit to its fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has preserved the strong religious and cultural traditions of its colonial past, such as the veneration of the Black Christ and a strongly-rooted Afro-Caribbean culture. The Congo ceremonies retrace the story of Spanish domination over black slaves through traditional dances and music.
19 December 2026 - Colón
Arrival 19/12/2026
Disembarkation 19/12/2026 at 8:00 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 Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Art & Literature
Share exceptional moments and attend lectures by curators from national and international museums, as well as renowned figures from the world of culture — writers, actors, and philosophers. They share their passion through conferences and private visits, offering a unique opportunity to open yourself to new perspectives.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF FORT-DE-FRANCE
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Fort-de-France
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will be directly transferred to the pier for embarkation. The duration of the transfer is approximately 45 minutes.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer by coach from the airport to the port.
- Services of a local English-speaking hostess at the airport.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and hostess.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration of the transfer may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$80
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DISCOVER PANAMA CITY (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, to visit 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 1h drive).
You will first do 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 orchiderarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
You will continue your day with 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).
You will then 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 be transferred to the Hilton 5* hotel.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out at noon and day at leisure.
If you wish to vacate your room after the official check-out time, you can book a late check-out with your travel consultant as an option and at an additional cost; any on-site requests will be subject to hotel availability.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
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 Ocean View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 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.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on Day 1.
- The late check out on day 2
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.
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$790
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE OF PANAMA (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four 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 1h drive).
You will first do 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 sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch and a transfer to Panama City, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.
You will then be transferred to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will start your day with 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).
You will then 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. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop has a duration of 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.
Walk back to the hotel.
Time and dinner at leisure.
Day 3 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your day at 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 will be served at a local restaurant.
Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion.
The new Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new centre, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.
Way back to your hotel, time and dinner at leisure.
Day 4 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out and day at leisure.
If you wish to vacate your room after the official check-out time, you can book a late check-out with your travel consultant as an option and at an additional cost; any on-site requests will be subject to hotel availability.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.
Your programme includes:
- 3-nights accommodation in Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 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.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinners.
- Late check out on day 4.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.
- This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain, walking uphill in the Old Town.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300
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$2,560
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.