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| 25th Anniversary: New Years 2010 Panama Canal Plus exotic ports & island on the Atlantic & Pacific coasts of Panama & Costa Rica ~ Explore 2,500-year-old sites & colonial ports ~ Snorkel in some of the top-10 reefs in the world ~ Hike unspoiled jungles, rain forests, bird sanctuaries & botanical gardens ~ View whales, dolphins & rare birds ~ Swim in pristine, white-sand beaches
An adventure-filled, informal cruise from Panama to Portobelo, daytime transit of the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal , Darien Jungle, Granito de Oro in Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Corcovado Conservation rainforest, Manuel Antonio National Park & Los Sueños (San Jose, Costa Rica) aboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer where dress is always casual and you dine with whomever you wish
December 27, 2010 to January 5, 2011 10 days/9 nights from $3378* NEW: Special air fare is also available Hosted by José Catalán and Lance Wilson
Included features:
Optional flights from Phoenix plus 3 nights hotels Panama City & San Jose for $1189* Special air fare is available with additional savings of $186 Other cities, such as St. Louis, are available Includes :
Day by day itinerary
Monday, December 27 – Transfer by motor coach from the airport to the Pacific Explorer in Colón on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Ship sails at 5 p.m. (D) Note: Our optional flight and hotel package departs December 26. Panama is one of the most prosperous countries in Central America with a population of more than one million people. It is one of the top five places for retirement according to International Living Magazine and is an important hub for international banking.
Tuesday, Dec. 28 – Portobelo, Panama. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this was once one of the richest ports of the Spanish Main until plundered by Henry Morgan in 1668. Enjoy a guided walk in Portobelo and a special performance from Kuna Indians as they pass on their customs through dances and chants. Panamanian crafts, which include the richly embroidered molas h
Wednesday, Dec. 29 – Daytime transit of the Panama Canal. Come eye-to-eye with one of the most acclaimed engineering marvels in the world , which nowadays employs upwards of 9,000 workers. The Canal is more than 50 miles long with a minimum depth of 41 feet. A ship traveling from New York to San Francisco saves 7,872 miles using the Panama Canal instead of going around South America. Approximately 14,000 ships pass through the Canal each year.
Transiting the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience, especially aboard a
Thursday, December 30 – Darien Jungle, Panama. As we make our way toward the Darién Jungle, we hope to see whales, dolphins and marine birds. Some dolphins, including bottle-nosed and pan tropical spotted dolphins, will often rush to the bow and surf the pressure wave that the ship creates as we pass through the water. The Darién Jungle represents five ecological zones of tropical forest from the high elevations to lowlands, with about 10,000 known species of plants. Of the more than 900 resident species of Panamanian land birds, the majority are found in the Darién. Listen for the roars of howler monkeys, the screeches of parrots and macaws and look for black mangrove hawks soaring above. The jungle is also home of the harpy eagle, the national bird of Panama.
Visit a remote Emberá village tucked away on the southwest coast of the Darién Jungle. The Emberá people open their homes and hearts to welcome Cruise West friends. They will perform native dancing with traditional music. The women will show the baskets they make, tightly woven, exquisitely shaped and adorned with traditional patterns. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, December 31 – Coiba National Park, Panama. Some of the richest waters of Central America's Pacific coast can be found here, plus the largest expanse of lowland tropical forest, 80% of which is largely untouched, primary forest. The Park includes Panama's biggest island and is one of its newest protected areas, established in 1991. In the early 1920's it was a maximum security prison and before that, it was used for many years as a hideaway for pirates. Pre-Columbian sites dating back 2,500 years are found here.
A study of the marine life here during 1997 identified 69 species of fish, like white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays and the comical puffer fish. To date, 147 species have been identified, including scarlet macaws. The Coiba Spinetail, a little brown-and-white bird found climbing through the denser cover rather than over the more open branches, is found only on the islands in Coiba National Park. The park's marine animals include 23 species of whales and dolphins, including humpback, sperm and killer whales , which inhabit its waters year-round. (B,L,D)
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011 - Continue exploring Coiba National Park, Panama. Continue exploring. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of pristine waters and abundant sea life makes this one of the top 10 diving locations in the world. Enjoy a day of island snorkeling and kayaking. Please keep in mind that the underwater world is a very sensitive marine environment. Coiba National Park has the second largest coral reef in the Central-Eastern Pacific Ocean. (B,L,D)
Sunday, January 2 - Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Take a guided tour through the beautiful
Monday, Jan. 3 - Corcovado Conservation Area, Costa Rica. Discover the Corcovado Conservation Area, a pristine rainforest, populated by a number of endangered species including puma, tapir, poison dart frogs, crocodile, jaguar, and marine turtles. It is home to the largest population of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica. Here live close to 400 species of birds, around 140 mammals and more than 500 species of trees . Guided hikes of varying degrees of difficulty are available. Lunch is a picnic on the beach. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, January 4 – Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. This park was created in 1972 and consists of three magnificent white-sand beaches that are
Wednesday, January 5 - Disembark at Los Sueños, Costa Rica and 3-hour transfer to the San José Airport or enjoy our optional 2-night extension of San Jose with flights is available returning January 7. (B)
Costa Rica 2-night extension and flights - January 5 to 7, 2011 Wednesday, January 5 - Disembark at Los Sueños, Costa Rica and 3-hour transfer to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Accommodations are at a superior first class hotel. Afternoon optional tour of San Jose. Evening free or enjoy an optional typical dinner and show from atop a mountain overlooking San Jose. Thursday, January 6 - Optional full day excursion of Arenal Volcano and Tabacó
Friday, January 7 - Late morning flights on American Airlines via Dallas arriving Phoenix that same evening. Other cities, such as St. Louis, are available. (B) Included features:
Cabin Descriptions & Fares Cabins are approximately 117 sq. ft. They have air-conditioning, picture window that open to tropical breezes, storage closet , and bathroom with shower. AA and AAA cabins have either one queen or two twin beds. A cabins have one queen bed. AAA cabins are on the Upper Deck; AA and A cabins are on the Main Deck. Cabins 212 & 214, 211 & 213 may be adjoined. Cabins 203, 204, 211, 212, 303, 304, 311, 312, 315 and 316 have a queen bed. Single fares are available on request.
