Colon (Panama)
Colon (Panama) 03/17/2023
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.,
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03/17/2023 |
03/17/2023 |
Portobelo
Portobelo 03/18/2023
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.,
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03/18/2023 |
03/18/2023 |
San Blas Islands
San Blas Islands 03/19/2023
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 kilometers offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long white-sand beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kuna Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.,
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03/19/2023 |
03/19/2023 |
Cartagena (Colombia)
Cartagena (Colombia) 03/20/2023
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-listed 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.,
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03/20/2023 |
03/20/2023 |
Santa Marta
Santa Marta 03/21/2023
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 civilization 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.,
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03/21/2023 |
03/21/2023 |
At Sea
At Sea 03/22/2023
During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.,
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03/22/2023 |
03/22/2023 |
Bonaire
Bonaire 03/23/2023
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.,
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03/23/2023 |
03/23/2023 |
At Sea
At Sea 03/24/2023
During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.,
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03/24/2023 |
03/24/2023 |
St. George's, Grenada
St. George's, Grenada 03/25/2023
Delicately set in the curve of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George's lively commercial fishing harbour is especially colourful when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands and when all the little fishing boats return from their day out at sea. This "spice island" capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites: its picturesque coast or the artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada's gold. Five kilometres (3 miles) to the south, you will be able to visit Grand Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches.,
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03/25/2023 |
03/25/2023 |
Mayreau, Grenadines
Mayreau, Grenadines 03/26/2023
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.,
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03/26/2023 |
03/26/2023 |
Soufriere
Soufriere 03/27/2023
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.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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St. Lucia - Gros Piton Climb
Life has its rewards, you will find many of them on the Gros Piton Nature Trail. Travel by coach along
the scenic West Coast of the island through lush tropical vegetation onto the Fond Gens Libre, "village of the free people" community, to the welcome center. From this point, you are joined by a knowledgeable guide, who would guide you along the trail which winds around the mountain at a gradual gradient.
Enjoy panoramic vistas in every direction and see Petit Piton in the distance. The first half of the trail
is moderate and can be enjoyed by everyone, while the second half involves a steep accent to the summit suitable to the more adventurous hiker. After a strenuous but exhilarating climb, return to the bus for a scenic ride back to your resort or Cruise pier.
Inclusions:
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Duration: 8 hours
Tip off: This is a very strenuous hike suitable for the physically fir. Not for those with heart, back, neck problems or may be pregnant.
Cameras are a must. Wear comfortable hiking shoes (no heels or flip flops allowed)
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03/27/2023 |
03/27/2023 |
Iles des Saintes
Iles des Saintes 03/28/2023
During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre-de-Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don't forget to taste the local speciality, the "tourment d'amour", a cake made with coconut.,
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03/28/2023 |
03/28/2023 |
Fort de France
Fort de France 03/29/2023
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 are the Garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire Park right in the heart of the city.,
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03/29/2023 |
03/29/2023 |