Panama and the Pacific

A Panama Cruise Holiday – Holland America Line -  18 Days

In A Nutshell: Tropical, lush, exotic.
Great For: Authentic flavours and the laidback colourful lifestyle of the Pacific Ocean.
We Say: Superbly presented, and exclusive to Journeys of Distinction. Slip into relaxed mode in San Diego before experiencing five of the Pacific’s most varied and interesting countries on a fourteen night luxury cruise.

Supplement for stateroom upgrades during the cruise: please ask us On Board Charges.
There is a compulsory service charge of $11 per person per day and a 15% service charge applies to spa and beverage purchases. These charges will be added to your onboard account which can be settled by you at the end of your cruise.

Day One - UK - San Diego
Afternoon British Airways flight from London Heathrow to San Diego arriving that evening. We also offer flights on other airlines, from other departure airports and other flight times – just ask for details. Relax in the executive lounge before you fly. On arrival in San Diego, your local guide will meet you and take you by private transfer to the Hyatt Regency. On arrival in San Diego, your local guide will meet you and take you by private transfer to the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina for your two night stay. This recently refurbished hotel has ocean views and is well located close to San Diego's main attractions. Your evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the comforts of your luxury hotel.
Included Meals: Inflight
Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day Two - San Diego
Time to explore San Diego on your half day sightseeing tour which takes in all the key sites in San Diego, La Jolla and Coronado including the Old Town, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla Cove, Seal Rock, Hotel del Coronado, Green Dragon Colony, Mission Bay Park, Heritage Park, Embarcadero and Mormon Battalion. You’ll have plenty of time to walk around and take photographs. Rest of the day is free for you to explore further – there are many key visitor attractions including the San Diego zoo and amusement parks – or you may choose to simply relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day Three -  San Diego - Join cruise
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day or do some last minute shopping before your early afternoon transfer to your cruise ship, the MS Statendam, a spacious and elegant mid-sized ship that is part of the Holland America Line fleet.We have chosen Holland America as our cruise partner because we believe their standards and service provide the best match for Journeys of Distinction. Fine dining is very much a feature of this cruise and all meals are included whilst on board. Our prices are based on a Verandah Suite Category B cabin which offers two lower beds which can be converted to a king size bed, whirlpool bath and shower, sitting area, private veranda, mini-bar, refrigerator and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrades to higher cabin categories are available – please ask us for details. Full details of the ship’s layout, features and facilities can be seen on pages 26-27. Later that afternoon, your cruise ship will set sail. At each port of call during the cruise, you can choose to go off by yourself and explore independently or join one of the optional excursions bookable on board at extra cost.
Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Four - At sea
Take full advantage of the ship’s many facilities on your day at sea, whether you choose to be active and energetic or just to relax and unwind.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Five - Bahia Magdelana scenic cruise
Today you will enjoy a scenic cruise through Bahía Magdalena in Mexico, a 50 km long bay along the western coast of Baja California Sur, an area that is protected from the Pacific Ocean by the sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita. The bay is particularly noted for the seasonal migration of the California Gray Whales that come here during winter to mate, as well as for fishing and the nearby mangrove swamps which provide sanctuary for sea birds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Six - Puerto Vallarta
Originally discovered in the 1960’s by artists, writers and Hollywood stars, ‘PV’ (as it is affectionately known) still retains the essence of the quaint Mexican fishing village it once was. Arriving here early morning, head off to explore the old town with its enticing mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets, chic shops and bustling open markets, as well as Mismaloya Beach, Gringo Gulch and Conchas Chinas, the Beverly Hills of Vallarta. Or if you’re feeling adventurous you could explore the rugged canyons and luxuriant jungles of the Sierra Madre. Late afternoon departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Seven - At sea
Enjoy another day at sea and an opportunity to take full advantageof the ship’s many features and facilities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Eight - Hualtuco
Morning arrival into Hualtuco in Mexico and a lovely relaxing day in this beautiful seaside resort with everything you could wish for - warm sun, sandy beaches and nine beautiful blue bays. Nearby, jungles teem with birdlife and there’s also the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles. Late afternoon departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Nine - Puerto Chiapas
Early morning arrival into the Mexican port of Puerto Chiapas, gateway to the Mayan world in the Pacific, shrouded in mystery. Among the most well-preserved archaeological sites is the sprawling complex at Palenque, dating to 100BC. Here, vividly coloured murals offer glimpses into Mayan life while great stone temples guard inscriptions that have yet to be deciphered. Nearby, explore San Cristobal de Las Casas cathedral, which combines baroque and colonial styles of architecture. Journey to a rainforest and marvel at the lush mangroves and abundant wildlife. Try a fresh tamale, a delicious part of celebrations here, or shop for local handicrafts like tin toys, wood and stone carvings or colourful textiles, or simply enjoy the beaches and take in the untamed and exotic surroundings. Late afternoon departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Ten - Puerto Quezal
Very early arrival in Puerto Quezal on the Guatemalan Pacific coast. The key highlight here is Antigua, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala, which has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Antigua is famous for its well-preserved Spanish influenced baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Afternoon departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Eleven - At sea
Enjoy another day at sea and an opportunity to take full advantage of the ship’s many features and facilities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Twelve - Fuerte Amador
Enjoy a relaxing day on board before arriving at Fuerte Amador early evening. Enjoy an evening meandering around, possibly for a tropical essential, the famed Panama hat. Watch the world go by at a waterfront café as ships of all origins slip under the Bridge of the Americas or visit the fascinating Interoceanic Canal Museum.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Thirteen - Panama Canal
Very early morning departure from Fuerte Amador to cruise through the Panama Canal. This 77 kilometre canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the canal had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via either the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Fourteen - Cartagena
Arriving into the Colombian port of Cartagena mid morning, enjoy your day exploring the sites of this fortified city including colonial architecture, pristine offshore islands and the finest emeralds in the world. Late afternoon departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Fifteen - At sea
Enjoy another day at sea and an opportunity to take full advantage of the ship’s many features and facilities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Sixteen - At sea
Your last day at sea as you sail towards Fort Lauderdale and an opportunity to enjoy the ship's many features and facilities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise ship: MS Statendam

Day Seventeen - Fort Lauderdale - Miami - Fly UK
Arriving into Fort Lauderdale early morning, you will leave your cruise ship after breakfast. Your local guide will take you by private transfer to Miami airport for your afternoon British Airways flight to London Heathrow.We also offer flights on other airlines, from other departure airports and other flight times – just ask for details.
Included Meals: Breakfast, inflight
Hotel: Inflight

Day Eighteen - Arrive UK
Your flight arrives back into London Heathrow early morning.
Included Meals: Inflight