Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean Cruise: Cartagena, Aruba & Curacao

Day 1 - Panama City

Arrive: Sun 15 March 2026 / Depart: Sun 15 March 2026 at 22:00

Founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistadors, Panama City is now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America and home to incredible architectural and ethnic diversity. This diversity is reflected in the variety of culinary styles and Panamanian dishes, which are a unique blend of Spanish, African and Native American cuisine. When not dining at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants, be sure to visit the neighborhood of Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City, and the Calle Uruguay district for its vibrant nightlife; hike through acres and acres national parks and the rainforest at Parque Natural Metropolitano, located just minutes from downtown; and of course, a trip to the Miraflores locks to watch huge ships travel along the iconic Panama Canal. And with both the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal and the opening of the second canal locks in 2014, there’s no better time to visit.

Day 2 - Panama Canal (Cruising)

Day 3 - Cartagena, Colombia

Arrive: Tue 17 March 2026 at 13:00 / Depart: Tue 17 March 2026 at 22:00

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is an historic city undergoing a modern renaissance. Filled with legends, romance and splendor, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and cultural sites. Marvel at the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Clock Tower; explore the Squares of Los Coches, Santo Domingo, and Centenario; visit the beaches of Islas del Rosario National Park; or simply relax at one of the city’s many open-air cafés, as horse-drawn carriages parade by. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by Cartagena and its people.

Day 4 - Santa Marta

Arrive: Wed 18 March 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 18 March 2026 at 14:00

Santa Marta is a city on the Caribbean Sea in the northern Colombian department of Magdalena. A busy port, it was also the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. It's the gateway for trips into the Tayrona National Natural Park, and for multiday guided treks to the Lost City (Teyuna) archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.

Day 5 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrive: Thu 19 March 2026 at 09:30 / Depart: Thu 19 March 2026 at 22:00

As the capital and largest city of Aruba, Oranjestad (Dutch for “Orange Town”) is named after King Willem van Oranje-Nassau, the first heir to the Dutch House of Orange. Now mainly referred to as “Playa” by the locals, Oranjestad is renowned for its sunny weather year-round, with a virtually constant temperature of 28C/82F. Given the beautiful climate and myriad of pristine white beaches, no wonder some of the city’s most popular activities to do are soaking in the sun, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and boat rides. Shopping is also a common pursuit, with the vast amount of jewelry stores in Aruba offering much lower prices than elsewhere around the world. If you’re in search of locally made goods and products, visit Oranjestad’s marketplace for art and handicrafts, sample an Aruba-made Balashi Beer, and maybe even try an ostrich burger, which are widely available due to the city’s proximity to a number of ostrich farms.

Day 6 - Bonaire

Arrive: Fri 20 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 20 March 2026 at 20:00

The ‘B’ of the ABC Islands, Bonaire, and its tropical capital Kralendijk, is a haven for those looking to explore the world beneath the waves. Located in the Caribbean Netherlands, Bonaire is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world thanks to its national park designated reef lined coast. Take a water taxi to the uninhabited Klein Bonaire or the Bonaire National Marine Park for dozens of dive sites, many of which are reachable from shore. Head to Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay for windsurfing—Bonaire is also a world-renowned destination for this thrilling sport. And if you love pink flamingos, then a visit to Washington Slagbaai National Park should be high on your to-do list as thousands of them flock there every year. (In fact, Bonaire’s airport is called Flamingo International Airport.)

Day 7 - Willemstad, Curacao

Arrive: Sat 21 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 21 March 2026 at 20:00

Dating back to the 1600’s, the beautiful city of Willemstad is the capital of the island of Curacao and one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. It was once the former capital of the Netherlands Antilles and its Dutch influences are felt everywhere—particularly in the historic heart of the Willemstad, where the Old Town’s colonial culture and unique architecture has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Curacao Maritime Museum for engaging displays that trace the island’s considerable history or Museum Kura Hulanda, considered one of the best museums in the Caribbean. Watch ships of all sizes come through Willemstad’s channel via the Queen Emma Bridge or discover the rich colors of Dutch architecture at Fort Amsterdam, which dates back to the 1760’s. Head to Punda, the oldest part of Willlemstad, for local and international restaurants, great shopping and local specialty products like Dutch Delft Blue figurines, wheels of Gouda and Edam cheeses, and of course the original Curacao liqueur.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Cabo Rojo

Arrive: Mon 23 March 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 23 March 2026 at 18:00

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Miami

Arrive: Thu 26 March 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 26 March 2026

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.