Central America & Panama Canal cruises
served just the way you like it

Discover the picturesque city of Puerto Vallarta on this delightful orientation tour.

Enjoy a brief drive into Puerto Vallarta to the colourful main square for a short guided walking tour. Visit the charming Cathedral of Our Lady which dates from 1929, and meander through the cobblestoned streets. As you head along the popular waterfront promenade ‘Malecon’, you will see the iconic seahorse sculpture and capture the lovely views across the bay.

Continue on to Mismaloya for an opportunity to photograph this charming bayside village, made famous in the film ‘Night of the Iguana’. View Los Arcos, the name given to the three huge rocks located just offshore.

Enjoy a refreshment at a charming local restaurant, before heading back to downtown Puerto Vallarta. Here, you will have the opportunity to browse and shop for souvenirs before the return drive to the ship.

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking, which includes some cobblestones and steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Modest dress is required when entering places of worship; shorts are not permitted. Entrance is dependent on local services. Guests will be responsible for their own return to the ship, if remaining in town after the tour.

See the sights from land and water - the charming city of Granada and idyllic islands of Lake Nicaragua.

Granada is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Sitting in the shadow of the Mombacho Volcano on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, this city has an incredibly picturesque location. Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes in pastel colours make the city a delight to explore.

Upon arrival, you will tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, transporting you back 500 years.
Following this orientation, take a guided walk of the main square, and admire La Merced Church, and the famous Convent of San Francisco, with its impressive collection of sculptures. Learn of the civil wars, which nearly destroyed Granada, and the restoration plans to return the city to its original grandeur.

Enjoy a local-style lunch in a colonial house, before a relaxing boat ride around some of the hundreds of small islands which dot Lake Nicaragua, formed following the last mighty eruption of Mount Mombacho. Enjoy the incredible scenery and local wildlife as you pass by.

Note: Guests are advised that there will be approximately 2½ hours’ walking during this tour. The drive to and from Granada is approximately 1¾ hours. Each carriage holds four guests. There may be a short wait while carriages are allocated.

This tour is ideal for the adventurous explorer – a unique opportunity to experience the real Mexican wilderness.

Venture away from the suburbs of Puerto Vallarta in an open-air 4x4 all-terrain vehicle and head into the Mexican outback. This tour will take you off the beaten track, over bumpy terrain and through mountain streams and remote villages, on a mission to reach the heart of the Sierra Madres.

In the depths of the forest vegetation, your knowledgeable guide will take you on a fascinating 45-minute nature walk, encouraging you to discover and explore the region’s flora and fauna hidden beneath the canopy of the jungle. Your journey then continues towards the coastline, where you will have time to relax and take in the lovely views. A tasty ‘al fresco’ buffet luncheon will be served on the beach of the picturesque fishing village of Sayulita.

Afterwards, you will enjoy the return drive back to Puerto Vallarta.

Note: Guests will be transferred to the marina where the 4x4 vehicles are located, via either a small Panga Boat or coach. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under eight may not participate. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over rough and uneven ground. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Please remember sunscreen, and it is advisable to take insect repellent. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Sample the best of Costa Rica; discover the secrets of the rainforest and venture down the enchanting Tortuguero Canals.

The Rainforest Aerial Tram covers one of the richest canopy communities in the world. You will be taken on a fascinating tram ride through the rainforest canopy and its hanging gardens of plants.

After the thrill of the tram ride, savour a delicious buffet luncheon at the Rainforest Café.

Your tour continues on a scenic two hour drive through Costa Rica’s most fertile areas and banana plantations and on to the Tortuguero Canals. You will be welcomed with a soft drink refreshment and a tropical fruit buffet. Afterwards, board the jungle boats for a relaxing cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, enjoying the scenery as you pass by. Keep an eye out for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and toucans, along with an assortment of exotic flora and fauna that prospers in this delightful eco-system.

Note: This tour involves very little walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach, aerial tram and boat embarkation. The tram ride lasts approximately 80 minutes. Each tram holds six guests and one guide. Delays at the tram may be experienced.

An opportunity to enjoy bird watching in Huatulco.

The tropical climate surrounding the bays of Huatulco still preserves its jungle environment and provides the perfect habitat for bird watching.

A short transfer will take you to the Copalita River Estuary which attracts a large proportion of Huatulco’s birdlife, including heron, kingfisher and cormorant. During a walk around the estuary you may encounter woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, parrots and a variety of hummingbirds. If you have your own binoculars, bring them along to spot the more camouflaged and shy species.

During your tour, your guide will give explanations of the ecology, birds and points of interest.

Note: This tour involves walking over pathways and some uneven ground. There are several stops along the way. Flat, non-slip shoes are recommended. Please wear a long-sleeved, light shirt or blouse, long trousers and a hat. Sun screen is recommended. Bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not suitable for children.

