Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Puntarenas - Colón
Dates:
2/26/2026
to
3/5/2026
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, which explores the region's abundant natural splendors, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.
Your journey in Central America will start in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park , where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also both provides a special opportunity to observe terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.
Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park . This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.
Le Champlain continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City's Old Quarter and of the region's fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo .
Here, you will also visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) , a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal , your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes , one of the coral islets of Panama's San Blas Islands . Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : PC4545US - EC260226
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Engaging...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
4/2/2026 to the 4/12/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
12/3/2025 to the 12/13/2025
LE BORÉAL
5/14/2026 to the 5/24/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Ralph Nurnberger, a political and international affairs specialist. A second Smithsonian Journeys Expert will be confirmed prior to departure.
- A specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff.
- Opportunity to swim and snorkel on beautiful Holandes Cayes, one of the magnificent islets of the San Blas Islands.
- A daytime crossing of the Panama Canal, a true masterpiece of civil engineering.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Darién National Park and its magnificent rainforest.
- An exploration of the region's rich and myriad tropical flora and fauna in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Encounters with the local indigenous Guna and Emberá communities.
Ports of Call & Excursions
February 26, 2026 - Puntarenas
Embarkation 2/26/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 2/26/2026 at 6:00 PM
The capital of the eponymous province, Puntarenas is sometimes called “the pearl of the Pacific”, for its unique charm. It sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, lined with long expanses of wild natural environments. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica’s national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes towers up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet’s richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.
February 27, 2026 - Quepos
Arrival 2/27/2026 early morning
Departure 2/27/2026 late afternoon
Quepos makes for a charming stop-off on the Pacific coast, just next-door to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, an untouched tropical natural reserve lined with white sandy beaches. The town's seafront is an opportunity to stroll through market stalls touting pineapples and bananas in the shade of the manchineel trees. In this coastal town criss-crossed with tree-lined streets in bloom, admire the houses and their incredible sculpted balconies. Enjoy a spot of shopping in the many traditional boutiques: pick up some handmade cotton clothing, ceramics embellished with Costa Rican designs and home décor pieces in hand-painted wood.
February 28, 2026 - At sea
Arrival 2/28/2026
Departure 2/28/2026
During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
March 1, 2026 - Playa Muerto, Darien National Park
Arrival 3/1/2026 midday
Departure 3/1/2026 late afternoon
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Emberas Amerindian community. You will visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft.
March 2, 2026 - Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island
Arrival 3/2/2026 early morning
Departure 3/2/2026
An artificial peninsula situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is the gateway to several noteworthy sites. Right near there, the impressive Miraflores Locks are a shining example of the engineering feats deployed during the construction of the Panama Canal. Further north, in villages nestling amid dense vegetation, lives the Embera tribe, guardian of the forest and of the Chagres River. This proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life, which predate the colonisation of the region by the Spanish.
March 3, 2026 - Crossing the Panama Canal
Arrival 3/3/2026 late afternoon
Departure 3/3/2026 late afternoon
Aboard your ship, experience something unique, that has inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic to the Pacific. Including three levels of locks and by raising ships to the level of Lake Gatun, almost as if the water was a lift, it allows them to avoid having to round Cape Horn.
March 4, 2026 - San Blas Islands
Arrival 3/4/2026 early morning
Departure 3/4/2026 late afternoon
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 kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.
March 5, 2026 - Colón
Arrival 3/5/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 3/5/2026 at 7:00 AM
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.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Decks
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Ralph Nurnberger, a political and international affairs specialist. A second Smithsonian Journeys Expert will be confirmed prior to departure.
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in San José to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain , with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion or activity in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- A specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Panama City at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This trip is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
COSTA RICA: MONTEVERDE & ARENAL (4 NIGHTS)
Extend your experience of Central America from the coastline to the mountains on this specially designed program.
Day 1 – San José, Costa Rica | Arenal Volcano Area
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, where you will be met and transferred on a
two and a half hour drive to the Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, site of Arenal Volcano National Park, and your home for the next three nights. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - Arenal Volcano Area
Spend a relaxing day at Tabacon enjoying the resort’s thermal mineral springs and waterfalls or perhaps book one of their spa treatments (additional cost). Or join us on a hike in the Arenal Volcano area to explore the 1968 lava flows and take in extraordinary views of the smoking volcano and the surrounding landscape. The trail is filled with a diverse array of flora and fauna, including colorful birds, monkeys, and exotic plants.
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano Area
Depart after breakfast on an hour and a half drive through the Northern plains to Los Chiles, very near the Nicaraguan border, where you will board a boat for a floating safari along the Rio Frio through the rain forest of Caño Negro—a birder's paradise, home to the anhinga, the roseate spoonbill, wood storks, and the jabiru, the largest bird in Central America. Along the shore, you may catch sight of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced monkeys, as well as the three-toed sloth and reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizards, and turtles.
Return to your hotel for some time at leisure before dinner.
