National Parks and Panama Canal

8 days / 7 nights

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National Parks and Panama Canal

National Parks and Panama Canal

Cruise Latin America

from 23 January 2020 to 30 January 2020
8 days / 7 nights

Departure Port : Puerto Caldera
Arrival Port : Colón

Ship : LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE

Ref : U230120

PONANT takes you to discover Costa Rica and Panama with an 8-day cruise. A truly beautiful journey between nature reserves, encounters with local communities and sailing through the Panama Canal.

Your journey in Central America will start with a visit to two superb Costa Rican national parks: the Carara National Park and the Manuel Antonio National Park. Deep inside the tropical rainforest or under the rainforest canopy, you may be lucky enough to see multicoloured birds, monkeys, crocodiles and iguana.

Your ship will then sail on to the magnificent Darien National Park in Panama. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty and offer a feast for photographers. This will also be the occasion for meeting the astonishing semi-nomadic Emberas community.

After sailing through the world-famous Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, you will be able to enjoy the golden sand and translucent water of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of the San Blas islands.

Fare From * $3,730

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* Subject to availability.

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Highlights

Shore visits in Zodiac^®inflatables.
UNESCO site: the Darien National Park from Playa Muerto, and its magnificent jungle.
Optional additional cost excursions in the national parks of Costa Rica, sanctuaries of unspoiled nature: the Carara National Park from Herradura, the Manuel Antonio National Park from Quepos.
Discover the magnificent islets of the San Blas Islands and the picture-postcard beaches of Quepos.
Sailing through the Panama Canal, truly a masterpiece of civil engineering.
Encounters with the indigenous Emberas tribe in the Darien National Park and with the Kuna Indians of the San Blas archipelago.

Staterooms & Suites
LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE
Port of call & excursions
Formalities
Pre/Post & Overlands

Staterooms & Suites

Deluxe Stateroom
$4,680
$3,730
Available

Prestige Deck 4
$4,970
$3,950
Available

Prestige Deck 5
$5,100
$4,050
Available

Prestige Deck 6
$9,590
$5,070
Not Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 5
$13,070
$6,810
Not Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 3
$7,060
$5,550
Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 4
$7,060
$5,550
Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
$13,070
$6,810
Not Available

Prestige Deck 5 Suite
$18,910
$9,730
Not Available

Prestige Deck 6 Suite
$19,510
$10,030
Not Available

Privilege Suite Deck 6
$20,090
$10,320
Not Available

Privilege Suite Deck 5
$20,090
$10,320
Not Available

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
$20,710
$10,630
Not Available

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
$20,710
$10,630
Not Available

Owner's Suite
$21,330
$10,940
Not Available

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Choose your fare basis* :

Single Double

LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the fourth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Virtual tour

Port of call & excursions

Puerto Caldera

Embarkation 23/01/2020 from 16H00 to 17H00 . Departure 23/01/2020 at 18H00 .

The port of Puerto Caldera lies on the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Nicoya. Further inland, step into the midst of a luscious tropical forest. Among the countless natural wonders to be found here, the Poas volcano towers up in all its majestic glory. Venture deeper into the luxuriant canopy and enjoy a unique experience as you slide from one tree to the next in total safety. Back on firm ground, an untouched cove offers up glimpses of osprey, tireless fishing birds that circle the surf to catch their next meal.

24 January 2020 – Herradura

Arrival 24/01/2020 early morning. Departure 24/01/2020 late afternoon.

Herradura takes its name in Spanish from the horseshoe form of its bay, covered in lush tropical vegetation, its beauty enhanced by the hills that loom over it. This small town is surrounded by national parks that are remarkable for the rich variety of fauna and flora they protect. When your ship calls here, it will be the moment to take a journey in small covered boats along the Tarcoles River, whose banks are home to crocodiles and iguanas. This mangrove also hosts the loyal and flamboyant Scarlet Macaw, with its red, blue and yellow plumage, known for mating with the same partner for life.

25 January 2020 – Quepos

Arrival 25/01/2020 early morning. Departure 25/01/2020 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.

26 January 2020 – At sea

Arrival 26/01/2020. Departure 26/01/2020.

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 centre. 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.

27 January 2020 – Playa Muerto, Darien National Park

Arrival 27/01/2020 early morning. Departure 27/01/2020 midday.

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.

28 January 2020 – Crossing the Panama Canal

Arrival 28/01/2020 early morning. Departure 28/01/2020 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 in 1887 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.

29 January 2020 – Holandes Cayes

Arrival 29/01/2020 early morning. Departure 29/01/2020 late afternoon.

Holandes Cayes is among the islands of the San Blas archipelago, a string of coral islands that graces the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Some 378 islands and cays covering an area of 260 square kilometres offer travellers a multitude of natural and cultural treasures. Holandes Cayes, which is nicknamed ﾓthe swimming poolﾔ, is popular with the cruise-yachting community for its white sand beaches and diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Colón

Disembarkation 30/01/2020 at 07H00 .

