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Panama Canal & Central America (14 days)World / Long • 14 days

Panama Canal & Central America (14 days)

14 days • World / Long
🚢 Book this cruise — Princess Cruises · $1699
🧭 The trip
This 14-day voyage is the quintessential bucket-list experience for the discerning traveler, blending the marvel of 20th-century engineering with the lush, vibrant beauty of the tropics. Designed specifically for a relaxed pace, this itinerary prioritizes comfort and enrichment, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the sights without the rush of a hectic schedule. You will traverse the historic Panama Canal—a true marvel of the modern world—while enjoying the refined amenities of your ship. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean to the historic, colonial charm of Cartagena, every stop offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation. Whether you are attending a fascinating lecture on maritime history or sipping a local coffee on a balcony in Casco Viejo, this journey is crafted for those who value comfort, intellectual stimulation, and the sheer joy of discovery. It is a seamless, elegant passage through the heart of the Americas.

🗓️ Day by day — full guide

Day 1
Ft. Lauderdale, USA
⚓ Ft. Lauderdale, USA 📍 Full local guide →
Board; sunset sail along the Florida coast
🍽️Food: Enjoy a fresh Florida stone crab claw dinner at a waterfront bistro; it is easy to eat and a true local delicacy.
The Floridian RestaurantThe Floridian Restaurantℹ️
Casablanca CafeCasablanca Cafeℹ️
CoconutsCoconutsℹ️
👀See & do: Take a gentle stroll through the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens or a relaxing ride on the Jungle Queen Riverboat.
Jungle Queen RiverboatJungle Queen Riverboatℹ️
Bonnet House Museum & GardensBonnet House Museum & Gardensℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: The evening sail-away party on the upper deck features live jazz, providing the perfect soundtrack as you leave the coastline behind.
🎉
Las Olas Art Fair
📅 January and October
ℹ️
🎉
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
📅 Late October
ℹ️
🎉
Winterfest Boat Parade
📅 December
ℹ️
Day 2
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 3
Costa Maya, Mexico
⚓ Costa Maya, Mexico 📍 Full local guide →
Beach day or Mayan ruins visit
🍽️Food: Savor authentic cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish that is incredibly tender and mild in spice.
Malecón 21Malecón 21ℹ️
Tequila Beach ClubTequila Beach Clubℹ️
Capitán HookCapitán Hookℹ️
👀See & do: Explore the Chacchoben Mayan ruins on a guided, low-impact walking tour that stays on flat, well-maintained paths.
Chacchoben Mayan RuinsChacchoben Mayan Ruinsℹ️
Mahahual MaleconMahahual Maleconℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: Visit the port’s artisan market for local hand-woven textiles; the morning hours are quietest and most comfortable for browsing.
🎉
Carnival of Mahahual
📅 February
ℹ️
🎉
Independence Day
📅 September 16
ℹ️
🎉
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
📅 November 1-2
ℹ️
Day 4
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 5
Roatán, Honduras
⚓ Roatán, Honduras 📍 Full local guide →
Snorkeling or West Bay beach
🍽️Food: Try a baleada, a soft flour tortilla filled with mashed beans and mild cheese; it is a comforting, traditional Honduran staple.
The Beach Grill at West BayThe Beach Grill at West Bayℹ️
Cal's CantinaCal's Cantinaℹ️
Anthony's ChickenAnthony's Chickenℹ️
👀See & do: Visit the Carambola Botanical Gardens for a leisurely walk through lush, shaded trails filled with exotic orchids.
Carambola Botanical GardensCarambola Botanical Gardensℹ️
Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth HangoutDaniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangoutℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: The local craft market near the pier is vibrant and festive, often featuring local musicians playing soft island melodies.
🎉
Roatán International Fishing Tournament
📅 September
ℹ️
🎉
Island Roots Festival
📅 April
ℹ️
🎉
Christmas and New Year's Celebrations
📅 December
ℹ️
Day 6
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 7
Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
⚓ Puerto Limón, Costa Rica 📍 Full local guide →
Jungle cruise or sloth sanctuary
🍽️Food: Sample a cup of world-famous Costa Rican coffee, known for its smooth finish and rich, chocolatey notes.
Soda El PattySoda El Pattyℹ️
Restaurante SpringfieldRestaurante Springfieldℹ️
Marisqueria Black & WhiteMarisqueria Black & Whiteℹ️
👀See & do: The Sloth Sanctuary offers a slow-paced, educational look at these gentle creatures in a protected, accessible environment.
Parque VargasParque Vargasℹ️