Day 4 – Arenal Volcano Area | Monteverde Cloud Forest
Check out of the hotel and meet your guide for a scenic drive up the mountains to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, part of the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
You may choose between two ways of experiencing this unique ecosystem: the first is a mile and a half 'Sky Walk' through the treetops on a trail including six hanging bridges. You will enjoy the refreshingly cool air at this altitude while looking out for the fascinating animals that roam here: howler and white-faced monkeys, the three-wattled bellbird, keel-billed toucan, bare-necked umbrellabird, and the gorgeous quetzal. The second tour visits a family-run farm where you will see sugar cane, coffee, and banana plants and view the stages involved in producing high-quality coffee. Ride an ox cart to the sugar mill (trapiche) where sugar cane is processed into brown sugar. End the visit by sampling the farm’s coffee and sugar cane products.
After your adventure in the clouds or on the farm, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the El Establo Hotel, where you stay the night. Dinner at the hotel is included.
Day 5 – Monteverde Cloud Forest | Puntarenas Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a 2-hour guided walk through one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica, habitat for over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.
Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a relaxing drive to Puntarenas for embarkation on Le Champlain.
Your hotels:
The world-class Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a hotel dedicated to sustainable practices set on 900 acres of lush tropical reserve near Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel features 42 rooms; natural thermal mineral river, waterfalls, and pools; a full spa; two restaurants; and four bars.
The rustic Hotel El Establo is set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. It houses 155 rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and hiking trails.
Your program includes:
- Transfers and luggage handling from the San José airport, through the program as described, and on to the pier on Day 5
- 3 nights at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, including 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts
- 1 night at the Hotel El Establo, including dinner and breakfast
- Lunches on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and waiters for included meals
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- The Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José is a 2 ½ hour drive to the hotel; we recommend flights arriving by 2:00pm.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Alajuela Province
Costa Rica
+506-2519-1999, +506-2479-2000, or toll-free from the USA +1-855-TABACON
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Bº Cerro Plano, Monteverde
Costa Rica
+506-2645-5110
Total : $3,230
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA: GAMBOA AND THE CANAL (2 NIGHTS)
This program offers two different perspectives on the Isthmus of Panama, as you spend two nights at a resort surrounded by a lush jungle of tropical rainforest, after a day tracing the history of the importance of the region as a crucial link in international trade. See how these two aspects of Panama co-exist and enjoy some of the best eco-tourism available in Panama.
Day 1 —Colon | Dismbarkation| San Lorenzo | Gamboa
After breakfast, disembark Le Champlain and travel a short distance to the northern end of the Panama Canal to the Agua Claras Observation Center, where you will see the recent efforts to keep this important trade route open as you observe the results of the Panama Canal Expansion. This project doubled the waterway's capacity by creating a new lane of traffic and a new set of locks. The Observation Center offers stunning views over the Canal and Lake Gatun, as well as accessible and informative exhibits on the Canal's past, present, and future.
After this, step into the past with a visit to the 400-year-old ruins of Fort San Lorenzo. Built by the Spanish as one of a number of fortifications to protect the northern end of the trade route across the isthmus, it was an important leg in Spain's transatlantic trade. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an extraordinary example of 17th and 18th century military architecture, San Lorenzo commands marvelous views of the Caribbean and the mouth of the Chagres River.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before you transfer to your hotel, the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, located at the confluence of the southern leg of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River.
Relax and enjoy the many amenities of this resort property before dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 — Gamboa
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day of exploration with a cruise on Gatun Lake. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, the area that is now a lake was jungle teeming with wildlife. But as the region was flooded to create the canal, animals took refuge in mountain peaks that are now the many islands that dot the lake. Leisurely cruise the channels, islands and bays of this unique ecosystem, gliding past lush rainforests to a secluded region of the lake, where you can experience nature up close. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just some of the animals you might encounter in this beautiful tropical jungle.
Return to the hotel for an independent lunch followed by a leisurely walk to visit the Reserve's Sloth Sanctuary, where at-risk animals are monitored and treated so that they can be re-introduced to the wild; a Butterfly Garden, showcasing about 20 different species; an Orchidarium; and a protected Frog Pond, where the entire life cycle of these fascinating amphibians is on display. Later choose between a birding walk on the Pipeline Road to observe some of its 350 species or an aerial tram ride through the canopy of the rainforest aboard a gondola that traverses about half a mile of jungle at a height of 400 feet for views of nesting birds, sloths, and a variety of monkeys. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure, followed by an included dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 — Gamboa| Panama City
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City for your flight home.
Your hotel:
Located in the midst of Soberanía National Park on 340 acres overlooking the Panama Canal, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Resort is a spectacular property that immerses you in the tropical jungle while providing comfortable rooms with views of the Chagres River and the Lake Gatun. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and two restaurants.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Resort
- Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
- Lunch on Day 1
- Dinner on Days 1 and 2
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the the hotel to the airport.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa, which is on par with the US dollar. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Corregimiento de Cristobal, Colon, IA 5
Panama, Panama 7338
Phone: (507) 314 5000
WhatsApp: (507) 6672 3083
Total : $1,120
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.