Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands

Colon, Panama’s second-largest city, sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Now a major port, its growth accelerated after the establishment of a free trade zone in 1953. Founded in 1850 by American workers building the Panama Railroad, Colón quickly surpassed older Caribbean ports in importance after the canal opened.

Portobelo, on Panama’s Caribbean coast in Colón province, lies near the iconic canal. Named “beautiful port” by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this quiet bay once played a key role in transporting precious metals from the New World to Spain. Explore its UNESCO-listed fortifications, a reminder of its strategic importance. The town maintains deep religious and cultural traditions, including the veneration of the Black Christ and a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage. Congo ceremonies, featuring traditional dance and music, tell the history of Spanish rule over enslaved people.

Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometers offering travelers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.

A splendid harbor city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical center whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-colored façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighborhood charms you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th-century civil wars.

Santa Marta, located in the north of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a seaside town dominated by the majestic Sierra Nevada. The highest coastal chain of mountains in the world, it is listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the diversity of its fauna and flora. At the heart of the first Spanish colony, discover the heritage of the Tairona, the largest indigenous civilization in Colombia. The eponymous national park offers you sumptuous landscapes, combining lush tropical forest and beautiful fine sandy beaches edged with crystal-clear water. The archaeological heritage and the Pre-Columbian treasures of the region are a source of endless enchantment.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Surrounded by a barrier reef and a marine sanctuary, Bonaire is a true paradise for divers. This peaceful and preserved little island is renowned all over the world for its coral reefs, which are directly accessible from the beach, providing a unique sensation of freedom. Discover magnificent marine fauna and flora while snorkeling or diving in its turquoise waters. The Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north of the island is home to many birds. It is the most important breeding site in the south Caribbean for the pink flamingo, the island’s emblematic animal.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkeling if you’d like to observe the colorful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Included Excursion
Relaxation and barbecue on Mayreau Island - 5 hours
Spend some time relaxing on a private beach on Mayreau Island and enjoy a barbecue featuring local flavors.
Turquoise water, a fine-sand beach edged with majestic palm trees, and an ideal playground for numerous species of colorful fish… fall in love with the heavenly scenery on Mayreau Island. In this unspoiled sanctuary, admire the depths of the Caribbean Sea as you discover the rich marine life, relax on one of the private beach sun loungers as you take in the tropical scenery, and, with your feet in the water, savor the different specialties and fish that will be served during a barbecue featuring Caribbean flavors, to the rhythm of the sounds of local percussion groups. Enjoy a moment suspended in the heart of Grenadian culture at a traditional folk dance performance, in which you will have the chance to take part and learn a few moves. It is recommended to wear beachwear and sun protection.

Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkeling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, you can set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local specialty, the “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.

Included Excursion
Les Saintes by boat & swimming - 3 hours
From the pier, board your motorboat and start your scenic journey around the isles of Les Saintes. The archipelago of Les Saintes consists of nine islands spread between Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas main islands. Head first to Marigot Bay, a place in Terre-de-Haut Island well-known by local fishermen, before going around to reach îlet à Cabrit and other islets. Sailing along the southern coast of Terre-de-Haut Island, you will then reach the small uninhabited island of Grand Ilet, a paradise for tortoises and seabirds. Following a stop at La Coche, continue to Terre-de-Bas where you can see an old pottery workshop, as well as turtles and pelicans who settled there. Back to Terre-de-Haut, you will then sail to the Pain de Sucre (Sugarloaf), a geological formation caused by an ancient basalt flow. There, enjoy some free time for bathing, snorkeling, and having a refreshment, before sailing back to the pier and your ship.

This tour involves very limited walking. It is recommended you wear comfortable nonslip shoes, have your swimsuit under your clothes, take a towel and a bottle of water from the ship, and protect yourself from the sun. Mask and snorkel will be provided. Refreshments are included in the tour. The motorboat is equipped with a removable roof and a ladder, but no toilets. Passengers must be able to embark and disembark without assistance. The fauna and flora observation is not guaranteed.

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France amazes you with the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbor mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breathtaking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colorful Grand Marche. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aime Cesaire park.