Panama Canal Cruise
January 7, 2024 thru January 22, 2024
Join our Pleasurebent Tours on this amazing journey through the Panama Canal on the Emerald Princess. For over 100 years it has remained one of the great manmade wonders of the modern world. This cruise is so breathtaking it has been named a Cruise World Wonder by Conde Nast Traveler! Princess was the first cruise line to sail the Panama Canal and has been doing so since 1967.

Transportation
Air Transportation Included

Transportation
15 nights aboard the Emerald Princess

Duration
16 days

Activity Level
2 - Moderate

Meals
All meals aboard included

Availability
Available

Livery Service
Pickup and Dropoff services provided
Tour Highlights
- 15 nights aboard the luxurious Emerald Princes!
- Round trip air transportation provided to Los Angeles and from Ft. Lauderdale
- All meals provided aboard
- History lovers will indulge in rich colonial history, conquistador expeditions, and the canal itself
- Food lovers will explore eccentric culinary delights along the port towns
- Have confidence in your Pleasurebent Tours Tour Director to help navigate the group along the tour
Inclusions
- Airfare from Tucson to Los Angeles /Ft. Lauderdale to Tucson (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
- All airport/hotel/ship transfers
- Baggage handling at hotel (1 piece)
- 15-night cruise with all meals onboard
- All gratuities, except for excursions or special services
- Your Pleasurebent Tours’ escort
- Government fees & air taxes
Day 1 - Flight to LA
We depart Tucson for our flight to Los Angeles and transfer to our home for the next 15 days, the beautiful Emerald Princess.
Day 2 - First Day Aboard
Our first relaxing day at sea, we can explore our ship, watch a movie, go for a swim, or just relax on our balcony with a good book. (B, L, D)
Day 3
We arrive in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Millennia ago, Cabo San Lucas was part of the Mexican mainland. Then a massive rupture of the San Andreas Fault sent the waters of the Pacific crashing into the newly formed depression, creating the Sea of Cortez and the Baja Peninsula. Lying at the very tip of Baja, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas – or “Cabo” – is one of the premier resort destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Swim in the transparent waters, marvel at the wealth of marine life, relax on one of the white-sand beaches or try your hand at some of the finest sportfishing in the world. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - At Sea
At sea
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - At sea
At sea
(B, L, D)
Day 6 - Oaxaca and Pacific Riviera
Nine bays bordered by 36 golden-sand beaches form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca. Welcome to Mexico’s newest resort on the Pacific Riviera. Huatulco is a tropical Eden with crystalline waters, coral reefs, and uncrowded beaches. Inland, the rugged coast range is thickly carpeted with rainforest and coffee plantations. While Huatulco is still in its early stages of development, travelers may note that the resort has a different feel from other destinations on the Mexican Riviera. That’s because large areas of Huatulco have been designated as an ecological reserve. Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - At sea
Today we have a leisurely day of cruising! You can be as busy as you choose. Relax on deck with a good book, hit the gym, or maybe take a dance lesson. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest Central American nation and has stunning landscapes, vast cultural treasures, and an intriguing history. Until recent times Nicaragua was unfortunately known for the civil war (Sandinistas and Contras) that raged from the late 70s through much of the 80s. Today, the soldiers and guerrillas have given way to sightseeing in a beautiful country. From strolling the cobblestone streets of colonial Granada on Lake Nicaragua, to exploring one of the many volcanoes, Nicaragua has something for even the most seasoned travelers. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Puntarenas
Puntarenas is your gateway to Costa Rica’s wonders – and to its capital city of San Jose. To Spanish explorers, the rumors of gold and vast riches could only mean that this section of Central America was the costa rica – the “Rich Coast.” Hailed as the Switzerland of the Americas, Costa Rica occupies a unique position, lying between two oceans and two continents. On both coasts, tropical rainforests rise to the mountains of the interior, many of which soar over 13,000 feet above sea level. In the west, a seemingly endless succession of brown-sand beaches forms the nation’s Pacific coast. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - At sea
While we’re at sea, perhaps we’ll choose to curl up with a good book on deck or watch a show in the onboard theater. Maybe there will be a class we’ve always wanted to take. For those that like to try their luck, a visit to the casino is in order. There are so many options, and we can make it as leisurely or as exciting as we want! (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Fuerta Amador
Fuerte Amador, situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean. The one-mile causeway was created by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. There are several shops, restaurants, and other specialty stores centered around a large marina that serves as a tender dock. The causeway also affords a panoramic view of Panama City’s impressive skyline and serves as the home for the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Cruise the Canal
Cruising through the Panama Canal will be one of the unforgettable experiences of your voyage. It takes approximately eight hours to navigate the 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing you to experience firsthand one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century. Completed in 1914, the canal marks the culmination of a dream born in 1513, when Balboa became the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama and sight the Pacific. In 1880 Ferdinand de Lesseps and the French Canal company, builders of the Suez Canal, began construction in Panama, only to be defeated by disease, staggering cost overruns, and massive engineering problems. The French sold their claim and properties to the United States for $40 million, a staggering loss of $247 million on their investment. The United States began construction in 1904, completing the project in 10 years at a cost of $387 million. Building the canal meant solving three problems: engineering, sanitation, and organization. The project, for example, required carving a channel through the Continental Divide and creating the then-largest man-made lake ever built, as well as defeating yellow fever and other tropical maladies. The United States oversaw the operation of the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999, when the Republic of Panama assumed responsibility for the canal’s administration. The Panamanian government controls the canal through the Panama Canal Authority, an independent government agency created for the purpose of managing the canal. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Cartagena
One of the more interesting cities on our voyage, Cartagena was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants. Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire’s influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain’s hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena’s well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Our journey here will provide a significant link to the region’s grand past. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - At sea
At sea
(B, L, D)
Day 15 - At sea
At sea
(B, L, D)
Day 16 - Flight home
Disembark at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(B, L, D)
Itinerary is subject to change.
Fun Facts
World Wonder
The Panama Canal is one of the seven man-made wonders
Still Growing
The Panama Canal was recently expanded to accommodate cruise ships
Thriving Passage
The canal sees nearly 14,000 ships pass through a year
Hotel Information
The Emerald Princess
Package Pricing
ID Inside Stateroom
$4,145*
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
OC Ocean View
$4,735*
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
BD Balcony
$5,085*
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
MD Mini Suite
$6,475*
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
*Price per person, including air from TUS, double occupancy
Single occupancy upon request, limited availability
Deposit: 20% holds your space!
Final payment due:
October 3, 2023
Deposit: n/a
Price Includes
• Air transportation from Tucson to Los Angeles /Ft. Lauderdale to Tucson (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
• All airport/hotel/ship transfers
• Baggage handling at hotel (1 piece)
• 15-night cruise with all meals onboard
• All gratuities, except for excursions or special services
• Your Pleasurebent Tours' escort
• Government fees & air taxes
Booking Policy
***PASSPORT REQUIRED***
Cancellation Fees:
- None – October 3, 2023
- $100* – October 4 – November 6, 2023
- 50%* – November 7 – December 4, 2023
- 75%* – December 5 – December 19, 2023
- 100% – After December 19, 2023
*Percentage of total price
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (520) 325-8839, or visit our Booking Policies page. Click here for more information on our booking policies.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer the following Travelex Insurance Services protection plan for this tour:
360° GROUP CHOICE
360° Adult Group Choice Flyer – Provides an overview of benefits and coverage limits
360° Adult Group Choice Policy – Provides the full coverage term details, including exclusions and limitations
$248 covers trip costs up to $4,000, $313 covers trip costs up to $5,000 or $373 covers trip costs up to $6,000. Cost may be more or less depending on your total trip cost. If you do not wish to purchase at booking, the plan can be purchased any time prior to final payment. Contact us to purchase. For questions regarding benefits or coverages, please contact Travelex Insurance Services at 888-574-7026 and reference plan number GCB-0521.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. X41
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 2: Easy to Moderate
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has a day-by-day breakdown of times and events, and hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and providing it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, Livery Drivers and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.
Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LIVERY
For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)
For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)
With passenger health in mind, we are not currently offering daily seat rotation. You will have an assigned seat and boarding order to allow for social distancing among passengers. At booking let us know if you prefer Front, Middle or Back of motorcoach. Each section comprises 4 to 5 rows. We will try to accommodate all requests. If we are unable to honor all requests, preference will be given based on date of your tour deposit.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
At time of booking or as soon as possible please notify us of mobility limitations or food allergies. We will forward these to restaurants and attractions as needed. Please also let us know if you have dietary preferences. We usually can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
LODGING REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please let us know at booking or as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying will be listed on the itinerary sent to you before the tour.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
RESPONSIBILITY
Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Tucson International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Tucson, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline and border security will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carry-on baggage and contents due to enhanced security
measures.If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On American Airlines, our scheduled airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a $30 fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 520.325.8839 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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