Panama Canal & Central America

Overview

Panama Canal & Central America

Trace the coast of Central America, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. Discover the colonial past of Cozumel, and glimpse Belize’s Mayan civilization and Panama’s Emberá people. Gaze upon sand beaches and turquoise waters in Honduras and lush rainforests in Costa Rica. Marvel at the workings of the Panama Canal and admire a colorful blend of past and present in Jamaica.

What's included:

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 24-hour room service
  • Dine in a choice of different venues at no extra cost
  • Quality wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Speciality tea and coffee any time on board
  • An included shore excursion in almost every port
  • Complimentary use of spa facilities
  • Evening entertainment and enrichment talks
  • Onboard gratuities

Hand Picked By

Kate Taylor

Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the Viking ocean ships first hand and have to say I was very impressed. One of my favourite features was the Spa and Pool areas; with a retractable roof on their main pool, even in the coldest climate you can still enjoy a dip. Everything you need is included in the price; from the wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and even a selection of shore excursions. If you want to learn more, please take a look at my blog on our website or give me a call.

Kate Taylor

Additional Information

  • Departure Date: Various departure dates between November 2021 - March 2023
  • Duration: 14 nights
  • Highlights: Trace the coast of Central America, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty.

Ship Overview

Viking Star

Expand your horizons on this comfortable, award-winning ship, intimate and thoughtfully created by experienced nautical architects and designers to enrich your interaction with your destination in every way.

Viking Star Profile

  • Only 930 guests
  • Length: 745 feet
  • Beam: 94.5 feet
  • Class: Small ships
  • Year built: 2015

Viking Star Deck Plan

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Embark your ship today in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s upscale city of beautiful beaches and Venetian-style canals brimming with sophisticated eateries. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and take time to explore the promenade lined with swaying palms.

Day 2: Key West, Florida, USA

Experience carefree Key West, the southernmost city in the continental US, and its rich blend of Caribbean, Latin and American cultures. Soak up its atmosphere with a stroll along Duval Street to Mallory Square, passing old Bahamian-style homes and Spanish-influenced Victorian mansions. See Ernest Hemingway’s home, where he wrote several novels, and former president Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, preserved today as a historic monument.

Day 3: Scenic Cruising: Gulf of Mexico

As you cruise the calm and tranquil Gulf of Mexico, often referred to as the “south coast” of the United States, the distinct light of the sun plays on the water like dazzling diamonds. The first European explorer to sail the gulf, Amerigo Vespucci, paved the way for the pivotal expedition to Mexico. During your day of cruising, you might visit The Spa, where a soothing massage, the Thermal Pool and the Snow Grotto complement your relaxing sail.

Day 4: Cozumel, Mexico

Discover the Mayan and colonial past of the island of Cozumel, located off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Explore the colorful streets of San Miguel or visit Mayan and Toltec ruins at San Gervasio to gain insight into the island’s ancient beliefs and customs. View the scenic lighthouse at Punta Sur and the many pristine beaches for which the island is world renowned.

Day 5: Belize City, Belize

Call on Belize today, inhabited by Mayans for more than 5,000 years. Journey to the mysterious ancient site of Altun Ha, one of Central America’s most accessible temples. Enjoy a cruise along the tropical Belize River. Or set sail along the Belize River, a tranquil and pristine ribbon of beauty lined with lush jungle, vividly hued birds taking wing and monkeys hollering from the treetops.

Day 6: Roatán, Honduras

Bask in the Caribbean beauty of Roatán, one of the spectacular Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. A snorkeler’s paradise, the coral reefs that skirt these islands boast the highest diversity of corals in the Caribbean. Enjoy a guided walk along the lush Carambola Botanical Gardens pathways, 40 acres of impeccably maintained trails, and travel through a protected forest that hugs the hillside of Carambola Mountain.

Day 7: Cruise the Caribbean Sea

Enjoy a full day indulging in the amenities of your ship. You might find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Lounge by the Main Pool with its retractable roof and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar. Tonight after an al fresco dinner at the World Café, settle in for some light jazz and a nightcap at Torshavn.

Day 8: San José (Puerto Limón), Costa Rica

Explore the magnificent natural wonders of Costa Rica as you call on its Caribbean port of Puerto Limón. Celebrated as one of the world’s most picturesque countries, Costa Rica is home to an astonishing diversity of landscapes and climate zones. About 5% of the world’s species of flora and fauna thrive in this tiny country, lush with rainforests. Keep your eyes open for some of them when you cruise the canals of Tortuguero, an aquatic highway linking villages and traversing palm forests and swamps dense with wildlife.

Day 9: Colón, Panama

More than a gateway to the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, Colón also introduces you to the unique native traditions of an ancient people. Witness centuries-old tribal life firsthand during a visit to Chagres National Park and an Emberá village, where people live in thatched-roof huts, travel by dugout canoe and keep the craft of basket weaving alive. Experience all of these enduring traditions and many others during your time in Colón.

Day 10: Scenic Cruising: Panama Canal

Enjoy a fascinating partial transit of the “Path Between the Seas” today as you traverse the famed Panama Canal. When it opened in 1914, it was hailed as one of the world’s great engineering feats. Forty-eight miles long, it links the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest stretch of the Isthmus of Panama, cutting thousands of miles off shipping routes that once stretched all the way around Cape Horn at the tip of South America.

Day 11: Cruise the Caribbean Sea

As you sail the calm blue waters of the Caribbean toward Jamaica, perhaps take a destination-focused cooking class at The Kitchen Table or enjoy a massage at The Spa. Afteroon tea at the Wintergarden and dinner amid the balmy breezes of the Aquavit Terrace provide the perfect conclusion to your relaxing day.

Day 12: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Embrace the relaxed atmosphere of Jamaica today when you call on Montego Bay. Christopher Columbus landed here in 1494 and declared the island part of the Spanish Empire. The British later took hold, paving the way for one of the island’s most pivotal moments: an uprising of slaves led by Samuel Sharpe, the country’s national hero. Glimpse some of that colonial past at the Rose Hall Great House, an elegant Georgian mansion whose owner had some 250 slaves. The fascinating house chronicles life during a turbulent time that gave rise to the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall.

Days 13 & 14: Cruise the Caribbean Sea

As you cruise these legendary waters, the distinct light of the Caribbean sun dances on the sea like dazzling diamonds. Once a busy route for ships from the Old World ferrying supplies and people to the New World, today the Caribbean exudes tranquility and calm. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Tonight, perhaps savor an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi’s or sample international fare in the World Café.

Day 15: Ft. Lauderdale, United States

Disembark your ship today and return home or continue your journey with a post cruise extension to explore more.

Additional Information

  • Departure Date: Various departure dates between November 2021 - March 2023
  • Duration: 14 nights
  • Highlights: Trace the coast of Central America, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty.

Cabin and Fares

Cabin TypeGuide PriceAdditional InfoCabinEnquire
Veranda StateroomFrom £4,290ppView Cabin

Veranda Stateroom

Approx. 270sq. ft. including veranda

These cabins include luxury robes, slippers & premium Freyja® toiletries, large bathroom with oversize glass-enclosed walk-in shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors,spacious closet & drawer, 42" flat-screen LCD TV, king-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linens, safe, hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets & ample USB ports direct dial satellite phone service, mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, purified water refilled daily, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.

Enquire Now
View Cabin

Veranda Stateroom

Approx. 270sq. ft. including veranda

These cabins include luxury robes, slippers & premium Freyja® toiletries, large bathroom with oversize glass-enclosed walk-in shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors,spacious closet & drawer, 42" flat-screen LCD TV, king-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linens, safe, hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets & ample USB ports direct dial satellite phone service, mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, purified water refilled daily, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.

Enquire Now