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.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise
22/01/2020 – DISCOVER SAN JOSE AND VILLAGES IN THE VALLEY (1 NIGHT)

500.00 $ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one day to visit San Jose’s cultural heritage and proceed to Costa Rica’Central Valley with beautiful mountain landscapes and rich lush sceneries. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - San Jose
Check-in at the hotel Costa Rica Marriott. Official check-in time is 4 pm.
A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the late afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have.
Meet your fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 2 - San Jose/Puerto Caldera
Breakfast. Check-out.
Discover this morning the heritage and the history of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. First, pass by some of its historic residential areas, such Barrio Amón and the local parks surrounding it ; as well as the metropolitan cathedral and the local market. You will visit the National Theater which is an icon of the San Jose of the late 19 th-century, and also the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. It is one of the few Pre-Columbian gold museums that exists worldwide. The exhibition consists of 1000 original pieces that date from 300 to 1500 A.C. including an extraordinary collection of golden objects that reflect these precious metal working techniques of the Pre-Columbian people of Costa Rica. The exhibition shows the use, function, and technology of the pieces as well as their connection to nature and people daily life.
You will then depart for Costa Rica’s Central Valley. You will make a first stop at Sarchi, located about a 1h30 drive from Puerto Caldera and widely recognized for its colorful and decorative oxcarts.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

You will also explore the small town of Grecia, located amidst beautiful mountain landscapes and rich lush sceneries. Grecia is a tourist destination mainly due to its unique metal church, which is a deep dark red color. The Cathedral de la Mercedes is a gothic style church made from metal pieces that were imported from Belgium in the 1890’s.
You will then proceed to Puerto Caldera (approximately a 1h30 drive), to embark aboard your ship.
Your hotel:
Nestled within a 30-acre (12 ha) coffee plantation, the Costa Rica Marriott hotel combines colonial splendour with its architecture inspired by the old haciendas and modern comfort. Its sophisticated rooms offer pillow top bedding and cable television as well as internet access.
Your programme includes:
1-night accommodation in Standard room at the hotel Costa Rica Marriott (or similar).
Meals (including 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner) as mentioned in the programme.
Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Tips for the guide and the driver.
Your programme does not include:
Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at 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 your travel agent for further detail.
Contact of your hotel:
Costa Rica Marriott
P.O. Box 502-4005, San Antonio de Belén
Heredia, Costa Rica
Telephone: (+506) 2298 000
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
20/01/2020 – NATURAL WONDERS OF COSTA RICA (3 NIGHTS)

1730.01 $ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three days to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica's national parks. Take a hike to get as close as possible to the crater of an active volcano, travel down a river through a lush forest and observe the rich diversity of its tropical fauna, for a perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - San Jose
Check-in at the hotel Costa Rica Marriott. Official check-in time is 4 pm.
A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the late afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have.
Meet your fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 2 - San Jose/Arenal
Breakfast. Check-out.
Depart by coach for Poás Volcano National Park stopping en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Explore the gardens. Walk along paved trails throughout a lush rainforest to reach the waterfalls. La Paz waterfall is the most famoust waterfall in Costa Rica. You will also be able to admire the animal sanctuary with many creatures like frogs, butterflies, parrots, reptiles. As you walk along, you spot flocks of colorful tropical birds flying near the falls.
Lunch will be included at the local restaurant after the walk through La Paz trails. Then, continue your way to La Fortuna Arenal and your hotel Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort.
Check-in your room.
Dinner included.
Day 3 - Arenal
After breakfast, you will depart for a morning cruise on-board an inflatable boat along the Peñas Blancas River.
This clear water river is fed by the pristine waters of several private cloud forest reserves in Monteverde, and is surrounded by lush rainforest, natural volcanic hot springs, waterfalls and forested canyons. In other words, the Peñas Blancas River is an indisputable scenic adventure.
Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness as you quietly paddle the Peñas Blancas River. You may be lucky enough to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous tropical birds. Your local English-speaking guide will share information with you about the plants and animals you might encounter during your journey down river. You will truly appreciate the wonders of Peñas Blancas River and the surrounding rainforest as you travel down the river. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
The afternoon will be spent at the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Known worldwide for its near perfect cone shape, Arenal volcano has become a must-see destination when coming to Costa Rica. Its volcanic activity and its surrounding natural beauty make this a very exciting hiking destination.
For centuries, locals considered Arenal as a mountain. However, on July 29 1968 in the morning, the supposed mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering more than 15 square kilometres with lava, rocks and as. Three towns were destroyed. Up to 2010, Arenal volcano remains quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash and smoke.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner included.
Day 4 - Arenal/Puerto Caldera
Breakfast.
Morning at leisure.
Check-out formalities.
After lunch served at the hotel, you will be transferred to the pier to embark aboard your ship (approximately a 3-hour drive).
Your hotels:
Nestled within a 30-acre (12 ha) coffee plantation, the Costa Rica Marriott hotel combines colonial splendour with its architecture inspired by the old haciendas and modern comfort. Its sophisticated rooms offer pillow top bedding and cable television as well as internet access.
Tabacon is set on more than 900 acres of lush tropical reserve, home to Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally flowing hot springs. The pristine waters flow into waterfalls, cascading pools and hidden bathing spots. Tabacon offers comfortable guest rooms, two restaurants, four bars and a world-class spa.
Your programme includes :
1-night accommodation in Standard room at the hotel Costa Rica Marriott (or similar).
2-nights’accommodation in Standard room at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort (or similar).
Meals (including 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) as mentioned in the programme.
Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
Transfers and sightseeing as per programme.
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Tips for the guide and the driver.
Your programme does not include:
Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at 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 your travel agent for further detail.
The inflatable rafts used for the Peñas Blancas River tour accommodate 8 guests. Guests do not have to paddle but can do so if they wish. The boat ride lasts about 2 hours and there is no canopy on the boat to protect yourself from the sun or rain. Your local boat guide only speaks Spanish and English.
Guests participating in this programme must be in good physical condition. The hikes are not strenuous but are on uneven terrain and in hot, humid weather.
Bring insect repellent and binoculars in addition to your camera.
Bring along light rain gear.
Contact of your hotels:
Costa Rica Marriott
P.O. Box 502-4005, San Antonio de Belén
Heredia, Costa Rica
Telephone: (+506) 2298 000
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Volcano main road from Fortuna
San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Telephone: (+506) 2479 2000
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details