Table Of Content
Use the info we’re proving here as a starting point, but remember there are plenty of cruise specialists out there who know these ships and routes inside-out. It’s best to consult with one of them to match your desires, your budget, and your timeline with the right company and ship. A good travel agent can save you time and probably get you some perks or discounts out of the booking too. Of if you hate large ships, they can point you to a luxury yacht option that might work instead, though understand you’ll probably need to fly to the destination for that, like we did once in Panama.
Viking Inclusive Value
THE 8 BEST Cruises from Tampa to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 8 BEST Cruises from Tampa to the Panama Canal & Central America (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:05:07 GMT [source]
Along the way you'll be able to marvel at the breathtaking scenery of tropical rainforests and rugged banks, with the chance to stop off at ports along the way to see just how important this waterway has been to life in Panama. For those wanting to see what Costa Rica has to offer, Puntarenas is a great starting point with its beautiful beaches and sea life sanctuary. Bring light, breathable clothes for maximum comfort, so you can add or remove layers as the temperature varies along your cruise route, and include sunscreen, hat and glasses in your luggage too. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes for on shore exploration, as the terrain can be rough and some of the more spectacular sights require hiking. We also recommend binoculars and a decent camera so you can treasure the experience for years to come.
Night Canal & S. CaribbeanDetails
Delve into the vibrant ports that we sail to across Central America, and discover a range of shore experiences that take you to the beating heart of this colourful region. Enhance your cruise with an exciting Shore Experience exploring wild jungles, white sandy beaches and ancient temples. Discover stunning biodiversity, delicious local cuisine, unforgettable mountaintop views and more. Delve into the vibrant ports that we sail to across Central America, and discover a range of shore experiences that take you to the beating heart of this colorful region. With the temperature remaining consistent at around 27°C throughout the year, a cruise to Central America will be fantastic whichever time of the year you choose to travel.
Central American Wildlife
Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles. With so many things see and do on our different itineraries, you might want some help in deciding which expedition cruise is best for you. Give us a call, tell us what you’re looking for, and our experts will be happy to guide you. Celebrated in the holy week of Easter, this is arguably the biggest religious festival throughout Latin America. Most places host re-enactments of Jesus carrying the cross along with processions through the streets, with music and dancing providing a carnival atmosphere. Antigua in Guatemala plays host to one of the most popular Semana Santa celebrations, covering the city in floral decorations and purple clothing from Ash Wednesday.
He has visited each country we cover multiple times and is based in a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, where he owns a home. If you live driving distance to a U.S. cruise port, there’s also the advantage of avoiding the unpleasant airlines we’re stuck with. You can cruise from Florida to Roatan, for example, or from Texas to Panama.
Then, stop by the local markets to peruse the hand-embroidered, brightly colored traditional garments and take in the fragrant smells of dried chiles. How wonderful it is for those of us who have a touch of wanderlust to have this diverse land of sights, sounds, and experiences in such close proximity to us. Very much off the beaten track until recently, El Salvador remains a destination full of secrets. They also shed new light on Maya civilisation's networks and the exchanges between areas separated by several hundred kilometres. At sea or on dry land, there are so many unmissable sights in Central America.
Within the rest of Central America, put on your hiking boots and head for the rainforest or kick off your shoes and hit the beach. Port highlights include Costa Rica's Puntarenas and Limon, with excursions that cater to adrenaline junkies. Your Expedition Team will introduce you to the rich history, cultures, communities and wildlife of Central America in lectures and as your guides on activities. Explore with them in the Science Center, on walks, landings and while expedition boat cruising.
Central America cruises
Whether they're found peeking out of the jungle or overlooking the sea, the remains of Mayan cities are essential stops on a journey to Central America. Central America and the Caribbean are home to lowland rainforests, beaches, mangrove swamps and waterfalls – each rich with incredible wildlife. You’ll visit UNESCO biosphere reserves, national parks and mangrove forests, home to turtles, tropical birds, monkeys, dolphins and manta rays. Explore Central America’s Pacific coast and visit some of the Caribbean’s best paradises on a Caribbean island cruise. Explore wild jungles, white sandy beaches and ancient temples with our range of Central America Shore Experiences. Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxury Latin America and has been covering the region as a travel journalist since the mid-2000s.
NEW! Mediterranean to Caribbean Sojourn
Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage—British, Mayan, Spanish, Taíno, African, Emberá—of the Caribbean and Central America, in ports from San Juan to Colón. Gain an intimate view through carefully curated itineraries, more time in port and enriching excursions on land and sea. For many Central America cruises, a journey down the Panama Canal is a real highlight.
The trip starts in Iceland, heads across the Northwest Passage, then makes stops in Alaska and Pacific Coast ports along the way all the way down to the other side of the planet. Holland America is a Carnival brand so some of its Caribbean cruises stop in the Carnival port in Honduras and those usually also stop in Belize. The best option if you want to see a lot of Central America on a cruise is to go for the 14-night option. That one heads down to Panama, goes through the canal, stops in Costa Rica and Guatemala, then stops in Puerto Vallarta before docking for good in Los Angeles. So in the end you get to cross the USA without getting in a car or a plane.
Along the volcanic landscapes of Guatemala or Nicaragua, the lakes, rivers and mangroves complement the lush landscapes of this region, which accounts for 7% of the world's biodiversity. While it may often be forgotten as a cruise destination due to its proximity to the Caribbean on its eastern coast, North America and the Galapagos Islands, Central America is a magical cruise destination in its own right. Whether as part of a grand world cruise, a fly cruise or part of a tailor-made cruise and stay package, there are plenty of hidden gems and unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.
In as little as six days you can visit Belize and Honduras from Tampa Bay, cruising south to Cozumel in Mexico before hitting Central American ports. Their seven-day option adds another stop in Mexico between Tulum and Ambergris Caye. Also keep in mind that there’s a seasonality aspect of these Central America cruises. Most of them ply the waters from December through May, the dry season before the tropical rains start. You won’t find as many choices if you want to go during summer school vacation since that’s rainy season and companies definitely don’t want to attempt a trip through the Caribbean during hurricane season.
Indulge in The Retreat, a vacation experience like no other that includes a suite, a private lounge, and dining at Luminae, Celebrity’s exclusive restaurant featuring signature dishes by world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud. Rejuvenate your body with an afternoon at The Spa, or take in dreamy ocean views from the adults-only pool at The Solarium. Before the Spanish conquest, the Mayans reigned supreme in Central America. Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Palenque, Uxmal, the archaeological site of Edzná on the Yucatán peninsula, Lamanai in Belize, Tikal in Guatemala, Tazumal in El Salvador... Temples, pyramids and other gems remind us of the power of a people who have developed a sophisticated writing system, and a rich culture and economy.
Spend the afternoon outside of Belize City exploring the Sibun Forest Reserve, home to howler monkeys, colorful birds, and iguanas. Close to both Guatemala and Belize, San Fernando de Omoa's Fortress was built by the Spanish between 1752 and 1775 to guard the Honduran coast. Located at the junction of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, where North and South America meet, the Panama Canal is of crucial strategic economic importance to the country.
