Panama Canal Cruise

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ms ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam ensures you the ultimate onboard experience with her graceful combination of classic cruise ship features and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests aboard the ms Rotterdam will enjoy elegant dining rooms, a $2 million art and antique collection, wide teak decks and spacious staterooms.

Day 1 – Home to San Diego, CA
Welcome to brilliant San Diego known for its sun, beaches, and
delightful year round weather!Arrive this afternoon in time to
explore the area. A few ideas are: Walk on Coronado Island’s sandy
beach, take in the Old Town that brings the city’s early Spanish
days to life, have a wild time at the famous San Diego Zoo or a
whale of a good time at Sea World. Another highlight is Balboa
Park, which is both a natural space and a collection of wonderful
museums. R&J Tours has included an overnight stay at the beautiful
Sheraton Hotel & Marina in San Diego Bay this evening!
Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Marina
Day 2 – San Diego – Aboard ms Rotterdam
Wake up in beautiful San Diego this morning!Today our unforgettable
Holland America cruise departs!The ms Rotterdam departs
this evening at 4:00 pm. Enjoy exploring this great ship and all her
fine amenities; there will be plenty to experience during our days
at sea.
Day 3 – At Sea
Day 4 – At Sea
Day 5 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
No longer the well-kept secret of the artists, writers and Hollywood
stars who first “discovered” it in the 1960s, “PV” (as it is affectionately
known) still retains the essence of the quaint fishing village it
once was. Viejo Vallarta, the old town, is a mix of red-tiled buildings,
cobbled streets, chic shops and busy open markets.
Day 6 – At Sea
Day 7 – Huatulco, Mexico
Everything you ever wanted in a seaside resort: warm sun, sandy
beaches and nine beautiful bays rimmed in every shade of blue.
Nearby: low-growth caducifolia jungles teeming with birdlife and
the nesting grounds of endangered sea turtles.
Day 8 – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Modernity meets Maya in Puerto Quetzal. Mayan culture still
prevails in parts of Guatemala and other Central American nations.
Weavers spin their brilliantly colored stories on backstrap looms,
while monolithic stone temples of Tikal stand in silent testament
to ancient ritual and wisdom. Developments in recent decades
transformed the town into a bustling shipping center that handles
Panamax-sized vessels of cargo. Its proximity to the Panama Canal
a few hundred miles to the north helps considerably. Cruise passengers
especially benefit from the modern port conveniences
in Puerto Quetzal. The facilities here make transfers to Mayan
archaeological sites of interest much easier, including adventures
into the interior.
Day 9 – Corinto, Nicaragua
No one was watching, but Nicaragua turned into a new and wild
adventure tourism phenomenon, and there’s still much left to
discover there in addition to the premium local rum and strings of
beckoning volcanic peaks. Look for Puerto Corinto, a small scenic
town on the northwest coast for the real local flavor in a region
bounded by great lakes to the south and Honduras to the north.
Peaks of neighboring volcanoes, pristine beaches, fields of sugar
cane, and lush mangrove forests combine to create an intoxicating
experience for all senses. Stroll the Costa Azul for views of the bay
and its islands. In nearby Chinandega, discover Mayan artifacts at
the archeological museum. Or, explore the remains of León Viejo,
buried under centuries of volcanic debris.
Day 10 – Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
The city of Puerto Caldera, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, has a
number of national parks within easy reach for cruise visitors. Just
to the south, Carara is a mecca for birders, especially those chasing
the scarlet macaw. Poas Volcano is inland, and rises to nearly 9,000
feet. See it before it blows again. Barra Honda contains a series of
limestone caves. Palo Verde preserves one of the last tropical dry
rainforests in Central America. Arenal has the most active volcano
in the country. Tapanti contains species of orchids discovered only
in 2009. Grab your hiking boots and a pair of binoculars. It’s all
magnificent, wherever you go.
Day 11 – At Sea
Day 12 – Enter Panama Canal Balboa
Day 12 – Cruising Panama Canal
Day 12 – Exit Panama Canal Cristobal

Day 13 – Cartagena, Colombia
Privateers loved Cartagena, the chief Spanish port in New Granada
(today’s Colombia). Sir John Hawkins besieged the city in 1568 and
his nephew, Sir Francis Drake, sacked it 18 years later. In response,
Spain poured millions into the port’s defense, building the fortifications
that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise visitors
can walk those deeply textured alleyways today through some of
the best-preserved colonial neighborhoods of the Americas. When
you’re ready for a change, there are always beaches to enjoy! Bocagrande
is busy and close to the city. Playa Blanca is south across the
bay and quieter. Both are lovely!

Day 14 – At Sea
Day 15 – At Sea

Day 16 – Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Enjoy the perfect day of play on our pristine private island, from
sunning on two miles of white sand to watersports, nature hikes,
deep sea fishing, and more. For relaxing, reserve a private air-conditioned
cabana by the sea. For adventure, feed the gentle rays at
Stingray Cove, ride a horse into the surf or visit Half Moon Lagoon,
the island’s aqua park. Discover why Half Moon Cay—included on
nearly every Caribbean itinerary—consistently wins guests’ hearts.
Day 17 – For t Lauderdale, Florida
Fly home today with vivid memories of your floating home-away from-home
as well as the rich history and breathtaking beauty you
captured along the way!