Watching as our ship navigates the Panama Canal, one of the world’s great waterways.
Exploring Costa Rica’s national parks - gushing waterfalls, volcanoes and an abundance of wildlife.
Visiting Puerto Vallarta and its well-preserved colonial-era charm.
Summary
Sailing along the Panama Canal isn’t all about magnificent locks; its construction also included vast lakes that have since grown into successful sanctuaries for hundreds of animal and plant species. On this cruise we’ll sail from Florida to California by way of the Canal itself, calling at fascinating stops as we go. The Dutch island of Aruba in the sparkling Caribbean is first, before a number of Central American treasures including wildlife-rich Costa Rica and the colonial wonders of Puerto Vallarta.
Your holiday includes:
2 excursions and visits
City tours of Miami and San Diego
Plus:
1 night in hotel, 17 nights cruise on Zaandam and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Miami. On arrival, we’ll be met by a local guide and transfer to our hotel in Hollywood, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hollywood Beach (4-star)
Day 2 - Miami - Fort Lauderdale
We travel to Miami for a coach tour, before making our way to Fort Lauderdale to embark our ship, Zaandam. We set sail this afternoon.
City tour of Miami (morning)
Zaandam (4-star)
Days 3-4 - At sea
Two days to settle in to ship life. Choose to relax, maybe in a comfortable coffee house, as we sail southwards.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 5 - Oranjestad, Aruba
The windswept Dutch island of Aruba feels like another world. Spend the day wandering the town painted in Caribbean pastels. Take a submarine adventure. Relax in the shade of a swaying Divi Divi tree on a pristine beach, or explore untamed coastal cliffs in an exotic landscape filled with cacti.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 6 - At sea
You’re free for the day, to do as you wish. Maybe spoil yourself with a massage or other treats at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 7 - Panama Canal Transit - Fuerte Amador, Panama (overnight)
Relax on board as we navigate ‘one of the seven wonders of the modern world’, taking in the sights of colonial towns and historic fortresses, and the sounds of the rainforest. Hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds thrive along the length of the canal. We reach Fuerte Amador this evening.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 8 - Fuerte Amador
Sitting on the edge of the Panama Canal, a day in Fuerte Amador allows you to learn of the engineering marvel at the Miraflores Visitor Centre. Jump in a taxi to Panama City and wander through this conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a rural escape, embark on a journey to the tropical rainforests of Soberanía National Park, or to meet Emberá tribespeople in their traditional village.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 9 - At sea
As we sail north, you’re free to do as you please. If you fancy some sophisticated dining, then head to The Dining Room.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 10 - Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica
The city of Puerto Caldera is within easy reach of magnificent national parks. You can search for scarlet macaws in Carara, view the world’s largest active volcano; explore the limestone caves of Barra Honda or search for rare orchids in Tapanto. Wherever you go, be sure to take binoculars - spectacular flora, countless colourful birds, and creatures of all shapes and sizes inhabit these vast jungles, including agouti, sloths, the endangered Geoffroy's Spider Monkey and poison dart frogs.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 11 - Corinto, Nicaragua
Between the volcanic peaks and pristine beaches that shape Nicaragua, lay mangrove forests, great lakes, geothermal hot springs and fields of sugar cane from which premium local rum is created. Spend your day in Puerto Corinto, a small town bursting with authentic flavour, or discover Mayan artefacts at the archaeological museum.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 12 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Your choice of excursion could take you on a journey past magnificent volcanos, cattle farms and sugar cane plantations, or to savour one of the freshest cups of coffee you've ever had at a coffee estate. Visit the Jade Museum and Factory in Antigua, the colonial capital. Or explore the substantial ruins of Iximché, the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom, to learn of Mayan rituals and cosmology.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 13 - Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
In addition to visiting the coffee, banana and cacao plantations of the area, day trips include excursions to Mayan sites such as Izapa, the region's most influential cultural and commercial centre some 2,000 years ago. Board a six-person boat to explore natural mangrove streams and lagoons populated by turtles and birds. Or admire over 125 different ornamental flowers at a plantation.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 14 - Huatulco
Huatulco is known for its beautiful bays and beaches. Spend today relaxing on the sun-drenched coastline, with the jagged Sierra Madre Mountains as a striking backdrop; or maybe go in search of the 225 species of local birdlife that call this region home.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 15 - At sea
Enjoy recent-release films as we sail onwards.
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 16 - Puerto Vallarta
Once a small fishing village, Puerto Vallarta became an enticing destination for the artists, writers and Hollywood stars of the 1960s. Explore the old town’s quirky shops and open markets. Snorkel in Los Arcos National Marine Park.
Zaandam (4-star)
Days 17-18 - At sea
Zaandam (4-star)
Day 19
San Diego, USA - In flight
We reach San Diego this morning. We’ll disembark and enjoy a tour of the city, before transferring to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.
City tour of San Diego (morning)
In flight
Day 20 UK
Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Visa is not included, please call for details
Please note: A tour manager isn’t included on the cruise. Your ship’s expert crew will be available instead.