Panama Canal & Central America

Uncover rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty on a Panama Canal and Central America Cruise.

While Raye & I have traveled to the far corners of the world, one of our favorites ( and we have lots of them ) is a Panama Canal and Central America Trip. It's a cruise where you will Encounter rich Caribbean diversity, uncovering rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty. Trace the coast of Central America, 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 and marvel at the workings of the Panama Canal and admire a colorful blend of past and present in Jamaica.

Viking Cruises has one of the most complete voyages of the area, packed with fun, excitement and exploration. From the ancient mysteries of Belize to the modern marvels of Panama, an invigorating voyage amid the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Take a look at the Panama Canal and Central America Itinerary:

Day 1 — Miami, Florida, USA: Arrive in Miami today, Florida’s sun-kissed city of glimmering high-rises and vibrant culture on scenic Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and take time to explore your ship amid Miami’s coastal beauty.

Day 2 — Key West, Florida, USA:
Experience the carefree culture of Key West, the southernmost city in the continental US and a rich blend of Caribbean, Latin and American culture. 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 Winter 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 conquest of 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. 

Day 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 — Miami, Florida, United States:
Disembark your ship today and depart for home, or extend your stay in Miami and take in the city’s lively Cuban-American culture and fresh cuisine, plus the vibrant art deco architecture of South Beach. 

Coast on over to learn more about this Panama Canal and Central America cruise:
Priced From $4,599 | 15 Days | 7 Guided Tours | 7 Countries

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2020–2023 Sailings
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What's Included in Your Fare?
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
24-hour room service
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Access to top-rated spa & state-of-the-art fitness center
Self-service launderettes
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

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