Exotic Panama Canal Cruise
Topic: Tour CalendarOctober 8 to 24, 2007
This is the cruise experience that you've been waiting for!
Join Merlyn and Dorothy on an amazing cruise that features seven exotic ports plus an unforgettable journey through the legendary Panama Canal. Your vacation begins with a pre-cruise night in Hermosa Beach, followed by 15 nights on the luxurious Island Princess as you sail from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale. Delightful and exciting ports await... Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Corinto, Costa Rica, Cartegena, Aruba, Montego Bay... plus the amazing Panama Canal. And what better way to relax than those leisurely days at sea. Space on this cruise will go quickly, so sign up early!
Day 1 ~ Monday, October 8 - Departure, Welcome to California
Your exotic Panama Canal experience begins with a flight from Des Moines (or your gateway city) to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel in Hermosa Beach for a one-night stay. The balance of your day is "at leisure." Hermosa Pier and the beach are a short walk or you may want to relax on the hotel's sun deck!
Day 2 ~ Tuesday, October 9 - Board Your Ship
After a leisurely continental breakfast at the hotel, it will be time to transfer to the pier and board your ship. The elegant Island Princess will be your home for the next 15 nights...so relax and unpack!
Day 3 ~ Wednesday, October 10 to Friday, October 12 - Wonderful Days at Sea
Imagine three glorious days at sea...what a perfect way to settle into "vacation mode" and let your everyday stresses slip away! Each day brings new discoveries as you explore the ship. Be sure to read your daily Princess Patter for each day's activities—a ScholarShip@Sea program, yoga class, tour of the galley, specials at the Lotus Spa, or a fun game of bridge. You can be as active or relaxed as you want... after all, it's your vacation!
Day 4 ~ Saturday, October 13 - Huatulco, Mexico
This small beach and fishing village is a tropical gem with crystalline waters, coral reefs and uncrowded beaches. Inland, the rugged coast range is thickly carpeted with lush rain forests and verdant coffee plantations. Because Huatulco is still relatively young as a tourist destination, it is less developed than other places on the Mexican Riviera. For an unforgettable adventure, go in search of the secret coves and hidden lagoons within the nine bays that form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco.
Day 5 ~ Sunday, October 14 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Located in the northernmost part of Central America, Guatemala boasts 37 volcanoes, a rich Mayan heritage and one of the best-preserved colonial cities (Antigua). The charming port city of Puerto Quetzal is home to the beautiful, iridescent Quetzal bird—sacred to the ancient Mayan people who once ruled over this land. Perhaps you will choose to visit beautiful Lake Atitlan (framed by three volcanoes) or one of the Coffee Plantations to learn how these beans are grown, picked, and processed.
Day 6 ~ Monday, October 15 - Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest nation in Central America, with stunning landscapes, vast cultural treasures, and an intriguing history. Here you will find something for even the most seasoned traveler—from touring the capital of Managua with its beautiful central square to strolling the cobblestone streets of colonial Granada to visiting the wonderful churches and browsing small shops in Puerto Corinto.
Day 7 ~ Tuesday, October 16 - Putarenas, Costa Rica
Uniquely situated between two oceans and two continents, Costa Rica is a country without equal. Its tropical landscape of rain forests, pasturelands, lush coffee plantations, and white sand coastlines is set against a backdrop of majestic mountains rising as high as 13,000 feet, which is why many consider it the Switzerland of Central America. Nature lovers will want to visit the Carara Biological Reserve, a paradise for rare tropical birds where a dozen species of hummingbirds can be seen. Another special experience is a hike in the pristine Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve.
Day 8 ~ Wednesday, October 17 - At Sea
After four days exploring such exciting ports of call, a day at sea is a welcome change of pace! Remember that tomorrow is a very special day... we'll traverse the magnificent Panama Canal.
Day 9 ~ Thursday, October 18 - Panama Canal
Today we'll experience an epic destination—from the natural beauty of the jungle and Gatun Lake to the engineering splendor of the Canal itself. Imagine the thrill as the mammoth gates on the first lock close and water pours in, raising the 92,000-ton ship effortlessly! Onboard experts will provide fascinating information about the Canal plus shore excursions will bring you closer to the wonders of this amazing "eighth wonder of the world."
Day 10 ~ Friday, October 19 - Cartegena, Columbia
A world heritage site, Cartegena was founded by Spanish conquerors and is considered by many to be South America's most magical city. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. The downtown area is home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, and the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) is located in the San Diego region and the Getsemaní neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.
Day 11 ~ Saturday, October 20 - Aruba
The Dutch influence still lingers on Aruba as it was part of the Netherlands' Antilles until 1986. This balmy Caribbean island is a study in contrasts—from its arid interior, dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees to the secluded coves and sandy beaches that form its coast. Aruba's long and colorful heritage is also reflected in its dialect—called Papiamento—a combination of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and English. Two "must sees" are the capital Oranjestad, with its colorful Dutch-colonial buildings and the massive diorite boulders that make up the Casibari rock formation.
Day 12 ~ Sunday, October 21 - At Sea
It's time for another luxurious day to explore the wonders of your beautiful ship and enjoy the attention of your excellent Princess staff... they love to make you feel pampered. Perhaps you'll enjoy more shipboard activities or maybe just a relaxing afternoon with a good book.
Day 13 ~ Monday, October 22 - Montego Bay, Jamaica
The Jamaican people call this mountainous beach community of mangrove wetlands "MoBay." Flowering trees and a turquoise sea combine with the colorful, lively reggae culture to create a feast for the senses. Jamaica's spirit is reflected in the art, cuisine, and architecture of the island, where bird watching, water sports, golf, music festivals, and river rides all add to the good vibes. If you choose to visit Croydon Plantation, you will learn about honey and pineapple cultivation, coffee growing, and sample different varieties of fruit.
Day 14 ~ Tuesday, October 23 - A Final Day At Sea
It's hard to believe that your wonderful vacation is drawing to a close. Today you'll have time to recall all of the exotic ports you've experienced and indulge in another relaxing day aboard the Island Princess. Don't forget to save some time for packing your special treasures, for tomorrow morning we arrive in Florida.
Day 15 ~ Wednesday, October 24 - Ft. Lauderdale, Return Home
This morning our ship docks in Ft. Lauderdale... it's time to disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flights home. Merlyn and Dorothy hope your Exotic Panama Canal Cruise has been a truly remarkable experience!
| CONTACT US: for more information regarding this tour or to have the brochure mailed to you |
| FAQ: Frequently asked questions about joining a Witte Tour |
| DOWNLOAD: the brochure and application form (Adobe PDF) |