Veragua Rainforest ParkVeragua Rainforest Parkℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: Check the port terminal for cultural dance performances showcasing traditional Limón Caribbean rhythms.
🎉
Limón Carnival
📅 October
ℹ️
🎉
Independence Day
📅 September 15
ℹ️
Day 8
Panama Canal Transit
⚓ Panama Canal Transit 📍 Full local guide →
Full day crossing — watch the locks from deck!
🍽️Food: Enjoy a themed 'Canal Crossing' buffet on deck, featuring Panamanian-style plantains and fresh tropical fruit.
Casco Viejo Restaurants (General Area)Casco Viejo Restaurants (General Area)ℹ️
The Dining Room at Hotel CentralThe Dining Room at Hotel Centralℹ️
Café UnidoCafé Unidoℹ️
👀See & do: Watch the ship navigate the Gatun Locks; find a comfortable chair on the promenade deck for the best vantage point.
Miraflores Visitor CenterMiraflores Visitor Centerℹ️
Amador CausewayAmador Causewayℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: The ship’s historian provides live narration throughout the transit, offering fascinating insights into the canal's complex operation.
🎉
Panama Canal Anniversary
📅 August 15
ℹ️
🎉
Dry Season (Summer)
📅 January to April
ℹ️
🎉
Independence from Spain
📅 November 28
ℹ️
Day 9
Panama City, Panama
⚓ Panama City, Panama 📍 Full local guide →
Casco Viejo old town walk
🍽️Food: Try a fresh ceviche from a local market stall; the citrus-marinated fish is light, refreshing, and very popular.
Casco Viejo Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos)Casco Viejo Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos)ℹ️
Café Coca-ColaCafé Coca-Colaℹ️
Manolo CaracolManolo Caracolℹ️
👀See & do: Explore the historic Casco Viejo district, where the flat, cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful colonial architecture.
Miraflores Visitor Center (Panama Canal)Miraflores Visitor Center (Panama Canal)ℹ️
Casco Viejo (Historic District)Casco Viejo (Historic District)ℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: Evening sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo offer a stunning view of the modern skyline meeting the historic district.
🎉
Panama Jazz Festival
📅 January
ℹ️
🎉
Carnival
📅 February or March
ℹ️
🎉
Founding of Panama City
📅 August 15
ℹ️
Day 10
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 11
Cartagena, Colombia
⚓ Cartagena, Colombia 📍 Full local guide →
Walled city & colorful balconies
🍽️Food: Savor an arepa de huevo, a crispy corn cake with a fried egg inside that is a beloved Colombian street food.
La VitrolaLa Vitrolaℹ️
Café del MarCafé del Marℹ️
El SantisimoEl Santisimoℹ️
👀See & do: Take a gentle horse-drawn carriage ride through the Walled City to see the vibrant balconies without needing to walk far.
Palace of the InquisitionPalace of the Inquisitionℹ️
San Pedro Claver Church and ConventSan Pedro Claver Church and Conventℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: The Plaza de Bolívar often hosts local street performers and musicians in the late afternoon, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
🎉
Hay Festival
📅 Late January
ℹ️
🎉
Cartagena International Music Festival
📅 Early January
ℹ️
🎉
Independence of Cartagena
📅 November 11
ℹ️
Day 12
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 13
At Sea
⚓ At Sea
Ship tours, enrichment lectures on canal history
🍽️Food: Indulge in the ship's refined afternoon tea service, featuring delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones.
👀See & do: Attend the guest lecturer’s presentation on the 'Path Between the Seas' to gain a deeper appreciation for the canal transit ahead.
🎉Events & evenings: The Captain’s Welcome Aboard reception is the highlight, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers over complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Day 14
Ft. Lauderdale, USA
⚓ Ft. Lauderdale, USA 📍 Full local guide →
Board; sunset sail along the Florida coast
🍽️Food: Enjoy a fresh Florida stone crab claw dinner at a waterfront bistro; it is easy to eat and a true local delicacy.
The Floridian RestaurantThe Floridian Restaurantℹ️
Casablanca CafeCasablanca Cafeℹ️
CoconutsCoconutsℹ️
👀See & do: Take a gentle stroll through the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens or a relaxing ride on the Jungle Queen Riverboat.
Jungle Queen RiverboatJungle Queen Riverboatℹ️
Bonnet House Museum & GardensBonnet House Museum & Gardensℹ️
🎉Events & evenings: The evening sail-away party on the upper deck features live jazz, providing the perfect soundtrack as you leave the coastline behind.
🎉
Las Olas Art Fair
📅 January and October
ℹ️
🎉
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
📅 Late October
ℹ️
🎉
Winterfest Boat Parade
📅 December
ℹ️

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