Panama Canal
January 28-February 13, 2008

Overview
Itinerary
Ports of Call

Overview (Return to top)

With a fascinating itinerary, superlative service, and award-winning cuisine, this trip through the amazing Panama Canal aboard the luxurious Oceana Regatta is sure to please everyone.

An amazing landmark, the Panama Canal is one of the world's greatest engineering achievements; it marks the rise of America to superpower status. Your journey will begin in Los Angeles, includes a full transit of the canal, and concludes in Miami.

The Regatta is an upscale, 684-passenger vessel that is perfect for sailing the canal.  Highlights include gourmet cuisine designed by Celebrity Chef Jacques Pepin, lavishly appointed staterooms, outstanding personal service, daily enrichment programs, a modern fitness center, and the sublime Mandara Spa.

Unusual to many Panama Canal cruises is the fascinating port of Puerto Quetzal, where art and history are everywhere.  Other interesting ports include stylish Cabo San Lucas, famous Acapulco, and gorgeous Costa Rica. Also call on Cartagena, Colombia, and Georgetown on Grand Cayman Island. While some itineraries sail only a partial transit, this cruise will sail the entire length of the canal. 

Priced from $2,799
Alumni Travel Group

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)
 
Day 1
Embark Los Angeles, Calif.
 
Day 2
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 3
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 4
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
 
Day 5
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 6
Acapulco, Mexico
 
Day 7
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 8
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
 
Day 9
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 10
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
 
Day 11
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 12
Crossing the Panama Canal

Day 13
Cartagena, Colombia
 
Day 14
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Day 15
Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Day 16
Cruising the straits of Florida

Day 17
Disembark Miami, Fla.

Ports of Call (Return to top)

Cabo San Lucas - One of Mexico's premier resorts, Cabo is known as the "Marlin capital of the World."  There is also wonderful golf and excellent dining available.  Tour the Church of San Lucas, a Spanish mission completed in 1746, and Faro Viejo, a towering lighthouse built at the end of the U.S. Civil War.  From January to March, migrating grey whales can be seen from shore.  For some unforgettable scenery, little compares to the famed, rugged rock formations at Land's End.

Acapulco - With almost 360 days of sunshine, this glamorous resort situated around a beautiful horseshoe bay, was quite isolated until the 1920's.  Visit the 19th century cathedral and shop for antiques and other treasures at the Indian market.  Be sure to see the daredevil cliff divers at La Quebrada who pray at a nearby chapel before plunging 130 feet into the Pacific. 

Puerto Quetzal - From Guatemala's bustling Pacific port you have the opportunity to explore this fascinating country and meet the modern Maya, who dominate the population.  Not to be missed is Tikal, one of the most intriguing Mayan complexes ever built.  Its great plaza is a breathtaking sight as you emerge from a jungle path.

Puntarenas - Explore the country's incredible natural wonders.  Be awed by the spectacular rainforest canopy whether you walk through it or ride over it on an aerial tram.  Discover breathtaking waterfalls, butterfly gardens and a cloud forest.  Watch for curious monkeys and brilliantly colored butterflies.  Visit a rare, virgin tropical dry forest.  You may also enjoy a scenic drive through San Jose, a charming city with many interesting sights.

Panama Canal Transit - Sailing this engineering marvel is an amazing experience.  Stretching 50 miles across the Isthmus of Panama, the canal connects the oceans through a series of locks powered by the water in Gatun Lake, a massive reservoir created by planned flooding.  As you sail through the Gaillard Cut notice the rock walls.  You will see where the granite spine connecting the continents was severed by dynamite to create the channel.  The Spanish dreamt of a waterway like this in the 16th century, but it took 400 years to become a reality.

Cartagena -Take a scenic drive through the residential area of Manga, and admire beautiful mansions that were built in Republican-style architecture at the end of the 19th century.  Explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure in Latin America.  For a real treat, board the beautiful Spanish Galleon, a replica of a 17th century sailing ship for a cruise through the Bay of Cartagena.  

Georgetown - You can enjoy the incredible underwater world of the Caribbean without even getting wet with a ride on a semi-submersible sub or visit the fascinating turtle farm where green sea turtles are raised and released.  There is excellent shopping for jewelry, cashmere and British woolens.  This clean and classy island is very British.  Excellent golf is available as well as some of the best and whitest beaches in the world.