Discover the outstanding sights of Rio from the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Your scenic drive takes you to the bustling downtown area, the heart of the commercial city, where traditional Rio blends with modern architecture. Passing through Rio Branco Avenue, you will see the classic Candelaria Church. Highlights en route include the Opera House, Cariocan Square and the 17th century Church of Santo Antonio. The dramatic contrasts between old and new Rio can clearly be seen during the tour.

Visit Rio’s modern Cathedral, with its fascinating architecture: in spite of its size, there are no columns inside to support it. Towering at 246 feet, the Cathedral has the capacity to hold 20,000 people.

The highlight of your tour will, without doubt, be a visit to the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain. Transfer by cable car to the first stage of the giant rock, towering over the entrance to Guanabara Bay. The midway station invites you to admire the surroundings, before embarking on the second stage of the ride to the peak. From 1,230 feet, enjoy breathtaking views of the city on both sides.

Note: Order of highlights may be reversed. There is little walking involved on this tour, however guests are advised that there are approximately 20 steps or a ten-minute walk up an incline at Sugar Loaf. Please be prepared for queues at the cable car. Neither flash photography, short sleeves nor shorts are permitted in the Cathedral.

Experience the fun of a river-rafting trip through beautiful landscapes to see nature at its very best.

The destination for your rafting adventure is the Copalita River. After a safety briefing, you will set off on a river journey downstream. Enjoy the sights as the water flow silently ‘whorls’ you along for around an hour, taking you past the jungle-filled banks of the Copalita. Your rafting experience is along the peaceful part of the great white water run of the Copalita River.

The lush vegetation of the unspoiled jungle is a natural habitat for the local tropical birds. Parrots, egrets, herons, frigate birds, sandpipers and kingfishers are just a few of the 100 species of birds that can be found here. Several endangered, protected and rare species are also present in this area.

During the journey, you will enjoy the fun of rafting, paddling here and there as your guide expertly navigates the river.

Note: Children and pregnant women may not participate. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel and non-oil sunscreen. Personal belongings should be kept to a minimum. You will be required to wear a life jacket and helmet. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Discover the 17th century UNESCO colonial town of San Sebastian, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta you will take an approximate 90-minute drive to San Sebastian, passing through lovely rural and mountainous scenery along the way.

San Sebastian dates back to the 17th century, when it was a highly prosperous silver mining town. Set in the midst of a mountain valley, its remote location has ensured the retention of its original colonial charm.

During your visit, you will make a stop at the Hacienda Jalisco which dates back to 1850. The restored house was once an important centre for the silver mining operations. You will also have the opportunity to see how coffee is roasted at a local coffee plantation, and a visit to the Museo Dona Conchita will provide an insight into a local home and memorabilia.

As you follow your guide through the cobblestone streets of the town, catch a glimpse of its past through the colonial architecture, including the main square, bandstand and the 16th century church.

During your tour, a typical Mexican luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

Note: This tour involves around 1½ hours of walking which includes uneven cobblestone ground. There is a short decline leading to the entrance of the Hacienda. Flat, comfortable non slip shoes are essential.

Soak up the sun, participate in sporting activities or simply relax at one of Huatulco’s finest resorts. The choice is yours.

Las Brisas Resort began operation as the largest Club Med in the western hemisphere, their second largest in the world. After its closure, it was reopened in 2003 by Las Brisas, the renowned operator of the traditional ‘Pink Casitas’ in Acapulco. The resort is perfectly designed to cater for active guests and those who simply want to relax.

Relax with a book by one of the pristine swimming pools, stroll along the beach or participate in one of the sporting activities available on the day. The hotel resort also offers restaurants, a boutique and numerous water-sport facilities.

Note: The following services are included in your visit: squash, tennis, basketball, volleyball, snorkel equipment and use of the gym. These are all subject to availability and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Water-sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and hobie cats will incur additional costs. Please take US$ for purchases. Luncheon and refreshments are not included. Upon arrival you will be issued with a coupon booklet, which may be used towards purchases in the restaurants, boutique or water-sport activities. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ and ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Spend a relaxing day enjoying the facilities at one of Acapulco’s top hotels.

Take advantage of your time in Acapulco and spend it at the fabulous Fairmont Pierre Marques Hotel. With the soaring mountains of the Sierra Madre on one side and the crystal blue Pacific on the other, this is the perfect venue to relax and unwind. Spend your time chilling by the pool, basking in the sun or strolling along the endless stretch of beach.

Indulge in a delicious buffet luncheon, accompanied by a refreshing soft drink.

During your drive to the resort, you will stop at Acapulco Bay vantage point; no visit to this city is complete without a photograph of this stunning view. Travel along Acapulco’s main avenue, as well as the scenic highway, passing by Puerto Marques Bay and the Black Lagoon.

Note: The walking involved on this tour is at guests’ discretion. There are approximately four steps to negotiate to access the beach and guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach. Please remember swimwear, towel and sunscreen. Towels are available at the Hotel, but may not always be sufficient. Guests are strongly advised to swim only in the hotel pool due to strong undercurrents in the sea. The drive to the resort is around 50 minutes. Delays due to traffic may occur. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.