Cruise Description
12 Night Cruise sailing from Caldera to Miami aboard Azamara Journey.
What an adventure! Costa Rica’s great national parks, the Panama Canal, New Orleans and relaxing sea days. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the famous national parks near Caldera. Then spend a day in old Panama City and pick up a classic Panama hat to wear while the historic Canal. On Costa Rica’s east coast you’ll have a day for Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse ecosystem of rivers and lagoons that’s home to endangered sea turtles. Three days at sea will leave you rested and ready for N’awlins, with an overnight stay for spicy Creole food, jazz and nightclubs. Then spend a lazy afternoon in colorful Key West before arrival in Miami.
Highlights of this cruise:
Caldera, Costa Rica
Caldera, Costa Rica has been a working port since 1577, and now over four centuries later, it’s the gateway to an abundance of riches. It serves as the primary access point from the Pacific Coast to Costa Rica’s historic capital, San Jose, while some of the country’s best national parks are located just a short distance away. Just 20 miles south of Caldera are two forest reserves-the Biological Reserve of Carara, and a preserve that encompasses the islands of Guayabo, Negritos and Los Pajaros-and both are known for their large and diverse populations of forest and aquatic birds. Caldera’s rainforest, which begins just inside the coastline and continues up into the mountain ranges, features rivers, waterfalls, rivers and parks.
Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistadors, Panama City is now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America and home to incredible architectural and ethnic diversity. This diversity is reflected in the variety of culinary styles and Panamanian dishes, which are a unique blend of Spanish, African and Native American cuisine. When not dining at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants, be sure to visit the neighborhood of Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City, and the Calle Uruguay district for its vibrant nightlife; hike through acres and acres national parks and the rainforest at Parque Natural Metropolitano, located just minutes from downtown; and of course, a trip to the Miraflores locks to watch huge ships travel along the iconic Panama Canal. And with both the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal and the opening of the second canal locks in 2014, there’s no better time to visit.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Since Christopher Columbus first dropped anchor just off its coast in 1502, the tranquil and hospitable town of Puerto Limon has been welcoming travelers from all over the world. Today, it’s the heart of Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean culture, and the gateway to many of the country’s best eco-adventures. The 1,300-acre Veragua Rainforest Park is home to exotic monkeys, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, reptiles, sloths, and an aerial tram that travels through the rainforest canopy and takes you down to the Trail of the Giants (huge old growth trees). Take a boat ride down the canals of Tortuguero National Park or go snorkeling amongst the coral reefs in Cahuita National Park.
New Orleans
Renowned for its incredible culture, food, architecture, art, annual celebrations and jazz music, New Orleans is one of the world’s most celebrated and fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, New Orleans is home to a wonderfully unique melting pot where anything can happen and usually does. Explore the historic core of the city, and such renowned sights as the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Royal Street, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, and the Garden District. Choose from hundreds of restaurants and savor local specialties like gumbo, jumbalaya and crawfish étouffée. Immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz, where the clubs are always humming, or sit back and relax to the sounds of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and New Orleans Opera.
Miami, Florida
Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21/03 | Caldera, Costa Rica | 10.00pm | |
| 22/03 | At sea | – | – |
| 23/03 | Fuerte Amador Panama | 6.00am | 10.00pm |
| 24/03 | Panama Canal | 6.00am | 6.00pm |
| 25/03 | Puerto Limon, Costa Rica | 6.30am | 6.00pm |
| 26/03 | At sea | – | – |
| 27/03 | At sea | – | – |
| 28/03 | At sea | – | – |
| 29/03 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA | 11.00am | overnight |
| 30/03 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA | 4.30pm | |
| 31/03 | At sea | – | – |
| 01/04 | Key West, Florida, USA | 12.00pm | 6.00pm |
| 02/04 | Miami | 7.00am |
Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise lines discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.