Wait-list only: A forward cabin regular fare $4158 - Our discounted fare $3378 * ($375 per day including meals, sightseeing) AA mid ship cabin regular fare $4658 - Our discounted fare $3788 * ($421 per day including meals, sightseeing) AAA upper deck regular fare $5008 - Our discounted fare $4072 * ($452 per day including meals, sightseeing) Our exclusive Travelex Group insurance for as little as $204 featuring:
Insurance restrictions apply. Please review Travelex 360o Insurance certificate. Deposit & Cancellations: All rates are per person double. Cruise port taxes of $341 are extra. Airline taxes of $319, subject to change, are extra. Deposit for the cruise is 20% of the cruise fare within 48 hours of confirmation. Deposit for American Airlines flights with Panama and Costa Rica hotels is $250 per person. Excursion first class fare is subject to availability and must be ticketed within 24 hours of reservation; fare is non-refundable. Final payment for the cruise and flights/hotels package is due by September 24, 2010. Cancellations received by August 26, 2010 are subject to the following per person fees: Cruise West $275 ($200 of which is issued as a future credit with Cruise West); economy airline/hotel package fee $75. From August 27 to September 24, 2010 the Cruise West fee is 20% of the regular fare; economy airline/hotel package fee $75. From September 25 to October 25, 2010 the Cruise West fee is 50% of the cruise fare; economy airline/hotel fare is non refundable. From October 25 to November 25, 2010 the Cruise West fee is 75% of the cruise fare. After November 24, 2010 cruise fare is non refundable. Failure to meet deposit and final payment will result in automatic cancellation and forfeiture of all payments. Credit for own flights is $725 per person. Fares are based on current tariffs, taxes, etc., and are subject to adjustment prior to final payment. Special group trip cancellation medical and travel insurance, which is not age-related, is available and highly recommended. Responsibility: CWT Vacations and the agents selling these tours act only as independent contractors making arrangements with third party vendors, such as Cruise West, airlines, all tours, accommodations, and transportation. All travel documents issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by those vendors and airlines. Cruise West, CWT Vacations nor any of its agents or employees shall be held liable for and, by accepting these documents customer waives any claim against all such parties for (a) any loss of or damage to property or injury to any person caused by reason of any defect, negligence, or other wrongful act or omission of, or any failure of performance of any kind by any other transportation company, vendor or supplier; (b) any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental distress or other similar matters; (c) any delayed departure, missed connections, substitutions of accommodations, termination of service, or changes in fares and rates, and (d) any cancellation or double booking of reservations or ticket beyond the control of Cruise West, CWT Vacations or its agents. Cruise West, and CWT Vacations will make reasonable efforts to arrange alternative services. Cruise West, CWT Vacations and its agents shall be held blameless and excused from this contract as a result of strike, lock-out, labor controversy, acts of God, airline disaster, acts of government, civil commotion, acts of terrorism or any other caused beyond the control of Cruise West, CWT Vacations or its agents. In no event shall Cruise West, CWT Vacations or its agents be responsible for any amount other than the price paid by the customer for the package. Each customer agrees that all disputes in any matters whatsoever arising in connection with the responsibility of Cruise West, CWT Vacations and its agents under this agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, and each customer consents to jurisdiction before a court located in the State of Arizona to the exclusion of the courts in any other state or country.
Call 480-949-1919 or 800-336-2242 7007 Fifth Avenue, Scottsdale Arizona
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gardens at Casa Orquideas or "Orchid House." Casa Orquideas is a private botanical garden cultivated by long-time local residents, who have lovingly landscaped this homestead for over 20 years. They have amassed a wonderful collection of tropical fruit trees, bromeliads, cycads, palms, heliconias, ornamental plants and more than 100 varieties of orchids . See, smell, and touch a wide variety of beautiful ornamental plants and taste some unusual fruits. In the afternoon take a walk in search of wildlife. Look for toucans, monkeys and maybe even a snake. If you prefer a quiet afternoon, stay onboard and relax on the Sun Deck. (B,L,D) 
