Experience the wonders of the Panama Canal on this spectacular partial canal transit. Arriving in Panama City, you will disembark the ship and take a short transfer by coach to the La Playita dock where you will board a spacious ferry and begin your unforgettable tour of the Panama Canal. The first lock you will pass through is the Miraflores Locks, where your ship will be raised the first 56 feet and enter Miraflores Lake. From here, you will transit through the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will be raised the second 28 feet and enter Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Crossing the Continental Divide at this point, you will continue to Gaillard Cut. The Gaillard (or Culebra) Cut, was the most challenging section of the canal to build. As you pass through the Cut, you'll see the continuing excavation that keeps this passage open to marine traffic. Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ferry before your fascinating tour of the Canal ends in the small village of Gamboa. While not large, Gamboa is home to the headquarters of the Panama Canal dredging division and some of the largest floating cranes in the world. After leaving your ferry, board a waiting motorcoach for the just over 1-hour drive back to the ship at Amador. Each tour participant will receive a certificate that commemorates their crossing of the Canal.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a beautifully restored and richly adorned railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars’ worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built. Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

Following your time at locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

Your scenic drive will include a stop so that you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Tangolunda - the luxury resort area. Pass the Bay of Conejos all the way up to the river estuary before proceeding to La Crucecita, the quaint downtown area, the evergreen Central Park and the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, which features the world’s largest painting of the Virgin.

If you like to shop, you’ll find several stores offering a wide variety of handicrafts including black pottery from the valleys of Oaxaca, handmade woven rugs and carpets milled on traditional looms, and the world-famous 'alebrijes' allegories of fantastic animals. Typical products, like Mezcal (the original Oaxacan version of Tequila), chocolate rivaling the best Swiss made, coffee, regional cheese, clothes, wines, and liquors are available. To finalize your tour, enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Santa Cruz, La Entrega Beach and your ship.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely one and three-quarters hour drive north through a gorgeous tropical landscape. This verdant region exemplifies Nicaragua’s nickname, the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” and Masaya beautifully captures those natural attractions, as it sits on the edge of Lake Masaya in the shadow of Masaya Volcano National Park.

Most of your time in the city will be devoted to exploring Masaya Market, one of the country’s foremost artisan markets. Colorful hammocks, hand-woven baskets, creative folk art, and delicately embroidered clothing are typically on display. Continuing on, you will drive toward Masaya Volcano National Park, located just outside the city it showcases two smoking volcanoes and several large craters formed by past volcanic activity. The landscape is absolutely mesmerizing and from the comfort of your coach, you’ll get an up-close look at steaming fumaroles.

Then, following a traditional Nicaraguan lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will set out on a walking tour of nearby Granada, a magnificent city overlooking massive Lake Nicaragua. Founded as a trade center in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors, Granada boasts some of the country’s most well preserved colonial architecture. The San Francisco Convent is its crown jewel, and the historical building now houses a cultural center with fine pre-Columbian statues. Your guided visit showcases some of the most important displays and exhibits housed here.

You will also have the opportunity to stroll Granada’s serene central plaza, a delightful shopping area famed for its arts and crafts, before it’s time to re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier.

Enjoy the most exciting adventure in the natural wonderland of Costa Rica. Board the Pacific Tropical Forest Aerial Tram and literally fly through the forest canopy and take an exhilarating jungle cruise on the Tarcoles River. The Pacific Tropical Forest Aerial Tram is the only tour that provides a unique exploration of the canopy in the Transitional Tropical dry Forest on Costa Rica’s mid-Pacific coastline. Dry upland forest meets humid coastal dry forest with unique species colonizing the treetops and the canopy in this 222-acre eco-tourism park, dedicated to conservation. Embark on a gondola designed for 9 passengers to safely glide through a living backdrop of giant trees, hanging gardens and lush green landscapes. Panoramic ocean views and sightings of exotic flora and fauna will introduce you to this unique transitional dry forest. Your experience includes a guided walk through the forest. A visit to the medicinal plant and Butterfly Garden will complement your walk. After your tram ride, enjoy a Costa Rican lunch at the park in a lush natural setting. You can also shop at Rainforest, where you can find a variety of local and handmade arts, crafts and designs as well as Costa Rican souvenirs before transferring to Tarcoles for a jungle river journey. Upon arrival at the Visitor Center you will board comfortable roof covered open boats to explore the world famous Tarcoles River. This river tour usually takes 1 hour. It will provide a great understanding of the life and death of the mangroves and swamps that constitute one of the most important ecosystems in Costa Rica. Noted for its mangrove forests, the Tarcoles River is a wonderful and crucial habitat for hundreds of species and a wide variety of sea and shore birds as well as colonies of the largest crocodiles in Central America. During the tour, our naturalist guide will help you identify a great variety of birds and wildlife. This habitat is also vital for the preservation of the endangered Scarlet Macaw. Tour sequence may vary.

Spend the day in the beautiful region of Colima. You’ll have some free time in the capital city of Colima, visit the ruins at La Campana and enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming village of Comala.

After a drive along the scenic coast, you’ll make a short stop at a colorful roadside coconut stand and then travel inland to Colima. Upon arrival, you’ll see the beautiful 19th-century cathedral and the Museum of Colima. Enjoy some free time to shop and take photos here.

Board your transportation for the drive to the ruins at La Campana. The low, pyramid-like structures feature shaft tombs, ceramics, storm drain systems, streets, and an administrative and religious center with numerous monuments. Enjoy a delicious lunch of local favorites in the charming village of Comala.

Explore and discover the magnificent city of Cartagena. Begin with a stop at San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city for a panoramic view of this monumental fort considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World.

Continue to Las Bovedas Artisan Center, built as dungeons and as a means of storage. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Visit the Inquisition Palace, established in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. You’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers.

Next, visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves. Continue to the Navy Museum which includes a folk show and beverage. Before returning to your ship you will have a free time to explore by your own into the walled city and enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.