It’s something of an insider secret, cruising the extreme southern edge of the Caribbean. But those who explore beyond the traditional islands know that this is where you find the epicenter of colonial history, amazing biodiversity, the Tico-influenced cuisine and cultures that illuminate those you find further north. 
 
This is the heart of the Spanish Main, where untold wealth boarded galleons bound for Europe and colonial forts thwarted off pirate attacks. It’s the narrow isthmus that holds the Panama Canal, an epic engineering feat that irrevocably changed the course of world trade. And it’s the home of indigenous tribes like the Kogi, the Ngobe-Buglé, and the Kuna, who have managed to maintain their traditional ways of life despite living at one of the planet’s busiest crossroads.
 
These shores are also some of the most beautiful and biodiverse on earth, home to marine-rich coral reefs, subterranean bat caves, and the greatest bird diversity in the world. Yet with all the attractions, you don’t have to go far to find untouched islands or jungle-shrouded channels where sloths casually hang from tree branches.
 
All this in seven days, on a ship perfectly designed for adventure.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City.  In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

Bocas del Toro on Bastimentos island was visited by Columbus in 1502 and then built up with colorful and Caribbean-style clapboard houses by the United Fruit Company in the early 20^th century.   Situated on the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago, the laid-back and friendly community is a great combination of races and ethnicities living harmoniously. West Indians, Latinos and Extraneros (the resident gringos) make this an easy place to feel right at home and embrace the relaxed Caribbean vibe of the town. Not far from town is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, as well as two national parks, La Amistad and many banana plantations. We will anchor at Red Frog Marina, considered to have the finest beaches of Panama.

The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 378 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited, some by the Kuna people.  Scattered over an area of about 100 square miles, the islands are the number 1 vacation destination in Panama although the Kuna work hard to protect their land against overwhelming tourism and keep the islands healthy and lovely, unique and untouched by culture. These white-sand and palm tree lined islands are encompassed by a coral reef and warm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkeling and is home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, sharks and giant manta rays.

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

Romantic Santa Marta has it all: history (Colombia’s oldest city), natural beauty (from gentle bays and beaches to the highest coastal mountain range in the world), and its very own celebrity. Simon Bolivar  (“The Liberator”) is known as the George Washington of South America, and this was his Mount Vernon. Visit his beautiful estate or head to one of  the two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves nearby.

Known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this Dutch port makes it easy to just … take it easy. Walk through town to choose your favorite carved wooden door, or spend the day like the Arubans do playing dominos at a beachside table.