October 28-November 11 (Friday-Friday)

Panama Canal Cruise

Princess Cruises Island Princess

from Ft. Lauderdale, FL - No Flying!

No vacation comes close to the dramatic scope of an epic journey through the Panama Canal.  From the Panama Canal’s opening day to present, nearly a million ships have passed through the mighty locks.  Encompassing tragedy and triumph, Spanish kings, conquistadors and five different American presidents, the building of this massive project spanned 400 years.  And today, nearly 100 years after its completion, the Panama Canal remains one of the most vital trade routes in the world.  In addition to Panama’s man-made marvel, this voyage includes some of nature’s most amazing creations in the Caribbean and Central America.

Day 1: Welcome Aboard!  Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach towards sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  We overnight in Santee, South Carolina.  Dinner is on your own.  There is a Cracker Barrel restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2: After a deluxe continental breakfast we depart for Orlando, Florida.  After we check into our hotel for the night we are treated to a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant at your leisure.  (B, D) 

Day 3: After a buffet breakfast we depart for Fort Lauderdale, Florida our port of departure.  Upon our arrival, it’s time to board the “Island Princess”, to begin our journey through the Panama Canal.  (B)

Day 4: At Sea

Day 5: At Sea

Day 6: Aruba - From the Dutch-colonial architecture of Oranjestad to the windswept desert landscapes of the arid interior, this sunny island invites exploration.  You might enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving, or perhaps even a round of golf.  Arrive 7:00 AM - Depart 12:30 PM

Day 7: Cartagena, Columbia - This modern and bustling city, seaport and commercial center still boasts much of its original Spanish colonial architecture.  Explore this beautiful and historic city’s walled Old Town.  Its fortress walls, quaint, narrow streets and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of its former colonialists.  The city’s numerous monasteries, plazas and noble mansions are significant links to this region’s grand past.  Arrive 9:00 AM - Depart 3:00 PM

Day 8: Panama Canal, Panama - One of the great engineering feats of the 20^th-century, the Panama Canal accomplished what nature forgot to do; it connected the Atlantic to the Pacific, and reduced the 12,000 mile sailing distance between New York and San Francisco by more than 7,000 miles.  Without question, the best way to experience every miles of this magnificent wonder is from the deck of a transiting ship.  From this privileged vantage point you get an incomparable perspective while passing through the canal’s three sets of locks.  Ships passing through these are raised and lowered 85 feet.  Arrive 5:00 AM - Depart 3:30 PM

Day 8: Colon (Cristobal), Panama - Colon is the second largest city in Panama, situated on the Atlantic coast at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal.  It was made a duty-free port in 1953 and is the world’s largest Free Trade Zone outside Hong Kong.  Arrive 5:00 PM - Depart 9:00 PM 

Day 9: Limon, Costa Rica - Stretching along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the Limon province is one of the most beautiful locations in the world - a magical mixture of mangroves, pristine beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and lush tropical rainforests.  Arrive 7:00 AM - Depart 6:00 PM  

Day 10: Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Day 11: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - Warm crystal waters and a mild ocean current make Grand Cayman ideal for diving and snorkeling.  The diversity undersea life here is almost beyond belief.  For those who prefer to stay dry, you can have a similar underwater experience from the comfort of a submarine.  Arrive 7:00 AM - Depart 5:00 PM     

Day 12: Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Day 13: After breakfast and a wonderful cruise, we board our deluxe motor coach and depart for Orlando, Florida, home to world-famous Walt Disney World.  After we check into our hotel for the night we will offer transportation to the Disney Parks.  Dinner is on your own at the Disney Parks at your leisure.  Note:  Tickets are not included!  Arrive 7:00 AM

Day 14: After a buffet breakfast we depart for our overnight stay in Florence, South Carolina.  There will be time for some last minute souvenir shopping, and to purchase fresh fruit on our return trip.  Dinner is on your own.  There are several restaurants conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.  (B)

Day 15: After a deluxe continental breakfast we depart for home having enjoyed the fellowship of friends old and new on our 2011 Panama Canal Cruise, and taking with us many wonderful memories, pictures, post cards and souvenirs!  (B)

Day             Port                                         Arrive                  Depart

30-Oct         Ft. Lauderdale, FL                         5:00 pm

31-Oct         At Sea        

01-Nov        At Sea                  

02-Nov        Aruba                                         7:00 am               12:30 pm

03-Nov        Cartagena, Columbia                   9:00 am                 3:00 pm

04-Nov        Panama Canal, Panama               5:00 am                 3:30 pm

04-Nov        Colon (Cristobal), Panama          5:00 pm                 9:00 pm

05-Nov        Limon, Costa Rica                      7:00 am                 6:00 pm

06-Nov        At Sea

07-Nov        Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands  7:00 am                 5:00 pm

08-Nov        At Sea

09-Nov        Ft. Lauderdale, FL                      7:00 am

Included:

?  Round trip Gunther Motor Coach transfers to/from Florida

?  4 nights hotel accommodations, including:

          - 2 en route/2 returning

?  4 breakfasts (2 en route/2 returning)

?  1 buffet dinner en route

?  10 nights Stateroom accommodations

?  Ports of Call including:

          - Aruba

          - Cartagena, Columbia   

          - Panama Canal, Panama

          - Colon (Cristobal), Panama

          - Limon, Costa Rica

          - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

?  All Meals on-board Island Princess

?  On-board Credit $50.00 Per Cabin

?  Broadway-style Shows, Las Vegas-style Casino

?  Swimming Pools, Health and Fitness Center

?  Hotel & Dining Gratuities on-board Island Princess

?  Driver, Escort and Pier Porter Gratuities

?  Government Fees and Taxes

Category                       Double/PP                     Single

AB-Mini-Suite               $3,169.00                      $5,229.00

BC-Balcony                   $2,859.00                      $4,609.00

D-Ocean View               $2,669.00                      $3,649.00

I-Inside                          $2,339.00                      $3,119.00

Deposit:  Cat # AB - $390.00/PP - Credit Card!

Deposit:  Cat # BC - $328.00/PP - Credit Card!

Deposit:  Cat #    D - $290.00/PP - Credit Card!

Deposit:  Cat #     I - $224.00/PP - Credit Card!

Balance Due:  August 1, 2011

Guest 3^rd & 4^th fares are available upon request only!  We recommend Travel Protection Insurance!  Call Access America at (800) 284-8300.

Note: Passports are required for all sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda!