Ship Size: 92 staterooms
Price: Starting from $5,550 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Michigan, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Northwestern, Duke, University of Southern California, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins
Trip Overview
The Panama Canal is one of the greatest feats of the modern age. Witness the 50-mile passage that is a stunning example of engineeering prowess. During a specially arranged and narrated daylight transit, experience the mighty locks that raise and lower ocean going vessels 85 feet, employing the force of gravity to achieve in mere hours what once involved a three-week circumnavigation of Soth America. This cruise experience showcases Earth's most pristine ecosystems in the rainforests and islands of Costa Rica and Panama at the best time of year. Visit the stunning and biodiverse Manueal Antnoio National Park. Tour architect Frank Gehry's only design in Latin America, the Biodiversity Museum, and explore the heart of Panama City's UNESCO World Heritage-designated old town of Casco Antiguo. Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered, five-star Le Bellot, a sophisticated small ship offering only 92 suites and staterooms, each with a private balcony.
Schedule by Day
- Jan 20: Depart US / Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
- Jan 21: San Jose / Puntarenas / Embark Le Bellot
- Jan 22: Curu National Wildlife Refuge / Tortuga Island
- Jan 23: Quepos for Manuel Antonia National Park
- Jan 24: Rio Seco Rainforest
- Jan 25: Cebaco Island, Panama
- Jan 26: Panama City
- Jan 27: Panama Canal Daytime Transit
- Jan 28: Disembark Le Bellot / Depart for US
Pricing
Per person double occupancy
- Category 8: $5,550
- Category 7: $6,250
- Category 6: $6,950
- Category 5: $7,550
- Category 4: $8,550
- Category 3: $9,350
- Category 2: $10,150
- Category 1: $10,850
- Prestige Suite II: $11,550
- Prestige Suite I: $11,850
- Privilege Suite: $12,250
- Grand Deluxe Suite: $13,150
- Owner's Suite: $13,550
Single occupancy is 160% the double occupancy rate.
Accommodations
- One night at the Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
- Seven nights on Le Bellot
Extensions
Optional Pre-extension: San Jose / Arenal Volcanoes National Park
January 17–21, 2023
Optional Post-extension: Panama City
January 28–30, 2023
What to Expect
In order to make the most of what each destination has to offer, excursions during this fast-paced, moderately strenuous program will be active. Most days will include an adventure-filled half day or so ashore where activities can include guided natural history walks and wildlife-viewing opportunities that can involve walks of up to three miles over uneven and sometimes muddy, slippery terrain, with frequent stops for nature study, requiring you to remain fairly stationary for a period of time. Excursions will often be in the warm, tropical sun, with midday temperatures typically ranging from the low 80s (°F) to the low 90s, and with a strong possibility of rain in the tropical and rainforest areas. There will be occasions when the ship drops anchor and Zodiacs will be used to take travelers to shore for natural history exploration or to swimming and snorkeling sites. For these shore excursions, travelers, with assistance from the ship’s crew, must be able to step from the ship to the Zodiac and vice versa, and the water can sometimes be choppy. Some historic buildings will not have elevators, and you will occasionally encounter steps without handrails, so participants should be able to comfortably climb stairs without assistance.
