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Caribbean and Panama Canal

Enjoy island-hopping in the sun-drenched Caribbean, and a transit of the legendary Panama Canal on this superb expedition voyage from the Bahamas

Cruise Only
14 nights

Expedition Holiday
Nassau
Cockburn
Montego Bay
George Town, Cayman Islands
Panama Canal

Call us now on 01756 706500

This exciting expedition voyage begins with island-hopping in the Caribbean, taking in the best beaches and lagoons, and concludes with a transit of the famous Panama Canal.

From lively Nassau, a former pirate haven, cruise to the serene Inagua Islands which are home to hundreds of species of exotic birds including flamingos. Discover the incredible 18th and 19th-century architecture of sleepy Cockburn, embrace the slow pace of Port Antonio, and learn about the colonial history of Montego Bay.

Enjoy thrilling watersports or perhaps indulge in some duty-free shopping on George Town, capital of the Cayman Islands, before discovering the deserted golden beaches of Isla de Providencia, a hidden gem. Corn Island is dotted with colourful wooden houses and surrounded by pristine coral reefs, while Bocas del Toro is a stunning archipelago, nicknamed the 'Galapagos of the Caribbean'. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, turtles and monkeys.

More than 365 cayes, islands and reefs make up the idyllic San Blas Islands, inhabited by the Guna Yala Indians. Take in the outstanding natural beauty, before setting sail to the Panama Canal, a magnificent feat of engineering. Experience a transit and learn about the ingenuity of the lock's system firsthand.

NE566 Operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions

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Caribbean and Panama Canal Itinerary

Day 1 - Nassau (The Bahamas)

Embark your ship in Nassau.

Day 2 - At Sea

Enjoy a pleasant day at sea on the way to the Inagua Islands. The Expedition Team will begin their lecture series on the Caribbean. Spend time on deck looking for birds or other marine life following the ship’s wake. Make the most of the perfect climate and join a yoga workshop out on deck.

Day 3 - Inagua Islands

With 140 different species of exotic birds including over 80,000 flamingos, Inagua is a birdwatcher’s dream. The mangroves are also a natural habitat for nesting Hawkbill and Green sea turtles. Visit one of the three remaining kerosene-burning, hand-cranked lighthouses in The Bahamas or learn about the Island’s main industry, salt production, from the friendly locals.

Day 4 - Cockburn Town (Turks and Caicos)

As capitals go, few are as calm and quiet as Cockburn. The long, narrow streets are lined with old street lamps and 18th and 19th century British Bermudian architecture. The National Museum houses Taino artefacts and an exhibit of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest known European shipwreck in the Americas, dated 1505.

Day 5 - At Sea

Join the Expedition Team for interesting lectures, learn the basics of expedition photography, and spend time out on deck enjoying the fresh sea air as you scout for wildlife. Use the Science Center’s state-of-the-art microscopes to observe the tiniest creatures in samples taken during this voyage. Continue your yoga routine and unwind with guided meditation.

Day 6 - Port Antonio (Jamaica)

Once a beach escape for celebrities in the 1940s, this quiet town is tucked well away from Jamaica’s more touristic areas. With its makeshift markets and chatty street vendors, there is a romantic, slow-paced rhythm here. Trek to the stunning Reach Waterfall and famed Blue Lagoon or take a bamboo raft to the aptly named Monkey Island.

Day 7 - Montego Bay

Christopher Colombus first anchored here in 1494, calling it the “Gulf of Good Weather”. Today, it buzzes with locals and visitors out enjoying the beaches and exuberant eateries. Visit Rose Hall to learn about ‘Mobay’’s colonial history, explore hidden underground caves, or board a bamboo raft down the glistening Martha Brae River.

Day 8 - George Town (Cayman Islands)

There is an endless array of activities available in George Town. Go on a submarine tour, board a glass-bottom boat, go snorkelling, scuba-diving, parasailing, visit rum distilleries and art galleries, and of course, enjoy duty-free shopping and restaurants galore. The 19th century National Museum contains over 8,000 exhibits, including a 14-ft traditional handmade catboat.

Day 9 - At Sea

As we sail toward Central America, spend this sea day at your leisure. Take advantage of the many onboard facilities, relax and meditate in our yoga workshop, or join in on lectures as we recap our voyage.

Day 10 - Isla de Providencia (Colombia)

This tiny Colombian island in the Spanish Caribbean is a rare and unspoiled find off the grid. Tour the deserted golden beaches by buggy cart or go in search of pirate Henry Morgan’s hidden treasure. The diverse coral reefs are the centre point of UNESCO’s Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, and kaleidoscopic marine life inspires the above nickname.

Day 11 - Corn Island (Nicaragua)

Most of the Creole population live in colourful wooden houses on Great Corn, engaging in lobster fishing. Hike up Mount Pleasant Hill for views of the coves and stunning horseshoe bays. Pristine coral reefs surround both islands, tantalising snorkelers with the likes of barracudas, nurse sharks, hammerheads, green sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays.

Day 12 - Bocas del Toro (Panama)

Bocas del Toro is a stunning archipelago brimming with deserted sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, and lush rainforest. It is home to Panama's first National Marine Park and one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. This `Galápagos of the Caribbean´ supports wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, turtles, sloths, monkeys, and iguanas.

Day 13 - San Blas Islands

More than 365 cayes, islands and reefs make up the San Blas Islands. Only 49 are inhabited, exclusively by Guna Yala Indians, who protect their islands by only accepting ecologically friendly tourism and shunning mass market cruise ships. Try fresh red snapper with coconut rice and a Coco-Loco drink, before relaxing in a beach-side hammock.

Day 14 - Panama Canal

We enter the Panama Canal near the city of Colón. Experience the Canal transit and the ingenuity of the lock's system firsthand as MS Roald Amundsen is lifted over 26 metres above sea level, passing through man-made channels and lakes to eventually emerge in the Caribbean Ocean, effectively crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Day 15 - Panama City

Disembark your ship.

For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.

Price Includes

  • 14-night full board voyage in cabin grade of your choice
  • House beer and wine, sodas and mineral water with meals on board
  • Complimentary tea and coffee on board
  • A La Carte restaurant (for suite guests only)
  • Landings with Polarcirkel boats
  • English speaking Expedition Team on board
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Wind and water-resistant jacket

Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Luggage handling
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities (at guests' discretion)

Special Features

  • PLEASE NOTE: A vaccine against yellow fever is required. The vaccination must be done at least 10 days before departure. Please bring the vaccination certificate on your voyage.

Please contact us for the latest dates and prices

Call us now on 01756 706500

Map for Caribbean and Panama Canal