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12 Night Panama Colombia and Caribbean Islands Cruise from Colon

Ship: Le Dumont D'Urville

Cruise Line: Ponant Cruises

Sailed: Saturday, Mar 9, 2024 from Colon, Panama

Ended: Thursday, Mar 21, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Mar 9, 2024 departure of the Le Dumont D'Urville. If Ponant Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Mar 9, 2024

Colon, Panama

Depart: 8:30 pm

Colon is the second-largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colon is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colon 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.

Day 2 - Sunday - Mar 10, 2024

Portobelo, Panama

In the province of Colon, along the magnificent Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is located not far from the famous canal. Given its name of "beautiful port" by Christopher Columbus, who discovered it in 1502, this charming and peaceful bay was one of the most important ports for the shipping of precious metals from the New World to Spain. Don't miss a visit to its fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has preserved the strong religious and cultural traditions of its colonial past, such as the veneration of the Black Christ and a strongly-rooted Afro-Caribbean culture. The Congo ceremonies retrace the story of Spanish domination over black slaves through traditional dances and music.

Day 3 - Monday - Mar 11, 2024

San Blas Islands, Panama

Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometers offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long white-sand beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kuna Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Mar 12, 2024

Cartagena, Colombia

A splendid harbour city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified historical centre whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-coloured facades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bovedas neighbourhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th-century civil wars.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Mar 13, 2024

Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, located in the north of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a seaside town dominated by the majestic Sierra Nevada. The highest coastal chain of mountains in the world, it is listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the diversity of its fauna and flora. At the heart of the first Spanish colony, you will discover the heritage of the Tairona, the largest indigenous civilization in Colombia. The eponymous national park offers you sumptuous landscapes, combining lush tropical forest and beautiful fine sandy beaches edged with crystal-clear water. The archaeological heritage and the Pre-Columbian treasures of the region are a source of endless enchantment.

Day 6 - Thursday - Mar 14, 2024

At Sea

During your journey 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. 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.

Day 7 - Friday - Mar 15, 2024

Willemstad (Curacao), Netherlands Antilles

The capital of Curacao stretches along the edge of St. Anna Bay on the island's south-west coast, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A profusion of color awaits you on the Handelskade quays, where it's a pleasure to stroll alongside the merchants' houses whose rainbow facades characterize Dutch colonial architecture. A few paces from here is the Floating Market, a true feast for the eyes and tastebuds. You can also visit Fort Rif and the Maritime Museum, or, in the quieter streets of Otrobanda, you'll enjoy browsing the craft shops and old-time bars at your own leisurely pace.

Day 8 - Saturday - Mar 16, 2024

At Sea

Day 9 - Sunday - Mar 17, 2024

Mayreau, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you'd like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Day 10 - Monday - Mar 18, 2024

Union Island, St. Vincent & The Grendadines

Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters, and endless coral reefs - Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of "the Tahiti of the West Indies" to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be "the best-kept secret in the Grenadines" - Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.

Day 11 - Tuesday - Mar 19, 2024

Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia

Linked to St. Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated national park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula's coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.

Soufriere , Saint Lucia

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St. Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufriere is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, you will be able to enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, you can set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.

Day 12 - Wednesday - Mar 20, 2024

Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre-de-Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don't forget to taste the local speciality, the "tourment d'amour", a cake made with coconut.

Day 13 - Thursday - Mar 21, 2024

Fort de France, Martinique

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth on its strip of land, Fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher Library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island's story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marche. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in are the Garden of Balata and the Aime Cesaire Park right in the heart of the city.